The Long and Short: Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Scenario Lengths

How long should a simulated scenario last? Little literature exists, and what does exist, offers unsubstantiated opinions on the optimal timeframe. The authors of this article discuss the merits of both short scenarios, scenarios-defined as <30 minutes; and long scenarios-defined as >30 minutes. Advantages and disadvantages of both types of scenarios are presented. Substantiated research is needed on the appropriate time to simulate.