A Tutorial on Involving Stakeholders in Facilitated Simulation Studies

This tutorial introduces the PartiSim approach, aimed at supporting analysts and simulation modellers to carry out facilitated discrete event simulation studies. Facilitated simulation offers an alternative mode of engagement with stakeholders (clients) in simulation projects. It is particularly beneficial when modelling systems with complex behaviour, involving many stakeholders with plurality of opinions and objectives.

PartiSim short for Participative Simulation, is a facilitated modelling approach developed to support simulation projects through a framework, stakeholder-oriented tools and manuals in facilitated workshops. A PartiSim study includes six stages, four of which involve facilitated workshops. PartiSim was developed more than 10 years ago. It can be applied to analyse operational problems in many contexts within the services and manufacturing domain. This tutorial presents the PartiSim framework and tools, some applications and example tools, a roadmap to adopting it and concludes with some tips for potential users.