A tutorial on participative discrete event simulation in the virtual workshop environment

Facilitated discrete event simulation offers an alternative mode of engagement with stakeholders (clients) in simulation projects. Pre-covid19 this was undertaken in face-to-face workshops but the new reality has meant that this is no longer possible for many of us around the globe. This tutorial explores PartiSim, short for Participative Simulation, as adapted to fit the new reality of holding virtual workshops with stakeholders. PartiSim is a participative and facilitated modelling approach developed to support simulation projects through a framework, stakeholder-oriented tools and manuals in facilitated workshops. We describe a typical PartiSim study consisting of six stages, four of which involve facilitated workshops and how it can be undertaken in a virtual workshop environment. We have developed games to provide those attending the tutorial with the experience of virtual facilitation.