Test and Validating the Group Model Building with the Reference Model

In recent years, in system dynamics society has increased attention to qualitative approaches. One method of extracting models of qualitative system dynamics has been many used is a Group Model Building. In this method, clients are involved in the modeling process. Based on Participants mental models are extracted key structures and latent variables in the system. In this regard, compare the group models with reference models from the literature can be a way to test and evaluate a model. And provide new insights. In this paper we evaluate and compare models of group modeling sessions extracted from the project "Designing Aviation Technology Park" with the reference model derived from the literature review, by using the distance ratio approach of three levels, including the elements, the causal loops and the full model level. As became clear from the results of this approach the MDR = 6.84 which indicates that the model as the reference model and the group models were similar. EDR and LDR values indicate between model elements and the loops level were similar. In conclusion we can say that the model is a valid model and the resulting models are consistent with other studies in the literature.