Influencing Policy Analysis with Complex Systems Modeling

In this talk we will discuss how complex systems modeling, such as agent-based modeling and system dynamics, can be used actively to support decision-making in a policy making environment.  We will begin by discussing common approaches to policy analysis and discuss why many policy makers do not take advantage of simulation modeling more often.  We will follow this with a discussion of how this can be changed.  What can operations researchers and modelers do to make their tools more useful for policy makers? How can the modeling process and the models themselves be adapted to help policy makers trust them and their results? What tools and approaches work most reliably in which situations?  Dr. Glazner will share his insight  (and hindsight) from working at the intersection of the worlds of policy and simulation modeling.   Models aren't worthwhile if they can't change a person's mind!

Chris currently leads development of simulation models that support decision making at the MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization working in the public interest.  In this capacity, he has employed agent based models, system dynamics, discrete event, and various hybrid models to help decision makers in different parts of the U.S. government gain insight into the impacts of policies and the design of programs. His doctoral work investigated hybrid approaches to modeling the performance of companies using enterprise architecture as the basis for simulation.  He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems and a Master’s Degree in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), and Bachelor Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin.