Reference #395: Thinking in Systems

The impact of a delay in a feedback process is relative to the rate of change of the stock that feedback loop is trying to control. Delays that are too short cause overreactions and oscillations. Delays that are too long can cause either damped, sustained, or exploding oscillation depending on how long the delay is.

If a delay is far too long, the system could pass a threshold beyond which irreversible damage leading to collapse can occur.

Meadows. Thinking in Systems, 2008. (152)

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