Title
Teaching system dynamics and discrete event simulation together: a case study.
Abstract
System dynamics (SD) and discrete event simulation (DES) follow two quite different modeling philosophies and can bring very different but, nevertheless, complimentary insights in understanding the same ‘real world’ problem. Thus, learning SD and DES approaches requires students to absorb different modeling philosophies usually through specific and distinct courses. We run a course where we teach model conceptualization for SD and DES in parallel and, then, the technical training on SD and DES software in sequential order. The ability of students to assimilate, and then put into practice both modeling approaches, was evaluated using simulation-based problems. While we found evidence that students can master both simulation techniques, we observed that they were better able to develop skills at representing the tangible characteristics of systems, the realm of DES, rather than conceptualizing the intangible properties of systems such as feedback processes, the realm of SD. Suggestions and reflections on teaching both simulation methods together are proposed.
Year
DOI
Venue
2018
10.1057/s41274-017-0234-3
JORS
Keywords
Field
DocType
system dynamics, discrete event simulation, OR education, hybrid simulation
Technical training,Realm,Computer science,Conceptualization,Software,System dynamics,Management science,Discrete event simulation
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
69
4
0160-5682
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
2
0.45
13
Authors
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Kathryn Hoad1415.00
M. Kunc2509.12