Agent-based modelling and systems dynamics model reproduction. (22nd January 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: North, Michael J.; Macal, Charles M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of simulation and process modelling. Volume 5:Number 3(2009)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2010-01-22
• Subjects: model reproduction -- model replication -- agent-based modelling -- system dynamics -- verification -- agent-based systems -- multi-agent systems -- MAS; Management -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Operations research -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; 003.05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2123

Abstract

Reproducibility is a pillar of the scientific endeavour. We view computer simulations as laboratories for electronic experimentation and therefore as tools for science. Recent studies have addressed model reproduction and found it to be surprisingly difficult to replicate published findings. There have been enough failed simulation replications to raise the question, "can computer models be fully replicated?" This paper answers in the affirmative by reporting on a successful reproduction study using Mathematica, Repast and Swarm for the Beer Game supply chain model. The reproduction process was valuable because it demonstrated the original result's robustness across modelling methodologies and implementation environments.