Computer simulation of innovation implementation strategies

Many interventions that are effective in one setting may be ineffective or even harmful in other settings. This poses a problem for organizations and communities planning the implementation of new programs, policies, and practices. This paper introduces the use of system dynamics computer simulation of real options to design implementation strategies in complex social systems. The approach is illustrated with an example of domestic violence community interventions involving the implementation coordination and victim advocacy to reduce the unintended consequence of victim arrests from a mandatory arrest policy. Results show that there are potential benefits to using a real options approach.