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5.1.2 Bad support of collaborative development
Assuming that simulation models grow in size and complexity, it
seems likely that future model development will require large teams
of different specialists working together. Talking about large and
complex models, both in concept and software, the importance of
sound and precise definitions becomes even more obvious if these
models are developed by a large number of people.
A reference model for agent-based modeling and simulation could be
very helpful in at least two aspects: First, it would provide necessary
basic definitions in an unambiguous way. Thereby the reference model
would provide a common understanding shared by all project members,
simplifying communication and reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
As this kind of common understanding is crucial for the success of
projects as they reach a certain complexity, a common (and accepted)
reference model may result in considerable benefits.
Second, such a reference model can be regarded as a linking ele-
ment between all project members. This is especially important for
bringing together specialists from different fields (e. g., modeling and
implementation) on the one hand and decoupling the responsibilities
and work areas of the specialists on the other hand. Here, decoupling
of responsibilities refers to the fact that the reference model allows
the identification of independent parts which may in turn be given
to mostly independently operating teams. In this case, the refer-
ence model can be seen as a kind of interface specification, detailing
precisely how the various pieces fit together.
Furthermore, the reference model might simplify development and
usage of platforms for coordinating collaborative development. As
collaboration requires all project members to have access to the latest
information and data of a model, enabling such supportive platforms
is important.
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