Increasing Model Transparency in System Dynamics Models

Models are simplified descriptions of real systems. To increase their usefulness, models need to be as transparent as possible so that the formulation, the data, and all the assumptions about the real system implemented in the model, are salient, evident, documented, and readily available for inspection. In this paper, transparency in models-particularly models formulated using the System Dynamics approach-is discussed and the use of an automated tool-the System Dynamics Modeling Documentation and Assessment tool-for model documentation and assessment is advanced. The proposed tool is showcased using a simple susceptible-infectious epidemics model and the Urbanl model-a simplified version of the full Urban model documented in Forrester (1969). The use of the tool and the benefits derived from using it during the model building process are presented and explained.