Simulation: The Practice of Model Development and Use

About the Book

The new edition of this successful textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to simulation, foregrounding the topic as an applied problem-solving tool. Guiding readers through the key stages in a simulation project in terms of both the technical requirements and the project management issues surrounding it, the book will enable students to develop appropriate valid conceptual models, perform simulation experiments, analyse the results and draw insightful conclusions. The author’s engaging style and authoritative knowledge of the subject make the book as accessible as it is essential, drawing on case studies and complementary online content to encourage a critical engagement with the topic.

This is an ideal textbook for those studying on upper level undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in business and management and MBA programmes, and is a core text for those specialising in operations management. In addition, it is an important text for students taking Simulation modules on engineering, computer science or mathematics degree programmes.

New to this Edition:
- A practical step-by-step guide to preparing a simple model
- Improved cross referencing, navigation and design
- Updated referencing and the inclusion of select new case studies
- New material available via the companion website
- Key concepts, on-page glossary terms and relevant further reading lists for each chapter

Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/simulation. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

Table of Contents:

1. Defining Simulation: What, Why and When?
2. Inside Simulation Software
3. Software for Simulation
4. Simulation Studies: An Overview
5. Conceptual Modelling
6. Developing the Conceptual Model
7. Data Collection and Analysis
8. Model Coding
9. Experimentation: Obtaining Accurate Results
10. Experimentation: Searching the Solution Space
11. Implementation
12. Verification, Validation and Confidence
13. The Practice of Simulation.

About the Author :
Stewart Robinson is Professor of Management Science and Associate Dean (Research) at the School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, UK. He is also President of the Operational Research Society (2014–15), co-founder of the Journal of Simulation, and co-founder of the OR Society Simulation Workshop conference series. Stewart Robinson is Professor of Management Science and Associate Dean (Research) at the School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, UK. He is also President of the Operational Research Society (2014–15), co-founder of the Journal of Simulation, and co-founder of the OR Society Simulation Workshop conference series.

Review :
'If you are seeking to improve your understanding of simulation, this book from one of the leading authorities in the subject provides clear discussions of every aspect of the process, whatever your level of expertise, and whether you are a student or practitioner.' -Honora Smith, University of Southampton, UK 'The book provides clear explanations of the technical and practical aspects of simulation. It gives excellent instructions for what to do for each of the simulation tasks from conceptual modelling through to implementation. It is therefore an ideal guide for both students and practitioners on how to tackle real simulation projects.' -Roger Brooks, Lancaster University, UK 'The second edition of Robinson's Simulation is a well-chosen collection of practical wisdom.' -Owen Jones, University of Melbourne, Australia 'Robinson expertly blends the methodological and practical challenges in simulation into a highly accessible guide to successful DES studies. An essential addition to every simulation modeller's bookshelf.' -Thomas Monks, University of Exeter, UK