Conceptual Modeling for Simulation

Abstract

AbstractConceptual modeling is the process of abstracting a simulation model from the real world. The art of conceptual modeling is determining what to model and just as importantly what not to model. This article explores the key artifacts of conceptual modeling (system description and conceptual model) and the processes of knowledge acquisition and abstraction involved in deriving these artifacts. Different definitions of the termconceptual modelare discussed. Four ways of viewing the conceptual modeling process are also identified: the requirements of a conceptual model, principles of modeling, conceptual modeling frameworks, and methods of model simplification. Conceptual modeling for simulation is an area ripe for further research and specific ideas for research topics are listed.