仿真误区2：Leaving analysis for the end

focuscon

Deborah A. Sadowski ，Mark R. Grabau
) \( n3 z  C8 V. h/ OThere's a common misconception that performing a simulation study involves a sequence of steps (e.g., project definition, model formulation, verification, validation, analysis). To the contrary, all elements of a simulation project should be performed repeatedly throughout the effort,
+ a! f8 a/ |' x# y" d7 \% j; F/ \growing in scope as the model progresses.  
In the traditional view, projects suffer from too strong a focus on the model (and perhaps the animation), so that after the inevitable delays and problems, there's no time left to run scenarios. Instead, the analyst is faced with a presentation deadline that's firm and little time to experi-
% B  ?) H$ ^) Q- C8 s) K: q: A; Mment, analyze, or think.
Instead, you should schedule the project in complete phases. Intermediate milestones, spaced no more than about two weeks apart in a medium to large project, should include specific goals for the model, animation, data, and analysis. By the time you reach the last 25% of your time on the project, you should have addressed the basic analysis issues of run length, warm-up time, etc. and should already have performed preliminary analysis on the model for a number of different scenarios.