Social Systems Engineering

7Developing Agent‐Based Simulation Models for Social Systems Engineering Studies: A Novel Framework and its Application to Modelling Peacebuilding Activities

Peer‐Olaf Siebers, Grazziela P. Figueredo, Miwa Hirono and Anya Skatova

7.1 Introduction

Agent‐based modelling and simulation (ABMS) is a well‐established method for studying human‐centric systems and is therefore well suited for supporting the investigation of different scenarios related to social systems engineering. An example of social systems engineering opportunities where ABMS could be applied to evaluate different strategies is that of peacebuilding efforts to bring peace and stability to conflict‐affected countries. But how do we develop such a model? What are the steps required for model conceptualization, design and implementation? We found ourselves left alone with these kinds of questions when we aimed to build a simulation model to study the impact of current international peacebuilding efforts in conflict areas such as South Sudan. After many focus group meetings and discussions within our multidisciplinary team, we derived a framework to develop such models in a more formal way.

In this chapter we introduce the framework as a tool that employs the possibilities of computer modelling and simulation for advancing the way in which peacebuilding processes can be better understood and improved, given the complexity that social systems represent. The aim is to assist advancing prospects towards social systems engineering ...