On computer simulation as a component in information systems research

Abstract

Computer simulation is widely regarded as a useful activity during various phases of research. However, depending on its context, the meaning, definition, and focus of the term can vary: While in traffic planning, for example, simulation is used to determine useful configurations of a road network and thus focuses on the environment, there is an entirely different perspective of simulations when used within multi-agent systems. In such settings, the environment of the agents remains static, while the interesting research questions concern the behavior of the agents themselves. The research focuses on the microscopic level and resulting emergent behavior. This article addresses the different meanings of simulation and puts them in the context of a research process that treats descriptive and prescriptive research as two sides of the same coin. Building on this abstract research process, we develop a framework to classify different types of simulation, based on the actual research activity they are intended to be used for. This framework can thus serve subsequently as a guideline on the usage of computer simulation as a research tool. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.