Accomplishing reuse with a simulation conceptual model

Abstract

Reuse has been very difficult or in some cases impossible in the modeling and simulation (M&S) discipline. This paper focuses on how reuse can be accomplished by using a conceptual model (CM) in a community of interest (COI). We address the issue of reuse in a multifaceted manner covering many areas (types) of M&S such as discrete, continuous, Monte Carlo, system dynamics, gaming-based, and agent-based. M&S is commonly employed and reuse is critically needed by many COIs such as air traffic control, automobile manufacturing, ballistic missile defense, business process reengineering, emergency response management, military training, network-centric operations and warfare, supply chain management, telecommunications, and transportation. We present how a CM developed for a COI can assist in reuse for the design of any type of large-scale complex M&S application in that COI. A CM becomes an asset for a COI and offers significant economic benefits through its effective reuse.