A special issue dedicated to simulation

Abstract

The quantitative methods favored by the majority of researchers in positivist information systems are mainly based on a statistical use of data from surveys. They are commonly used to describe and explain complex structures and decisions. Although simulation as a quantitative and positivist exploratory method is more rarely used in information systems research, it has seen a gradual development in recent years. This delay could be explained by the very nature of social science research, which often leads to classification problems. If the research object focuses on the understanding of organizations, descriptive statistics can provide a first level of "static" understanding of these organizations.