Simulation in Operations Management

• Explain the concept of discrete event-based simulation
• Plan a simulation project for analysis of the performance of the a production or service system and define performance indicators relevant to the analysis
• Design a discrete event-based simulation model
• Implement the designed simulation model
• Verify and validate the proposed simulation model
• Analyze available data in order to identify and apply relevant statistical distributions to incur stochasticity in the simulation
• Plan a simulation experiment including setting up well-chosen scenarios for analysis of the considered system
• Conduct a simulation experiment and analyse and evaluate the results thereof
• Propose possible relevant improvements to the considered system and implement these in the simulation model as well as assess the effect of the proposed improvements
• Present the completed simulation project and discuss the results obtained

The course focuses on teaching the students to design, build and use discrete event-based simulation models to analyse problems within operations management. Based upon a wide range of specific complex planning problems, it will be discussed how simulation models can be used to obtain knowledge on the system’s operating performance. The students are taught to analyse complex systems within operations management and to define relevant key performance indicators.

The students are introduced to a discrete event-based simulation tool through small-scale practical assignments and introductory lectures. Hereafter, the students are given a more extensive case study in which a specific simulation problem is solved in groups of two students. For the case study, an individual written report is prepared and handed in at the end of the course.

02402/02403/02405, Introduction to statistics (or similar course in statistics and/or probability theory). Basic knowledge of programming (such as “if-then-else” statements and “for” loops).

Lectures, exercises and project work

The students are encouraged to form groups of two students before the course start. Students not part of a two-person group by the beginning of the course will be assigned to a group to carry out the case study.

Physical presence is required at the written exam.