A structured approach to rapid simulation model development. YAPA, Saman T.W.S. Available from Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA) at: http://shura.shu.ac.uk/20584/ This document is the author deposited version. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it. Published version YAPA, Saman T.W.S. (2006). A structured approach to rapid simulation model development. Doctoral, Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom).. Copyright and re-use policy See http://shura.shu.ac.uk/information.html Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive http://shura.shu.ac.uk 101 835 380 1 Return to Learning Centre of issue Fines are charged at 50p per hour r e f e r e n c e ProQuest Number: 10701231 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 10701231 Published by ProQuest LLC(2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 A Structured Approach to Rapid Simulation Model Development S. T. W. S. Yapa A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Sheffield Hallam University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy March 2006 Abstract A Structured Approach to Rapid Simulation Model Development By S. T. W. S. Yapa This thesis presents a new methodology to accelerate the simulation model development process. Three research strategies were adopted during the research namely; case study, questionnaire survey and literature survey. Investigations done during the research revealed that among the stages within a simulation project life cycle the model development phase is the longest. Results of the case study research and literature review revealed that two major reasons for the lengthiness are the lack of understanding of the system to be simulated between the modeller and the user, and difficulty in programming. Many researchers have tried to accelerate the process mainly by improving the programming efficiency. However it is important to develop a model which represents the actual system to be simulated. Existing approaches to accelerating the simulation model development process do not guarantee that the model developed in a shorter time is the model which represents the actual physical system. Therefore there is a need for a new methodology to develop a model at a shorter time while ensuring that it represents the actual system. A simulation model is a piece of software. Therefore, the new methodology was developed by adopting Rapid Application Development approach of software development which emphasises the active user involvement.' There are three components of the proposed methodology; Joint Application Development (JAD) team, a CASE tool to develop the simulation software independent conceptual model of the system, and a translator programme to convert the developed conceptual model into the computer simulation model. The proposed mythology accelerates the model development process not only by improving the effectiveness of the process, i.e. development of the model required by the user once but also the efficiency of the process, i.e. development of the model at a shorter time by automating the model development process. Acknowledgements First and foremost, I wish to thank my supervisor, Dr. David Clegg. You have been a great mentor and a great friend. You provided not only academic guidance but also the support in solving my personal problems. I would never have finished my studies without your guidance and support. I am proud to have been able to work with you. Secondly, I am very thankful to Prof. Terance Perara of Sheffield Hallam University and Prof. D. Tantrigoda of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who provided useful ideas in writing this thesis. I like to thank all my friends, especially to Sam, Anura Samantilaka and Ruwan, for their friendship and support. Finally, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my wife Manori, and two daughters Poomi and Nipuni, for their unwavering love. Table of Contents Page Abstract..................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements..................................................................................................... ii Chapter One: Introduction.................................................... 1 1.1 Background of the Study................................................................................. 1 1.2 Justification for the Research........................................................................... 2 1.3 Aims and the Objectives of the Research....................................................... 2 1.4 Outline of the Thesis....................................................................................... 3 1.5 Summary.................................................................. 5 Chapter Two: Literature Review............................................................................ 6 2.1 Simulation.......................................................................................................... 6 2.1.1 Types of Simulation.........;..................................................................... 7 2.1.2 Systems and Models............................................................................... 8 2.2 Stages of a Simulation Project........................................................................... 10 2.2.1 Model Building...................................................................................... 12 2.3 Simulation Software........................................................................................... 18 2.3.1 Features expecting from a simulation tool............................................ 21 2.4 Summary.............. 23 Chapter Three: Research Design.......................................................................... 25 3.1 Research Questions............................................................................................ 25 3.2 Research Philosophy.......................................................................................... 27 3.3 Research Approach................................................... 27 3.4 Selection of Research Paradigm........................................................................ 29 3.5 Research Strategy............................................................................................... 30 3.5.1 E-mail Questionnaire Survey................................................................. 30 3.5.2 Case Study Research.............................................................................. 33 3.5.3 Literature Survey.................................................................................... 34 3.6 Development of New Rapid Simulation Model Development Framework 34 3.7 Summary............................................................................................................ 34 Chapter Four: Case Study Research..................................................................... 36 4.1 Background of the Study............................. 36 4.2 Case Study A...................................................................................................... 37 4.3 Case Study B...................................................................................................... 38 4.4 Case Study C...................................................................................................... 40 4.5 Summary of the Discussions.............................................................................. 42 4.6 Lessons Learned................................................................................................. 49 4.7 Summary............................................................................................................ 52 - iii - Chapter Five: Findings............................................................................................ 54 5.1 Reasons for Lengthening Simulation Model Development Process............... 54 5.2 Rapid Simulation Model Development: Current Status.................................. 58 5.2.1 Model Reuse Approach ............................................................ 58 5.2.1.1 Model Reuse: Library Driven Approach......................................... 59 5.2.1.2 Model Reuse: Library Driven Plus Knowledge Based Approach... 63 5.2.1.3 Model Reuse: Object Oriented (00) Approach............................... 65 5.2.2 Integration with Other Packages............................................................ 67 5.2.3 Knowledge Based / Artificial Intelligence Approaches........................ 71 5.3 Review of Existing Rapid Simulation Model Development Approaches 80 5.3.1 Model Reuse ........................................................................... 80 5.3.2 Library Driven Plus Expert System Approach..................................... 82 5.3.3 Object Oriented Approach..................................................................... 82 5.3.4 Integration with Other Packages............................................................ 83 5.3.5 Knowledge Based/Artificial