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This study aims to propose a hybrid simulation approach for site layout and material laydown planning in construction projects considering both the project’s continuous and discrete state.

Efficient site layout planning (SLP) is a critical task at the early stages of the project to enhance constructability and reduce safety risks, construction duration and cost. In this paper, external and internal conditions affecting SLP gets identified. Then dynamic features of project conditions and project operations are analyzed by using a hybrid simulation approach combining continuous simulation (CS) and discrete event simulation (DES).

An efficient site layout plan regarding the project conditions results in cost efficiency. Instead of using DES or CS alone, this paper uses a hybrid simulation approach. Such a hybrid method leads to more accurate results that enable construction managers to make better decisions, such as material management variables. The proposed approach is implemented in a real construction project (i.e. earthmoving operation) to evaluate the hybrid simulation approach’s performance.

The proposed approach is implemented in a real construction project (i.e. earthmoving operation) to evaluate the performance of the hybrid simulation approach.

Although DES is used widely in construction simulation, it involves some limitations or inefficiencies. On the other hand, modeling resource interactions and capturing the construction project’s holistic nature with CS or system dynamics face some challenges. This study uses a hybrid DES and CS approach to enhance commercial construction projects’ SLP.

The new extremely demanding environment forces the enterprises to use more sophisticated tools/methodologies. Strategy alignment and modelling and simulation are some of those tools/methodologies that are growing in their complexity in order to respond to the new challenges. Applying the principles of strategy alignment to modelling and simulation leads to creation of vertical hybrid simulation models. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

This paper shows the justification of building a hybrid simulation model for a complex scenario in a production example. In general, system dynamics (SD) is used for simulation of strategic issues and discrete event simulation (DES) is used for simulation on the operational level. Attempts to build holistic models only with SD or only with DES usually end in design of simplified models. This paper shows an approach how to combine SD with DES in order to get better models than using either modelling paradigms exclusively.

The results so far have shown that this approach is justified (meaning that it gives more accurate and reliable results with reasonable efforts) in even relatively simple cases.

This kind of modelling and simulation can generally help the (industrial) engineers in optimization of different problems like optimization of the warehousing space, batches, manpower, etc. holistically and with higher accuracy.

Although several researches on hybrid models have been reported (treating only very few industries), they very rarely tackle the justification of the implementation of such models. This paper justifies the hybrid approach through an example of optimization of the sales force in the pharmaceutical industry.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a generic framework for hybrid (integrated deployment of system dynamics and discrete event simulation) simulation which can be applied in the healthcare domain.

As hybrid simulation in an organisational context is a new topic with limited available data on deployment of hybrid simulation in organisational context, an inductive approach has been applied. On the basis of knowledge induced from literature, a generic conceptual framework for hybrid simulation has been developed. The proposed framework is demonstrated using an explanatory case study comprising an accident and emergency (A&E) department.

The framework provided detailed guidance for the development of a hybrid model of an A&E case study. Findings of this case study suggest that the hybrid model was more efficient in capturing behavioural impact on operational performances.

The framework is limited to only SD and DES; as agent‐based is another simulation method which is emerging as a promising tool for analysing problems such as spread of infectious diseases in healthcare context, inclusion of this into the framework will enhance the utility of the framework.

This framework will aid in the development of hybrid models capable of comprehending both detail as well as dynamic complexity, which will contribute towards a deeper understanding of the problems, resulting in more effective decision making.

It is expected that this research will encourage those engaged in simulation (e.g. researchers, practitioners, decision makers) to realise the potential of cross‐fertilisation of the two simulation paradigms.

Currently, there is no conceptual framework which provides guidance for developing hybrid models. In order to address this gap, this paper contributes by proposing a conceptual framework for hybrid simulation for the healthcare domain.

This paper aims to cover the development of a methodology for hybrid fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation (FMCABS) and its implementation on a parametric study of construction crew performance.

The developed methodology uses fuzzy logic, Monte Carlo simulation and agent-based modeling to simulate the behavior of construction crews and predict their performance. Both random and subjective uncertainties are considered in model variables.

The developed methodology was implemented on a real case involving the parametric study of construction crew performance to assess its applicability and suitability for this context.

This parametric study demonstrates a practical application for the hybrid FMCABS methodology. Though findings from this study are limited to the context of construction crew motivation and performance, the applicability of the developed methodology extends beyond the construction domain.

This paper will help construction practitioners to predict and improve crew performance by taking into account both random and subjective uncertainties.

This paper will advance construction modeling by allowing for the assessment of social interactions among crews and their effects on crew performance.

The developed hybrid FMCABS methodology represents an original contribution, as it allows agent-based models to simultaneously process all types of variables (i.e. deterministic, random and subjective) in the same simulation experiment while accounting for interactions among different agents. In addition, the developed methodology is implemented in a novel and extensive parametric study of construction crew performance.

The purpose of this research is to propose a hybrid simulation framework which can take into account both the continuous and operational variables affecting the performance of construction projects.

System dynamics (SD) simulation paradigm is implemented for the modelling of the complex inter-related structure of continuous variables and discrete event simulation (DES) is implemented for the modelling of operational influencing factors. A hybrid modelling framework is then proposed through combination of SD and DES to simulate the construction projects.

This paper discusses the deficiencies of two traditional simulation methods – SD and DES – for simulation of construction projects which can be compensated by implementing hybrid SD–DES model. Different types of basic hybrid structures and synchronisation methods of SD and DES models are introduced.

The proposed hybrid framework discussed in this research will be beneficial to modellers to simulate construction projects.

The paper introduces a theoretical framework for a hybrid continuous- discrete simulation approach which can take into account the dynamics of project environment arising from the complex inter-related structure of various continuous influencing factors as well as the construction operations. Different steps required to develop the hybrid SD–DES model and synchronisation of SD and DES simulation methods are illustrated.

This study aims to seek to advance a system dynamics-discrete event hybrid simulation modelling concept useful for taking improvement decisions where one needs to consider the interactions between human factors and process flow elements in lean manufacturing systems.

A unique approach is taken to hybrid simulation modelling where the whole problem situation is first conceptualized using a causal loop diagram and stock and flow diagram, before transmitting to a hybrid simulation model. The concept is intended to simplify the simulation modelling process and make the concept pliable for use in various types of lean manufacturing problem situations.

The hybrid simulation modelling concept was applied to a lean manufacturing case where quality performance was sporadic mainly because of production pressures. The hybrid modelling concept revealed a solution that advanced full compliance with lean and one that required changes in job scheduling policies to promote both continuous improvement and throughput increases.

Because non-tangible aspects of lean were objectively assessed using the hybrid modelling concept, the study is an advancement towards establishing a credible link between human resource aspects of lean and the performance of an organization.

The applied hybrid model enabled managers in the plant navigate the trade-off decision they often face when choosing to advance production output ahead of continuous improvement practices.

System dynamics-discrete event hybrid simulation modelling is a rarity in lean manufacturing systems.

Hybrid simulation, which is a general technique for obtaining the seismic response of an entire structure, is an improvement of the traditional seismic test technique. In order to improve the analysis accuracy of the numerical substructure in hybrid simulation, the purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative hybrid simulation technique. The technique combines the multi-scale finite element (MFE) analysis method and hybrid simulation method with the objective of achieving the balance between the accuracy and efficiency for the numerical substructure simulation.

To achieve this goal, a hybrid simulation system is established based on the MTS servo control system to develop a hybrid analysis model using an MFE model. Moreover, in order to verify the efficiency of the technique, the hybrid simulation of a three-storey benchmark structure is conducted. In this simulation, a ductile column—represented by a half-scale scale specimen—is selected as the experimental element, meanwhile the rest of the frame is modelled as microscopic and macroscopic elements in the Abaqus software simultaneously. Finally, to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the proposed technique, the seismic response of the target structure obtained via hybrid simulation using the MFE model is compared with that of the numerical simulation.

First, the use of the hybrid simulation with the MFE model yields results similar to those obtained by the fine finite element (FE) model using solid elements without adding excessive computing burden, thus advancing the application of the hybrid simulation in large complex structures. Moreover, the proposed hybrid simulation is found to be more versatile in structural seismic analysis than other techniques. Second, the hybrid simulation system developed in this paper can perform hybrid simulation with the MFE model as well as handle the integration and coupling of the experimental elements with the numerical substructure, which consists of the macro- and micro-level elements. Third, conducting the hybrid simulation by applying earthquake motion to simulate seismic structural behaviour is feasible by using Abaqus to model the numerical substructure and harmonise the boundary connections between three different scale elements.

In terms of the implementation of the hybrid simulation with the MFE model, this work is helpful to advance the hybrid simulation method in the structural experiment field. Nevertheless, there is still a need to refine and enhance the current technique, especially when the hybrid simulation is used in real complex engineering structures, having numerous micro-level elements. A large number of these elements may render the relevant hybrid simulations unattainable because the time consumed in the numeral calculations can become excessive, making the testing of the loading system almost difficult to run smoothly.

The MFE model is implemented in hybrid simulation, enabling to overcome the problems related to the testing accuracy caused by the numerical substructure simplifications using only macro-level elements.

This paper is the first to recognise the advantage of the MFE analysis method in hybrid simulation and propose an innovative hybrid simulation technique, combining the MFE analysis method with hybrid simulation method to strike a delicate balance between the accuracy and efficiency of the numerical substructure simulation in hybrid simulation. With the help of the coordinated analysis of FEs at different scales, not only the accuracy and reliability of the overall seismic analysis of the structure is improved, but the computational cost can be restrained to ensure the efficiency of hybrid simulation.

The purpose of this paper is to promote a system dynamics-discrete event simulation (SD-DES) hybrid modelling framework, one that is useful for investigating problems comprising multifaceted elements which interact and evolve over time, such as is found in TPM.

The hybrid modelling framework commences with system observation using field notes which culminate in model conceptualization to structure the problem. Thereafter, an SD-DEShybrid model is designed for the system, and simulated to proffer improvement programmes. The hybrid model emphasises the interactions between key constructs relating to the system, feedback structures and process flow concepts that are the hallmarks of many problems in production. The modelling framework is applied to the TPM operations of a bottling plant where sub-optimal TPM performance was affecting throughput performance.

Simulation results for the case study show that intangible human factors such as worker motivation do not significantly affect TPM performance. What is most critical is ensuring full compliance to routine and scheduled maintenance tasks and coordinating the latter to align with rate of machine defect creation.

The framework was developed with completeness, generality and reuse in view. It remains to be applied to a wide variety of TPM and non-TPM-related problems.

The developed hybrid model is scalable and can fit into an existing discrete event simulation model of a production system. The case study findings indicate where TPM managers should focus their efforts.

The investigation of TPM using SD-DES hybrid modelling is a novelty.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a simulation model for assessing innovation deployment strategies by evaluating and comparing their outcomes using a hybrid modeling and simulation of agent‐based modelling and simulation (ABMS) and system dynamics (SD). Since successful deployment of innovations in any organization is as important as the innovations themselves, how to choose a suitable deployment strategy and assess its effectiveness before actual implementation is a critical task.

This paper adopts a hybrid modeling and simulation approach combining the advantages of agent‐based modeling and system dynamics to study the activities and strategies involved in innovation deployment. The developed model was verified and validated with the data from GM's OnStar project.

The research demonstrates that evaluating various deployment strategies for desirable results through hybrid modeling and simulation is possible and useful by finding critical factors and making appropriate forecast, which would aid managers in assessment of innovation deployment strategies and deployment decision‐making processes.

The hybrid modeling and simulation approach provides a powerful tool in various study fields, not only in industries, but also suitable to evaluate the system outputs in both macroscopic and microscopic point of view for many strategy‐making or consulting firms. The presented work is meant for proof‐of‐concept, so numerous expansions are necessary for use in different projects.

For the case evaluated in this paper, it is found that a customer‐oriented strategy outperforms a cost‐oriented strategy in market share as well as customer satisfaction and profit. Cooperation and R&D are essential innovation drivers, but from the study, customer satisfaction does not solely depend on technical advantages. Alliance is a key factor to reduce the cost and risk of uncertainties. The structure and approach of the presented hybrid simulation model can be adopted for other cases to derive conclusions.

The originality of the paper lies in the way of adopting a hybrid modeling and simulation approach to study the effects of innovation deployment strategies. The model can be modified and used in a wide range of organizations to evaluate different strategies and aid decision‐making processes.

Healthcare organisations exhibit detail and dynamic complexity. It has been argued that discrete event simulation (DES) is ideal for problems exhibiting detail complexity and system dynamics (SD) lends itself naturally to comprehend dynamic complexity. Appreciating the complexity of healthcare, this paper proposes the use of hybrid simulation wherein both SD and DES are integrated symbiotically. The paper further aims to describe how different forms of hybrid simulation can be applied to different modes of governance in UK healthcare.

In order to find different ways that hybrid simulation can be effectively applied to different problem contexts, a literature review has been conducted to find existing hybrid studies. A meta‐review of literature on different modes of governance in UK healthcare has also been conducted.

It has been induced from the literature review that hybrid simulation can be used in three different formats: hierarchical format, process‐environment format, and integrated format. Literature on different modes of governance in UK healthcare further points out that there are three modes of governance in UK healthcare: top‐down performance hierarchical mode, network partnership mode, and quasi‐market mode.

It is believed that hybrid simulation will aid in forming a synergy between strategic and operational management. One of the limitations of this paper is that it does not provide any guidance with respect to technical automation of integration between SD and DES.

This paper proposes the use of hybrid simulation for complex healthcare problems and the way it can contribute towards effective decision making within different modes of governance.