Simulation graphical modeling and analysis (SIGMA) tutorial

Abstract

SIGMA ( Sigma ), an interactive graphics approach to teaching discrete event simulation, is described. Sigma is specifically designed to make learning the fundamentals of simulation modeling easy. Sigma can automatically translate a simulation model into Pascal or C source code that can be compiled and run on a wide variety of computers. It is possible to represent systems in all of the conventional discrete event worldviews with Sigma . The viewpoint is the modeler's choice, not a dictate of the language. Sigma combines the modeling advantages of using network flow process and logic diagrams with the generality and flexibility of explicit event scheduling. The complete source code for Sigma -generated simulation models is available to students. Although Sigma is elementary, it is completely general; any discrete event simulation (indeed, any computer program) can be created using Sigma . >