Exploiting the easyABMS methodology in social and economic domains

Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) represents a powerful approach for analyzing and modeling modern social and economic systems as they can be naturally conceived as composed of autonomous, goal-driven and interacting entities (agents) organized into societies. However, although several tools for ABMS are available, there are few methodologies and related processes which are able to cover all the phases from the analysis of the system under consideration to its modeling and simulation results analysis. Moreover, the absence of visual modeling tools and techniques for ABMS often constitutes an entry barrier for whoever lacks advanced programming skills. This paper presents and exemplifies through a case study an integrated and iterative methodology (easyABMS) specifically conceived for agent-based modeling and simulation of complex systems which is able to support domain experts in fully exploiting the benefits of the ABMS while significantly reducing programming and implementation efforts. The case study, concerning the management of a three-stage supply chain, shows how easyABMS can be effectively exploited for the agent-based modeling and simulation of modern social and economic systems.