Modeling: Construct a conceptual framework that describes a system
Simulation: Imitation of the real world processes or systems
Entity: An object of interest in the system; Elements that often make up the system
Attribute: The property of an entity
Activity: A time period of specified length
State: Collection of variables necessary to describe the system in any time relative to the objective of the study
Event: A instantaneous occurrence that might change the state of the system
Discrete System: one in which the state variable(s) change only at a discrete set of points in time.
Continuous System: one in which the state variable(s) change continuously over time.
Model: a representation of a system for the purpose of studying the system
Deterministic Model: Simulation models that contain no random variables are classified
Stochastic Model: has one or more random variables as inputs
Static Model: sometimes called a Monte Carlo simulation, represents a system at a particular point in time
Dynamic Simulation: represent systems as they change over time
Problem Formulation: A statement of the problem
Setting of objectives and overall plan: Project Proposal; Determine the questions that are to be answered; Identify scenarios to be investigated
Model Conceptualization and Building: Abstract essential features: Events, activities, entities, attributes, resources, variables, and their relationships
Data Collection: Collect data for input analysis and validation
Model translation: translate the system into a computer model.
Verification: determining if the operational logic is correct
Validation: the process of determining if the model accurately represents the system
Experimental Design: Alternative scenarios to be simulated
Production runs and analysis: Statistical tests for significance and ranking
DOCUMENTATION & REPORTING: Program Documentation & Progress Reports
System: Collection of entities, interact over time
Model: Abstract representation of the system
State: Variables describe system characteristics vs. time
Entity: Object or component in a system
Attribute: Property of entity
List: Collection of some entities ordered in some logical fashion
Event: An instantaneous occurrence that changes the state of the system
Event Notice: A record for event information
Future Event List (FEL): A list of event notices ordered by time
Delay: A duration of time of unspecified length ends after certain condition
Clock: A variable that represents the simulation time
Activity: A duration of time of specified (deterministic/stochastic) length (e.g., a service time or interarrival time)
