Using discrete event simulation in the teaching of decision analysis

In this paper we discuss how discrete event simulation (DES) was used in a course on decision analysis (DA). Against the background of the characteristics of the students and the purpose of the course, we discuss various types of problems and methods that were found suitable to include in the course, in order to show the place of DES in DA. We present a number of simple GPSS programs that have been used in the course and proved effective in promoting the students' understanding of DA.