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Model development in discrete-event simulation: Insights from six expert modelers

This paper reports on an empirical study that explores the model development process followed by six expert modelers in discrete-event simulation (DES). So far the model development practice in DES has not been explored and there is little understanding of the processes followed. This study observes the modeling process of practitioners, experts in simulation modeling undertaking a laboratory modeling exercise. Verbal Protocol Analysis (VPA) is used to collect the data, where the participants are asked to speak aloud while modeling. The data collected are transcribed and a quantitative analysis is undertaken to explore the modeling processes modelers attend to and when during the modeling exercise. The results show that the expert modelers spend a significant amount of time on model coding and verification & validation. All modelers switch significantly often between different modeling processes. Differences among modelers are observed, which are believed to be attributed to experts' individual modeling style.