Conceptual modeling for simulation

Conceptual modeling is the abstraction of a simulation model from the real world system that is being modeled; in other words, choosing what to model, and what not to model. This is generally agreed to be the most difficult, least understood and most important task to be carried out in a simulation study. In this tutorial the problem of conceptual modeling is first illustrated through an example of modeling a hospital clinic. We then define a set of terminology that helps us frame the conceptual modeling task, we discuss the role of conceptual modeling in the simulation project life-cycle, we identify the requirements for a good conceptual model and we discuss levels of abstraction. A framework that guides the activity of conceptual modeling is described. This framework may also be helpful for teaching effective conceptual modeling.