Theory of Modeling and Simulation

A consensus on the fundamental status of theory of modeling and simulation is emerging – some recognize
the need for a theoretical foundation for M&S as a science. Such a foundation is necessary
to foster the development of M&S-specific methods and the use of such methods to solve real world
problems faced by practitioners. “[Theory of Modeling and Simulation (1976)] gives a theory for simulation
that is based on general system theory and this theory is considered the only major theory
for simulation. This book showed that simulation has a solid foundation and is not just some ad hoc
way of solving problems.” (Sargent, 2017). “Theory of Modeling and Simulation is a major reference
for modeling formalisms, particularly the Discrete Event Systems Specification (DEVS). ... We mention
the System Entity Structures and Model Base (SES/MB) framework as breakthrough in this field
[Model-base management]. It enables efficiency, reusability and interoperability.” (Durak et al., 2017).
For others there is the acknowledgment that certain of the theory’s basic distinctions such as the
separation, and inter-relation, of models and simulators, are at least alternatives to be considered in
addressing core M&S research challenges. Such challenges, and the opportunities to address them, are
identified in areas including conceptual modeling, computational methods and algorithms for simulation,
fidelity issues and uncertainty in M&S, and model reuse, composition, and adaptation (Fujimoto
et al., 2017).
With the assertion that “an established body of knowledge is one of the pillars of an established
discipline” (Durak et al., 2017), this third edition is dedicated to the inference that theory of M&S is an
essential component, and organizing structure, for such a body of knowledge. A prime emphasis of this
edition is on the central role of iterative specification of systems. The importance of iterative system
specification is that it provides a solid foundation for the computational appr