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In every simulation, the simulationist has to first model the entities in the real world problems as a conceptual model. The conceptual model is then translated into a simulation program for execution.  Therefore, an appropriate modeling framework is needed to develop and implement a simulation model. The modeling framework, also called world view, is an underlying structure and organization of ideas that form the outline and basis on which a simulationist is to build the simulation model.  In the sequential mode of simulation, there are three main modeling views: event scheduling, activity scanning and process interaction. 

SPaDES/Java adopts a modified process-interaction modeling view called process-oriented modeling view.  Here, entities in the real world are viewed as a set of processes each encapsulating its own state and behaviour, and processes interact with one another through message passing.  Furthermore, it is necessary for a process-oriented model to be mapped to an operational model that is able to execute the simulation logic correctly and efficiently.  The operational model of SPaDES/Java is based on the Virtual Time Paradigm described above. Figure 1.1 below illustrates this concept.  

Figure 1.1 - Process-oriented modeling view