A tutorial on simulation conceptual modeling

Conceptual modeling is the abstraction of a simulation model from the part of the real world it is representing; in other words, choosing what to model, and what not to model. This is generally agreed to be the most difficult, least understood, but probably the most important activity to be carried out in a simulation study. In this tutorial we explore the definition, requirements and approach to conceptual modeling. First we ask `where is the model?' We go on to define the term `conceptual model', to identify the artefacts of conceptual modeling, and to discuss the purpose and benefits of a conceptual model. In so doing we identify the role of conceptual modeling in the simulation project life-cycle. The discussion then focuses on the requirements of a conceptual model, the approaches for documenting a conceptual model, and frameworks for guiding the conceptual modeling activity. One specific framework is described and illustrated in more detail. The tutorial concludes with a discussion on the level of abstraction.