SIMULATION APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESS
MS 4323 (Fall 2000)
Instructor:
Time/Room:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Homepage:
Office Hours:
Dr. Kefeng Xu
Section 001 (MW 700-815PM) BB3.02.18
BB 4.04.18
(210) 458-5388
kefeng@lonestar.utsa.edu
http://business.utsa.edu/faculty/kxu
MW 3:15PM-4:45PM and by appointment
REQUIRED TEXTS AND COURSE HANDOUTS:
1. Simulation Using Promodel by Charles Harrell, Birman K. Ghosh, Royce
Bowden. CD-ROM (2000), McGraw-Hill.
(Note: ProModel Student Package CD is included in the book. For more information
about ProModel, you could also check the ProModel Corporation webpage at
http://www.promodel.com/. Call this textbook as T1 below.)
2. ProModel Training Slides (noted as T2 below) in the form of Powerpoint files and
regular lecture notes can be downloaded from my website. There might be some
miscellaneous handouts (noted as T3 below) available outside my office door for you
to copy
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is intended to extend business majors' knowledge and expertise with one of
the most widely used management decision support tools--simulation modeling. This
course assumes prior knowledge and work with computers and basic knowledge of
management science as MS 3033 is a prerequisite to this course. A solid understanding of
basic statistics is also essential in this course. A general simulation software package,
ProModel, will be utilized to facilitate the learning process. This will give you a firsthand experience with simulating a real world situation for better decision making.
Simulation is a popular technique for the creation of models of real systems in order to
make more effective decisions. Examples of such systems include factories, airports,
banks, hospitals, clinics, ocean terminals, distribution centers and warehouses,
information systems, emergency response systems, to name just a few. It would be rash to
design a new airport or change the production processes in a major factory without first
doing a simulation model. More than 89% of Fortune 500 firms use simulation and have
for a long time.
Students will gain basic literacy in discrete-event simulation by learning simulation
concepts and the basics of ProModel (or its close cousins, MedModel & ServiceModel,
depending on the preference of individual students), one of the most popular simulation
packages for the modeling of systems common to business. ProModel provides an
interactive graphical environment for building simulation models mimicking the real
world operating process. It has an animation capability and extensive online manual.
These features considerably ease the students’ learning process, and allow them to focus
more on simulation concepts, principles and applications. In addition, by looking at some
successful applications of simulation, students will be introduced to modeling
methodologies and learn how simulation modeling can enhance business process design.
A small final modeling project will bring satisfaction and a sense of closure.
This course should be taken by the following types of people:
1. Those interested in modeling and computers for problem solving;
2. those interested in operations management, either in an industrial setting or in service
industries such as government, hospitals, logistics, the restaurant industry, etc.;
3. those interested in decision support systems or MIS;
4. those interested in a career in operations research/management science. Simulation has
always been the most used technique by management scientists after basic statistics. For
people in this category, this course is only a starting point.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
MS 3033 is the prior requirements to taking this course. Some fundamental knowledge of
probability and statistics (such as those in MS 3313 or other similar courses) is essential.
No strong computer experience is assumed, although some operational exposure to
microcomputers (through spreadsheets, word processors, data bases, e-mail, etc...) and to
computer programming would have some value. ProModel is an advanced graphical
simulation system with an easy-to-use graphical user interface.
You do not have to own a microcomputer as there are many microcomputers available for
student use around campus (e.g. computer labs). A LAN version of ProModel (and
ServiceModel and MedModel) has been installed in the business school’s Advanced
Project Lab. In the textbook you purchase from bookstore, you will find a CD which is a
student version of the ProModel Software to install in your own PC. This is a very good
packaged deal with the manuals required in the course—see texts required above. You are
expected to demonstrate mastery of the course materials through various exercises
including examinations, homework assignments, and a final group project.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures, discussions, and labs will be used throughout the course. Students are
responsible for all materials presented in class and outside assignments. Assignment due
date will be clearly marked on the assignment handout sheets to be distributed. Late
assignments are discounted 20% for each day late and will not be accepted after 4 days
of the original due date, unless arrangements are made with me prior to the start of class.
All assignments done outside of class will be graded on a content and presentation basis,
i.e., spelling, punctuation and grammar. The computer lab is at your disposal so there is
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little excuse for 'typos'. All outside assignments must be word-processed. No
handwritten work, except complicated formulae and some graphs, will be accepted.
GROUP PROJECT:
A simple but practical project is a testing ground for the exciting tool just acquired in this
class. To facilitate cooperative learning while minimizing the chance of “free ride” (not
sharing the proper workload in the group), students are expected to form groups of (at
most) 3 persons around week 3 to plan the project, determine the problem scope, collect
necessary data, formulate, test and verify the simulation model, apply the model to solve
the problem. Only when you are determined to undertake a large, complex project you
could form a group of more than 3 with the permission of the instructor. You will
demonstrate your knowledge of simulation by correctly executing the project in a
scientific fashion and briefly present the results to the class at the end of the semester. A
managerial project report with no more than 15 pages text for each group is due in the last
class of the semester.
The grading of the project is 80% based on the report, while 20% based on the
presentation. Each member of the group usually gets the same grade, unless some “free
ride” is reported on particular member by the end of the last class. In this case, a peerevaluation will be adopted to determine the distribution of grade among group members.
GROUP PROJECT PRESENTATIONS:
Being able to confidently present material in front of an audience is a vital skill needed in
the business arena. By "confidently", I mean that the presentation is well-prepared,
organized and clearly thought-out in what should be said and in how it is said.
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The presentation should begin with an overview sentence or two about the topic to be
discussed, a brief outline of what will be discussed in a realistic order, coverage of the
major points as mentioned in the outline, and ending with a brief summary of a
sentence or two of what was said and why it is important for us as managers.
A one-page outline or presentation summary is also customary (distributed to all
audience) so that all participants are included in what is being discussed.
A copy of the project presentation slides should be made available to the instructor at
the time of the presentation.
As in any presentation, there are time constraints that all managers must be held
accountable for. Tentatively each group is allowed 30 minutes to present the project.
Part of any presentation includes appearance and business attire is expected.
Address the audience clearly. Don't race through your presentation just to "get it over
with".
This is a learning experience and you will receive feedback, using the evaluation form
attached. It is hoped that future presentations will be improved upon given the feedback
you receive.
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EXAMINATIONS:
There will be one midterm and one final exams during the course. The exam will include
short-answer, model and/or essay questions. A doctor's excuse is necessary for a make-up
exam. Make-up exams are not scheduled for non-approved absences. If you will be
unable to make the exam for the medical or other emergency reasons, please call me at
the office and let me know PRIOR to the start of the exam. There is an answering
machine at the above number if I have already left for class. It is your responsibility to
notify me, not for me to guess. If I have to guess - no make up will be given.
LAB HOURS
Through some special arrangements, most of our regular sessions are to be conducted in
our Business Computer Classroom (BB 3.02.18) for lectures and to learn and use
ProModel (alternatively ServiceModel and MedModel, depending on individual’s
preference, though instructions and discussions will be focused on ProModel). Please
note that these sessions are marked on the tentative class schedule in the next page.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND CLASSROOM CONDUCT:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Such matters will be subject to disciplinary
actions. Assignments are expected to be completed independently, depending on whether
they are group assignment or individual assignment. In the case of group assignment or
project, only members of the same group should cooperate on the project.
All students are expected to exercise self-discipline and a respect for the rights of other at
all times. Behavioral disruptions that interfere with the business of the classroom or with
an individual’s ability to learn may be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs in
accordance with Section 202 of the Student Code of Conduct.
TENTATIVE COURSE GRADING*:
Homework Assignments
20%
Midterm Exam
25%
Final Exam
30%
Group Project
25%
------Total:
100%
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*Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify the above grading structure.
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Tentative Course Schedule:
*Note: Those “bold” Lab dates below indicate that students are actively building simulation models along
with the instructor in the computer classroom.
Week
Date
Topic
Pre-class Readings/Special Note
(T1—text by Harrell et al, 2000,
T2—ProModel Training Slides+
T3—Instructor’s handouts)
8/28
Introduction & course overview
Ch.1 of T1.
1
8/30
Overall Description of Simulation
Ch. 1+2 of T1.
9/4
(No class: Labor Day Holiday)
2
9/6
File A of T2; Labs 1+2 of T1.
Lab: Simulation languagesIntroduction to ProModel
9/11
Overall Description of Simulation;
Ch. 3+4 of T1.
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Elements of simulation project
9/13
File A of T2, Lab 3 of T1.
Lab: Introduction to ProModel
Form a project group of 3 (or less) and
inform the instructor
9/18
Elements of simulation project
Ch. 4 of T1.
4
9/20
File B of T2; Lab 4 of T1.
Lab: Model managing; Input Analysis
9/25
Review of basic probability & statistics
Part 1 of T3.
5
9/27
File B of T2; Ch. 6 and Lab 6 of T1.
Lab: Model building basics
10/2
Review of basic statistics;
Part 1 of T3.
6
Data collection and input analysis
10/4
File B of T2; Ch. 6 of T1.
Lab: Model building basics
10/9
Data input analysis
Ch. 5 of T1.
7
10/11
File C of T2.
Lab: Advanced model building
10/16
Data input analysis
Ch. 5 and Lab 5 of T1.
8
10/18
File C of T2.
Lab: Advanced model building
10/23
9
Midterm Exam
10
11
12
13
14
15
10/25
10/30
11/1
11/6
11/8
11/13
11/15
11/20
11/22
11/27
11/29
12/4
12/6
12/13
Lab: Advanced model building
Model verification & validation
Lab: Verification in ProModel
Output Analysis
Lab: ProModel output analysis
Model experimentation & optim.
Lab: Optimization in ProModel
Model experimentation & optim.
Lab: Examples of applications
Modeling service systems;
Implementation of simulation results.
Project presentations
Project presentations
Course review
File C of T2; Lab 7 of T1.
Ch. 7 of T1.
File D of T2; Lab 7 of T1.
Ch. 8 of T1.
File D of T2; Lab 8 of T1.
Ch. 9 of T1.
Other Files of T2 (TBA); Lab 9 of T1.
Ch. 10 of T1.
Other Files of T2 (TBA); Lab 10 of T1.
Ch. 13 of T1; Part II of T3.
Final Exam
8:00pm-10:45pm, Wednesday
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Note: The readings of T2 should be supplemented by the ProModel User Manual for those who own it
whenever questions arise. The electronic version (printable) of the manual should also be available in the
CD you purchase.
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Do's and Don'ts in Presentations
Don'ts:
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Don't get bogged down in details without first presenting the "big picture".
Don't spend a lot of the time looking back at the screen - look at your audience, all
of your audience.
Don't put on a slide unless you are going to refer directly to it.
Don't crowd your slides with information.
Don't lift slides from the screen before the class has had a chance to read the
information.
Don't use slides with print that is too small for everyone in the class to read.
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Try this size (18-point in MS-Word or WordPerfect).
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Don't present a lot of calculations unless you are going to take the time to explain
them thoroughly.
Don't use large tables of numbers with digits that are too small to read.
Don't rush through your presentation.
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Do's:
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Introduce your talk by giving the class the "big picture" and summarize your
discussion at the end.
Refer directly to the points on the screen.
Face the class when presenting.
Use graphics to help make your points.
Use the blackboard as well as slide projector.
Draw on the slides to help make your points.
Dress for success.
Give a one page handout to the class to summarize your presentation.
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Presentation Evaluation and Problem Checklist
Date: ______________________
Presentation Topic: _______________________________________________
Presenter: ____________________________
Criterion:
1. Clarity and Organization of Available time
(-) Rush through to beat the clock
(+) Clear "big picture", content, summary progression
(-) Objectives of presentation poorly specified
POINTS:______/25
COMMENTS:____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Content and Evidence of Critical Evaluation
(+) Discuss the major points of the project
(+) Explain and support your chosen method in each major step in your projects
(+) Respond positively to audience questions
(+) Do what you said you would do
POINTS:______/50
COMMENTS:____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Presentation Skills
(+) Overheads used clearly readable, organized, concise
(+) Handout - typos, grammatical errors, matched with overheads
(+) Professionalism
POINTS:______/25
COMMENTS:____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL POINTS:______/100
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