Computer Performance Analysis

Objectives and Problems in Simulating Computers

T. E. Bell

ResearchPublished 1972

A description of a method for relating the issues and objectives of a simulation of a computer system that permits the simulation designer to anticipate possible difficulties. The issues that determine the designer's approach are the amount of resources, degree of simulation code change, number of boundary changes, appropriateness of a cost model, importance of experimental design, level of detail, degree of accuracy, and amount and type of validation. The objectives of the simulation analysis have been reduced to three categories: absolute projection, sensitivity analysis, and diagnostic investigation. A matrix is created to show the importance of each issue to each objective and to indicate some solutions. The matrix is used to review a completed simulation and to demonstrate the design problems that could have been avoided. In another case, the matrix is applied to an analysis in the formulative stage to demonstrate how conflicts are resolved.

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Bell, T. E., Computer Performance Analysis: Objectives and Problems in Simulating Computers. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1972. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R1051.html.
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