the art of simulation modelling

<P>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is the contention of the author that practising the “art” of modelling has been, and always will be, of great importance to the ultimate success of any project employing a simulation approach. Yet very few publications address this aspect of simulation modelling exclusively. This paper is an attempt to focus attention on some of these “softer” issues of simulation modelling. By using the concept of a Simulation Syndrome the paper endeavours to highlight some of these issues and to serve as a reminder to simulation modellers of some aspects of the “art” of modelling that are often taken for granted. “Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least” Lord Chesterfield</P><P>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die outeur is van mening dat die “kuns” van modellering van groot belang is vir die uiteindelike sukses van enige projek waar gebruik gemaak word van ’n simulasiebenadering. Nietemin bestaan daar weinig publikasies waar hierdie aspek van simulasiemodellering spesifiek aangespreek word. Hierdie artikel is ’n poging om die aandag te vestig op sommige van die “sagter” aspekte van simulasiemodellering en die doelwit word bereik deur gebruik te maak van die konsep van ’n Simulasie-Sindroom. Op hierdie wyse word die gebruikers van simulasiemodellering herinner aan somminge aspekte van die “kuns” van modellering wat dikwels as vanselfsprekend aanvaar word. “Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least” Lord Chesterfield</P>