The Four Phase Method For Modelling Complex Systems

Abstract

This paper investigates an attempt to combine different simulation tools in order to build a simulation environment that can be used to model complex system behaviour. The component tools used in the project are: the four phase method, a simulation world view derived from the three phase approach especially for ObjectOriented and iconic representation; iconic representation that represents the actual system components and logic through using icons and arcs; Object-Oriented Programming and the MODSIM simulation library. Related aspects of design and implementation are presented and critiqued through an investigation into the development of a model for an existing problem. Different modelling approaches are used to model the same problem and, as such, the advantages of the four phase method are highlighted.