Foundations '04 Impact on MS VVA, Whence and Whereto

摘要

Computer modeling and simulation (M&S) verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) is half a century old. The first computer simulations were built in the early 1950s. From the very beginning, many have been concerned about M&S correctness and credibility as well as being concerned about their basic functioning. It took about two decades for the processes used to check simulation functioning and correctness with determination of how much credibility to grant their results to become recognized as a distinct activity and given the name verification and validation (V&V). Only in the past decade has there been a widespread and consistent emphasis on formal M&S V&V, with the Defense community adding emphasis to accreditation so that VV&A is the mantra now associated with efforts to ensure M&S appropriateness. This paper provides perspective on M&S VV&A by indicating what the author considers to have been major steps in VV&A progress to the present, the challenges facing VV&A professionals in the near-term and beyond, what Foundations '04 contributes to the VV&A state of art, and his assessment of progress that is likely in the next few years.