A framework to streamline the process of systems modeling

Abstract

Although simulation represents a major advance in the understanding of problems in complex systems, the field currently does not has standards in place that would guide the reporting of the data underlying each model, the process for model validation. This lack of common platforms significantly decreases the attractiveness of the field in that comparison across models is difficult, and peer evaluation of whether models should be trusted and used in practice is severely limited. This article reports on a series of concepts that could serve as the basis for an initial discussion regarding potential platforms wiht the simulation community. The document covers a proposed platform for research question formulation, literature review, data collection, model analysis, and manuscript writing. Considerations are then made to counter the prediction that raising quality levels would lead to a decreasing rate in expansion for the field.