Use of seminar gaming to specify and validate simulation models

Seminar gaming can be a useful method to use in specifying and validating a simulation model. It provides an interactive forum where a real or proposed system associated with a complex problem domain can by systematically studied by a variety of expert participants. It allows the proper integration of various technical, operational, and social/political considerations into the specification of the simulation model. Due to the visibility of the gaming process and the personal involvement of expert participants, a seminar game can contribute to model validation simultaneously with its specification. The method is especially useful in establishing model credibility and acceptability from the outset of its development. This paper describes the seminar gaming process and its application in specifying a simulation model to varying level of detail. The contribution of the process to model validation is outlined.