provides considerable flexibility r

provides considerable flexibility regarding environmental condi¬tions, the size and type of companies, and parameters for the basic equations in the computer program. Currencies of different coun¬tries may be used, and the wording of the output statements can be changed easily and printed in any foreign language whose characters are availahle on the computer printing system.
So far, simulations of the gaming variety where an entire industry is involved have been used primarily as training devices, with little effort focused on research. and analysis. Some research has been done with regard to the decision process itself, and atterition also has been focused on the human relations aspects of forming small groups (in this case, the top executive committee of a company). The subsequent interaction of these team members and their attempts to organize for playing the game is a fruitful area for research.
Other g3ming-type simulations have heen developed which deal with only a part of the business enterprise. In most of these, however, there is not the same competitive atmosphere that develops in the industry-simulation setting. When simulating a part of the compariy operation such as the production scheduling or the distribution of finished goods, the interaction involves only the decision maker and the environment as modeled. For example, a job sh'op might be simulated—given machine capacities and. labor availability--the problem being one of scheduling a certain number of orders through the plant in the most efficient manner.
Other functional simulation exercises have been established in areas such as physical distribution, finance, and sales manage¬ment. For example, a sales-management game could include an exercise in attaining the optimal routing for salesmen, or a more complex sirnulation could be developed which would include routing, scheduling, compensation plans, and other pertinent factors in the sales-rnanagement environment.
While operational gaming, or competitive simulation, is an interesting and worthwhile exercise, it does not describe a con¬crete, particular situatior, with the realism necessary for research work. Symbolic system simulation, on the other hand, appears to be a powerful tool for both training and research.
System Simulation
Cornputer simulation can be used as a problem-solving technique
and is valuable as a part of research methods directed toward ob-
taining a better understanding and improved control of opera-