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1. Course Description
This course will be an introduction to business simulation. The objective of this course is to give a comprehensive treatment of all the important aspects of a simulation study including modeling, model verification, input modeling, random number generators, simulation software, statistical design and analysis of simulation experiments. Every session, the theory will be followed up by extensive hands-on modeling exercises for various business situations.

Very Important

This is not a mathematics class. Students before joining the class have asked a question “if there would be complex math funda utilized” – the answer is NO. Sure, simulation is a mathematics-oriented exercise but we are aiming to create models that solve business side of challenge without getting into mathematics of simulation much. I strongly advise you talk to your seniors.

We will build simulation models that highlight business challenges; we will analyze existing models; we will not go through loads of slides to review theory.

Simulation while not an easy exercise in any manner, is a very important method to test what-if scenarios in a world where uncertainly is the norm of the situation. In a world where services are gaining more and more prominence, simulation exercise becomes the only method to come closer to experience reality without actually doing it. No question that simulation has helped immensely in production area too.

ExtendSim (www.ExtendSim.com) will be the primary tool of simulation modeling. Other tools like Simul8 (www.simul8.com) might be used as needed.

Some overall questions will span the general class theme. For any given challenge,
§ How to model the given system
§ What data and knowledge about the data exist
§ What are the constraints from various aspects
§ How to analyze the output for model validation
§ How to suggest improvements from the model and its behavior

2. Student Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course the student should have:
§ Gained an understanding of integrating business management principles into a simulation model in an interdisciplinary environment
§ Developed skills to juxtapose alternatives based on what-if scenarios via models
§ Obtained the mindset of delving into a business process – and not just stay at high-level
§ Worked as a member of a team in completing everyday business tasks and making decisions relating to the overall operation and growth of the business
§ Applied critical thinking and problem solving skills in a rapidly evolving environment
§ The ability to integrate cross-functional knowledge from various streams like:

o Human Resources	o Purchasing/Operations
o Marketing/Sales	o Finance

3. Required Text Books and Reading Material
§ Text: Business Process Modeling, Simulation, And Design, Manuel Laguna and John Peter Marklund, Prentice Hall, ISBN-10: 013091519X, ISBN-13: 978-0130915191
§ Additional Text: Simulation Modeling and Analysis, Averill M. Law, 4th Edition, 2008, Tata McGraw
§ Additional Reading Material/Models/Cases: These will be shared

4. Tentative Session Plan

SESSION NUMBER	TOPICS/ACTIVITIES	READING/CASE
MODULE A – BASIC SIMULATION MODELING
1	Introduction/course outline The Nature of Simulation Systems, Models and Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
2	Simulation of a Single Server Queuing System Simulation of an Inventory System Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
3	Parallel/ Distributed Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
4	Steps in a Simulation Study Other types of Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
MODULE B – MODELNG COMPLEX SYSTEMS
5	List Processing in Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 2
MODULE C – SIMULATION SOFTWARE
6	Introduction, Classification Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
7	Desirable Software Features Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
8	Simulation Software Demonstration Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
MODULE D – PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
9	Random Variables Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 4
10	Simulation Output Data and Stochastic Process Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 4
MODULE E – PRESENTATION
11	Presentation of Assignment
MODULE F – INPUT PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
12	Useful Distributions Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 6
MODULE G – RANDOM NUMBER GENERATORS
13	Introduction, Generators Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 7
MODULE H – RANDOM VARIATES
14	Continuous and Discrete Random Variates Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 8
MODULE I – PRESENTATION
15	Student presentations

As a deliberate effort, we would include more models if class prefers.

5. Evaluation
The overall grade will be based on the following components:

Class participation	20%
Assignments	20%
Mid-term	20%
Presentation	10%
Final	30%

CLASS PARTICIPATION
Heaviest possible interaction through hands-on modeling will be the learning method in this class. Pedagogically, this course will rely very heavily on experiential learning built around the following elements: class discussion of models, thought sharing, and video supplements. For the course to be useful to you, it is essential that, besides reading assigned chapters/articles from the book and the conceptual articles, you come to each class well prepared to discuss your analysis of the assigned material. I would strongly encourage active class participation.
§ My experience has been that students generally tend to under- (rather than over) estimate the worth of what they have to say. Thus, if you are ever in doubt, I would encourage you to participate rather than to keep quiet.
§ Note that probing questions are as useful a form of class participation as presentations of logical analyses.
§ Finally, needless to add, the quantity of your class participation would count positively only if the substantive quality of your comments and/or questions adds value to the class discussions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
This is a “building” class where models will be created to learn simulation techniques. So attendance is a must. Further, a very significant portion of your learning is likely to take place in the classroom as you participate in and listen to conceptual discussion and model/case analyses. Therefore, it is essential that, barring a job-related or personal crisis, each student attend every class. In case of any such exigencies, you must let me know either ex-ante or ex-post. Also, please note that if you miss more than two classes – for any reason – you run the risk of getting an “incomplete” grade in the course.

6. Academic Integrity
Any breach of integrity sensed by the instructor is likely to result in a Fail grade for the class – the decision will be final in such cases. See Students Manual of Policies.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Any student with special needs should bring this to the attention of the instructor as soon as possible, but not later than the second week of class.

Created By: Debasis Mohanty on 05/10/2012 at 08:52 AM
Category: ExPGP-III Doctype: Document