Quantitive and qualitive decision making methods in simulation modelling

Authors

Peter E. D. Love, Edith Cowan University
T. Eldabi
Zahir Irani
R. Paul

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Emerald

Faculty

Faculty of Business and Public Management

School

School of Business

RAS ID

56

Comments

Love, P., Eldabi, T., Irani, Z., & Paul, R. (2002). Quantitative and qualitative decision‐making methods in simulation modelling. Management Decision, 40(1), 64-73. Available here

Abstract

Discrete event simulation (DES) is widely known to be a quantitative research tool. A simulation modelling process is mainly based on feeding quantitative data into a model to produce quantitative results in a structured sequential process. Qualitative approaches to research take a less structured approach with more of an inclination towards judgmental and expert knowledge rather than hard data. In this paper the authors suggest that DES can be employed as both a qualitative and quantitative research tool. The paper demonstrates how simulation may represent both stances either separately or combined. This is based on the fact that the basic objectives of simulation are either for understanding – which needs a qualitative perspective – or performance measurement – which a needs quantitative perspective. Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed showing how DES might cope with the weaknesses of both stances. A structure for using DES as a combined research methodology is proposed.

DOI

10.1108/00251740210413370