Introduction to the modeling and analysis of complex systems: a review

Overview While there is considerable diversity in the domain of complex adaptive systems modeling research Niazi (2013), there are only a handful of books in the market suitable for use in complexity-related courses. Existing books include Boccara’s “Modeling Complex Systems” Boccara (2010) and books with a focus on agent-based modeling including Macal and North’s textbook Macal and North (2007) and Railsback and Grimm’s book with a focus on the ecological perspective Railsback and Grimm (2011). Mathematicallyoriented textbooks include a book by Edward and Hamson, Edwards and Hamson (2007) as well as one by Dym (2004). Hiroki Sayama’s book “Introduction to the Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems” is therefore a unique and welcome addition to any instructor’s collection. What makes it valuable is that it not only presents a state-of-the-art review of the domain but also serves as a gentle guide to learning the sophisticated art of modeling complex systems. The book is primarily composed of three types of chapters: preliminary chapters followed by logically interspersed modeling and analysis chapters. It has been designed for use both in basic as well as advanced courses spanning 1–2 semesters. Additionally, the book demonstrates the use of PyCX, a freely available Python-based complex systems simulation framework Sayama (2013).