System Dynamics Modelling Process in Water Sector: a Review of Research Literature

System dynamics (SD) approach is a framework for reproducing the behaviour of the real systems. This approach has demonstrated a proven capability in modelling the dynamic interactions among the factors affecting the behaviour of complex systems and therefore can be used by researchers and policymakers as a useful decision tool. Recently, many researchers have devoted significant efforts in adopting the SD modelling technique in water sector, where complex interactions and feedback loops govern the behaviour of the system. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of scholarly papers in the water sector on the development of the SD models followed by discussion on different steps of the modelling process. A discussion of each step is accompanied by the water sector examples, exemplified in the existing literature. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using system dynamics in the water sector and provides directions for future research in this field.