A survey on methodological aspects of computer simulation as research technique

Computer simulation has evolved to a standard means for planning, analyzing, and optimizing complex systems. Yet, a twofold usage can be observed: as a tool for generating data and as a method for deriving knowledge. The objective of this paper is to outline epistemological consequences arising from this methodological uncertainty by analyzing the state of discussion as well as challenges of using simulation as a research technique for deriving knowledge. On basis of the WSC archive, we performed a survey to analyze the methodical application of procedure models established in computer simulation and to identify whether these models provide differentiated methodological support for conducting simulation studies. The contribution of this paper is a survey on procedural approaches as well as the proposition of methodological challenges of computer simulation as a research technique in information systems research.