Tutorial: Choosing what to model — Conceptual modeling for simulation

Conceptual modeling is the abstraction of a simulation model from the real world system that is being modeled; in other words, choosing what to model, and what not to model. This is generally agreed to be the most difficult, least understood and most important task to be carried out in a simulation study. We present two example problems that illustrate the role of conceptual modeling in a simulation study. We then define a set of terminology that helps us frame the conceptual modeling task, we discuss the role of conceptual modeling in the simulation project life-cycle, and we identify the requirements for a good conceptual model. Frameworks that may be helpful for carrying out and teaching effective conceptual modeling are listed, and one framework is outlined in more detail.