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Ulysse: a qualitative tool for eliciting mental models of complex systems
Author(s) -
Desthieux Gilles,
Joerin Florent,
Lebreton Marcel
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
system dynamics review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.491
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1099-1727
pISSN - 0883-7066
DOI - 10.1002/sdr.434
Subject(s) - computer science , context (archaeology) , causal model , key (lock) , mental model , causal loop diagram , management science , data science , knowledge management , process management , system dynamics , artificial intelligence , psychology , engineering , cognitive science , medicine , paleontology , computer security , pathology , biology
Stakeholders involved in the definition of managerial problems perceive and internalize the complexity of these problems as mental models. These models are not always made explicit, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. This article presents Ulysse, a tool that enables stakeholders to progressively elicit their mental models as causal loop models. Ulysse uses web technologies that store information in a database and interactively display the modeling results. It is based on matrix calculation that facilitates statistical operations and provides better understanding of the model structure. Analysis and comparison of individual models reveal the most important variables and relationships among them as a basis for identifying key issues, divergent and convergent opinions between stakeholders. Ulysse has been tested in the context of regional economic development in Atlantic Canada. The tool was designed to support managers, during interviews, in building qualitative models of indicators. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.