Using a Soft Systems Methodology framework to guide the conceptual modeling process in discrete event simulation

Conceptual modeling (CM) for simulation has traditionally been described as a highly qualitative process which is difficult to define. Previous articles have investigated the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), a problem structuring method, in healthcare simulation studies in order to define general system understanding, study objectives, and model content. However, no article has proposed the use of SSM in order to guide all CM phases. This article presents a theoretical discussion involving SSM in simulation and discussion on the methodology´s knowledge acquisition capabilities and contributes to simulation literature by proposing a step-by-step SSM-CM approach, based on a combination of previously established SSM-CM techniques from scientific literature, in order to guide all conceptual modeling phases. A SSM view to simulation project management is provided, which may help simulation practitioners to structure project activities while also identifying good CM practices.