Simulation modeling of economic processes: characteristics and main types

Simulation of economic processes becomes a method that allows you to design models that describe processes in such a way that they function in reality. Applying them, it is possible to obtain stable and reliable statistics. Based on these data, you can choose the optimal way of development of the organization.

The method of simulation is a method of investigation in which a particular system will be replaced by one that has sufficient accuracy in describing the real. Experiments should be conducted with it in order to obtain reliable information. Such a procedure will make it possible to comprehend the essence of the phenomenon, without resorting in this case to real changes in the object to the necessary time.

Simulation modeling of business processes is a special case of mathematical modeling. The fact is that there is a class of objects for which analytical models have not been developed for various reasons. Or, for them, there is no system of methods for applying the innovative solution. In such cases, imitational modeling of economic processes is used.

It is resorted to in those cases when:

• It is expensive to conduct experiments with a real object;
• It is impossible to build an analytical model for various reasons;
• It is necessary to get the result and evaluate its "behavior" taking into account the time frame.

Simulation modeling of economic processes has several types. Let us consider them in more detail.

Agent modeling itself is an innovative direction that is widely used to explore decentralized systems. The dynamics of their functioning is determined not so much by global laws and rules, but, on the contrary, these principles result from the individual activities of members of this group.

Therefore, in this case, the purpose and tasks of the models consist in obtaining ideas about these fundamental principles, the behavior of the chosen system. But it will be necessary to proceed from the assumptions about the individual, private behavior of its individual objects, as well as their interrelationships in systems.

The agent becomes a special entity that has activity and autonomy in behavior, is able to make and apply decisions in accordance with a set of specific rules, interact with the existing environment, and also self-modify itself.

Discrete-event modeling is an approach to modeling that suggests abstracting from existing events, considering a number of major events in the system. We are talking about "waiting," "processing orders," "moving with cargo," "unloading," and so on. Such modeling is very well developed and has a huge scope of application - from logistics, as well as maintenance systems to manufacturing and transport systems. In general, the method can ideally approach in any situation; Was founded by J. Gordon in the middle of the twentieth century.

System dynamics is an imitation modeling of economic processes, when for the studied object graphs, diagrams, calculations reflecting causal connections and global influences of some criteria on others in a certain period of time will be constructed. Then the system created on their basis is simulated on the computer. Thanks to this, there is a real opportunity to realize the essence of what is happening, and to reveal the existing connections of cause and effect between phenomena and objects. System dynamics helps to build models for the development of cities, business processes, production systems, development of ecology, population, epidemics and so on.