INTEGRATED METHODS OF MODELING AND SIMULATION METHODS OF OPERATIONS A APPLIED TO PROBLEMS: ANALYSIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The integrated use of simulation methods are rare in the literature, since most of the studies found focus on single method applications. This article contributes to better use of computer modeling simulation proposing combined use strategiies of these methods what offers the potential to increase the strengths of these methods and reduce individual limitations.Three methods are discussed: Discrete Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamics (SD), Modeling and Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS). The article begins with a comparative analysis of these methods and in the following presents two practical applications. The integrated use of these methods opens the possibility to exploring old and new problems through a new perspective that can promote better solutions to real-world problems. We suggest the application of this strategy to problems involving complex systems with multiple levels of aggregation as supply chains, service operations, urban distribution problems, social networks, etc.