Distributed Simulation and Simulation Practice

As new technologies become available we need to identify their potential for application. In some cases new technologies are developed in response to specific needs (demand led), in others the technologies are developed and suitable applications are then sought (technology led). In this talk, the potential for applying distributed simulation is discussed. Three modes of simulation practice are described: software engineering, process of organisational change and facilitation. The ways in which distributed simulation might aid these modes of practice are identified as well as some of the difficulties in adopting distributed simulation. The extent to which distributed simulation is an example of a demand led or a technology led innovation is also discussed. The emphasis is particularly on the practice of simulation in business, where distributed simulation has to date had little impact. Stewart Robinson is a Senior Lecturer in Operational Research at Warwick Business School in the UK. He holds a BSc and PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University. Previously employed in simulation consultancy, he supported the use of simulation in companies throughout Europe and the rest of the world. He is author/co-author of three books on simulation. His research focuses on the practice of simulation model development and use. Key areas of interest are conceptual modelling, model validation and output analysis. Stewart is also managing a project to investigate the use of artificial intelligence for representing human decision-making in simulation models. Proceedings of the Seventh IEEE International Symposium on Distributed Simulation and Real-Time Applications (DS-RT’03) 1530-1990/03 $17.00 © 2003 IEEE