An Article for the Discrete-Continuous Debate

["Dr. Michael J. Radzicki"]

Dear All:

A nice introductory article that lays out the fundamentals of discrete,
continuous, and combined discrete-continuous, simulation modeling is: Alan
B. Pritsker, 1987, "Simulation Modeling Perspectives: The World View,"
Simulation (Winter): 9-17. Pritsker is the creator of the SLAM simulation
package that, as many of you know, can be used to build any of the above
three types of models. (And, of course, all the modern system dynamics
packages can be used to build any of the above three types of models).

An interesting model that combines continuous and discrete modeling is
presented in: Peter P. Merten, et al. 1987, "Portfolio Simulation: A Tool to
Support Strategic Management," System Dynamics Review 3(2): 81-101.

Finally, I thought Id state the obvious by saying that the
discrete-continuous debate is VERY old. My recollection is that, in the late
1950s and early 1960s, Jay Forrester and Geoff Coyle had debates on the
issue vis-a-vis the coming on-line of an electric power plant. That is, does
a power plant come on line with the flick of a switch (i.e., a discrete
event) or as part of a continuous process of capacity acquisition by a
utility? Perhaps there are some interesting D-memos in the MIT files that
can provide an historical record of the Forrester/Coyle debates.

Peace.

Mike


Dr. Michael J. Radzicki

Associate Professor of Economics
Department of Social Science & Policy Studies
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-2280
United States of America
(508) 831-5767 (Voice)
(508) 831-5896 (Fax)
mjradz@wpi.edu (Email)
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