Modelling & Simulation
The three commonly accepted simulation-modelling approaches are:
- System Dynamics (SD);
- Discrete Event Simulation (DES); and
- Agent Based (AB).
Treating simulated objects as continuous mass and able to provide both qualitative (through causal loop diagrams) and quantitative (through stock and flow diagrams) analysis of a system, SD is suitable for uncovering system behaviour over time to answer high-level strategic questions.
DES models, on the other hand, are stochastic and model individual entities, their attributes as well as events and decisions with finer level of detail than SD, making it suitable for answering operational and tactical types of questions, such as resource allocation problems.
AB modelling is a technique for simulating the actions and interactions of agents, encapsulating numerous agents of various granularity, decision making heuristics, adaptive learning rules and interaction topology. The Workforce Analysis team combines all three modelling paradigms to fit client problem needs. Development of a model of the Defence Helicopter Aircrew Training Continuum for decision support, has involved a multi-paradigm modelling approach, combining DES with AB to add more dimensions to the modelled system is used to provide answers to more detailed analytical questions.
