Agent-based modeling as a tool for public management research

Fabian Homberg, Davide Secchi, Dinuka Herath

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter introduces the use and usefulness of agent-based modeling (ABM) simulation techniques for the study of public administration, management and policy. It explains the nature of agent-based models, summarize their advantages and disadvantages and illustrate their use in an application. The explanations allow the reader to develop basic understanding of the agent-based modeling process. Based on the exploration it suggests that a number of different software platforms have been developed to help in applying ABM, pointing to NetLogo as the most frequently used software. In the second part of the chapter the authors exemplify how an agent-based simulation is used to study how problem solving affects the levels of public service motivation (PSM) of volunteers operating in the South of the UK, and belonging to different types of activities, related to (1) religious, (2) youth, (3) culture, (4) health, and (5) civic organizations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Research Methods in Public Administration, Management and Policy
EditorsEran Vigoda-Gadot, Dana R. Vashdi
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Chapter4
Pages42-62
Number of pages21
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781789903485
ISBN (Print)9781789903478
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Dec 2020

Publication series

NameElgar Handbooks in Public Administration and Management
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd

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