An Integrated Participatory Systems Modelling Approach: Application to Construction Innovation

Abstract

This paper presents a novel five-stage integrated participatory systems modelling (IPSM) approach that can be used for a range of systems dynamics (SD) applications. The IPSM approach was formulated considering the advantages and disadvantages of existing SD modelling approaches, as well as balancing the competing goals of SD model development efficiency and robustness. A key feature of the IPSM approach is that stakeholders are central to each of the five stages of the modelling process from problem scoping, to scenario analysis and strategy implementation recommendations. Each stage of the IPSM approach was demonstrated through a case study of the innovation diffusion process in the Russian Federation construction industry. This highly complex innovation system could only be sufficiently understood using a SD model that was conceptualised, critiqued, codified, tested and utilised, by the relevant actors within that system (i.e., stakeholders). The IPSM approach facilitated the efficient formulation of the SD model for the case study application. The case study SD model simulation results indicate that sufficient government incentives and the active promotion of strong collaborative linkages between construction companies and universities are two key enablers of innovation development in the Russian Federation construction industry.

Examining transition pathways to construction innovation in Russia: a system dynamics approach

“…SD modelling is well suited for understanding the cause-andeffect mechanisms that generate the dynamic behavior of the complex innovation diffusion process in the Russian Federation construction industry under various scenarios. Stages 1 and 2 of the IPSM process are detailed in papers previously published by authors (Suprun and Stewart 2015;Suprun et al 2016;Suprun et al 2018). This current paper is focused on the results of Stages 3 to 5 of the IPSM approach detailed in Suprun et al (2018).…”

“…Stages 1 and 2 of the IPSM process are detailed in papers previously published by authors (Suprun and Stewart 2015;Suprun et al 2016;Suprun et al 2018). This current paper is focused on the results of Stages 3 to 5 of the IPSM approach detailed in Suprun et al (2018).…”

“…The study participants were: researchers and academics specializing in construction management; civil and structural engineers; designers, project managers and directors of construction companies; and public servants with roles related to the construction industry and innovation development. Readers should note that detailed profile of the stakeholders involved in the case study is presented in the paper previously published by authors (Suprun et al 2018).…”

“…The intended systems model was first designed in a form of a causal loop diagram (Suprun et al 2018). Two core linked dynamic hypotheses describing the problem under investigation were revealed: (1) industry, government and academia should collaborate in order to accumulate innovative capabilities and support the development of innovation; (2) all the actors should cooperate to most effectively diffuse a stock of already known innovations throughout the industry.…”

A System Dynamics Modeling Support System Based on Computational Intelligence

“…System dynamics (SD) is a modeling and simulation approach with wide ranging applications in various disciplines such as management [1], constructions [2] and agriculture [3]. The need to improve efficiencies in the model building process and to deal with the explosion of data have already been acknowledged in the SD literature [4][5][6].…”