A tutorial on simulation modeling in six dimensions

Simulation involves modeling and analysis of real-world systems. This tutorial will provide a broad overview of the modeling practice within simulation by introducing the reader to modeling choices found using six dimensions: abstraction, complexity, culture, engineering, environment, and process. Modeling can be a daunting task even for the seasoned modeling and simulation professional, and so my goal is to introduce modeling in two ways: 1) to use one specific type of model (Petri Net) as an anchor for cross-dimensional discussion, and 2) to provide a follow up discussion, with additional non Petri Net examples, to clarify the extent of each dimension. For example, in the abstraction dimension, one must think about scale, refinement, and hierarchy when modeling regardless of the type of modeling language. The reader will come away with a broad framework within which to understand the possibilities of models and of modeling within the practice of simulation.