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A METHODOLGOY MANUAL FOR CONCEPTUAL MODELING TO AID MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND INTERNATIONAL PROJECT INITIATION

Rodney Stevens

Abstract

This paper presents three common and simplified steps in conceptual modeling, which are also proposed as “tools” for project initiation. These steps are: 1) system characterization, 2) system structural analysis, and 3) multi-criteria modeling of alternative scenarios. The main motivation for a standardized approach is that that many projects involve complex systems with diverse stakeholders. Both of these aspects increase the need for effective communication and for including perspectives across disciplines and societal sectors. System characterization is necessary to define the outer boundaries and the inner components involved in processes and effects. The dynamics are further explored with system structural analysis, including variable impacts on each other and the identification of positive (destabilizing) and negative (stabilizing) feedback loops. Based on this understanding of the system, suitable research questions and scenario predictions can be tested with multi-criteria analysis. The methodological steps are illustrated with a simplified example, classroom drowsiness. An annual web-based methods course and related workshops that evaluate and apply the conceptual-modeling activities to actual case studies are proposed. The 2021 SGEM PLATFORM workshops are the first such workshops, which we hope will re-occur annually, helping initiate new projects and to build consortia for continued project development.

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