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SIMULATION MODELING AND ANALYSIS SECOND EDITION

A comprehensive guide to building, validating, and analyzing discrete-event simulation models to support effective decision-making for complex systems.

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What it’s about

Most real-world systems are too complex for analytical solutions. "Simulation Modeling and Analysis" provides a rigorous, step-by-step methodology for scientifically studying these systems using computer simulation. This book guides you through the entire lifecycle of a simulation project, from formulating the problem and collecting data to building valid and credible models, selecting appropriate input distributions, running experiments efficiently, and performing statistically sound output analysis. By mastering these techniques, you will be equipped to make better decisions, optimize system performance, and avoid costly mistakes when designing or improving complex manufacturing, service, or computer systems.

The through-line

Who it’s for
The reader is an analyst, engineer, or manager tasked with designing a new complex system or improving an existing one. They want to make the best possible decisions but face systems (e.g., manufacturing, service, computer) that are too intricate and random for simple analytical methods, leaving them uncertain about the consequences of their choices.
The problem
Making high-stakes decisions about complex systems without a reliable way to predict performance, compare alternatives, or identify bottlenecks. Feeling overwhelmed by the system's complexity and randomness, and fearing that their intuition-based decisions will be suboptimal, costly, or simply wrong.
The plan
  1. Learn the fundamentals of discrete-event simulation modeling.
  2. Master the process of building valid and credible models, including selecting appropriate input distributions.
  3. Apply rigorous statistical techniques to analyze simulation output and compare system alternatives effectively.
  4. Use advanced methods like variance reduction and experimental design to make your simulation studies more powerful and efficient.
The payoff
The reader can confidently design new systems and improve existing ones, backed by rigorous quantitative analysis. · They become the go-to expert who can accurately predict system performance, identify bottlenecks, and compare alternatives to find the most cost-effective solutions. · They make better, more informed decisions that save their organization time and money, and enhance their own professional credibility.

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