Validation is a difficult and subjective process. The point was
pressed to the team that complex systems can never achieve absolute
validity (Sargent, 2010). The more time and effort that is spent
on a model, the more valid it will likely become, but this does not
mean that the model will engender better insights into the system.
With that in mind, validation was conducted using three approaches:
comparing the output of the simulation model to statistics
from the real system (event validity), using the built in
simulation animation (Animation), and gaining buy-in and support
from management at the CHFS (face validity) (Sargent, 2010).
These approaches proved to be time-consuming, but ensured that
the end product was obtainable and accurate.
Validation, verification and accreditation for this project were