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Vensim

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Vensim
Developer(s)Ventana Systems, Inc.
Initial release1990 (34 years ago) (1990)
Stable release
Version 9.3.2 / July 2022 (2 years ago) (2022-07)
Written inC
Operating systemWindows and OS X applications, Linux and iOS libraries
TypeSimulation software
LicenseProprietary
Websitevensim.com

Vensim is a simulation software developed by Ventana Systems. It primarily supports continuous simulation (system dynamics), with some discrete event and agent-based modelling capabilities. It is available commercially and as a free "Personal Learning Edition".

Modeling environment

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Vensim provides a graphical modeling interface with stock and flow and causal loop diagrams, on top of a text-based system of equations in a declarative programming language. It includes a patented method for interactive tracing of behavior through causal links in model structure (the patent expired in 2012),[1][2][3] as well as a language extension for automating quality control experiments on models called Reality Check.[4]

The modeling language supports arrays (subscripts) and permits mapping among dimensions and aggregation. Built-in allocation functions satisfy constraints that are sometimes not met by conventional approaches like logit.[5] It supports discrete delays, queues and a variety of stochastic processes.

There are multiple paths for cross sectional and time-series data import and export, including text files, spreadsheets and ODBC. Models may be calibrated against data using optimization, Kalman Filtering[6] or Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Sensitivity analysis options provide a variety of ways to test and sample models, including Monte Carlo simulation with Latin Hypercube sampling.

Vensim model files can be packaged and published in a customizable read-only format that can be executed by a freely available Model Reader. This allows sharing of interactive models with users who do not own the program and/or who the model author does not wish to have access to the model's code base.[7]

Applications

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Vensim is general-purpose software, used in a wide variety of problem domains. Common or high-profile applications include:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Vensim Causal Tracing™". Vensim - Ventana Systems.
  2. ^ "Simulation system employing causal tracing. US Patent Application EP19910909851, Feb. 26 1991".
  3. ^ "Applying successive data group operations to an active data group. Patent # 5,428,740". Justitia.com.
  4. ^ Peterson, David W.; Eberlein, Robert L. (1994). "Reality check: A bridge between systems thinking and system dynamics". System Dynamics Review. 10 (2–3): 159–174. doi:10.1002/sdr.4260100205.
  5. ^ Vensim Allocation by Priority
  6. ^ Peterson, David Walter (1975). Hypothesis, estimation, and validation of dynamic social models: energy demand modeling (Ph.D.). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. hdl:1721.1/27424.
  7. ^ "Vensim Model Reader". Vensim - Ventana Systems.
  8. ^ Goldner, Daniel; Borener, Sherry (2006). Evaluating NGATS Research Priorities at JPDO. 6th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration and Operations Conference (ATIO). Wichita, Kansas, US. doi:10.2514/6.2006-7726.
  9. ^ Struben, Jeroen; Sterman, John D. (2008). "Transition Challenges for Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Transportation Systems". Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. 35 (6): 1070–1097. doi:10.1068/b33022t. hdl:1721.1/102784. S2CID 8801851.
  10. ^ Sterman, John; Henderson, Rebecca; Beinhocker, Eric; Newman, Lee (2007). "Getting Big Too Fast: Strategic Dynamics with Increasing Returns and Bounded Rationality". Management Science. 53 (4): 683–696. doi:10.1287/mnsc.1060.0673.
  11. ^ Deborah A. Marshall; et al. (2015). "Selecting a Dynamic Simulation Modeling Method for Health Care Delivery Research—Part 2: Report of the ISPOR Dynamic Simulation Modeling Emerging Good Practices Task Force". Value in Health. 18 (2): 147–160. doi:10.1016/j.jval.2015.01.006. PMID 25773550.
  12. ^ Pruyt, E.; Kwakkel, J. H. (2014). "Radicalization under deep uncertainty: a multi-model exploration of activism, extremism, and terrorism". System Dynamics Review. 30 (1–2): 1–28. doi:10.1002/sdr.1510.
  13. ^ Rahmandad, H.; Hu, K. (2010). "Modeling the rework cycle: capturing multiple defects per task". System Dynamics Review. 26 (4): 291–315. doi:10.1002/sdr.435.
  14. ^ "Ventana Systems, Inc. Marketing Models". Ventana Systems.
  15. ^ Anderson, Edward G. Jr.; Fine, Charles H.; Parker, Geoffrey G. (2000). "Upstream Volatility in the Supply Chain: The Machine Tool Industry as a Case Study". Production and Operations Management. 9 (3): 239–261. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.38.7001. doi:10.1111/j.1937-5956.2000.tb00136.x. hdl:1721.1/1644.
  16. ^ "The C-ROADS model". Climate Interactive. 2014-01-02.
  17. ^ Sterman, John D.; Fiddaman, Thomas; Franck, Travis; Jones, Andrew; McCauley, Stephanie; Rice, Philip; Sawin, Elizabeth; Siegel, Lori (2013). "Management flight simulators to support climate negotiations". Environmental Modelling & Software. 44: 122–135. doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2012.06.004.
  18. ^ Weller, Florian; Sherley, Richard B.; Waller, Lauren J.; Ludynia, Katrin; Geldenhuys, Deon; Shannon, Lynne J.; Jarre, Astrid (2016). "System dynamics modelling of the Endangered African penguin populations on Dyer and Robben islands, South Africa". Ecological Modelling. 327: 44–56. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.01.011.
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  1. ^ Martinez-Moyano, I. J. (2012). "Documentation for model transparency". System Dynamics Review. 28 (2): 199–208. doi:10.1002/sdr.1471.