Enhancing Metamodels with Scenarios: Plug--Simulate Extensions for Model Developers

摘要

In a previous work, we presented the concept of metamodels, an extension to systemdynamics that allows the development and specialization of domain models. A domain modelprovides a high-level representation for the elements that compose a knowledge area. Specificmodels developed for the domain are based on these elements, inheriting their behavior fromthe domain model. Traditional system dynamics constructors (stocks, rates, and processes)describe the behavior of domain elements. Domain models are believed to simplify modeldevelopment within a knowledge area.In this paper, we present scenario models, which act as “plug-&-simulate” extensionsto domain models. A scenario model allows a developer to change the behavior of domainelements without direct and error-prone intervention in the domain model equations. Whileanalyzing a model, a developer can select relevant scenarios and activate them upon themodel components. The model behavior is adjusted for the selected scenarios, presentingtheir impact upon the original model behavior. We present the system dynamics metamodel,the structure of scenario models, and their integration with specific models.