Papers & Talks
Browse the chapters and summaries from Dr Ken Lyons’ e-book on using Strategy Dynamics to improve Land Administration in developing economies.
Access the E-book and Chapter Summaries
Papers, Talks & Presentations
Explore selected papers, talks and presentations by Dr Ken Lyons on the use of simulation, System Dynamics and Strategy Dynamics in Land Administration, with a particular focus on improving Development Assistance projects in developing economies.
In Media
Published Papers
April 2025
The Case for Using Simulation in Land Administration with a Plan to Build Capability and Capacity to Use It Operationally
A paper focused on using simulation in Development Assistance for Land Administration.
Authors: Lyons K, Bennett R, Todorovski D
Presented at FIG International Federation of Surveyors Working Week, Brisbane, Australia.
May 2023
Simulation Models to Test Improvement Proposals in Land Administration Before Investing
A paper with special reference to developing countries, exploring how simulation models can be used to test improvement proposals before investment decisions are made.
Author: Lyons K
Presented at FIG International Federation of Surveyors Working Week, Orlando, USA.
2010
Using Microworlds to Improve Success and Sustainability in Land Development Assistance Endeavours
A paper exploring the use of microworlds to improve the success and sustainability of land-related Development Assistance projects.
Authors: Lyons K, Hebblethwaite D
Presented at FIG International Federation of Surveyors Working Week, Sydney, Australia.
In Media
Talks
February 2024
Challenges in Using System Dynamics to Improve Land Administration in Developing Countries: The Journey So Far
Presentation to the Oceanic Chapter of the System Dynamics Society, Systems Thinking and Modelling Symposium, Sydney, Australia.
February 2021
Using System Dynamics to Design and Test Aid Projects in Land Administration for Effectiveness and Sustainability Before Committing the Aid Dollars
Presentation to the Oceanic Chapter of the System Dynamics Society, Systems Thinking and Modelling Symposium, Melbourne, Australia.
The Case for Simulation
Common Questions About Simulation & Strategy Dynamics
Strategy Dynamics provides a practical way to test proposed Land Administration improvements before major investment decisions are made. These common questions explain how simulation works, how it supports better planning, and why it can help improve the long-term success of Development Assistance projects.
Common Questions Covered
Why use simulation for Land Administration projects?
Simulation allows proposed improvements to be modelled before major investment decisions are made. Instead of relying only on assumptions, a simulation model can show how different parts of the Land Administration system may perform over time.
This can help decision-makers explore possible outcomes, test different scenarios, and better understand whether a proposed improvement is likely to work in practice.
What makes Strategy Dynamics different from common planning methods?
Common planning methods such as the Logframe and Theory of Change are useful, but they are generally qualitative. Strategy Dynamics adds value by making the development logic more explicit, quantified and transparent.
This means it can show what is expected to happen, how it may happen, when it may happen, and how different causes and effects interact over time.
Why are Land Registry examples used in the e-book?
Land Registry examples are used because a Land Registry is one of the most important operational parts of a Land Administration system. It holds key information about land and property rights and is often central to public trust, economic development and government revenue.
If improvements cannot be achieved and sustained in a Land Registry, it may be difficult to successfully improve other parts of the wider Land Administration system.
Contact the author
We invite researchers, senior administrators and development professionals to explore this material, challenge the status quo, and consider how simulation can support better planning for land governance and development assistance projects.