This fourth edition of "Simulation with Arena" has the same goal as the first three editions to provide a comprehensive treatment of simulation concepts in general and the Arena simulation software in particular. It starts by having the reader develop simple, well animated, high level models, and then progresses to advanced modeling and analysis. Statistical design and analysis of simulation experiments is integrated with the modeling chapters, reflecting the joint nature of these activities in good simulation studies. The objective is to help the reader carry out effective simulation modeling, analysis, and projects using the Arena simulation system. An informal, tutorial writing style is used to aid the beginner in fully understanding the ideas and topics presented. Included is a CD containing the current version of the Arena academic software and the examples referenced throughout the text. Starting with an introduction to simulation concepts, the book progresses through an overview of the Arena software, basic model development, input analysis, additional modeling constructs, output analysis, and advanced modeling. It also includes chapters on integrating Arena simulation models with other applications, specialized statistical issues, continuous simulation, and conducting a successful simulation study. It is intended primarily to be a text in a first course on simulation or for self study. However, the later chapters could be incorporated into an advanced or graduate level course. Building on the success of the first three editions, published in 1998, 2002, and 2004, this edition retains the basic outline and tutorial style, built around a sequence of successively more complicated examples. All the examples and discussion, however, have been modified and updated to be consistent with the current version of the Arena software, and additional examples have been developed, along with more exercises. As before, a password protected website for instructors provides support in terms of downloadable lecture slides and solutions to end of chapter exercises. The book draws heavily on the experience and expertise of the authors, a professor at the University of Cincinnati specializing in simulation, and two seasoned members of Rockwell Software formerly Systems Modeling, the developers of Arena, who are active in product design and development, training, consulting, and applications.
About the Author
Elmer Kelton was the award winning author of more than forty novels, including Other Men’s Horses, Texas Standoff and Hard Trail to Follow. He grew up on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Iron, was published in 1956. Among his awards have been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His novel The Good Old Boys was made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones. In addition to his novels, Kelton worked as an agricultural journalist for 42 years, and served in the infantry in World War II. He died in 2009.
