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a valuable basis for getting to a common understanding of agent-
based modeling and simulation and has proven its value in several
case studies. The GRAMS reference model serves as a framework
for effective and ecient development of conceptual and semi-formal
agent-based models.
2. The second main contribution is the demonstration of the flexibility
and possibilities coming with a strict separation of an agent-based
model and its simulation. Conceptually separating a model and
its simulation gives rise to the possibility of implementing different
simulation engines and using specialized parallelization techniques.
This in turn is the necessary prerequisite to enabling the transition
from small-scale model development to large-scale models.
The two original goals of this thesis are directly addressed by the
developed approach and, although the underlying problems are most
probably not finally solved, both goals are achieved:
1. Improving effectivity and eciency of model development.
The GRAMS reference model provides a solid and coherent found-
ation of agent-based modeling and simulation. It focuses primarily
on the conceptual model development, although it may also guide
the development of formal models. Achieving a common under-
standing of agent-based modeling and simulation within the large
community working in this area is a dicult and long process, in
which the GRAMS reference model may be considered a first step.
Common understanding of a domain is an absolutely necessary
prerequisite for collaborative work. In this sense, the GRAMS
reference model helps to enable collaborative development of agent-
based models. By strictly separating the definition of a model and
its simulation, not only the model itself may be developed in a
collaborative manner, but development of models and simulation
engines may be separated.
Furthermore, the GRAMS reference model implies a certain se-
quence of activities during model development and thus guides
model developers through a model development process.
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