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Discrete-event simulation: from the pioneers to the present, what next?

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  • S Robinson

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

Discrete-event simulation is one of the most popular modelling techniques. It has developed significantly since the inception of computer simulation in the 1950s, most of this in line with developments in computing. The progress of simulation from its early days is charted with a particular focus on recent history. Specific developments in the past 15 years include visual interactive modelling, simulation optimization, virtual reality, integration with other software, simulation in the service sector, distributed simulation and the use of the worldwide web. The future is then speculated upon. Potential changes in model development, model use, the domain of application for simulation and integration with other simulation approaches are all discussed. The desirability of continuing to follow developments in computing, without significant developments in the wider methodology of simulation, is questioned.

Suggested Citation

  • S Robinson, 2005. "Discrete-event simulation: from the pioneers to the present, what next?," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 56(6), pages 619-629, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:56:y:2005:i:6:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2601864
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601864
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    Cited by:

    1. Robinson, Stewart & Radnor, Zoe J. & Burgess, Nicola & Worthington, Claire, 2012. "SimLean: Utilising simulation in the implementation of lean in healthcare," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 219(1), pages 188-197.
    2. K Katsaliaki & N Mustafee & S J E Taylor & S Brailsford, 2009. "Comparing conventional and distributed approaches to simulation in a complex supply-chain health system," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(1), pages 43-51, January.
    3. Reza Maleki & Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi & Rohollah Ghasemi & Samar Rivandi, 2024. "A Hybrid Mathematical-Simulation Approach to Hospital Beds Capacity Optimization for COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 5(4), pages 1-33, December.
    4. Tako, Antuela A. & Robinson, Stewart, 2010. "Model development in discrete-event simulation and system dynamics: An empirical study of expert modellers," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 207(2), pages 784-794, December.
    5. B W Hollocks, 2006. "Forty years of discrete-event simulation—a personal reflection," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(12), pages 1383-1399, December.
    6. S J E Taylor & T Eldabi & G Riley & R J Paul & M Pidd, 2009. "Simulation modelling is 50! Do we need a reality check?," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(1), pages 69-82, May.
    7. Robinson, Stewart & Worthington, Claire & Burgess, Nicola & Radnor, Zoe J., 2014. "Facilitated modelling with discrete-event simulation: Reality or myth?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 234(1), pages 231-240.
    8. Ruddy Guerrero & Adrian Serrano-Hernandez & Jose Pascual & Javier Faulin, 2022. "Simulation Model for Wire Harness Design in the Car Production Line Optimization Using the SimPy Library," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-19, June.
    9. Khushboo E-Fatima & Rasoul Khandan & Amin Hosseinian-Far & Dilshad Sarwar & Hareer Fatima Ahmed, 2022. "Adoption and Influence of Robotic Process Automation in Beef Supply Chains," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-20, July.
    10. M den Hengst & G-J de Vreede & R Maghnouji, 2007. "Using soft OR principles for collaborative simulation: a case study in the Dutch airline industry," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 58(5), pages 669-682, May.
    11. Chi-Lun Rau & Pei-Fang Tsai & Sheau-Farn Liang & Jhih-Cian Tan & Hong-Cheng Syu & Yue-Ling Jheng & Ting-Syuan Ciou & Fu-Shan Jaw, 2013. "Using discrete-event simulation in strategic capacity planning for an outpatient physical therapy service," Health Care Management Science, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 352-365, December.
    12. Ortiz-Barrios, Miguel & Arias-Fonseca, Sebastián & Ishizaka, Alessio & Barbati, Maria & Avendaño-Collante, Betty & Navarro-Jiménez, Eduardo, 2023. "Artificial intelligence and discrete-event simulation for capacity management of intensive care units during the Covid-19 pandemic: A case study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    13. Morgan, Jennifer Sian & Howick, Susan & Belton, Valerie, 2017. "A toolkit of designs for mixing Discrete Event Simulation and System Dynamics," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 257(3), pages 907-918.
    14. Frans Prenkert, 2012. "Business Network Simulation: Combining Research Cases and Agent-Based Models in a Robust Methodology," International Journal of Business Administration, International Journal of Business Administration, Sciedu Press, vol. 3(6), pages 82-92, November.
    15. Deepa Mishra & Sameer Kumar & Elkafi Hassini, 2019. "Current trends in disaster management simulation modelling research," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 283(1), pages 1387-1411, December.
    16. Gogi, Anastasia & Tako, Antuela A. & Robinson, Stewart, 2016. "An experimental investigation into the role of simulation models in generating insights," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(3), pages 931-944.
    17. K Katsaliaki & N Mustafee, 2011. "Applications of simulation within the healthcare context," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(8), pages 1431-1451, August.

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