Multifacetted Modelling and Discrete Event Simulation

Published in the 1980s, this book introduces the concept of multifaceted modeling with the preface: The problems facing modern society are often called large scale (an expression of awe at their enormous scope, perhaps) or complex (an expression of exasperation in dealing with them?) as are the models employed to understand or manipulate them. Beyond these claims of the systems approach lies a reality causing our discomfort: we shall call it multifaceted. Indeed, we live in a world of multiplicities: our fates are thrown together with many other people, we must recognize many points of view, disciplines, and inputs. Our systems and models, the solutions of our problems, must start to reflect this relativity, this multiplicity of objectives and perspectives. Multifacetness refers to the fact that in reality, facets can be broken apart in quasi-independence, but only at the peril of sub-optimal solutions unless facets can also be re-integrated when needed.