Simulation modeling and analysis is a cost-effective method for evaluating the performance of resource allocation and alternative operating policies. As its popularity, and the available computer power, grows, the planning and execution of a simulation project will no longer be restricted to specially trained and educated simulation experts. In the future, a much larger segment of engineering and management professionals will be called on to perform these tasks. Practitioners with limited or dated training may need resources other than theory-based, academically-oriented texts.

Chung’s book is intended to be an easy-to-follow reference for each step in performing a simulation modeling and analysis project. Indeed, the chapter headings read like a guideline for conducting such projects: problem formulation, project planning, system definition, input data collection and analysis, model translation, verification and validation, experimental design, analysis, and project reports and presentations. Some of the chapters are also applicable to efforts outside of simulation projects. Five larger examples (about ten pages each) demonstrate the power of a structured approach, and assist the practitioner in reporting the results of a simulation study. In about 160 pages, three different simulation software packages are presented, namely ARENA, AutoMod and AutoStat, and Simpak. It is not clear why those packages were chosen, or how they compare to other products on the market. Another 50 pages are spent on a bullet point-like course outline, which is of very limited interest to the general reader.

With its simple, no-nonsense approach and focus on application rather than theory, this comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide will be a good introduction for simulation beginners. The price, however, seems to be exaggerated, especially because one third of the book is easily dispensable.