Computer Simulation in Operations Management

The management of production and service processes can be supported by microcomputer simulation models―effectively and inexpensively―if the techniques are presented in an understandable manner. Drs. Klafehn, Weinroth, and Boronico prove this and show how to do it―not only for the benefit of operations managers themselves, but for others with management responsibilities in a variety of businesses and industries. They will learn how important daily operations problems can be modeled on a microcomputer, gain understanding of overall simulation methodology, and learn the several forms of cost savings achievable through simulation. For teachers in business schools the book will also provide a link between general management and the management of engineering and R&D.

The first chapter introduces the reader to the concepts and steps for undertaking a microcomputer simulation project. In addition, the benefits, drawbacks, and myths are reviewed in detail. Chapter two explores, in a conversational scenario, what is involved in taking a management operations problem involving a truck transfer depot from its point of inception to the formulation of a systems operation model, which in a later chapter is ultimately put into a computer simulation model and tested to, in a sense, come up with answers to the questions posed in the hypothetical conversation. Subsequent chapters in the book are oriented to a discussion of other operations management problems and the effort to seek insight and solutions through simulation modeling. A Just-in-Time manufacturing system is addressed, recognizing the push-pull concept as well as looking at the quality aspect. Attempting to determine the optimum levels for safety, stock, order points, and order quantity is investigated through computer simulation. These levels are predicated on balancing the costs associated with ordering and holding goods as well as the penalty costs of stocking out. Using a simulated environment enables the inclusion of the variability evidenced by the type of distribution. The remaining chapters also review alternative rules and what ifs as applied to machine configuration, facility location for a satellite EMS unit, and job shop operations. Each of the applications chapters provides a printout of the basic computer model, written in GPSS, that was then modified to investigate alternative scenarios.

KEITH KLAFEHN is Professor of Management and Health Care Systems, at the University of Akron, and president of SIMUTECH, Inc., a simulation and animation company he founded in 1993. He has published widely in various professional and academic journals and consulted to industry and health care organizations for more than 20 years, specializing in simulation in the analysis of processes and systems.

JAY WEINROTH is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Administrative Sciences, Kent State University. He specializes in systems simulation, information technology, and systems development and focuses his research on linking simulation with Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems technology. With many publications in the scientific and technical journals serving his field, he has co-edited two Proceedings in Simulation for Business Mangement for the Society for Computer Simulation and made presentations at simulation conferences here and in Europe.

JESS BORONICO is Professor of Quantitative Analysis and Operations Research at Monmouth University. He has published internationally in scholarly journals and conducts research in the area of mathematical programming and applied optimization. His consulting experience has been with firms in both the private and public sectors, including the United States Postal Service.