Introduction to Modeling and Simulation

This introductory tutorial is an overview of modeling and simulation. Many critical questions are answered in the paper. What is modeling? What is simulation? What is computer simulation? How simulation and modeling relates? Why to use models? When to use simulation? How is simulation performed? What are the benefits of simulation modelling? The intended audience is those unfamiliar with the emerging areas of modeling & 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 Modeling and Simulation is a discipline for developing a level of understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system, and of the system as a whole. The level of understanding which may be developed via this discipline is seldom achievable via any other discipline. Although the terms “modeling” and “simulation” are often used as synonyms within disciplines applying M&S exclusively as a tool, within the discipline of M&S both are treated as individual and equally important concepts. Modeling is understood is the purposeful