Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Professor of Business Informatics
Specialisms
- PhD Supervision: Available ✔,
- DBA Supervision: Available ✔,
- Policy Analysis,
- System Dynamics Modelling,
- Complexity and Systems Thinking,
- Operational Research / Management Science,
- Group Decision Making
Location
LG11, Henley Business School, Whiteknights campus
Prof Lane specialises in strategic analysis using system dynamics, systems thinking and other OR/MS approaches. He has 35 years of experience helping senior managers to think through the long-term policies of their organisation.
David Lane is a working class academic. He attended Maidstone Grammar School before studying Mathematics at the University of Bristol, where he was in Wills Hall. He graduated with a First. Moving to the University of Oxford (Christ Church), he obtained a Master of Science degree in ‘Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis’. He went on to obtain a Doctorate (D.Phil.) in mathematical biology, under the supervision of James D. Murray. During this doctoral period he was an academic visitor at the Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
He was a consultant in Shell Int. and a marketing manager in Shell UK. He was previously at City University Business School and then London School of Economics and Political Science (where he served two terms as an Academic Governor). He has consulting and executive education experience in a range of commercial and public sector/government organisations. A member of the Home Office Science Advisory Council (HOSAC), he provides independent advice to improve the quality of the science and research informing policy development and implementation.
2004 - Fellow of the Operational Research Society for "outstanding contributions to the theory and practice of OR"
2005 - LSE award for outstanding performance and innovation in teaching.
2007 - Jay Wright Forrester Award "for the best contribution to the field of system dynamics in the preceding five years".
2008 - Student-nominated LSE Students' Union Teaching Excellence Award.
2010 - Advisor to the Munro Review of Child Protection for the Department for Education.
2011 - President of the System Dynamics Society.
2013 - Honorary President, LSE Students’ Union.
2014 - OR Society’s President’s Medal: for the application of systems modelling approaches in the child protection sector.
2020 - System Dynamics Society’s ‘System Dynamics Application Award’: for his public health-related epidemiological modelling work on norovirus, conducted for the Food Standards Agency
In 2026 he was appointed in the first cohort of Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences.
David has an Erdős number of 4. He greatly enjoys the works of Shakespeare, admires Enlightenment political philosopher Thomas Paine, and is clueless when it comes to many other things.
Topics or projects for PhD & DBA supervision:
- System Dynamics Modelling: Theory, applications, methodology and history
Reference: Hindle, G. A., Kotiadis, K., Kunc, M., Lane, D. C. , López-Garay, H., Ochoa Arias, A., Smith, C., Vilalta-Perdomo, E., Yearworth, M. and Paucar-Caceres, A. (2026) Commentaries on “Discussing five decades of legacy of soft systems methodology in operational research and other fields of knowledge”—Alberto Paucar-Caceres. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 77 (9). pp. 2355-2374. ISSN 0160-5682 doi: 10.1080/01605682.2026.2709981
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2024) Engaging with diverse worldviews using system dynamics. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 41 (6). pp. 894-899. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.3102
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Größler, A. and Tilebein, M. (2024) Managing sustainability using system dynamics: selected papers from the tenth European system dynamics workshop, at the university of Stuttgart, Germany. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 41 (6). pp. 803-809. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.3095 (Systems Research and Behavioral Science Special Issue)
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Malczynski, L. A. and Lane, D. C. (2023) Sublime reason: when Isaac Asimov met Jay Forrester. System Dynamics Review, 39 (1). ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/sdr.1720
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Rouwette, E. A. J. A. (2023) Towards a behavioural system dynamics: exploring its scope and delineating its promise. European Journal of Operational Research, 306 (2). pp. 777-794. ISSN 1872-6860 doi: 10.1016/j.ejor.2022.08.017
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2022) Fons et origo: reflections on the 60th anniversary of ‘Industrial Dynamics'. System Dynamics Review, 38 (3). pp. 292-324. ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/sdr.1717
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Husemann, E., Holland, D. and Khaled, A. (2022) Foodborne transmission of norovirus: mechanism modelling, seasonality and policy implications (2020 System Dynamics Applications Award paper). System Dynamics Review, 38 (4). pp. 374-397. ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/sdr.1719
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Duggan, J. (2021) Addressing public health and security challenges with system dynamics: selected papers from the ninth European system dynamics workshop, at National University of Ireland Galway. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 37 (6). pp. 867-874. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2754
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. (2019) New truths begin as heresies: first thoughts on system dynamics and global modelling. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 36 (2). pp. 233-243. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2585
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Videira, N. (2019) Modelling sustainability pathways: bridging science, policy and society. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 36 (2). pp. 147-155. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2586
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. , Husemann, E., Holland, D. and Khaled, A. (2019) Understanding foodborne transmission mechanisms for Norovirus: a study for the UK's Food Standards Agency. European Journal of Operational Research, 275 (2). pp. 721-736. ISSN 0377-2217 doi: 10.1016/j.ejor.2018.11.070
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. and Sterman, J. D. (2019) Jay W. Forrester 1918-2016. National Academy of Engineering Memorial Tributes (22). pp. 114-120.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Calder, M., Craig, C., Culley, D., de Cani, R., Donnelly, C. A., Douglas, R., Edmonds, B., Gascoigne, J., Gilbert, N., Hargrove, C., Hinds, D., Lane, D. C. , Mitchell, D., Pavey, G., Robertson, D., Rosewell, B., Sherwin, S., Walport, M. and Wilson, A. (2018) Computational modelling for decision-making: where, why, what, who and how. Royal Society Open Science, 5 (6). 172096. ISSN 2054-5703 doi: 10.1098/rsos.172096
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Walport, M., Calder, M., Craig, C., Culley, D., de Cani, R., Donnelly, C., Douglas, R., Edmonds, B., Gascoigne, J., Gilbert, N., Hargrove, C., Hinds, D., Lane, D. C. , Mitchell, D., Robertson, D., Rosewell, B., Sherwin, S. and Wilson, A., (2018) Computational modelling: technological futures. Report. Government Office for Science, London.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2017) 'Behavioural System Dynamics': a very tentative and slightly sceptical map of the territory. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 34 (4). pp. 414-423. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2465
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2016) “Till the muddle in my mind have cleared awa”: can we help shape policy using systems modelling? Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 33 (5). pp. 633-650. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2422
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2016) What we talk about when we talk about ‘systems thinking’. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 67 (3). pp. 527-528. ISSN 0160-5682 doi: 10.1057/jors.2015.10
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. , Munro, E. and Husemann, E. (2016) The child protection jigsaw. Impact magazine. pp. 42-45. doi: 10.1080/2058802x.2016.11963997
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Munro, E. and Husemann, E. (2016) Blending systems thinking approaches for organisational analysis: reviewing child protection in England. European Journal of Operational Research, 251 (2). pp. 613-623. ISSN 0377-2217 doi: 10.1016/j.ejor.2015.10.041
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Pala, Ö. and Barlas, Y. (2015) Health, demographic change and well-being: the European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme and System Dynamics. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 32 (4). pp. 407-413. ISSN 1092-7026 doi: 10.1002/sres.2333
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2015) Validity is a matter of confidence-but not just in system dynamics. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 32 (4). pp. 450-458. ISSN 1092-7026 doi: 10.1002/sres.2337
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. , Strohhecker, J. and Größler, A. (2012) Developing sustainable strategies with system dynamics. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 29 (6). pp. 541-546. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2147
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. (2012) What is a ‘Policy Insight’? Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 29 (6). pp. 590-595. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.2148
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Sterman, J. D. (2011) Jay Wright Forrester. In: Assad, A. A. and Gass, S. I. (eds.) Profiles in operations research : pioneers and innovators. International Series in Operations Research & Management Science (147). Springer, Boston, pp. 363-386. ISBN 9781441962805
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Bechberger, E., Lane, D. C. , McBride, T., Morton, A., Quintas, D. and Wong, C. H. (2011) The National Audit Office uses OR to assess the value for money of public services. Interfaces: An International Journal of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, 41 (4). pp. 365-374. ISSN 0092-2102 doi: 10.1287/inte.1110.0551
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. , Bianchi, C. and Bivona, E. (2010) Public sector applications of the system dynamics approach. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 27 (4). pp. 355-360. ISSN 1099-1743
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2010) Participative modelling and big issues: defining features of system dynamics? Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 27 (4). pp. 461-465. ISSN 1092-7026 doi: 10.1002/sres.1048
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2010) High leverage interventions: three cases of defensive action and their lessons for OR/MS today. Operations Research, 58 (6). pp. 1535-1547. ISSN 1526-5463 doi: 10.1287/opre.1100.0887
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. (2009) A young OR guide to giving bad presentations: N-rules for assuring failure. In: Tako, E. (ed.) Keynote papers: Young OR 16 Conference. Operational Research Society, pp. 64-77.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Schwaninger, M. (2008) Theory building with system dynamics: topic and research contributions. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 25 (4). pp. 439-445. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.912
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. (2008) Formal theory building for the avalanche game: explaining counter-intuitive behaviour of a complex system using geometrical and human behavioural/physiological effects. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 25 (4). pp. 521-542. ISSN 1099-1743 doi: 10.1002/sres.911
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. and Husemann, E. (2008) Steering without Circe : attending to reinforcing loops in social systems. System Dynamics Review, 24 (1). pp. 37-61. ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/sdr.396
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (2008) The emergence and use of diagramming in system dynamics: a critical account. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 25 (1). pp. 3-23. ISSN 1092-7026 doi: 10.1002/sres.826
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1999) Social theory and system dynamics practice. European Journal of Operational Research, 113 (3). pp. 501-527. ISSN 0377-2217
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1999) Friendly amendment: a commentary on Doyle and Ford's proposed re-definition of 'mental model'. System Dynamics Review, 15 (2). pp. 185-194. ISSN 0883-7066 doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1727(199922)15:2<185::AID-SDR166>3.0.CO;2-C
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Rosenhead, J. (1998) Emergency - but no accident - a system dynamics study of casualty waiting times in the British NHS. Eurohealth, 4 (1). pp. 34-36. ISSN 1356-1030
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1998) Jay Wright Forrester (1918-). In: Warner, M. (ed.) The Iebm Handbook of Management Thinking. International encyclopedia of business and management. Thomson Business Press, London, U.K., pp. 215-219.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Monefeldt, C. and Rosenhead, J. (1998) Emergency - but no accident - a system dynamics study of an accident and emergency department. OR Insight, 11 (4). pp. 2-10. ISSN 0953-5543
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Olivia, R. (1998) The greater whole: towards a synthesis of system dynamics and soft systems methodology. European Journal of Operational Research, 107 (1). pp. 214-235. ISSN 0377-2217
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. (1998) Can we have confidence in generic structures? Journal of the Operational Research Society, 49 (9). pp. 936-947. ISSN 0160-5682 doi: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2600605
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1997) Diary of an oil market model: how a system dynamics modelling process was used with managers to resolve conflict and to generate insight. In: Bunn, D. W. and Larsen, E. R. (eds.) Systems Modelling for Energy Policy. Wiley, Chichester, UK, pp. 205-240. (Unpublished)
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1997) From discussion to dialogue: a case study using an interactive system dynamics modelling approach (De la discussion au dialogue: une etude de cas d'utilisation interacitve de la dynamique des systemes). Revue des Systemes de decision, 6 (3). pp. 251-281. ISSN 1166-8636
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Smart, C. (1996) Reinterpreting 'generic structure': evolution, application and limitations of a concept. System Dynamics Review, 12 (2). pp. 87-120. ISSN 0883-7066
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Smart, C. (1996) Reinterpreting ‘generic structure’: evolution, application and limitations of a concept. System Dynamics Review, 12 (2). pp. 87-120. ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1727(199622)12:2<87::AID-SDR98>3.0.CO;2-S
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1995) The folding star: a comparative reframing and extension of validity concepts in system dynamics. In: Shimada, T. and Saeed, K. (eds.) Proceedings of the 1995 International System Dynamics Conference. Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 111-130.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1995) On a resurgence of management simulations and games. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 46 (5). pp. 604-625. ISSN 0160-5682
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Jackson, M. C. (1995) Only connect: an annotated bibliography reflecting the breadth and diversity of systems thinking. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 12 (3). pp. 217-228. ISSN 1099-1743
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1995) Trying to think systematically about 'systems thinking'. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 46 (9). pp. 1158-1162. ISSN 0160-5682
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. and Rosenhead, J. (1994) Only connect! Part 1: an annotated selection from the literature on the problem structuring methods of 'soft' operational research. In: Wolstenholme, E. and Monaghan, C. (eds.) Proceedings of the 1994 International System Dynamics Conference: Problem Solving Methodologies. University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, pp. 147-157.
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1994) With a little help from our friends: how system dynamics and soft OR can learn from each other. System Dynamics Review, 10 (2 - 3). pp. 101-134. ISSN 1099-1727 doi: 10.1002/sdr.4260100203
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1993) The road not taken: observing a process of issue selection and model conceptualization. System Dynamics Review, 9 (3). pp. 239-264. ISSN 0883-7066
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. (1992) Modelling as learning: a consultancy methodology for enhancing learning in management teams. European Journal of Operational Research, 59 (1). pp. 64-84. ISSN 0377-2217
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Morecroft, J. D. W., Lane, D. C. and Viita, P. S. (1991) Modeling growth strategy in a biotechnology startup firm. System Dynamics Review, 7 (2). pp. 93-116. ISSN 0883-7066
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Lane, D. C. , Murray, J. D. and Manoranjan, V. S. (1987) Analysis of wave phenomena in a morphogenetic mechanochemical model and an application to post-fertilization waves on eggs. IMA Journal of Mathematics Applied in Medicine and Biology, 4 (4). pp. 309-331. ISSN 1477-8602
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSci
Reference: Hewinson, R. G., Lane, D. C. , Slack, M. P. E. and Nichols, W. W. (1986) The permeability parameter of the outer membrane of pseudomonas aeruginosa Varies with the concentration of a test substrate, cephalosporin C. Microbiology, 132 (1). pp. 27-33. ISSN 1350-0872
Henley faculty authors:
Professor David C Lane, BSc Brist, MSc DPhil Oxf, FORS, FAcadMathSciOrganisational Dynamics: Systems Thinking in the Digital Age
The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to ‘System Dynamics’, an approach which uses systems maps and simulation models to understand the complex inter-relationships in organisations and...
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Specialisms
- PhD Supervision: Available ✔
- DBA Supervision: Available ✔
- Policy Analysis
- System Dynamics Modelling
- Complexity and Systems Thinking
- Operational Research / Management Science
- Group Decision Making
Location
LG11, Henley Business School, Whiteknights campus