Simulation: A Modeler's Approach

By James R. Thompson

A unique, integrated treatment of computer modeling and simulation "The future of science belongs to those willing to make the shift to simulation-based modeling," predicts Rice Professor James Thompson, a leading modeler and computational statistician widely known for his original ideas and engaging style. He discusses methods, available to anyone with a fast desktop computer, for integrating simulation into the modeling process in order to create meaningful models of real phenomena. Drawing from a wealth of experience, he gives examples from trading markets, oncology, epidemiology, statistical process control, physics, public policy, combat, real-world optimization, Bayesian analyses, and population dynamics. Dr. Thompson believes that, so far from liberating us from the necessity of modeling, the fast computer enables us to engage in realistic models of processes in , for example, economics, which have not been possible earlier because simple stochastic models in the forward temporal direction generally become quite unmanageably complex when one is looking for such things as likelihoods. Thompson shows how simulation may be used to bypass the necessity of obtaining likelihood functions or moment-generating functions as a precursor to parameter estimation. Simulation: A Modeler's Approach is a provocative and practical guide for professionals in applied statistics as well as engineers, scientists, computer scientists, financial analysts, and anyone with an interest in the synergy between data, models, and the digital computer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
• Release date: Sep 25, 2009
• ISBN: 9780470317907

James R. Thompson

James R. Thompson has spent more than three decades selling to a broad variety of clients including Fortune 1,000 companies, unions, cities, States, the Federal Government, insurances companies, the military and anyone that would buy an ice cream cone. He currently lives in a high mountain resort in Utah where he skis, trains horses, motorcycles, offers consulting services, sales training and writes. “Learn to Sell and Stay Employed in Any Economy” is his third book. Other Books by James R. Thompson A View From Within an Elephant’s Ear, Two Minute Stories of Observation, Reflection, Inspiration and Humor, Granite Publishing 1997 Mormon Cowboy, Real Cowboy Stories! Filled with humor, wisdom, adventure, and western lore! iUniverse Publishing 2004

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