=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=None
|storemode=property
|title=Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-601/EOMAS10_paper9.pdf
|volume=Vol-601
}}
==Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-601/EOMAS10_paper9.pdf
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan
Ghaith Rabadi, Ph.D.
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
grabadi@odu.edu
Hazem Kaylani, Ph.D.
School of Technological Sciences
German-Jordanian University
Amman, Jordan
hazem.kaylani@gju.edu.jo
Abstract. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has recently become an important area that is pursued by
many researchers and practitioners due to the role it plays in understanding complex systems and
problems. We have therefore witnessed the establishment of many M&S organizations in the last two
decades especially in the more developed world. Less developed countries are starting to recognize the
need for such capability especially that the problems they face are not less complex. In this paper, we
present a preliminary study towards a business plan for establishing a scientific center for Modeling,
Analysis, Simulation and Animation in Jordan (JoSAMA) and the value it can bring to the academic,
industrial and governmental communities in Jordan and potentially in the Middle East. This effort was
funded by the Fulbright Specialist Program and hosted by the German-Jordanian University, Amman,
Jordan.
1 Introduction
It should be clear to everyone by now that information is among the most valuable and critical drivers for
decision making and training. In fact, Information Technology (IT) in general has become almost an
integral part of life in most of the world. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is a field that has advanced
significantly with the advancement in IT and has shown to be very useful in many applications especially
the field of decision-making for complex systems. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Simulation-Based
Engineering Science reported that “in the past decade, computer simulation has emerged as a powerful tool;
one that promises to revolutionize the way engineering and science are conducted in the twenty-first
century” [1].
Computer modeling can be defined as representing real existing (or future) systems or processes using
computer software and hardware to develop better and deeper understanding of the behavior of these
systems. Simulation modeling has become one of the most popular modeling paradigms as it can handle
very complex and dynamic systems without making many crude assumptions [2]. Nonetheless, there are
other modeling approaches including mathematical, analytical, graphical, and animated methods that may
be deemed appropriate or necessary for certain applications at a certain level of fidelity. Such modeling
approaches can also fall under the umbrella of modeling as they could be integrated into complex
(simulation) models.
Experimenting with real systems could be costly, dangerous, and/or time consuming. Modeling
systems can therefore become a much less costly alternative compared to the potential consequences of
making suboptimal or wrong decisions directly on the real system. Computer simulation emerges as a
powerful modeling tool as it mimics the behavior of the real system to enable the users experiment with the
J. Barjis, M.M. Narasipuram, G. Rabadi, J. Ralyté, and P. Plebani (Eds.):
CAiSE 2010 Workshop EOMAS’10, Hammamet, Tunisia, pp. 99-112, 2010.
100 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
simulated system before experimenting with the real one. The most common and important benefits of
simulation include [3]:
• One of the best ways to study complex, dynamic, and stochastic systems
• One can easily run “what-if” analysis
• Does not disturb the real system
• Cheaper than experimenting with the real system
• Time is compressed
• No need for crude assumptions
• Animation gives us insight into what is happening
• Training using computer simulation, animation and Virtual Reality has proved to be very cost
effective compared to training on real systems
The return on the investment of modeling a problem or a system may be quite significant given the
potential consequences in real life. Over the last a few decades, we have witnessed numerous areas of
civilian and military applications for M&S such as Manufacturing Systems and Processes, Logistics and
Distribution, Emergency-Response System and Crisis Management, Homeland Security, Computer and
Communication Networks, Transportation, Healthcare and Hospital facilities, Space Applications, and
Queuing Systems (e.g., Banks, restaurants, parks, supermarkets, stadiums, etc).
The importance of the field is not in question here as it is clear that the area is growing rapidly especially
in developed countries. What we argue in this paper is that in developing countries and regions such as the
Middle East, the need for such a scientific engineering approach and the capabilities to support this
approach both exist but they need to be organized into a viable and sustainable business model like the one
proposed here in order to benefit the academic and industrial communities in these regions.
2 Vision and Objectives of the Study
The objective of this paper is to conduct a preliminary study towards a business plan for establishing a
scientific center in Jordan for Modeling, Analysis Simulation, Animation, and Visualization (JoSAMA).
In this paper, we propose an organizational structure for this center and the value it can bring to the
academic, industrial and governmental communities in Jordan and the Middle East.
The proposed vision is for JoSAMA to be a center of excellence for Modeling, Simulation, Analysis,
Animation and Visualization at both the national (Jordan) and regional (Middle East) levels. The center
can potentially be an icon for (i) Modeling complex systems in different areas of applications (ii) Research
and development in M&S by bridging the gap between academia and industry (iii) Training to support
various industries, and (iv) Creating job opportunities.
3 Why Jordan?
M&S research and consulting communities in developed countries such as those in the U.S., Europe, and
Australia have recognized the importance of this field in the last two to three decades and have done
significant amount of development in terms of research, software, theory, and the necessary hardware to
support M&S needs. This can be easily seen by inspecting the number of books, technical journals,
software packages, conferences, consultants, and research centers around the world that arose in the past
two decades. To focus on centers similar to some extent to the one proposed here, Appendix A includes a
list of existing centers that conduct research, development and consulting in the area of Modeling,
Simulation, Analysis and Visualization. In Jordan, and the Middle East, there does not exist a center or an
organization that can capture the advancements and momentum in this field to generate products and tools
that can benefit the academic and industrial community although the regional demand for such products
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 101
exists. At this point, M&S knowledge, technology and research are being transferred and shared around the
world, and Jordan has all the criteria to host a successful center in M&S for the following reasons:
1. Jordan has a strategic location in the Middle East to serve the region’s needs in M&S. Since the
products that will be produced by this center are software, reports, and information that can be
electronically transmitted easily over the Internet to any location in the region and worldwide, the
physical location may not be of a significant importance. However, being geographically close to
clients is very important to maintain good client relations, face-to-face meetings when necessary,
conducting demonstrations, and hosting and attending relevant events. Furthermore, neighboring
countries that may need the technical expertise of the center (e.g., Saudi Arabia, United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq) add tremendous value to the business relations. Businesses in Jordan,
especially in the IT sector, have been performing great work for neighboring countries like those
mentioned earlier.
2. Human capital and talent are arguably the country’s most important resource, as it does not enjoy
as much of other natural resources. Jordan ranks at 91% literacy rate according to [4] and people
in Jordan are highly educated in Engineering, Sciences, and other technical domains. There are
currently 30 public and private universities in Jordan, a strong indication of people’s awareness of
the importance of higher education especially in technical fields given that the population of
Jordan is estimated to be a little six million. Among these universities is the German Jordanian
University (GJU), the university host of this effort, has strong ties to the industry and universities
in Jordan, the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. Appendix B includes a list of universities that
offer technical degrees and programs that can support the fields of Modeling, Simulation,
Analysis, Animation, and Visualization. Almost all technical departments and programs in these
universities teach in English, which makes their interaction and communication with the center
and future clients and supporters much easier. Several universities in Appendix B are the result of
partnership with leading universities in the U.S.A. and Europe.
3. Jordan is a modern and moderate country that enjoys excellent relations with states and countries
in the U.S. and Europe, which can support advancing the M&S field in the Middle East through
various funding programs. There are currently several international funding programs that Jordan
can benefit from in establishing a M&S center and advancing the field in Jordan. Jordan also
enjoys friendly business relations with countries in the Middle East and many of its expatriates
work in these countries.
4. Jordan is also considered an attractive educational destination for students from the neighboring
countries. Promoting a field like M&S and establishing a research center that will be affiliated
with multiple universities will help the universities attract foreign students.
5. The top leadership in Jordan is keen on promoting the human capital and investing in higher
education as it is the most precious resource the country has. For a relatively young field like
M&S, the potential to attract interest, funding, and investors from the region will create more jobs
in a specialized and technically advanced field.
4 Current State of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) in Jordan
The field of M&S is generally young worldwide including the Middle East and Jordan. However, since
higher education in Jordan has been a focal point for Jordanians, the country now has many core pillars
upon which fields like Modeling, Simulation, Analysis, Animation and Visualization can be founded in a
much easier and quicker fashion than other countries in the region. There are currently 30 public and
private universities in Jordan (see Appendix B for a complete list), the majority of which offer technical
bachelor and masters programs such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology (IT).
Most Engineering colleges that offer Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management teach simulation
102 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
modeling and analysis, stochastic processes and statistical analysis for their senior students. Also some
Computer Engineering and Computer Science Departments teach simulation-related courses such as
Computer Modeling, Computer Graphics, Animation and Parallel Computing.
Jordanian universities, however, do not have academic programs in M&S; however, the technical
courses they currently offer can be a very good starting point in establishing the discipline and supporting
the center. Establishing a M&S center in Jordan will help generate momentum for this important field to
help the country model and solve complex problems in various areas of applications for itself and the
region.
On the industrial consulting front, there are many large and small companies that conduct various types
of studies. However, it was not easy to survey which companies are involved in M&S projects. By
reviewing the various technical academic programs in higher education institutions, it seems that the
academic side can quickly adapt to support the field. On the industrial side, the main challenge is the lack
of awareness of M&S importance and the value it can add to their businesses. After meeting with several
key personnel at universities and industries, it became clear that the first step to successfully develop the
field through this center is to start with a M&S awareness campaign for the industrial and academic
communities. It is worthwhile noting that in the past two decades there has been some sporadic M&S
activities in Jordan and the Middle East in the form of conferences such as:
- The First Middle East Workshop on Simulation and Modelling, 1999 at the University of Jordan,
Amman, Jordan
- The International Middle Eastern Simulation Multiconference, 2008, at Philadelphia University,
Amman, Jordan
- International Middle Eastern Simulation Multiconference, 2009, at Lebanese American University,
Beirut, Lebanon
- The International Middle Eastern Simulation Multiconference, 2010, Alexandria, Egypt
- International Conference on Modeling, Simulation, and Applied Optimization, 2005, 2007 and
2009 in the United Arab Emirates
5 Short, Mid, and Long-term Objectives
The center must have clear objectives to achieve over its first 7 years and performance measures based on
these objectives to track its success. In this section, we define these objectives keeping in mind that such
objectives can be modified and refined by the Center Director and Advisory Board upon establishing the
center and its bylaws. It is assumed that a Center Director with the appropriate academic background and
industrial experience is selected early on to lead the effort and achieve the center’s goals and objectives. It
is also assumed that sufficient startup fund will be available for the center to have a reasonable level of
resources to operate (e.g., space, equipment, personnel, etc). The amount of funds and its potential sources
will have to be defined in a formal business plan that can be developed as a next step to this effort.
Short Term Objectives (1 – 2 years)
1. Equip the center with the necessary office and lab space, computer hardware and software
necessary to achieve the center’s short and mid term objectives.
2. Employ a full time Chief Scientist, a technical M&S simulation developer and an administrative
assistant to perform the objectives listed above.
3. Conduct a M&S awareness campaign including developing a web site for the center. The
campaign should be executed on two fronts: on the industrial front– the center will promote the
field for potential clients, and at the academic front – the center will make the faculty and students
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 103
of various universities aware of the effort and encouragement to participate in supporting the
center.
4. Run M&S short courses and workshops for various industrial sectors to spread awareness and
generate revenue for the center.
5. Secure small and medium size funded project through various sources to demonstrate capabilities
and generate more revenue.
6. Recruit at least 12 charter members and 12 corporate members
7. Assemble the Advisory Board members according to the structure proposed later in this paper.
8. Conduct industrial survey to collect information regarding to what extent the M&S tools are used
by the industry and what potential areas of application are.
Mid Term Objectives (2 –3 years)
1. Secure major funding for R&D, Training, and Consulting divisions through marketing and
competing for major agencies and companies. Acquire more hardware and software to support the
projects and center as necessary.
2. Hire more technical staff as needed (Engineers, Simulation Analysts, Computer scientists, IT
specialists, etc) to perform project work. The hiring should be consistent with the organizational
structure discussed later.
3. Hold semi-annual M&S workshops for a small fee to strengthen the name of the center and
establish industry confidence.
4. Participate in academic and industrial local and regional conferences and exhibits and present the
work that has been developed at the center so far. Participate if possible in international
conferences to keep the staff update with the latest technologies and research.
5. Conduct annual workshops to present successful projects and potential future applications.
Long Term Objectives (5 – 7 years)
1. The recognition of JoSAMA as a premier center of Excellence for Modeling, Simulation,
Analysis, Animation and Visualization in Jordan and the Middle East.
2. Establishing a warehouse of M&S products that resulted from previous projects and which can be
reusable in future projects.
3. Continuous self-sustaining growth by winning more local and regional consulting and research
contracts from local and regional private industries, and governments.
4. Advancing academic research by partnering with different universities to recruit more skilled
personnel and remain on the cutting edge of technology. This objective will be further supported
by holding international conferences and workshops in coordination with local and international
universities.
5. Develop new academic programs (B.S., M.S. and certifications) in partnership with various
universities.
6. Stimulate technology-based economic development in Jordan and the region, which should lead to
more job opportunities for Jordanians
6 A Proposed Organizational Structure of the Center
The proposed organizational structure in Figure 1 is based on the authors’ research and experience with
other similar centers in the U.S.A. The center’s organizational units and functions are discussed next.
104 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
Fig. 1. Organizational Structure of the Proposed Center
Advisory Board
The main purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise the Center Director on various issues including
actions and directions that the center should take to accomplish its objectives. The Advisory Board consists
of 9 to 12 members, one of which is assigned by the Center Director to be the Board’s Chairman. The
Board shall be made up of members from large, medium, and small companies depending on the their
revenue and number of employees. At the discretion of the Center Director, the Board may be augmented
by 3 to 6 At-Large members who are invited to participate in Board meetings and activities for a certain
period (e.g., one-year) and may serve for consecutive terms. A nomination and an election process by the
board members and Center Director will be followed to assign new members and fill any vacancies. The
initial Advisory Board can be assigned by the Center Director and a committee of stakeholders.
Steering Committees
JoSAMA can charter committees made up of individuals who are interested in certain aspects of
modeling, simulation, analysis, animation and/or visualization. They should also have the necessary
expertise to perform tasks assigned to them by the Director and Board, or they may undertake on their own.
At least one of the members (preferably the committee chair) needs to be from the Advisory Board. The
rest of the members can be from JoSAMA experts mixed with volunteers from outside the center.
Committees serve important roles including (a) representing the views and opinions of their respective
communities of interest to the Board and (b) using their influence to promote the implementation of
resolutions. Using outside committee members is especially important as they can promote outreach and
spread awareness about the field and the center.
Academic Partners
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 105
Technical universities will play a very important role in the proposed center as they will be the source of
human knowledge and skill in the field. Very few universities around the world have academic programs
that award full academic degrees in M&S. Old Dominion University is one of the few to offer B.S., M.S.,
Ph.D. and DEng (Doctor of Engineering) in M&S (http://eng.odu.edu/msgp/) as well as in various
Engineering disciplines with M&S focus. While, the universities in Jordan currently do not offer such
degrees, they collectively can offer courses that can become a strong foundation for M&S knowledge-base
infrastructure for the center. If the center proved to be successful, it may in turn promote academic
programs and degrees for the universities to sponsor in the future.
While the center has to have full time researchers and developers, the majority of the Ph.D. level
personnel are going to be recruited from Jordanian universities as part time affiliates where they perform
projects and supervise students and researcher at the center. This way, the university faculty can use the
center’s capacity (name and resources) to pursue projects and conduct more research in collaboration with
the center. The incentive for the faculty members to do so will be to advance their research and interface
with the industry to apply their knowledge, research and expertise to real-life problems in addition to
receiving financial compensation for their work. The center’s incentives, on the other hand, include having
a sustainable source of knowledge and research, create more products based on the project work performed,
and increasing its revenue for future growth and cover its cost. Moreover, the more projects are performed
with university professors and researchers, the stronger the academic relationship will be.
In summary, there are mutual benefits for both the universities and the center to collaborate and
succeed. This proposed approach to support the center with knowledgeable Ph.D. level professors and
researchers has been implemented at almost similar centers including VMASC at ODU, which has been
very successful at attracting grants and contracts for both the faculty members and the center. The
academic members at VMASC are not limited to ODU where other universities and colleges participate
and collaborate with VMASC. The same should be the case for JoSAMA where the partnership should not
be limited to one university only.
The proposed center needs to act as a connecting point between academic institutions, government, and
the private sector. Not only would all parties benefit from grants and contracts, but they would also enrich
the research and knowledge in the field by having the academic institutions participate in offering degree
programs and certificates in M&S to support the center’s mission and increase their student credit hours.
The list of universities that can teach courses and support the center’s mission along with some of the
relevant programs and courses are listed in Appendix B.
Member Consortium
The Consortium must include members from the Private Industry, Government and Academia. While
academic institutions will play a significant role as partners to support the center, they can become
consortium members like other members. Organizations from different sectors can become members for a
fee that can be decided by the center’s bylaws. There should be membership classes (e.g., Gold, Silver,
Regular, academic and In-kind memberships) depending on the level of involvement and benefits that a
member organization wishes to have. The exact roles and benefits of the members can be specified in
center’s bylaws; however, in general the members should have an influence on the work areas and
applications and should also have access to some of the resources and expertise available at the center. The
members will also provide access to the industry and government to help them compete for project work.
Their feedback to the Advisory Board via the center director will be an important feedback loop that will
help the center remain relevant.
Center Divisions
The center can consist from the following divisions, which are suggested based on the authors’ research
and experience with other similar centers:
1. Industry Outreach and Marketing
2. Technology and Laboratories
3. Research and Development
106 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
4. Consulting Services
5. Education and Training
The previous divisions with the appropriate personnel to run them should cover the project activities and
objectives to be achieved by the center.
Support Functions
For the center to function effectively and progress towards achieving its objectives, it needs the
following functional areas to support the different divisions and management team:
1. Human Resources
2. Legal Advisors
3. Information Technology Support
4. Finance and Contracts
5. Material and Facilities Management
6. Proposal Writing and Training Support
Conclusions and Future Work
In this paper, we presented a preliminary work on the need to establish a center for Modeling, Simulation,
Analysis, Animation and Visualization in Jordan. Such a center can play an important academic and
industrial role in the Middle East in a technical field that has witnessed significant momentum in the last
two decades. The necessary human talent, geographic location, and demographic makeup, as well as its
relations with developed countries, makes Jordan a very attractive for locating such a center. More work is
still needed to make the business case however. The next step is to develop a business plan that can be
presented to different stakeholder including government, local and international funding agencies,
universities, and industries. The plan needs to show that the proposed center is viable and sustainable on the
long run. Once finalized, the business plan in conjunction with proposals for funding should next be used to
raise enough capital to start the center. The implementation plan can be executed over multiple phases that
are consistent with the short, mid, and long-term objectives and timeline as discussed in the paper.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful for the Fulbright Specialist Program for funding the first author to conduct this study in
Amman, Jordan. We are also thankful for the host institution, the German Jordanian University, for
supporting both authors and providing the necessary data access and workplace during the duration of the
project. Finally, we would like to thank Mike Mcginnis, John Sokolowski, Mike Robinson and the staff at
Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) for providing valuable information on
VMASC’s bylaws, structure, history, and the lessons learned in the past 10 years [5], which gave the
authors a lot of insight into this paper.
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 107
References
1. Oden, J.T., Belytschko, T., Fish, J., Hughes, T.J.R., Johnson, C., Keyes, D., Laub, A., Petzold, L., Srolovitz. D.,
and Yip, S.: Simulation-Based Engineering Science: Revolutionizing Engineering Science through Simulation. A
Report of the National Science Foundation Blue Ribbon on Simulation-Based Science Engineering (2006).
2. Law, A.M., and Kelton, W.D.: Simulation Modeling and Analysis, 3rd ed., McGrow Hill, New York, NY (2000)
3. Kelton, W.D., Sadowski, R.P., and Swets, N.B.: Simulation with Arena, 5th edition. McGrow Hill, New York, NY,
( 2010)
4. United Nations Development Programme Report, Page 171 (2009)
5. Banks, C.M.: From Concept to Leader: The Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center: A Ten Year
Narrative. 10-Year Anniversary Report, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. (2008)
108 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
Appendix A: List of Selected Modeling, Simulation, Analysis and Visualization
Centers
1. Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A
http://www.vmasc.odu.edu/
Mission:
• Engage in collaborative research and development in Modeling and Simulation (M&S) and in
Visualization
• Develop the M&S workforce through education
• Provide M&S technical expertise to government and industry
• Stimulate technology-related economic development in Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth
of Virginia
2. Institute for Simulation & Training
the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A
http://www.ist.ucf.edu/
Mission: Advance the state of the art and science of modeling and simulation by
• performing basic and applied simulation research
• supporting education in modeling and simulation and related fields
• serving public and private simulation communities
3. Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS)
Jülich, Germany
http://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/about_us/institutes_facilities/institutes/ias
The Institute for Advanced Simulation unites Simulation Sciences and supercomputing under one roof.
Thus, disciplinary, methodic and technological competences can be combined to manage the future
challenges in the Simulation Sciences. It is considered one of the largest research centers in Europe.
4. Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development (CRS4)
Sardinia, Italy
http://www.crs4.it/index.html
CRS4 carries out applied research across a range of scientific and technological areas. Areas of
expertise encompass large-scale computational problems requiring advanced simulation techniques
supported by High Performance Computing, along with the timely integration of newly emerging
Information and Communications Technology. It focuses on problems stemming from natural, social
and industrial environments. The center co-operates with Industry, the Academic world and European
Scientific Laboratories.
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 109
5. International Research Institute for Simulation, Motion and Navigation (SIMONA)
Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
http://www.simona.tudelft.nl/
The objectives of SIMONA include:
• Development of an international research institute in the field of simulation with an advanced
flight-simulator and research facilities.
• Research in aspects of safe and economical transport.
• Combining and applying new methods and technologies for simulation and transport.
• Participate in national and international research projects.
• Accomplish collaboration between national and international universities, research institutes and
industry.
6. McLeod Institute of Simulation Sciences
California State University, Chico, California, U.S.A.
http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~mcleod/overview.html
The original goal was to create a self-supporting, ongoing Institute supported in a variety of ways
(funds, equipment, visiting personnel) by industry and state and federal contributions. Faculty and
student efforts are supported by grants and contracts supporting research and training projects. The
intent is to involve as many faculty and students as can be reasonably accommodated based on the
space, equipment, and funds available. Activities of the Institute include: Applications of the High
level Architecture (HLA), Intelligent software environments for simulation, Programming languages
for simulation, Techniques for evaluating the performance of computer simulation systems, High-
speed real-time simulation systems and the development of software for engineering education.
7. Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation Institute (MOVES)
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, U.S.A.
http://www.movesinstitute.org/
MOVES mission is to enhance the operational effectiveness of the joint forces and their allies by
providing superior training and analysis products, education, and exemplary research in the field of
modeling and simulation.
8. Center for Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (CMSA)
University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.A
http://cmsa.uah.edu
CMSA’s work centers on modeling and simulation and systems engineering. CMSA has broad
capabilities in both of those disciplines, with special expertise in these areas: Physics-based modeling,
Model validation methodologies, Spacecraft propulsion modeling, Simulation interoperability and
composability, Discrete event simulation, Mathematical modeling and analysis, Finite element
modeling and computational fluid dynamics, Modeling and simulation education, System-level
modeling for design analysis and trade studies, Using modeling and simulation in the systems
engineering process, Systems engineering methods, and Technical team performance.
110 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
9. The Center for Simulation and Modeling (SAM)
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
http://www.sam.pitt.edu/
SAM is dedicated to supporting and facilitating computational-based research across campus.
Faculty across the University are using modeling and simulation to further their research. SAM serves
as a catalyst for multidisciplinary collaborations among professors, sponsors modeling-focused
seminars, teaches graduate-level modeling courses, and provides individual consultation in modeling
to all researchers at the University.
Faculty and staff using simulation and modeling at the University come from a wide range of
disciplines, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, health, and medicine.
Areas of research include: energy and sustainability, nanoscience and materials engineering, medicine
and biology, and economics and the social sciences.
Towards a Center for Modeling and Simulation: The Case for Jordan 111
Appendix B: A List of Jordanian Universities that Can Support the Proposed
Center
University Name Relevant Departments Courses (Course Number)
New and has the potential to add
Ajloun National Private University None
programs/courses that support M&S
Modeling and Simulation for
Al al-Bayt University Computer Information Systems
business (902352)
Al-Ahliyya Amman University Computer Engineering Modeling & Simulation (82589)
Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Computer Engineering
Al-Isra Private University Computer Engineering Simulation & Modeling (404542)
Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan Computer Science Computer Simulation (0102441)
College of Computer Science and
Amman Arab University Information is not available
Informatics
Applied Science Private University Industrial Engineering Simulation (803482)
Arab Academy for Banking &
No programs to support M&S No courses to support M&S
Financial Sciences
Arab Open University IT Department Various IT Courses
Balqa Applied University Master Degree in Computer Science Simulation Methods (501001788)
Communication & Electronics
Simulation & Modeling (404542)
Engineering
Columbia University Global Center: New and has the potential to add
Currently None
Amman programs/courses relevant to M&S
DePaul University in Amman, CSC 332 Simulation and Modeling
School of Computing
Jordan and many other supporting courses
German-Jordanian University Industrial and Management Systems Simulation (IE 532)
Hashemite University Computer Engineering Modeling & Simulation (408360)
No information is available about No information is available about
Irbid National University
programs courses
Jadara University for Graduate Computer Science and Information
Modeling and Simulation (501351)
Studies Technology
No information is available about
Jerash Private University College of Engineering
programs/courses
Jordan Academy of Music No relevant programs to M&S No relevant courses to M&S
Simulation (IE 512), Industrial
Simulation (IE751), Modeling and
Jordan University of Science and Engineering: Industrial Engineering, Simulation of Nuclear Reactors
Technology Electrical Engineering and several others (NE472), Modeling, Simulation and
Analysis of Physical Systems
(ME503)
Computer and Information Technology:
SIMULATION AND MODELING
Computer Engineering, Computer
(CPE412), Modeling and Simulation
Information Systems, Computer Science,
of Business Cases (CIS385)
Software Engineering
Industrial Systems Engineering,
Computer Engineering, Engineering No information is available about
Mutah University
Management Program, Dept of courses
Information Technology
New York Institute of Technology, School of Engineering & Computer Systems Simulation (IENG 425),
Jordan Sciences with several department s other supporting courses
112 G. Rabadi and H. Kaylani
including Engineering Management
Philadelphia University Computer Engineering Modeling & Simulation (630573)
Virtual Reality Systems (630582)
Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation (640645)
Princess Sumaya University for
Computer Science
Technology
Computer graphics and animation
Computer Engineering
Communication Engineering Simulation Tools (5244)
Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts Many related programs and courses Many related programs and courses
Tafila Technical University Computer Engineering Modeling and Simulation (0107552)
Modelling and Simulation
University of Jordan Computer Science
(1901352)
Computer Simulation in Business
Business Information Systems
(1903442)
Simulation, Advanced Simulation,
Industrial Engineering
Systems Simulation
University of Petra Computer Science
Computer Information Systems
Programming Engineering
Computer Information Systems Computer Simulation (0102441)
Management Information Systems Modeling & Simulation (303016337)
Computer Engineering Modeling & Simulation (302007547)
Discrete Systems Simulation
Programming Engineering
(301002481)
Computer Engineering Simulation and Modeling (CPE412)
Simulation and Modeling LAB (CPE
412A)
Computer Science Simulation and Modeling (CS487)
System modeling and identification
Yarmouk University Industrial Automotive Engineering
(CE 623)
Industrial Engineering Simulation (403413)
Zarqa Private University Computer Information Systems Simulation by Computer (0306382)
Programming Engineering
Computer Science