1.5: Approach

The fundamental premise of this book is that learning the problems that simulation solves, as well as well as the modeling and experimental methods needed to solve these problems, is fundamental to understanding and using this technique.

Simulation models are built both from knowledge of basic simulation methods and by analogy to existing models. Similarly, computer-based experiments are constructed using basic experiment design techniques and by analogy to previous experiments. This premise is the foundation of this book. First, simulation methods for model building, simulation experimentation, modeling time delays and other random quantities as well as the implementation of simulation experiments on a computer are presented in the remaining chapters in this part of the book.

While each simulation model of each system can be unique, experience has shown that models have much in common. These common elements and their incorporation into models are discussed in chapter 2. These elementary models, as well as extensions, embellishments, and variations of them, are used in building the models employed in the application studies.

Starting in the next part of the book, the simulation project process discussed in section 1.4 is used in application studies involving a wide range of systems. Basic simulation modeling, experimentation, and system design principles presented in part 1 are illustrated in the application study. Additional simulation modeling and experimental methods applicable to particular types of problems are introduced and illustrated. Readers are asked to solve application problems based on the application studies and related simulation principles.