Int. J. Simulation and Process Modelling, Vol. 13, No. 3, 2018 189 Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Simulating effect of parameter variation on the performance of an educational system Najat Messaoudi* Laboratory of Industrial Engineering, Information Processing and Logistics, Faculty of Sciences, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Km 8 Route d’El Jadida, B.P 5366 Maarif Casablanca 20100, Maroc, Morocco Email: najat.messaoudi@univh2c.ma *Corresponding author Jaafar Khalid Naciri Laboratory of Mechanics, Faculty of Sciences, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Km 8 Route d’El Jadida, B.P 5366 Maarif Casablanca 20100, Maroc, Morocco Email: jaafar.naciri@univh2c.ma Bahloul Bensassi Laboratory of Industrial Engineering, Information Processing and Logistics, Faculty of Sciences, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Km 8 Route d’El Jadida, B.P 5366 Maarif Casablanca 20100, Maroc, Morocco Email: bahloul_bensassi@yahoo.fr Abstract: The present study proposes a first model simulating the effect of variations of a group of parameters on the global performance of an educational system. To achieve the simulation, each training cycle of the educational system is broken down into different levels. The training unit is defined as the lower component of this decomposition. A generic processor is selected for modelling each training unit. A mathematical model enabling simulation of the increase of learner’s competence based on a production function is proposed. This function relates the increase of competencies of each learner to a set of parameters such as the time dependency, the class size, the personal capacity of each learner. The obtained curves clearly show the relationship between performance, variation in the number of learners and sensitivity of the pedagogical method. Simulations over the effect of group homogeneity on the performance versus class size curves are presented. Keywords: educational system; modelling; simulation; performance; assessment; class size; training program; competence; generic processor. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Messaoudi, N., Naciri, J.K. and Bensassi, B. (2018) ‘Simulating effect of parameter variation on the performance of an educational system’, Int. J. Simulation and Process Modelling, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp.189–199. Biographical notes: Najat Messaoudi received his Engineering degree in Automatic and Industrial Computer from the Higher School of electricity and mechanical, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco. She is currently working in the field of IT with great experience in management in higher education. Her research interest includes performance of higher education, modelling and simulation, and business modelling. Jaafar Khalid Naciri received his PhD in Mechanical Sciences from University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. He is currently a Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco. His research interest includes aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, quality assurance in higher education, modelling and simulation.