In this controversial book, Jay Forrester presents a computer model describing the major internal forces controlling the balance of population, housing, and industry within an urban area. He then simulates the life cycle of a city and predicts the impact of proposed remedies on the system. Startling in its conclusions, this book became the basis of a major research effort that has influenced many government urban-policy decisions.

This key text on system dynamics shows by example how structure determines behavior. This book is ideal not just for managers but for anyone interested in the dynamics of urban, ecological, and other systems. It covers feedback dynamics, models and simulation, equations and computation, flow diagrams, information links, integration, and more.