PartiSim Toolkit V2

The second edition of the toolbox, named PartiSim, describing the PartiSim approach and toolsets. PartiSim Version 2 reflects our current knowledge base resulting from our dissemination activity to academic journals and feedback received from further applications of the approach. The PartiSim toolbox provides a practical account of the participative and facilitative process rather than a theoretical account of facilitated simulation modelling. The PartiSim toolbox is aimed at both academics and practitioners and especially novice modellers who may require materials, in the form of guidance and tools, to assist them in the process of undertaking facilitated and participative simulation modelling. The toolbox materials can also be used in teaching facilitated and participative simulation modelling. The theories and methodologies underpinning the approach are not the focus of this dissemination effort. Therefore, the reader should not view this as an academic exercise but a compilation of practical guidance and tools to support the process of undertaking a PartiSim study. PartiSim V2 includes updates on the overall modelling process, the tools and manuals have been also improved to simplify the activities undertaken in the facilitated sessions and make it easier for its users to apply in their contexts. New in this edition is also the inclusion of forms which the users can complete in their facilitated sessions, if they wish to. With time, we hope to develop future editions of the toolbox (user guide and toolsets), based on our experience of applying it in further case studies and feedback received from other users, who may find the PartiSim approach suitable. Hence, any feedback from anyone with experience of PartiSim (users, participants or students) will be appreciated. The PartiSim approach was developed as part of an EPSRC funded project, which developed tools to support facilitated conceptual modelling. The project team included Kathy Kotiadis as Principal Investigator, Christos Vasilakis as Co-Investigator and Antuela Tako as Research Fellow. The ideas developed as part of the project on facilitated conceptual modelling were further developed to include all the stages of simulation modelling. The development of the toolbox, is part of the authors’ efforts, to promote and disseminate PartiSim as an approach to undertaking facilitated and participative simulation modelling.