Simulation: A Tool for System Design and Analysis
Abstract
This research paper delves into the symbiotic relationship between simulation and systems theory, elucidating how simulation serves as a potent instrument for system design and analysis within the framework of systems theory. Systems theory offers a foundational perspective that accentuates holism, interdependence, emergence, feedback loops, hierarchy, adaptability, and boundary delineation in comprehending intricate systems. It encapsulates the complexity of real-world systems, rendering simulations invaluable for comprehensive analysis. Through the systems theory lens, simulation scrutinizes interdependencies, unveils emergent phenomena, and incorporates feedback loops, all while accommodating adaptability to evolving conditions. The pivotal concept of defining system boundaries, significant in both systems theory and simulation, ensures that researchers focus on the most pertinent facets of their subjects. This theoretical framework finds versatile applications across diverse domains, spanning manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and environmental science. In manufacturing, simulation models optimize processes by considering the holistic nature of production systems. In healthcare, systems theory and simulation facilitate evidence-based decision-making, leading to enhanced patient outcomes. In urban planning, simulation models navigate intricate traffic management interactions, while in environmental science, they assess ecosystem dynamics amid changing conditions. Ultimately, this research paper underscores the synergy between systems theory and simulation, showcasing how this alliance deepens our comprehension of complex systems and empowers informed decision-making in an ever-evolving milieu.
Downloads
References
Alden, J. M., & Robinson, S. (2018). Simulation and optimization in operations research. In Handbook of Research on Advances and Applications in Software Engineering (pp. 123-143). IGI Global.
Balci, O. (1994). Verification, validation, and accreditation of simulation models. In Proceedings of the 1994 Winter Simulation Conference (pp. 139-145). IEEE.
Banks, J., & Hanny, M. J. (2018). Discrete-Event System Simulation. Pearson.
Banks, J., Carson, J. S., & Nelson, B. L. (2016). Discrete-Event System Simulation. Pearson.
Barton, R. R. (2007). Introduction to simulation with General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS). Simulation, 83(8), 597-598.
Bertalanffy, L. von. (1968). General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. George Braziller.
Birt, J. R., & Fellows, K. A. (2008). Challenge of modeling and simulation: Investigation of the metaparadigm. Simulation & Gaming, 39(2), 191-220.
Checkland, P. (1981). Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Churchman, C. W. (1971). The Design of Inquiring Systems: Basic Concepts of Systems and Organization. Basic Books.
ElMaraghy, H. A. (2005). Modeling and simulation in support of concurrent/simultaneous engineering. International Journal of Production Research, 43(4), 869-897.
Fackrell, M., & Stevenson, M. (2018). Simulation in healthcare education: A best evidence practical guide. Role of Simulation in Education and Training, 95-114.
Fishwick, P. A. (1995). Simulation Model Design and Execution: Building Digital Worlds. Prentice Hall.
Fishwick, P. A. (2018). Handbook of Dynamic System Modeling. CRC Press.
Forrester, J. W. (1961). Industrial Dynamics. MIT Press.
Forrester, J. W. (1968). Principles of Systems. Productivity Press.
Greasley, A., & Owen, G. (2017). Discrete-event simulation for healthcare organizations: A tool for decision making. In Healthcare Systems Ergonomics and Patient Safety (pp. 103-126). CRC Press.
Haddock, J., & Dunn, M. (2018). Practical Process Simulation Using Object-Oriented Techniques and C++. CRC Press.
Jackson, M. C. (2003). Systems Thinking: Creative Holism for Managers. Wiley.
Jacobson, I., Christerson, M., Jonsson, P., &Övergaard, G. (1992). Object-Oriented Software Engineering: A Use Case Driven Approach. Addison-Wesley.
Kelton, W. D., Sadowski, R. P., & Sadowski, D. A. (2015). Simulation with Arena. McGraw-Hill Education.
Law, A. M. (2007). Simulation modeling and analysis (Vol. 4). McGraw-Hill.
Law, A. M., & Kelton, W. D. (2019). Simulation Modeling and Analysis. McGraw-Hill Education.
Marriott, J. L., Nation, R. L., & Roller, L. (2014). Drug use in Australian hospitals: 2013. Australian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 44(1), 30-40.
Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Nance, R. E. (2018). Introduction to the art and science of simulation. Simulation & Gaming, 49(6), 626-647.
Pidd, M. (2018). Computer Simulation in Management Science. John Wiley & Sons.
Pritsker, A. A. (1986). Introduction to Simulation and SLAM II (Vol. 11). Springer.
Roberts, S. D., & Greenwood, M. W. (2015). Simulation in an interdisciplinary design course: A case study of the Boeing 727 project. Journal of Mechanical Design, 137(6), 061404.
Robinson, S. (2016). Simulation: The Practice of Model Development and Use. Palgrave Macmillan.
Robinson, S., Ritchie, J., & Martin, R. (2016). Simulation in nursing practice: The impact on patient care. Quality and Safety in Nursing, 2(2), 24-32.
Rohrer, M. (2019). Simulation of complex systems in educational contexts: An interdisciplinary approach to increase effectiveness in teaching and learning. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 61, 102-108.
Rohrer, M., Rich, S., & Ross, J. (2019). Simulating sustainable supply chains: A review. Environmental Modelling & Software, 116, 143-166.
Royston, G., Dost, A., Townend, D., & Turner, S. (2015). Using simulation to understand complexity and improve patient care. Journal of Emergency Primary Health Care, 13(3), 35-44.
Sargent, R. G. (2019). Verification and Validation of Simulation Models. In Simulation (pp. 27-59). Academic Press.
Senge, P. M. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. Doubleday.
Sokolowski, J. A., & Banks, C. M. (2009). Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Sterman, J. D. (2000). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. McGraw-Hill.
Sterman, J. D. (2019). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. McGraw-Hill Education.
Tako, A. A., & Robinson, S. (2017). A review of simulation studies in operations management. Journal of Simulation, 11(3), 234-243.
Taylor, S. J., & Brailsford, S. C. (2009). Simulation for operational research. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 60(1), S112-S125.
Zeigler, B. P., Praehofer, H., & Kim, T. G. (2000). Theory of Modeling and Simulation: Integrating Discrete Event and Continuous Complex Dynamic Systems. Academic Press.
Zeigler, B. P., Praehofer, H., & Kim, T. G. (2000). Theory of Modeling and Simulation: Integrating Discrete Event and Continuous Complex Dynamic Systems. Academic Press.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ofoegbu, Wilson Chukwuemeka
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Author(s) and co-author(s) jointly and severally represent and warrant that the Article is original with the author(s) and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other right of any third parties, and that the Article has not been published elsewhere. Author(s) agree to the terms that the GPH Journal will have the full right to remove the published article on any misconduct found in the published article.
