Computer model documentation
Saul I. Gass · NCSU Libraries Repository (North Carolina State University Libraries) · 1978
Recent studies and surveys have concluded that, in general, the documents produced to support the understanding and use of computer models are inadequate. This paper describes some of the issues and concerns of computer model documentation and proposes an approach for the development of adequate documentation. A set of computer model documents is proposed and described that is based on the relationship between the phases of the model life cycle and documentation information needs.The author takes a highly critical view of the past and present inadequate state of documentation procedures for computer models. The attention of computer model sponsors and developers must be directed to this area. Otherwise, the author feels, there will be an unfortunate decline in the use of decision models as aids in the analysis of important policy issues. The course of action recommended in this report is an extreme position as to the total information and number of documents required to produce adequate documentation. The author calls for the capturing of all information generated during a model's life cycle. Further research is needed to adapt this extreme position to the realities of cost, resources, model complexity, and model use. (This paper is based on the more detailed report [11].)