As construction projects become more complex, system dynamics (SD) methodology offers an effective method for improving the scientificity of project planning and the efficiency of project control. SD is the view that analyzes the complexities of construction projects after elaborating upon the connotation of SD. The development principles of construction project SD models are described in terms of boundary, the basic structure, and variables equations, followed by identifying rework loops and control loops involved in construction projects.

According to John D. Sterman, systems thinking can see the world as an interconnected system, where many others impact one action.

Systems thinking emphasizes understanding feedback loops because highly complex feedback loops characterize complex systems. The modelling problem aims to uncover how various project management decisions, such as the assignment of workforce members, can have dynamic effects on a project’s quality, schedule, and costs.

The concept of system dynamics is closely related to systems thinking. It is a methodology to understand the behaviour of dynamic complex systems in various domains by using models and simulations. Models of system dynamics typically involve stock and flow diagrams, together with feedback, loops, and delays. This methodology is suitable for analyzing complex socio-technical systems involving interrelationships between technical elements. Examples of such are project task structure and precedence relationships). Human factors are also part (e.g., the effects of overtime on quality and the rules for workforce decision making).

Understanding the basics of system dynamics modelling aids in building complex processes; you get to learn how to use system dynamics modelling through various construction strategy games for powerful insights into how you plan and carry out projects.

The concept of system dynamics has many definitions and is very abstract. It is a branch of engineering that analyses the behaviour of complex systems. An overall representation of a system occurs by ignoring the finer details, such as the specific characteristics of individuals, products, or events. Abstract simulation models are useful for strategic planning and simulations over the long term.

Simulating relationships among variables in a complex real-world system is the basis of a system dynamics approach. Because of the probabilistic characteristics of variables influencing occupational accidents in construction, modelling is considered appropriate for this purpose. As a result, the model describes the process of occupational accidents and the related direct and indirect costs.

Construction project safety is one of the most significant applications of system dynamics. Recent technological advances and data availability made it possible to apply system dynamics modelling to construction project safety. In addition, system dynamics models identify and model the feedback structures in a system to obtain a more holistic understanding.

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Forrester developed the first method of studying industrial systems dynamics in 1958. Systems dynamics models have evolved into a powerful way of describing how complex systems function based on their internal feedback in the past two decades.

By using the system’s dynamics modelling method, you can solve macro-level problems without micro-level fragmentation. It is suitable for handling complex multi-level systems such as modern corporations and social organizations. Systems dynamics modelling has become increasingly essential for construction engineering and other fields due to the combination of systems theory and computer simulations rather than quantitative system modelling.

Additionally, simulating significant outputs over time can factor in technical, organizational, human, and environmental factors.

You can consider the construction of buildings and infrastructure as a complex system that is part of various subsystems. The use of system dynamics (SD) as a tool for modelling and analyzing problems in construction project management has been widespread for more than 20 years.

With the rise of computers, gadgets and digital advancements, there are more efficient ways to learn and use system dynamics models. One of which is the simulation games to understand system dynamics more.

Interactive simulations with game characteristics are what people call learning simulation games. These simulation models use system dynamics, which is a methodology to understand dynamic complexes. These are systems spanning many domains through modelling and simulation.

According to Rosemary Garris, in a research journal, games, motivation, learning, and practice models are very similar since games have rules that are essentially a simulation of a model. As a rule, games do not mimic real-world systems, which is the main difference between them and simulations. Another description for interactive simulation is a simulation that the user can access while it is running to receive feedback and give input, that is, to make decisions based on the measured state of the simulation.

The modelling process should provide a modeller with an understanding of how a system behaves. However, communicating this knowledge is not so simple. It is possible to do so by creating a system dynamics-based educational game. According to Anderson et al. and van Daalen, the purpose of such games is to teach the dynamic insights of a modelled system, that is, the ability to use techniques thinking to explain the dynamics of a modelled system and to apply strategies following that understanding.

In contrast to typical games, learning simulations are simulations with gameplay characteristics; learning games are primarily for educational purposes rather than entertainment. Creating a virtual world where players can try out different decisions and strategies is an effective learning method. Learning simulation games are not radically different from simulations in general. Using a learning simulation is better than interacting with an existing system because it offers three benefits.

Firstly, learning games provide a safe environment for trying different operating strategies without the fear of making a mistake that could be costly if applied to a natural system. That way, you can have that freedom of doing a trial and error in a sense that you get to explore different possibilities and options without causing any actual harm,

Secondly, the characteristic of a decision is that its long-term effects are immediately apparent. Since the simulation is in real-time, you can directly assess and see what results will arise from specific actions you will do in the simulation.

Thirdly, the relationship between a decision and its effect is much more straightforward to verify. The cause and development in the simulation are real-time. You can have a clear view of what to expect when it happens in a real scenario.

Hence, learning via a simulation game is cost-effective and fast and provides more reliable learning results.

Doing a construction simulation game can help prepare leads and workers to face construction tasks. It helps them to have an overview of how it is on the actual job site. Moreover, it helps build their confidence as they try to do and plan things in the simulator games.

Thanks to technology, there are now a lot of simulator games available today that is ideal for construction work. And with the latest construction simulator games, you now have an activity to help train construction workers. Here are some fantastic construction simulators to see what you could build.

Construction simulators like this rank among the best on the market, showing the process of building a building from beginning to end. Throughout this game, you can also progress up the hierarchy of the construction industry.

There are dozens of missions and construction sites in this game with sophisticated vehicle mechanics. The latest version of Construction Simulator PRO 2017 is one of the most refined construction games on the market. It is easy to learn and hard to master but will deliver hours of gameplay to simulation enthusiasts.

The top features of this simulator are 17 different construction vehicles to master, over 20 separate construction contracts including a skatepark, city hall, church and wind turbine, dozens of construction sites and buildings. It even allows you to shape the city to your liking, a highly detailed and vast map with two central towns and two villages to explore, and a sophisticated experience system to help you progress in the game.

Another great feature of this simulation model is trying different construction professions in our simulator. Everyone can build in this construction simulator.

With construction simulator 3, you can take on diverse and challenging contracts. You can construct roads and repair houses. You can shape the skyline of your city and expand your fleet of vehicles. With your growing company, you can make a completely new map and access new vehicles and contracts.

Big machine Simulator 3D allows you to operate big machines to have a new fantastic experience. It’s time to forget about small tractors and excavators. This game offers you real transport beasts! Having the chance to drive multiple heavy vehicles in one game is one of the best things about this 3D simulator. The game provides you with access to many excellent tools, including mine excavators, quarry lorries, Earthmovers, and more!

The top features of this game include giant machines, 3D graphics, vehicle sounds, realistic vehicle controllers, actual vehicles to drive, many types of devices and real extensive construction.

These construction games and construction simulator games may seem kiddie, but they are great fun, and there will be a new paradigm for the construction industry if used smartly. These virtual worlds in these interactive games may not be like that of the real world but it can at least give you that feel and exposure in terms of planning and decision making.

Among the top construction simulator games, including the construction simulator, the above games are the best for learning construction techniques while having fun.

Safety of construction projects is one of the significant applications of system dynamics. Technology advancements and the availability of data enabled the application of system dynamics to construction project safety. A system dynamics model identifies and models feedback structures to obtain a holistic understanding of a complex system.

Studying industrial systems dynamics was first introduced in 1958 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As a result of the development of systems dynamics, modelling in the past two decades has become an essential method of describing complex system behaviour and characteristics based on internal feedback.

It is possible to solve macro-level problems while avoiding micro-level details with this system dynamics method. It can thus handle multi-level systems, such as those of modern corporations and social organizations. Construction engineering and related fields use system dynamics modelling as an alternative to quantitative system modelling methods due to combining systems theory and computer simulation.

Applying the system dynamics model in project management for construction helps in the whole project’s decision-making. As the construction industry nowadays has complex dynamics, detailed information and growing client expectations of delivery times make it increasingly necessary to communicate effectively. Despite the importance of information exchange, it is notoriously inadequate, leading to poor project performance.

Construction engineering and management present similar challenges. Construction activities and projects have become more complex and dynamic with increasing construction scales and constantly changing construction environments.

Construction systems involve complex interdependent components and nonlinear relationships, including multiple feedback processes.

In complex construction systems, model systems dynamics can provide a powerful tool to understand feedback processes and cause-effect relationships between them. Construction processes rely on such a method for their effectiveness and efficiency. The system dynamics model created helps with complex projects. It helps strategic management people and civil engineering people streamline flows and industrial dynamics.

As a result of conventional project management and risk analysis techniques, it was hard to identify the most significant factors on projects, resulting in the overrun of their duration. Now, it is understandable that the loss of key project personnel is highly disruptive to communications. In the absence of recognizing and accounting for this possibility, underestimation of uncertainty may result. A system dynamics approach to modelling emphasizes the interrelationships and the entirety of the project when it comes to modelling.

A model that deals with system dynamics can assist those involved in delivering mega projects, covering how construction systems behave and interact with construction processes. Most traditional methods of modelling cannot offer the same benefits. In other words, out with the old and in with the new way of looking at things. These changes are for the better, and it is a great deal to eliminate tasks or processes that are time-consuming.

Organizations can determine the quickest way to achieve safety goals within a specified timeframe using system dynamics modelling. With this new model, undiscovered errors will not arise when you look at things in more detail.

Moreover, you can view the project organization as a complex system. Using the system dynamics model, you can determine the interrelationship of subsystems to achieve the project goals. Construction project managers can use system dynamics modelling to react to changes and understand how those changes affect the entire project system. Currently, growing numbers of studies suggest that system dynamics models can be helpful for construction management tasks such as planning and managing construction activities, managing risks, and identifying the causes of rework.