Standardizing simulations — uphill all the way
Horstmann, W. (2002). Standardizing simulations — uphill all the way. In G. Bachmann, O. Haefeli, & M. Kindt (Eds.), Campus 2002 : die virtuelle Hochschule in der Konsolidierungsphase, Medien in der Wissenschaft ; 18 (pp. 218–230). Waxmann.
Abstract
Simulations represent complex and dynamic knowledge by being inherently functional. Despite this extraordinary capability – not realized in any other medium – no widespread standards have prevailed. Considering the conceptual difficulty, the semantic variety and the specialization in complicated content the lack of standards is no surprise: The versatility of simulation takes a heavy toll on standardization! Moreover, the provision of inherent functionality necessitates that users decide what the simulation will be like and forces them to make the corresponding interventions. These active cognitive and behavioural processes inescapably introduce a human factor that cannot directly be included in standardization ventures. Since the logic of simulation is based on the human factor, it is concluded here that attempts to standardize simulations can only be successful if they focus on the human factor – a work that eventually implies enduring research and development processes.