W. David Kelton, University of Cincinnati Randall P. Sadowski, Rockwell Automation   David T. Sturrock, Rockwell Automation   McGraw-Hill, ©2007

This fourth edition of Simulation with Arena has the same goal as the first three editions: to provide a comprehensive treatment of simulation concepts in general and the Arena simulation software in particular. It starts by having the reader develop simple, well-animated, high-level models, and then progresses to advanced modeling and analysis. Statistical design and analysis of simulation experiments is integrated with the modeling, reflecting the joint nature of these activities in good simulation studies. The objective is to help the reader carry out effective simulation modeling, analysis, and projects using the Arena simulation system. An informal, tutorial writing style is used. Included is a CD containing the current version (10.0) of the Arena academic software and the examples used throughout the text.

Starting with an introduction to simulation concepts, the book progresses through an overview of the Arena software, basic model development, input analysis, additional modeling constructs, output analysis, and advanced modeling. It also includes chapters on integrating Arena simulation models with other applications, specialized statistical issues, continuous simulation, and conducting a successful simulation study. It is intended primarily to be a text in a first course on simulation or for self-study. However, the later chapters could be incorporated into a second or graduate-level course.

Building on the success of the first three editions, published in 1998, 2002, and 2004, this edition retains the basic outline and tutorial style, built around a sequence of successively more complicated examples. All examples and discussion have been modified and updated for the current version (10.0) of the Arena software, and additional examples have been developed, along with more exercises. New sections cover simulating with spreadsheets, using basic Arena constructs in a case study of serial vs. parallel processing, and real-time integration of Arena with other software and devices. In addition, the major model in Chapters 5 and 6 is once again a call center similar to that in the first and second editions, except built up in smaller steps, yet ultimately to a more advanced version.

To obtain information on Simulation with Arena, 4th edition, contact your local McGraw-Hill representative.