GROWTH (Logistic)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1487 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences, Methodology or model |
Logistic growth processes are characterized by the progressive limitation of growth due to a saturation factor, which is directly proportional to growth itself.
The acceleration of growth precedes the acceleration of the saturation process. Growth tends thus to look firstly exponential or logarithmic, but will generally slow more and more down as the growth process goes on. The alternative is destructive runaway or explosion.
In J.H. MILSUM's words: “… the decay of the growth rate essentially follows a mirror image pattern to the initial increase of growth rate until a steady-state population is reached, typically under a constant nutrition condition” (1968, p.43).
The implicit character of the saturation process at its beginning, makes it difficult to perceive before it is already in full swing. This is a dangerous situation, specially in relation to many growth processes triggered by man, for which the saturation factor is not yet perceived.
Serious problems could surface later on (climatic, demographic, ecological and the like). Besides, the most swift processes of growth are also the most exposed to violent braking processes.