MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

MODULE HANDBOOK

Module Code: EBUS504 Module Name: Operations Modelling & Simulation

Semester 1 2010/2011

EBUS504: Operation Modelling & Simulation

(2010/2011)

1. Module information
Module Name: Module code: Credit value: Semester: Pre-requisites: Lecture schedule: Lab. schedule: Operations Modelling and Simulation EBUS504 15 Credits 1 None Weeks 1-12, Tuesday 11:00-13:00 TBA Weeks 2-10 Tuesday 14:00-17:00 PC Lab., The Management School (No. 427 on Map) (BLEB/BLED) (BLOP/BLDO) (MFMA/MFDA)

The module is optional to the following MSc programmes: - MSc/PgDip E-Business Strategy & Systems - MSc/PgDip Operations & Supply Chain Management - MSc/PgDip Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology

2. Module Leader and Contact Details

Module leader: Email: Office address: Office hours: Lab. Assistant: Email: Office address: Dr Hossam Ismail hsismail@liverpool.ac.uk Room FE05, First Floor Management School (No. 427 on Map) Tuesday (9:00-11:00), Friday (9:00-11:00) Preferred mode of contact is via Email or through the PG Office Ms Lina Wang rinawang@liverpool.ac.uk Room FE10, First Floor Management School (No. 427 on Map) Preferred mode of contact is via Email or through the PG Office

3. Module Objectives
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the role of modelling and simulation in the development and improvement of business processes in a commercial environment. Important elements include analytical techniques of systems, statistical aspects of modelling. Extensive use will be made of a variety of a commercially available modelling and simulation tools (Witness, Lanner Ltd). The aims are that the student will: - Understand a range of modelling analytical methods and their appropriate applications. - Understand the dynamic nature of systems and their behavioural characteristics. - Understand how real system modules are developed, tested and validated. - Be confident in use of commercially available simulation tools (Witness).

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4. Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will: - Be able to develop models for business process reengineering. - Be able to specify and demonstrate a computer simulation for business process modelling. - Be able to apply statistical and analytical techniques for simulation experimentation.

5. Teaching and Learning Strategies

There will be a two hour lecture per week covering the theoretical and application aspects of modelling as well as an introduction to the simulation tool used in the labs. There will 10 x 1.5 hours supervised laboratory classes covering an introduction to the use of the simulation tool taking the students through the various stages of developing and testing a model. In key assignments, the students are expected to develop three models in the lab increasing in the degree of complexity. A full version of Witness is installed on the university network for use only in the PC Labs in the management school. Students can download a student version of the package, instruction manuals and tutorials for use at home. This version is restricted in the number of elements a student can use to develop a model but can help in understanding how the package works. There are textbooks covering the basic material on modelling and simulation, and others which can be used for further reading. References to journal articles will expose students to state-of-the-art studies. Use of case study material and models developed by other students for companies will be utilised to further expose students to practical examples. Lecture slides and assignments are on Vital: https://vital.liv.ac.uk/webapps/login/

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6. Assessment
There are three elements to the module assessment: 1. Assignment 1: Witness simulation models Weight: 55% You will be required to develop a series of models to describe three systems given in the assignment document on VITAL. The aim of the models is to optimise how the systems operate and answer a number of specific questions. The report should describe each system and the elements you have used to model each in witness. The report should not include the history of simulation or witness etc. but should focus on the system you are modelling. You will be marked on: - Your interpretation of the system problems - Your approach to identify the optimum solution using flowchart sand Gantt charts - Describe a model that validates your answers - A discussion of the model results and you recommendations - A separate working model for each question in the assignment Submission: One hard copy one electronic through Turnitin. A CD with the individual Witness models Submission date: 10th Jan. 2011, Student Support Office, Management School Return date: 12th January 2010 2. Class Test Weight: 45% Class Test Date: TBA (during the examination period) Duration: 120 min. The class test will be open book and consists of a number of questions covering the activity cycle diagrams, queuing theory, a simulation problem, and a multi-criteria decision support problem. Examples of these will be covered in the lectures and a sample class test with model answers will be available on Vital. A date will be set in the two week examination period in January to fit with existing exam timetables. Submission of Coursework The module coursework requires dual submission. You must hand in a hard copy to the Student Support Office (post into the white postgraduate submission boxes outside the office) on or before the stated deadline. You must also submit a soft copy via Turnitin on or before the stated deadline. Turnitin is a plagiarism and collusion detection system. If you do not submit to Turnitin your work will not be marked. Failure to submit an identical version via Turnitin compared to your hard copy will attract a penalty of 10 marks. To submit via Turnitin, go to the assessment area for the module on VITAL and you will find a link for the coursework. Click on View/Complete and then on the submit icon for the paper. You are then prompted to submit a title for the paper. Use the browse button to locate the file you want to submit, then click submit. You will then be asked to confirm that you want to submit by clicking the Yes, submit button. Students are reminded that the following important information is published in the ULMS Postgraduate Programme Handbooks, available on-line at:
http://www.liv.ac.uk/managementschool/postgraduate/current_students.htm

The information includes advice on:

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How to reference your work Lateness penalties What to do if you require an extension Re-sits

7. Teaching Programme
The lecture structure will cover the following: - Introduction to Process Modelling and Simulation [2 lectures] - Charting and process representation techniques [4 lectures] Flowcharting and Process Mapping, Gantt Charts, Activity Cycle Diagrams, Cross Functional Process Maps, IDEF 0,1,2 Models, Data flow diagrams. - Deterministic and Stochastic models [4 lectures] Characteristics of Stochastic Models, types of distributions, Queuing theory, Inventory models. - Computer Simulation Models [5 lectures] Process based. 3 Phase Approach. Overview to software tools. The development stages of a computer simulation model. Developing Scenarios, Interpretation of results. - Case studies [4 lectures] Case studies demonstrating the practical aspects of developing simulation models with a review of the benefits and problems encountered. - An introduction to Multi Criteria Decision Making Techniques to [2 lectures] - Introduction to system dynamics [3 lectures] Defining problems dynamically, representation techniques, model conceptualisation, formation and testing. - Witness Simulation Labs [18 hours]

8. Core reading
Although there will be no set text, the following books will prove useful reading. Pidd M, "Computer Simulation in Management Science", John Wiley, 1998. Carrie A, "Simulation of Manufacturing Systems", John Wiley, 1988. Oakshott L, "Business Modelling and Simulation", Pitman Publishing, 1997. Harrington. HJ, "Simulation Modelling Methods", McGraw-Hill, 2002. Richardson G P, Ouch L, "Introduction to System Dynamics Modelling", Pegasus, 1999. WITNESS documentation on the computer network.

9. Electronic resources
https://vital.liv.ac.uk/webapps/login/ Witness tutorials and manuals (University Network)

10. Sign-off
Document last revised: September 2010 Name: Dr Hossam Ismail Updates will be provided on Vital, e.g., changes to the lecture programme or references to useful literature which has appeared since the handbook

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