PhD
System Dynamics
MIT Sloan’s System Dynamics PhD group, established by Professor Jay W. Forrester in 1956, equips students with the theoretical, methodological, and philosophical tools to analyze system behaviors across various fields, including management, environmental change, politics, economics, medicine, and engineering. The group integrates organization studies, behavioral decision theory, and engineering to understand and influence dynamic changes over time. Students engage in comprehensive studies of system principles, economic and industrial dynamics, and policy analysis, supplemented by coursework in economics, information systems, statistics, and political science. Faculty members like Hazhir Rahmandad, who explores complex organizational dynamics and public health issues; John Sterman, known for his work on system dynamics modeling and sustainability; and Vicky Chuqiao Yang, who studies collective human behavior and decision-making, provide invaluable guidance and expertise.
Research from System Dynamics Faculty
New relational theory on workplace microaggressions
By
Under the right conditions, the targets and perpetrators of workplace microaggressions can restore their relationship and, in some cases, grow from the incident.
What leaders should know about ’bring your own AI’
By
Companies need a plan for when employees use unapproved, publicly accessible generative artificial intelligence tools for work-related tasks.
5 issues to consider as AI reshapes work
By
Experts say those making decisions about AI should engage proactively with policymakers and consider worker voice and well-being.
Celebrating Our Alumnae
By
We celebrate our students and alumnae who are making waves at MIT Sloan and beyond.
Select System Dynamics Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
Johan Chu
Hear name pronounced.Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor
Johan Chu is the Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor and an Assistant Professor of System Dynamics at the MIT Sloan School of ManagementJohan’s research examines the shifting bases of social power and corporate advantage. Recently…
Learn More
Hazhir Rahmandad
Hear name pronounced.Schussel Family Professor of Management Science
Hazhir Rahmandad is the Schussel Family Professor of Management Science and a Professor of System Dynamics at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Hazhir's research shows how complex organizational dynamics can lead to heterogeneity in organizational…
Learn More
Nelson P. Repenning
School of Management Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies
Nelson P. Repenning is the Faculty Director of the MIT Leadership Center, and the School of Management Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His early work focused on understanding…
Learn MoreExample PhD Thesis Topics
-
Jose Lopez (2024)
-
James Paine (2023)
-
Tianyi Li (2021)
-
Tse Yang Lim (2021)
-
Mahdi Hashemian (2020)