An analytical framework for group simulation model building

Bolt, Timothy; Bayer, Steffen; Kapsali, Maria; Brailsford, Sally

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Apr 9, 2020
• Publication Date: Apr 9, 2021
• Deposit Date: Oct 7, 2021
• Journal: Health Systems
• Print ISSN: 2047-6965
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-6973
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 198-211
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20476965.2020.1740613
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7434544
• Publisher URL: http://doi.org/10.1080/20476965.2020.1740613