Teaching system dynamics and discrete event simulation together: a case study
研究了同时教授系统动力学和离散事件模拟两种建模方法的效果，发现学生更擅长掌握离散事件模拟的具体系统表征，而对系统动力学的抽象反馈过程理解较弱，并提出了教学建议。
System dynamics (SD) and discrete event simulation (DES) follow two quite different modeling philosophies and can bring very different but, nevertheless, complimentary insights in understanding the same ‘real world’ problem. Thus, learning SD and DES approaches requires students to absorb different modeling philosophies usually through specific and distinct courses. We run a course where we teach model conceptualization for SD and DES in parallel and, then, the technical training on SD and DES software in sequential order. The ability of students to assimilate, and then put into practice both modeling approaches, was evaluated using simulation-based problems. While we found evidence that students can master both simulation techniques, we observed that they were better able to develop skills at representing the tangible characteristics of systems, the realm of DES, rather than conceptualizing the intangible properties of systems such as feedback processes, the realm of SD. Suggestions and reflections on teaching both simulation methods together are proposed.