Overview and Notes
       Vensim Help
       Legal Notices
       License Agreement
       Technical Support
       ReleaseNotes
             Current Changes
             SyntheSim
             Behavior Changes
             Function and Language Changes
             DLL Venapp and Command Changes
             Changes from Vensim 4
             Changes from Vensim 3
       Model Reader Notes
             Overview
             Main Menu
             Toolbar
             Control Panel
             Subscript Control
             Simulation
             Graphs, Tables and more
             Vensim Information
       Vensim Demo Notes
             Vensim Demonstration Help
             Vensim Demo
             General Instructions
             Sample Models
             Development Environment
             Using Existing Models
             Building Dynamic Models
             Venapp Help
             Main Menu
             Review Structure
             Scenario Setup
             Simulation Setup
             Analysis Control
             Predefined Graphs
             Trace Causes with Tree
             Trace Causes with Graphs
             Trace the Uses of a Variable
             Contact Information
User's Guide
       1 Introduction
             About Vensim
             About this User's Guide
             How this Guide is Organized
             Style Conventions
             About Directories
             About Screen Shots
             About the Mouse
             About Tab Dialog Boxes
             Installing Vensim
             Start the Installation Program
             License Agreement
             Registration Code
             Installation Directory
             Other Vensim Configurations
             Other Resources
       2 The Vensim User Interface
             Main Features
             Title Bar
             Menu
             Toolbar
             The Window Classes
             Moving Among Window Classes
             Moving Among Windows within a Class
             The Build Window
             Sketch Tools
             Status Bar
             Simulating
             Output Windows
             Analysis Tools
             Analysis Tool Output
             The Control Panel
             Subscript Control
       3 A Hands-On Example
             Modeling with Vensim
             The Workforce Inventory Example
             Starting Vensim
             Opening the Model
             Examining Structure
             Simulating the Model
             Examining Behavior
             Causal Tracing
             Individual Simulation Experiments
             Making a Custom Graph
             Making a Custom Table
             Summary
       4 Causal Loop Diagramming
             Vensim Models
             Drawing Sketches
             Mouse Tips
             Constructing a Causal Loop Diagram
             Project Model
             Modifying diagrams
             Sketch Layout
             Sketch Options
             Adding Comments and Graphics
             Refining the Model
             Printing and Exporting the Sketch
             Structural Analysis of Diagrams
             Causal Tracing with Trees
       5 Stock and Flow Diagrams
             Overview
             Building a diagram
             Entering Levels
             Creating Rates
             Bending Rate Pipes
             Adding Auxiliaries and Arrows
             More Structure
             Customizing Diagrams
             Sketch Options
             Variable Shapes
             Default Sketch Options
             Hiding Sketch Elements
             Resizing the View
             Modifying the Sketch Tools
       6 Building a Simulation Model
             A Population Model
             Vensim Conventions
             Sketching the Rabbit Model
             Writing Equations
             Checking for Model Syntax and Units Errors
             Units Equivalents
             Simulating the Model
             Model Analysis
             Comparing Simulations
             Exponential Growth
             Simulation Experiments
             Causes Strip Graph
             Runs Compare
             Exponential Decay
             Input and Output Objects
       7 Functions and Simulation Errors
             Overview
             Price and Demand
             Entering a Function
             IF THEN ELSE
             SMOOTH
             STEP
             Initial Conditions
             Model Equations
             Simulation Errors
             Errors at Time Zero
             Errors During the Simulation
             Mysterious Oscillations
             Errors Integrating
             Model Corrections
             XIDZ
       8 Building a Function with Lookups
             Overview
             Limits to Rabbit Growth
             Normalized Lookups
             Sketching the Model
             Entering Equations
             Creating and Normalizing Lookups
             Editing Values
             Checking for Model Syntax and Units Errors
             Simulating the Model
             Model Analysis
             Separate Normalized Variables
             Simulation
             Changing Model Lookups
             Named Lookups
       9 Multiple Views
             Overview
             How Views Work
             Customer Diffusion Model
             Building the Diffusion Model
             Simulating the Model
             Model Analysis
             Naming and Saving Your Model
             Adding the Capacity View
             Shadow Variable Tool
             Adding Equations
             Altering An Equation
             Adding a Sales Revenue View
             Model Variable Tool
             More Equations
             Simulating the Model
             Analyzing the Model
             Saving Your Model
             Detailed Capacity Model
             Copying and Pasting
             Capacity View Equations
             Units Synonyms
             Simulating and Analyzing the Model
             Capacity Investment Policy
       10 Customizing Output
             Overview
             Output from Analysis Tools
             Graphs and Strip Graphs
             Graphs Lines with Markers
             Tree Diagrams
             Custom Graphs
             Custom Tables
       11 Games in Vensim
             Overview
             What Are Games?
             The Real Estate Game
             Model Structure
             Built-in Functions
             WIP Graph
             Adding Game Variables
             Simulating the Model
             Playing the Game
             Moving Forward in a Game
             Backing Up in a Game
       12 Input Output Controls
             Overview
             Word of Mouth Sales
             wom1.mdl Equations
             Output Controls
             Input Controls
             Gaming Control
             Publishing the Model
             Game Interval
             Commentary and Navigation Links
             Test It Out
             Publish a Package
       13 SyntheSim
             Overview
             Simple Arms Race Model
             New Diagramming Flourishes
             Min, Max and Increment
             Model Equations
             Structure, Behavior and Speed
             Showing Behavior
             Making Simulations
             Changing Lookups
             Changing from the Toolbar
             Doing Simulation Experiments
             Loading and Unloading Runs
             Breaking Feedback Loops
             Stopping the Race
             Overriding Behavior
             Building a Control Panel
             Subscripts and SyntheSim
       14 Reality Check
             Overview
             Models and Reality
             Domains of Expertise
             Defining Reality Check Equations
             Test Inputs
             Constraints
             Simulation and Reality Check
             Active Constraint Checking
             Passive Constraint Checking
             Error Reporting
             Entering Reality Check Equations
             Equation Editor
             Running Reality Check
             The Reality Check Tool
             Reality Check Results
             Reviewing Simulation Results
             Reality Check and Yeast Growth
             Test Input and Constraint Equations
             An Initial Model
             Temperature, Divisions and Terminations
             Divisions as influenced by Water and Sugar
             Water and Sugar as Influenced by Divisions
             Conclusion
       15 Sensitivity Testing
             Overview
             Monte Carlo Simulations
             Market Growth Model
             Sales.mdl Equations
             Base Simulation
             Uncertainty in Multiple Parameters
             Sensitivity Control Parameters
             Random Uniform Distribution
             Random Normal Distribution
             Save Lists
             Sensitivity Simulations
             Time Graph Sensitivity Output
             Confidence Bounds
             Focusing Graph Scales
             Individual Traces
             Histogram Sensitivity Output
             Changing the Default Analysis Toolset
             Stats Tool
       16 Using Data in Models
             Introduction
             Types of Data Use
             Using Data to Drive a Model
             Getting Data from a Spreadsheet
             Simulating
             Data Variable with Imported Data
             Importing Text-Formatted Data
             Simulation
             Importing Spreadsheet Data
             Simulation
       17 Subscripts
             Overview
             Introducing Subscripts
             A Simple Project Model
             proj1.mdl Equations
             The Subscript Range
             The Subscript Control
             Adding Subscripts to Variables
             Constant Equations
             Vector Functions
             Subscripts in the Equation Editor
             Subscript Summary
             Simulation and Analysis
             Advanced Subscript Model
             Subscript Range
             Mapping Subscripts
             Multiple Equations for a Subscripted Variable
             Logical Functions and Operators
             VMIN Function
             Simulation and Analysis
       18 Optimization
             Overview
             Model Calibration
             Electric.mdl Equations
             Comparing to Data
             Setting the Payoff
             Setting Optimization Parameters
             Computing Confidence Bounds
             Optional Modifying the Model
             Policy Optimization
             Inventory Stock Model
             Setting the Payoff
             Setting Optimization Parameters
       19 Sending Models to Others
             Overview
             Vensim Model Reader
             Preparing the Model
             Publishing a Pakaged Model
             Opening a Packaged Model
             Using models with Vensim PLE
             Email and Web Notes
       20 Reference Modes
             Overview
             Conceptualization with Reference Models
             Closing the Loop
             Simulating
             Mental Integration
             Managing Reference Modes
       Appendix Information Resources
             Overview
             System Dynamics Books
             Roadmaps
             Publishers
             System Dynamics Society
             Internet Resources
       Support and Licenses
             Support and Services
             Standard Professional and DSS Support
             PLE and PLE Plus Support
             Software License
Modeling Guide
       1 System Dynamics Overview
             Overview
             Events, Behavior and Structure
             The System Dynamics Process
             Fundamental Structures and Behaviors
             Exponential Growth
             Exponential Decay
             S Shaped Growth
             Oscillation
       2 Workforce, Inventory and Oscillation
             Overview
             Background
             Reference Modes
             Reality Check
             Dynamic Hypothesis
             Workforce / Inventory Model
             Workforce
             Behavioral Relationships
             Equation Set wfinv1.vmf
             Analysis
             Model Refinement
             Additional Equations
             Refined Model Behavior
             Phasing and Oscillation
             Sensitivity
             Extensions and Exercises
       3 Project Dynamics
             Overview
             Task Accomplishment
             Stopping Work
             Integration Techniques
             Errors and Rework
             Rework Discovery
             Schedule
             Workforce and Hiring
             Willingness to change workforce
             Project Restarts
             Resulting Behavior
             Schedule Pressure
             Labor Mix
             Policy Experiments
             Accounting Equations
             Workforce Cap
             Viewing Terminal Values
             Labor Cap
             Summary
       4 The Growth of a Field
             Overview
             Background
             Hypotheses
             The Basic Diffusion Process
             A Note on Behavior
             Similar Models
             The Adoption Process
             Quality of Work
             Software Tools
             Conclusions
       5 Capacity and Market Growth
             Overview
             Sales and Replacements
             Production
             Combining Sectors
             Comparing Runs
             Experimentation
       6 Competitive Dynamics
             Overview
             Adding Subscripts to the Model
             Demand and Delivery Delay
             Conclusion
       7 Financial Modeling and Risk
             Overview
             Accounting and Causality
             Levels of Detail
             An Investment Evaluation Model
             Sales and Receipts
             Equilibrium Initializations
             The Complete Model
             Sensitivity Testing
             Displaying Sensitivity Results
             Financial Modeling and Market Growth
             Simulation Results
             Sensitivity Tests
             Conclusions
       8 Furnaces, Pendulums and Oscillation
             Overview
             Thermostatic Control
             Simulation
             The Pendulum
             Simulating the Pendulum
             More on Runge-Kutta Integration
             Conclusions on Integration Techniques
       9 Discrete Functions
             Overview
             Continuous Versus Discrete Delays
             Material and Information Delays
             Conveyors
             Initialization of Conveyors
             Material in Conveyors
             Population Example with Conveyors
             Queues
             QUEUES with Attributes
             Batch Delays
       10 Molecules
             Overview
             Getting and using the Molecules
             Extending the Molecules
       Appendix A Models that Come with Vensim
             Overview
             Modeling Guide Models
             User's Guide Models
             Sample Models
             bpr
             Extra
             finance
             kalman
             maint1
             market
             mproject
             urban
             wrld3-91
Reference Manual
       1 Introduction
             Chapter Overview
             User's Guide
             Modeling Guide
             Reference Manual
             DSS Reference Supplement
             Readme Notes
             Version 5 Changes
             Vensim Overview
             General Navigation
             Vensim Software
             Vensim PLE
             Vensim PLE Plus
             Vensim Professional
             Vensim DSS
             Vensim Model Reader
             Vensim DLL
             Model Capacities
             Publishing your Model
             Computer Platforms
             Macintosh Notes
             Typographic Conventions
             Mouse Movement Terminology
       2 The Vensim Modeling Language
             Overview
             Mathematical Foundation
             Integral and Differential Equations
             Variable Types
             Causal Models
             Computational Sequence
             Variables
             Rules for Variable Names
             Equations
             Equation Components
             Equation Format and Conventions
             Operators
             :NA:
             Data Equations
             Getting Data from Spreadsheets
             Shifting Time Points
             Subscripts
             Multiple Equations
             Subscripting Constants
             Subscript Functions
             Mixed Variables Types
             Advanced Subscript Manipulation
             Numeric Ranges
             VECTOR ELM MAP
             Subranges
             Mapping of Subscript Ranges
             Simulation Control Parameters
             Special Variable Names
             Acceptable Integration Errors
             Alternative Time Bases
             RC START TIME
             Groups
             Definition of Ranges
             Macros
             Defining Macros
             Using Macros
       3 Model Settings to Units Checking
             Overview
             Model Settings
             Time Bounds
             Info/Sketch
             Units Equiv
             Error Checking
             Equation Editor
             Text Editor
             Error Checking Sequence
             Syntax Errors and Incomplete Equations
             Syntax Errors and the Text Editor
             Syntax Errors in a .mdl File
             Problems with Variable Types
             Subscript Errors
             Tracing Subscript Errors
             Usage Messages
             Not Defined
             Multiple Equations
             Simultaneous Equations
             Subscripts and Simultaneous Equations
             Fixing Simultaneous Equations
             Iterative Solutions to Active Simultaneous Equations
             Units Checking
             Units Check Output
             Source of Units Check Errors
             Units and Lookup Functions
             Correcting Units Errors
             Reforming and Cleaning Models
       4 Functions and Keywords
             Overview
             Summary List of Functions
             Lookups
             Using Lookups
             Special Interpolation Modes
             Functions A-D
                   A FUNCTION OF
                   ABS
                   ACTIVE INITIAL
                   ALLOCATE AVAILABLE
                   ALLOCATE BY PRIORITY
                   ALLOC P
                   ARCCOS
                   ARCSIN
                   ARCTAN
                   COS
                   COSH
                   CUMULATE
                   DELAY BATCH
                   DELAY CONVEYOR
                   DELAY FIXED
                   DELAY INFORMATION
                   DELAY MATERIAL
                   DELAY N
                   DELAY PROFILE
                   DELAY1
                   DELAY3
                   DELAYP
                   DEMAND AT PRICE
                   DEPRECIATE BY SCHEDULE
                   DEPRECIATE STRAIGHTLINE
             Functions E-I
                   ELMCOUNT
                   EXP
                   FIND MARKET PRICE
                   FIND ZERO
                   FORECAST
                   GAME
                   GAMMA LN
                   GET 123 CONSTANTS
                   GET 123 DATA
                   GET 123 LOOKUPS
                   GET DATA AT TIME
                   GET DATA BETWEEN TIMES
                   GET DATA FIRST TIME
                   GET DATA LAST TIME
                   GET DATA MAX
                   GET DATA MEAN
                   GET DATA MIN
                   GET DATA STDV
                   GET DATA TOTAL POINTS
                   GET VDF CONSTANTS
                   GET VDF DATA
                   GET VDF LOOKUPS
                   GET XLS CONSTANTS
                   GET XLS DATA
                   GET XLS LOOKUPS
                   IF THEN ELSE
                   INITIAL
                   INTEG
                   INTEGER
                   INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN
                   INVERT MATRIX
             Functions L-P
                   LN
                   LOG
                   LOOKUP AREA
                   LOOKUP BACKWARD
                   LOOKUP EXTRAPOLATE
                   LOOKUP FORWARD
                   LOOKUP INVERT
                   LOOKUP SLOPE
                   MARKETP
                   MAX
                   MESSAGE
                   MIN
                   MODULO
                   NET PRESENT VALUE
                   NPV
                   NPVE
                   POWER
                   PROD
                   PULSE
                   PULSE TRAIN
             Functions P-R
                   QUANTUM
                   QUEUE AGE AVERAGE
                   QUEUE AGE IN RANGE
                   QUEUE AGE OLDEST
                   QUEUE ATTRIB AVERAGE
                   QUEUE ATTRIB IN RANGE
                   QUEUE ATTRIB MAX
                   QUEUE ATTRIB MIN
                   QUEUE ATTRIB QUANTITY
                   QUEUE FIFO
                   QUEUE FIFO ATTRIB
                   RAMP
                   RANDOM...
                   RC COMPARE
                   REINITIAL
             Functions S-Z
                   SAMPLE IF TRUE
                   SHIFT IF TRUE
                   SIN
                   SINH
                   SINTEG
                   SMOOTH N
                   SMOOTH
                   SMOOTH3
                   SQRT
                   STEP
                   SUM
                   TABBED ARRAY
                   SUPPLY AT PRICE
                   TAN
                   TANH
                   TIME BASE
                   TIME SHIFT
                   TIME TRANSITION
                   TREND
                   VECTOR ELM MAP
                   VECTOR LOOKUP
                   VECTOR RANK
                   VECTOR REORDER
                   VECTOR SELECT
                   VECTOR SORT ORDER
                   VMAX
                   VMIN
                   WITH LOOKUP
                   X IF MISSING
                   XIDZ
                   ZIDZ
       5 The Sketch Editor
             Overview
             Starting the Sketch Editor
             Notes on Sketch Behavior
             Models and Views
             Sketches and Views
             Sketches and Equations
             Variables, Words and Arrows
             The Edit Menu
             The View Menu
             The Layout Menu
             Status Bar
             The Sketch Layout
             Defined Variables and Shadow Variables
             Defined Variables
             Shadow Variables
             Sketch Comments, Valves and Junctions
             Sketch Tools
             Pointer
             Variable Class
             Arrow Class
             Rate Class
             Input Output Object
             Sketch Comment
             Existing Variable Class
             Merge
             Magic Wand
             Delete
             Equations Class
             Building Sketches from Models
             Changing the Appearance of a View
             Moving a Word
             Reshaping an Arrow
             Reattaching an Arrow
             Resizing a Box or Circle around a Word
             Wrapping Text
             Joining Words
             Variable Word Options
             Sketch Comment Options
             Valve Options
             Arrow Options
             Editing Equations
             Sketch Workbench Interactions
             Variable Selection
             Navigation
             Tool Activation
             Simulation
             Free-Form Sketching
             Sketching a Database
       6 The Equation Editor