Distance MSc in Operational Research - Discrete-Event Simulation

Credit Value: 6
Tutors: Farhad Shafti

Class description/introduction

Students are introduced to the notion of exploring systems using Visual Interactive Simulation (VIS). VIS is one of the most important and frequently used techniques in OR. It enables models to be built which are easily understood by decision makers. These models are "simulated" through time so that the effects of different decision policies can be readily explored. The course covers the theory of simulation and its applicability, and also gives practical experience of the use of Visual Interactive Simulation.

Class aims

The aim is to make students proficient in a key OR technique, both the modelling skills and practical skills to build those models in a particular package.

Learning outcomes

Subject specific knowledge and skills

• recognise the type of client situation and problem which could benefit from simulation;
• successfully build, and analyse, a simulation model of a complex industrial problem;

Cognitive abilities and non-subject specific skills

• report on the outcome of such analyses in a professional and practical manner;
• modelling skills

Reading

It is not recommended that books are bought for part (i) of this unit: comprehensive notes are supplied with much of the Unit; recommended texts covering simulation for background reading only are:

• Computer Simulation in Management Science, M. Pidd, Wiley, 3rd edition 1992
• Successful Simulation, S. Robinson, McGraw Hill 9 780077 076221

Assessment

Two assessed individual assignments.

Learning Outcomes

• recognise client situations
• successfully build / analyse simulation models
• report on the outcome
• modelling skills

management science DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE Graham Hills BUILDING 40 GEORGE STREET G1 1QE
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contact-mansci@strath.ac.uk