0%

Book Description

In recent years, there has been a growing debate, particularly in the UK and Europe, over the merits of using discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD); there are now instances where both methodologies were employed on the same problem. This book details each method, comparing each in terms of both theory and their application to various problem situations. It also provides a seamless treatment of various topics--theory, philosophy, detailed mechanics, practical implementation--providing a systematic treatment of the methodologies of DES and SD, which previously have been treated separately.

Table of Contents

  1. Cover
  2. Wiley Series in Operations Research and Management Science
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Preface
  7. List of Contributors
  8. Chapter 1: Introduction
    1. 1.1 How this Book Came About
    2. 1.2 The Editors
    3. 1.3 Navigating the Book
    4. References
  9. Chapter 2: Discrete-Event Simulation: A Primer
    1. 2.1 Introduction
    2. 2.2 An Example of a Discrete-Event Simulation: Modelling a Hospital Theatres Process
    3. 2.3 The Technical Perspective: How DES Works
    4. 2.4 The Philosophical Perspective: The DES Worldview
    5. 2.5 Software for DES
    6. 2.6 Conclusion
    7. References
  10. Chapter 3: Systems Thinking and System Dynamics: A Primer
    1. 3.1 Introduction
    2. 3.2 Systems Thinking
    3. 3.3 System Dynamics
    4. 3.4 Some Further Important Issues in SD Modelling
    5. 3.5 Further Reading
    6. References
  11. Chapter 4: Combining Problem Structuring Methods with Simulation: The Philosophical and Practical Challenges
    1. 4.1 Introduction
    2. 4.2 What are Problem Structuring Methods?
    3. 4.3 Multiparadigm Multimethodology in Management Science
    4. 4.4 Relevant Projects and Case Studies
    5. 4.5 The Case Study: Evaluating Intermediate Care
    6. 4.6 Discussion
    7. 4.7 Conclusions
    8. Acknowledgements
    9. References
  12. Chapter 5: Philosophical Positioning of Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics as Management Science Tools for Process Systems: A Critical Realist Perspective
    1. 5.1 Introduction
    2. 5.2 Ontological and Epistemological Assumptions of CR
    3. 5.3 Process System Modelling with SD and DES through the Prism of CR Scientific Positioning
    4. 5.4 Process System Modelling with SD and DES: Trends in and Implications for MS
    5. 5.5 Summary and Conclusions
    6. References
  13. Chapter 6: Theoretical Comparison of Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics
    1. 6.1 Introduction
    2. 6.2 System Dynamics
    3. 6.3 Discrete-Event Simulation
    4. 6.4 Summary: The Basic Differences
    5. 6.5 Example: Modelling Emergency Care in Nottingham
    6. 6.6 The $64 000 Question: Which to Choose?
    7. 6.7 Conclusion
    8. References
  14. Chapter 7: Models as Interfaces
    1. 7.1 Introduction: Models at the Interfaces or Models as Interfaces
    2. 7.2 The Social Roles of Simulation
    3. 7.3 The Modelling Process
    4. 7.4 The Modelling Approach
    5. 7.5 Two Case Studies of Modelling Projects
    6. 7.6 Summary and Conclusions
    7. References
  15. Chapter 8: An Empirical Study Comparing Model Development in Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics
    1. 8.1 Introduction
    2. 8.2 Existing Work Comparing DES and SD Modelling
    3. 8.3 The Study
    4. 8.4 Study Results
    5. 8.5 Observations from the DES and SD Expert Modellers' Behaviour
    6. 8.6 Conclusions
    7. Acknowledgements
    8. References
  16. Chapter 9: Explaining Puzzling Dynamics: A Comparison of System Dynamics and Discrete-Event Simulation
    1. 9.1 Introduction
    2. 9.2 Existing Comparisons of SD and DES
    3. 9.3 Research Focus
    4. 9.4 Erratic Fisheries – Chance, Destiny and Limited Foresight
    5. 9.5 Structure and Behaviour in Fisheries: A Comparison of SD and DES Models
    6. 9.6 Summary of Findings
    7. 9.7 Limitations of the Study
    8. 9.8 SD or DES?
    9. Acknowledgements
    10. References
  17. Chapter 10: DES View on Simulation Modelling: SIMUL8
    1. 10.1 Introduction
    2. 10.2 How Software Fits into the Project
    3. 10.3 Building a DES
    4. 10.4 Getting the Right Results from a DES
    5. 10.5 What Happens After the Results?
    6. 10.6 What Else does DES Software do and Why?
    7. 10.7 What Next for DES Software?
    8. References
  18. Chapter 11: Vensim and the Development of System Dynamics
    1. 11.1 Introduction
    2. 11.2 Coping with Complexity: The Need for System Dynamics
    3. 11.3 Complexity Arms Race
    4. 11.4 The Move to User-Led Innovation
    5. 11.5 Software Support
    6. 11.6 The Future for SD Software
    7. References
  19. Chapter 12: Multi-Method Modelling: AnyLogic
    1. 12.1 Architectures
    2. 12.2 Technical Aspect of Combining Modelling Methods
    3. 12.3 Example: Consumer Market and Supply Chain
    4. 12.4 Example: Epidemic and Clinic
    5. 12.5 Example: Product Portfolio and Investment Policy
    6. 12.6 Discussion
    7. References
  20. Chapter 13: Multiscale Modelling for Public Health Management: A Practical Guide
    1. 13.1 Introduction
    2. 13.2 Background
    3. 13.3 Multilevel System Theories and Methodologies
    4. 13.4 Multiscale Simulation Modelling and Management
    5. 13.5 Discussion
    6. 13.6 Conclusion
    7. References
  21. Chapter 14: Hybrid Modelling Case Studies
    1. 14.1 Introduction
    2. 14.2 A Multilevel Model of MRSA Endemicity and Its Control in Hospitals
    3. 14.3 Chlamydia Composite Model
    4. 14.4 A Hybrid Model for Social Care Services Operations
    5. References
  22. Chapter 15: The Ways Forward: A Personal View of System Dynamics and Discrete-Event Simulation
    1. 15.1 Genesis
    2. 15.2 Computer Simulation in Management Science
    3. 15.3 The Effect of Developments in Computing
    4. 15.4 The Importance of Process
    5. 15.5 My Own Comparison of the Simulation Approaches
    6. 15.6 Linking System Dynamics and Discrete-Event Simulation
    7. 15.7 The Importance of Intended Model Use
    8. 15.8 The Future?
    9. References
  23. Index
  24. End User License Agreement
18.226.185.87