Research Article

Ulysse: a qualitative tool for eliciting mental models of complex systems

Methodological approach and application to regional development in Atlantic Canada

  1. Gilles Desthieux1,
  2. Florent Joerin2,
  3. Marcel Lebreton3

Article first published online: 27 MAY 2010

DOI: 10.1002/sdr.434

Issue

System Dynamics Review

System Dynamics Review

Volume 26, Issue 2, pages 163–192, April/June 2010

Additional Information

How to Cite

Desthieux, G., Joerin, F. and Lebreton, M. (2010), Ulysse: a qualitative tool for eliciting mental models of complex systems. System Dynamics Review, 26: 163–192. doi: 10.1002/sdr.434

Author Information

  1. 1

    Geneva Institute of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture (hepia), University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Geneva, Switzerland

  2. 2

    Canada Research Chair in Territorial Decision Making, Laval University, Quebec, Canada

  3. 3

    EcoTec Consultants, Quebec, Canada

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 27 MAY 2010
  2. Article first published online: 27 MAY 2010
  3. Manuscript Accepted:
  4. Manuscript Received:

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Abstract

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.

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