BEFORE THE INDUCTIVE LEAP: EIGHT STEPS TO SYSTEM SIMULATION.

The purpose of this article is to critically describe when and how one applies simulation to business systems. Throughout, the discussion is based on a realistic example of a grocery checkout counter. The construction of both a deterministic and a stochastic simulation are explained and illustrated. Important topics covered include: the advantages and disadvantages of simulation, the formulation of system simulations, the methods of moving time, the concept and use of random numbers, tests of validity, and the analysis of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]