Modeling Projects is one of several courses in our new Advanced Modeling series, which focuses on specific applications of System Dynamics modeling. In this four-week course, you will learn about some of the competing forces that make successful project management a challenge, as well as some ways to counteract these forces.

Join Dr. Karim Chichakly as he guides you, step by step, through some of the key components in the process of effective model creation. During each 55-minute class, you'll learn the ins and outs of model creation as he shares his personal workflow and additional tips and tricks that he’s learned in more than 20 years of experience in the field.

Each class is followed with a question and answer session with Dr. Chichakly. Online access to these class recordings, sample models, handouts, and homework assignments are included to cement your learning.

Course Overview

Class 1: The Rework Cycle

This class introduces the rework cycle, the heart of our project management model. Discover how to model and differentiate between work that is done correctly and work that needs to be redone.

Class 2: Adding Task Precendence and Staff

Not all project tasks can be done in parallel. Some depend sequentially on the completion of other tasks, limiting the amount of work that can be done at any one time. In this class, we'll add task precedence to our model. We'll also start to vary the project staff based on what the project needs.

Class 3: Effects of Compound Errors and Schedule Pressure

Defects within a system have a knock-on effect: Work done around defects often needs to be partially reworked when the original defect is fixed, leading to higher levels of rework than originally thought. These compound errors typically cause a project to run over budget and late. As the project becomes later and later, pressure is brought to bear on the team to deliver sooner. This pressure can lead to both lower productivity and increased errors.

Class 4: Effects of Experience Dilution

Adding staff midway through a project can have strong negative effects on the project budget and schedule. This happens because new staff are unfamiliar with the project, so they have lower productivity and introduce more defects. New staff can also reduce overall productivity of the team as experienced members train and mentor newcomers.