Data Science: Simulation (Definitions)

"A computer model of part of a real-world system." (Jesse Liberty, "Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 24 Hours" 3rd Ed., 2001)

"An interactive environment in which features in the environment behave similarly to real-world events." (Ruth C Clark & Chopeta Lyons, "Graphics for Learning", 2004)

"An attempt to represent a real life system via a model to determine how a change in one or more variable affects the rest of the system. It is also called 'what-if' analysis." (Jae K Shim & Joel G Siegel, "Budgeting Basics and Beyond", 2008)

"An interactive environment that models a real-world system. Simulations may be conceptual, such as a simulation of genetic inheritance, or operational, such as a flight simulator." ( Ruth C Clark, "Building Expertise: Cognitive Methods for Training and Performance Improvement", 2008)

"A simulation uses a project model that translates the uncertainties specified at a detailed level into their potential impact on objectives that are expressed at the level of the total project. Project simulations use computer models and estimates of risk, usually expressed as a probability distribution of possible costs or durations at a detailed work level, and are typically performed using Monte Carlo analysis." (Cynthia Stackpole, "PMP® Certification All-in-One For Dummies®", 2011)

"An interactive environment in which features in the virtual environment behave similarly to real-world events. Simulations may be conceptual, such as a simulation of genetic inheritance, or operational, such as a flight simulator." (Ruth C Clark & Richard E Mayer, "e-Learning and the Science of Instruction", 2011)

"A process by which processes or models are run repeatedly using a variety of inputs. The outputs are normally captured and analyzed to conduct sensitivity analysis, provide insight around likely potential outcomes, and identify bottlenecks and constraints within existing processes or models." (Evan Stubbs, "Delivering Business Analytics: Practical Guidelines for Best Practice", 2013)

"The practice of building models based on experts’ views on how the parts of a complicated system work." (Brenda L Dietrich et al, "Analytics Across the Enterprise", 2014)

"Developing a model of a complex system and experimenting with the model to observe the results" (Nell Dale & John Lewis, "Computer Science Illuminated" 6th Ed., 2015)

"An analytical technique that models the combined effect of uncertainties to evaluate their potential impact on objectives." (Project Management Institute, "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)", 2017)

"The representation of selected behavioral characteristics of one physical or abstract system by another system." (ISO 2382/1)