An analytical framework for group simulation model building

• Published in: Health systems Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 198 - 211
• Main Authors: Bolt, Timothy, Bayer, Steffen, Kapsali, Maria, Brailsford, Sally
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 03-07-2021
• Subjects: group model building; health care; Original; practice of OR; project management; simulation
• ISSN: 2047-6965; 2047-6973
• DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2020.1740613

This paper presents a framework for understanding and improving the process of simulation model building involving a group of domain experts, classifying the different roles the model may play at various stages of its development. The framework consists of four different "object roles", defined along two dimensions: a functional dimension (boundary object vs. representational object) and a knowledge dimension (epistemic object vs. technical object). A model can take different roles during the development process, e.g. for facilitating communication, for gaining insight into the real-world system, or for experimentation and policy evaluation. The use of the framework is illustrated by two case studies in healthcare. Its relevance and applicability are examined through a survey on model use. The survey was conducted among a group of modelling consultants with experience of using both discrete-event simulation and system dynamics within the NHS, and indicated the potential usefulness of the framework.