An analytical framework for group simulation model building

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a framework for understanding and improving the process of simulation model building involving a group of domain experts, classifying the different roles the model may play at various stages of its development. The framework consists of four different “object roles”, defined along two dimensions: a functional dimension (boundary object vs. representational object) and a knowledge dimension (epistemic object vs. technical object). A model can take different roles during the development process, e.g. for facilitating communication, for gaining insight into the real-world system, or for experimentation and policy evaluation. The use of the framework is illustrated by two case studies in healthcare. Its relevance and applicability are examined through a survey on model use. The survey was conducted among a group of modelling consultants with experience of using both discrete-event simulation and system dynamics within the NHS, and indicated the potential usefulness of the framework.

KEYWORDS:

• group model building
• simulation
• project management
• health care
• practice of OR

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EP/I029788/1].