Simulation modeling serves as a critical tool for developing decision-support systems in complex and human-centric domains such as healthcare. This talk introduces three major simulation paradigms, Discrete Event Simulation (DE), Agent-Based Modeling (ABM), and System Dynamics (SD), and discusses their respective roles and distinctions in representing dynamic, adaptive systems within data-driven decision-making frameworks. The presentation will focus on two case studies that highlight the versatility of such simulation approaches. The first demonstrates the use of agent-based modelling to devise effective campus reopening policies during a pandemic situation, integrating behavioural and epidemiological factors to support public health decision-making. The second explores the development of Virtual Reality (VR)-based hybrid simulations for training and performance assessment in minimally invasive medical procedures, emphasizing objective skill evaluation and human decision-making under uncertainty. Together, these case studies illustrate how multi-paradigm simulation-based systems can enhance policy formulation, improve training effectiveness, and ultimately advance decision support in healthcare and related socio-technical systems.
Saurabh Jain is a faculty member in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) at IIT Bombay. He received his Ph.D. in Systems and Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona in 2021, where he also earned his M.S. in Industrial Engineering in 2017. Before joining IIT Bombay, Dr. Jain worked as an Operations Research Engineer at Intel Corporation, Chandler, USA, where he designed and developed high-fidelity simulation models to evaluate fab performance under varying production, layout, and WIP management strategies. His research focuses on applied simulation modeling and analysis for large-scale systems, with applications spanning manufacturing systems, healthcare systems, public policy, border security, and social networks. Dr. Jain has authored and co-authored several publications in international journals and conferences of repute. He is a member of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), the Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS), and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).