Simulation

Module Title	Simulation
Module Code	25-5034-00S
Semester of Delivery	See Module Information Table
Mandatory/Elective/Option	See Module Information Table
Level	5
Credit Points	20
Assessment Mode Weighting	Coursework	100%
	Examination	0%
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Class Contact Hours
Average Weekly	2.5
Directed Learning
Average Weekly	10
Module Leader	Max Moullin
	Sheffield Business School
Module Banding	B
Approval Status	Validated

Rationale

Visual interactive simulation is one of the most widely used business modelling methods and provides a visual representation of a system which enables managers to explore the likely effects of alternative operational policies interactively. It is applicable to a wide variety of situations - for example most airports, car assembly plants, and many fast food stores are planned using simulation.

 

Summary of Aims

The aims of this module are for students to:

1 Appreciate the wide range of situations that can be modelled using visual interactive simulation

2 Be familiar with the development environments offered within many packages e.g. Witness and Simul8

3 Be able to devise and evaluate simulation models for a range of scenarios

4 Be able to carry out simulation projects effectively

Anticipated Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

1 Appreciate the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation

2 Use a state-of -the art software package for simulation (e.g. WITNESS or SIMUL8)

3 Carry out simulation projects and perform experiments using a state-of-the-art visual interactive simulation package

4 To be able to write a report for management on a simulation study and provide clear sound recommendations based on the study

Assessment strategy & criteria

Learning Outcome	Assessment Criterion	Level descriptors
		fail	PASS	2.2	2.1	First
Outcome 1	Assignment 1 & 2	Insufficient understanding of the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation	A basic understanding of the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation	Sound understanding of the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation	Fairly comprehensive understanding of the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation	Outstanding understanding of the relevance and scope of visual interactive simulation
Outcome 2	Assignment 1 & 2	Unable to use package effectively	Able to develop basic models using the package	Able to use main elements of package and some understanding of other features	Able to run the model effectively and use relevant features.	Able to develop quite sophisticated models using the package
Outcome 3	Assignment 2	Project not carried out effectively.	Basic elements of project carried out effectively, but little more.	Project carried out effectively	Project carried out very effectively	As for 2.1, but with evidence of creative thinking
Outcome 4	Assignment 2	No real attempt at report format. Recommendations unclear.	Report format fairly basic. Recommendations not particularly insightful.	Clear report format and the main conclusions are presented quite well.	Report well written and all conclusions communicated well to client.	Report at consultant standard.

This module will be assessed by two substantial pieces of work. The first assignment, accounting for 40% of module marks, will assess students understanding of simulation and their use of the software package. The second assignment, worth 60%, will assess their ability to carry out simulation projects and perform experiments together with their report writing skills. Feedback will be given on the first assignment in time for this learning to be taken into account when undertaking the second assignment.

Indicative Content

• Introduction to simulation
• Monte Carlo methods
• Simulation on a spreadsheet
• Activity Cycle Diagrams
• Use of a visual interactive simulation package
• Design, construction and analysis of a simulation project
• Experimentation in simulation
• Stages in simulation projects
• Writing up simulation projects
• Case studies
• Benefits of visual interactive modelling and range of applications

 

Teaching and learning strategy and methods

Theoretical frameworks and will be introduced in lectures and developed in laboratory-based sessions. The latter will provide the principal setting for the learning of practical skills and will be computer-based as appropriate. Students will also learn from the various manuals and on-line information available with the simulation package and from the MENTOR software.

Indicative ReadingSuccessful Simulation, Robinson S, McGraw Hill 1994.

Business Modelling and Simulation, Oakshott L, 1997.

Computer Modelling for Discrete Simulation, Pidd M (ed), John Wiley & Sons 1989

Simulation for Decision Making, Thesen A, Travis L, West 1992

Mentor, Multi-media Software: Simulation Modules