Exploring Approaches to Conceptualization in System Dynamics Modeling

Model conceptualization in system dynamics (SD) is a critical yet relatively underexplored phase of the modeling process, often described as both an art and a science. Practitioners employ a wide range of approaches, frequently combining multiple methods to address complex or unfamiliar problems. The literature on conceptualization remains fragmented, making the process particularly challenging for newcomers and practitioners from other fields. This study addresses this fragmentation by providing a structured overview of conceptualization approaches in SD. It identifies 10 distinct approaches, illustrates each with representative examples, and offers a systematic comparison of their perspectives, strengths, and limitations. It further identifies key dimensions along which these approaches differ, providing a basis for more structured selection and combination. The findings provide structured guidance for modelers, particularly novices, by highlighting how complementary approaches can be combined. The study also identifies gaps in the literature and suggests directions for future research.