GUIDELINES ON WRITING A GOOD PAPER FOR THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER SIMULATION CONFERENCE
James R. Wilson, Edward P. Fitts · 2008
Proceedings of the Winter Simulation Conference is the permanent record of the papers presented at the conference. As an aid to authors who seek to improve the readability of their Proceedings papers, this note summarizes some useful guidelines on technical writing, including key references on each topic that is discussed. For questions about these guidelines, please send e-mail to or contact the Proceedings Editors. I. Organizing the paper (what to do before beginning to write) A. Analyze the situation—that is, the problem, the solution, and the target audience. 1. Formulate the objectives of the paper. 2. Specify the scope of the paper’s coverage of the subject and the results to be discussed. Orient the paper toward the theme of your session as indicated either by the title of your session or by the instructions of your session chair. Also take into account the type of track—tutorial, methodology, or application. 3. Identify the target audience and determine the background knowledge that you can assume for this particular group of people. Introductory tutorials are generally attended by newcomers who are interested in the basics of simulation. Advanced tutorials are designed