IMPROVING THE SIMULATION-MODEL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

This paper presents the results of a study undertaken in order to asse ss the process of simulation model development. The type of simulation addressed is that of nonliving systems. Hypotheses are tested about t he effect of user involvement on several dimensions of the simulation model development process. These dimensions include model utility, eff ective problem diagnosis, and efficient model development. An explorat ory analysis is also performed in order to refine the hypotheses and e xamine underlying, latent variables that may impact the development pr ocess. These findings provide a framework within which further theory testing and construction may be conducted. In addition, the methodolog y used in this study to examine latent variables is broadly applicable to other areas of inquiry.