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Comparing discrete-event simulation and system dynamics: users' perceptions

Author

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  • A A Tako

    (University of Warwick)

  • S Robinson

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

This paper is the first of its type in that it provides an empirical study comparing the two simulation approaches of discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD). Prior comparison work is limited and mostly based on the authors' personal opinions. In the present work, the comparison is based on managers' (executive MBA students) perceptions of two simulation models of the same problem, one in DES and one in SD. The study found that there is no significant difference from the users' point of view between DES and SD in terms of model understanding and model usefulness. Some minor differences were found in terms of complexity and validity of the models, and the model results. The implications of our findings regarding model understanding, model complexity, model validity, model usefulness and model results are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • A A Tako & S Robinson, 2009. "Comparing discrete-event simulation and system dynamics: users' perceptions," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(3), pages 296-312, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:60:y:2009:i:3:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2602566
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602566
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. R Korporaal & A Ridder & P Kloprogge & R Dekker, 2000. "An analytic model for capacity planning of prisons in the Netherlands," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 51(11), pages 1228-1237, November.
    2. Bard, Jonathan F., 1978. "The use of simulation in criminal justice policy evaluation," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 6(2), pages 99-116.
    3. S Robinson, 2008. "Conceptual modelling for simulation Part I: definition and requirements," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(3), pages 278-290, March.
    4. Kwak, N. K. & Kuzdrall, P. J. & Schniederjans, M. J., 1984. "Felony case scheduling policies and continuances: A simulation study," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 37-43.
    5. Stewart Robinson & Maureen Meadows & John Mingers & Frances A. O'Brien & Estelle A. Shale & Stephanie Stray, 2003. "Teaching OR/MS to MBAs at Warwick Business School: A Turnaround Story," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 33(2), pages 67-76, April.
    6. Cox, Gary B. & Harrison, Philip & Dightman, Cameron R., 1978. "Computer simulation of adult sentencing proposals," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 1(4), pages 297-308, January.
    7. S Robinson, 2001. "Soft with a hard centre: discrete-event simulation in facilitation," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 52(8), pages 905-915, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thompson, James P. & Howick, Susan & Belton, Valerie, 2016. "Critical Learning Incidents in system dynamics modelling engagements," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(3), pages 945-958.
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    3. M Smits, 2010. "Impact of policy and process design on the performance of intake and treatment processes in mental health care: a system dynamics case study," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(10), pages 1437-1445, October.
    4. 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.

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