Explanation should include the following steps of the M&S design process:
- Initial analysis
- Identify the need or opportunity for a simulation model.
- Define a problem.
- Identify requirements and constraints.
- Conceptual modeling
- Research potential solutions for a design problem.
- Generate multiple solutions (brainstorming) for a design problem.
- Sketch solutions for a design problem.
- Evaluate potential solutions to a design problem.
- Choose the best solution to a design problem.
- Model development
- Implement the solution to the design problem.
- Verification and validation
- Verify correctness of the implementation (i.e., Did we build it correctly?).
- Validate the solution against requirements then communicate the solution to stakeholders to ensure the simulation model does what it is supposed to do (i.e., Did we build the right thing?).
- Plan and execute
- Plan activity: experiments (design of experiment) or training.
- Conduct experiments or training.
- Evaluate the results and map the insights back to the original problem.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is the most crucial step in the engineering M&S design process?
- Why do the M&S engineering design steps need to be completed in order?
- What can happen if the M&S engineering design process is not used when solving a problem?
- What is the result when changes occur in the requirements and scope of the design?
- What is the relationship among time, cost, and quality in the M&S engineering design process?
- What steps require reevaluation of the initial design request?
- How is M&S an iterative process?
- How do accessibility, diversity, and inclusion factor into the design of ethical simulation models?
- Why is it important to implement conceptual modeling before starting the development process?
- What is the difference between verification and validation?
- How can the information gathered be used in development?
- What is the role of reference architecture and reference models in supporting these processes?
- How should one use insights gained by simulation to address the original problem?