System dynamics and discrete event simulation modelling.
[Thesis]
Mak, Hing-Yin.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
1992
Ph.D.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
1992
This thesis investigates the relationship between discrete event and systemdynamics simulation modelling. Each modelling technique has its own strengths andlimitations. The choice of using one particular modelling technique often depends onthe preference and the knowledge of the modeller rather than on the nature of theproblem. The basis of this research has been to address the problem from a differentperspective. This has been to look at the nature of the problem first, and then determinethe most appropriate modelling technique to apply.The basic method adopted was to compare, contrast and experiment withthese two modelling techniques in order to determine a number of common andunrelated concepts between them. This investigation discovered that a systemdynamics flow diagram could be used to represent an activity cycle diagram of adiscrete event model. The converted flow diagram can provide a different viewpointfrom the discrete event model due to the feedback characteristic of system dynamics.This research went on to develop a set of guidelines to convert an activitycycle diagram into a system dynamics flow diagram. Experimentation with manyexamples demonstrates that these conversion guidelines provide a consistent andsystematic method for obtaining a system dynamics flow diagram.The final stage of this research was to develop a prototype computer system(SMCP) to demonstrate these guidelines. SMCP consists of two modules, the ACDmodule which allows the user to specify a discrete event model through textualdescriptions, and the SD module which allows the user to build a system dynamicsmodel by drawing symbols and using text inputs. In addition, SMCP allows users toconvert an ACD to a system dynamics flow diagram quickly and easy, and alsodemonstrates the concept of data sharing.
Computer simulation modelling; Econometrics
Mak, Hing-Yin.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)