ABSTRACT In this research, we ask two questions at the heart of a longstanding divide. First, are qualitative systems thinking CLDs and quantitative system dynamics models, originating in separation and brought together only reluctantly, essentially the same? Qualitative and quantitative versions of a similar scientific method for studying phenomena in complex systems through abstractly represented models. Second, do they share a common set of defining characteristics and a shared order of structure? We believe the answer to both is yes. We explore the history of the divide and how it mapped to larger scientific debates between qualitative and quantitative methods characterized by shifting phases of disdain, détente, and cooperation. We distill our findings into a metaphor and an analogy. A metaphor of a bridge crossing the divide, anchored on either side by a common set of defining characteristics. And an analogy of how to build that bridge with rigor on a shared architectural order of structure. Our proposed reconciled order of structure lays a solid foundation for past and future efforts to address limitations of both methods, and we share five key insights in that regard. We also hope this work contributes to the continuing dialog of identity in our field.
ABSTRACT We present a model to explore system‐wide impacts of human decisions on carbon emissions, with special attention for gender inequality. This goes beyond carbon footprint analysis by including a broad set of behavioural influences on emissions—known as the ‘climate shadow’. This adds to research on gender and climate as it is dominated by partial perspectives. We develop a stylised model that incorporates six key roles of individuals: social influence on opinions and lifestyles, voting behaviour, political participation, firm management and consumption choices. Each role is characterised by a combination of gender‐specific participation rates and impacts. Cases analysed address societies with varying levels of gender equality, time changes in gender shares, a critical‐mass threshold for women's representation in the politician role, feedback from remaining carbon budget to social‐influencer roles, and a mediating effect of the gender income gap. The results indicate that greater gender parity in multiple roles could contribute to slightly lower emissions. As this is the first study of its kind, various suggestions for further research are offered.
ABSTRACT Aerodynamic stall remains a primary cause of commercial aviation fatalities, often driven by improper pilot responses during emergencies. Traditional safety investigations classify fatal cockpit actions through static error taxonomies, attributing accidents to individual pilot judgment. This paper challenges this view, utilizing system dynamics to model the high‐frequency, tactical interaction between pilot and the aircraft state. Representing flight as the management of interconnected potential and kinetic energy stocks, the model reveals inappropriate behavior as an endogenous outcome of the feedback architecture. Colgan Air Flight 3407 simulation results demonstrate legacy training standards inadvertently calibrated pilots with a high‐gain altitude‐balancing loop. Reaching physical stall thresholds triggers a structural phase transition creating a lethal reinforcing cycle. Findings validate shifting towards Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), restructuring feedback priorities to favor airspeed over altitude preservation. This framework provides a structural explanation for non‐intuitive pilot actions, guiding resilient human‐machine interface design.
ABSTRACT Improvements in Agile and Hybrid Agile project management hold immense potential, promising significant cost savings. These methodologies place the customer at the center of the software development process, providing valuable business insights and offering feedback, validation, and guidance. This continuous interaction between customers and developers fosters the accumulation of relational capital, which remains an under‐researched aspect of project success. We fill this gap by investigating the development of relational capital in software development projects using Agile and Hybrid Agile projects, focusing on the interaction of relational capital and project results. Our findings reveal a significant effect of relational capital on project outcomes in terms of cost, schedule, and quality, which will ultimately affect the relational capital's accumulation process in continuous feedback. The study offers a dynamic understanding of the causes and consequences of relational capital in the software development context, offering theoretical and managerial recommendations to enhance project results and potential future research avenues.
