On simulation model complexity

Abstract

Nowadays the size and complexity of models is growing more and more, forcing modelers to face some problems that they were not accustomed to. Before trying to study ways to deal with complex models, a more important and primary question to explore is, is there any means to avoid the generation of complex models? The primary purpose of this paper is to discuss several issues regarding the complexity of simulation models, summarizing the findings in this area so far, and calling attention to this area that, despite its importance, appears to remain at the bottom of simulation research agendas.