A tutorial on conceptual modeling for simulation

Abstract

Conceptual modeling is the abstraction of a simulation model from the part of the real world it is representing; in other words, choosing what to model, and what not to model. This is generally agreed to be the most difficult, least understood and most important task to be carried out in a simulation study. In this tutorial the problem of conceptual modeling is first illustrated through an example of modeling a hospital clinic. We define the term ‘conceptual model’ and go on to identify the artefacts of conceptual modeling and hence the role of conceptual modeling in the simulation project life-cycle. The discussion then focuses on the requirements of a conceptual model, the benefits and approaches for documenting a conceptual model, and frameworks for guiding the conceptual modeling activity. One specific framework is described and illustrated in more detail. The tutorial concludes with a discussion on the level of abstraction.