System dynamics in education: Case study of a music festival

Abstract

This article shows how system dynamics modelling may be suitably used as an intermediary between theory and practice. The research is aimed at creating a simulation of the implemented project in order to improve teaching project management. The main research method used was the creation of a model using system dynamics methodology and knowledge from the international standards for project managers: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) and Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2). Both international standards are taught in Project Management, an academic subject. As a subject for our case study we chose a music festival and subsequently we drafted a project plan, i.e. a system dynamics model. Final discussions with students on the modelling results enabled us to determine not only particular deficiencies of the theoretic teaching, but also threats resulting from the actual music festival project development when comparing it with the plan.