Modes of simulation practice: approaches to business and military simulation

Abstract

Although simulation is performed in a wide range of disciplines there has been almost no debate about the practice of simulation across these domains of application. This paper concentrates on two domains of practice, business and military simulation, and identifies three modes of practice: simulation as software engineering, simulation as a process of organisational change and simulation as facilitation. The facets of each of these modes of practice are described, and the predominant usage of the modes in business and the military are identified. The implications for simulation software suppliers, practitioners, researchers, educators and users are discussed.

Introduction

Simulation is used in a broad range of fields ranging from pure mathematics and the physical sciences, though engineering and computer science, business and the military, to economics and social science. What is apparent is that the practice of simulation is quite different between, and even within, these fields. At one extreme, there are very large-scale parallel and distributed simulations, requiring many years of effort to develop. At the other, there are very small models, with a shelf-life that can be counted in hours. Some fields show a preference for continuous simulation, with others preferring to adopt the discrete-event approach. Even within these approaches there are several methods of simulation. Certainly, the community of simulation modellers cannot be seen as a homogeneous unit.

In discussions between simulation practitioners and researchers from differing domains these distinctions often become apparent, albeit that they are not necessarily directly expressed. As a result, there may be some misunderstandings during such discourse. The question arises: is it possible to identify and define the modes of practice that are prevalent within the simulation community? If it were, then this would provide a basis for a more meaningful discourse between the segments of that community. In particular, the implications of different modes of practice on simulation methodology, the modelling process, modeller skills and software requirements could be identified.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a beginning point for a debate about modes of practice in simulation modelling. In doing so, it identifies three specific modes of practice that can be identified in military and business simulation. There is no attempt here to look at broader uses of simulation. The paper starts by providing a brief description of the wider debate that has taken place on the practice of operational research (OR). Following this, three modes of simulation practice are described, and the facets of these modes of practice are identified. The nature of business and military simulation is then discussed with reference to these modes of practice. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the debate and the need for further work.