Introduction to modeling and simulation

This introductory tutorial is an overview of simulation modeling and analysis. Many critical questions are answered in the paper. What is modeling? What is simulation? What is simulation modeling and analysis? What types of problems are suitable for simulation? How to select simulation software? What are the benefits and pitfalls in modeling and simulation? The intended audience is those unfamiliar with the area of discrete event simulation as well as beginners looking for an overview of the area. This includes anyone who is involved in system design and modification - system analysts, management personnel, engineers, military planners, economists, banking analysts, and computer scientists. Familiarity with probability and statistics is assumed.