Teaching Discrete Event Simulation with an applied bias

Once the fundamental principles of discrete event simulation have been established traditionally the majority of courses continue by exploring the syntax of a particular language through simple example models. Time Limitations prevent many courses ever proceeding beyond this point. The advent, in recent years, of relatively inexpensive but powerful graphically driven simulation interfaces simplify much of this work and frees the course designer to explore in greater depth more realistic applications. The authors have taken the opportunity presented by participation in the ECMAS project to develop a new discrete event simulation course incorporating more applied material and broadening the students understanding of the complete modelling life cycle. More emphasis is placed on the interaction between the client and the modeler both in designing the modelling study and in presenting the conclusions of the work More sophisticated and realistic examples are introduced through a multimedia environment which invite the student to, in effect, participate in the various stages of a realistic modelling study.