An approach to simulation model development for improved planning

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach to planning which relies on involving the manager in the development of a simulation model. The purpose of this involvement is to improve the manager's understanding of his environment; and therefore, the appropriateness of his plans. The approach is based upon the premise that active planning is a learning process. This premise is the result of experience in several modeling projects and a clinical study of a manager developing a simulation model.