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

MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative

Exploring Sustainability in Scandinavia

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This spring, the Sustainability Initiative joined 20 MBA students on a sustainability-themed Study Tour to Scandinavia during Sloan Innovation Period (SIP) and spring break. Our group explored how businesses across the region are turning sustainability commitments into action—while also immersing ou...

Apr 18, 2025
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Center for Development & Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

Rethinking Innovation Ecosystems in Central Asia

Why are so many founders in Central Asia building companies with one foot out the door? In this provocative piece by Shamil Ibragimov, Beyond the Hype: Rethinking Innovation Ecosystems in Central Asia, Ibragimov challenges the dominant startup narrative in emerging markets. Rather than fueling br...

Apr 17, 2025
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Full-Time Faculty

Johan Chu

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…

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Hazhir Rahmandad

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…

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Nelson P. Repenning

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…

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