The Simulation Models of Activities of IT Firms on the Basis of AnyLogic Platform

Abstract

The article is aimed at disclosing the possibilities of using methods of the simulation modelling in solving the tasks of managing the activities of product and outsourcing IT companies. In the generalization of the publications of a number of specialists, the problems of applied introduction of the method of simulation modelling in the IT-sphere are allocated. The simulation models-trainers developed for typical product and outsourcing IT firms are proposed. The models are built using the multi-approach simulation paradigm (a combination of system-dynamic and agent approaches) on the basis of AnyLogic software platform. The product firm model reproduces the generalized lifecycle of the software products developed in accordance with needs of the IT market. The model explores the production parameters (temporary and cost-based) at all stages of software development; both the period of product availability in the market and the financial turnover of firm are forecasted. The outsourcing firm model is designed to explore its operation in conditions of a competitive IT market and the impact of competition on the demand of outsourcing services. The dynamics of orders and completed works by rival firms are forecasted; the impact of the duration of orders, price policy, advertising intensity on the final performance of companies are analyzed. The range of use of models in the practical activities of IT firms is demonstrated in the situational section on the basis of two types of simulation experiments – the standard type and the variation of parameters.

Keywords

• IT firm
• simulation modelling
• agent approach
• system dynamics
• simulation experiment