Collaborative simulation modelling: Part 1 – supporting the way we work

The EPSRC Technology Programme Network GROUPSIM is dedicated to the investigation of issues in collaborative simulation modelling. This, the first of two papers, reports current work of the group on the aspects of human-to-human collaboration. Effective collaboration in simulation modelling is perhaps one of the major factors contributing to the success of a simulation project. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Groupware study the interaction of people engaged in collaborative tasks and the software used to support them. This paper represents some initial observations on the possible benefits that simulation modelling might derive from the integration of these techniques and technologies into simulation technologies. The paper introduces CSCW and some Groupware applications. Results from two sources are then presented. The first are observations taken from a panel of experts that formed part of a GROUPSIM workshop dedicated to the discussion of the role of Collaboration in Simulation Modelling. The second are the outcomes from a short survey of the groupware application NetMeeting®. It is hoped that these will further the debate of the use of novel forms of technology to support and improve simulation modelling methodologies.