Choosing a language for an MBA system modeling and simulation course

Simulation languages develop and evolve over time, and the courses in which modeling and simulation are taught must also evolve to keep pace. In the McMaster University MBA program, a study was undertaken in order to select a new simulation language for a system modeling and simulation course in which GPSS had previously been used, in order to demonstrate a broader possible selection of possible application areas for simulation. The language which was selected was SLAM II, and this selection was confirmed by monitoring the reactions and perceptions of the students to both the old and new languages, which were taught concurrently in two separate sections.