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1 – 10 of over 48000Using computer simulation, this paper seeks to model the emergency care process in a hospital and evaluate the effects of some proposed changes to improve patient wait times in…
Abstract
Purpose
Using computer simulation, this paper seeks to model the emergency care process in a hospital and evaluate the effects of some proposed changes to improve patient wait times in the process.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based upon a case study conducted at the hospital and uses historical data provided by the hospital to simulate the emergency care process.
Findings
The simulation results demonstrate that the changes proposed can shorten patient wait times in the emergency care process. The proposed changes involve adding another payment station and a new short‐stay ward in the process. Based upon the results, the paper supports the implementation of the changes proposed.
Research limitations/implications
A couple of limitations are recognized in this paper. First, the simulation does not consider varying the capacity of resources and locations involved in the emergency care process. Second, the simulation does not consider patients by clinical disciplines in which they are treated.
Practical implications
The simulation results show that computer simulation can be an effective decision support tool in modelling the emergency care process and evaluating the effects of changes in the process. The results would be helpful to those who are considering reengineering and improving emergency care or other similar processes in hospitals.
Originality/value
Based upon a case study using real‐world data, this paper extends the line of studies on computer simulation in healthcare by considering not only patient wait times in the emergency care process but also some ways to improve patient wait times and their effects on the process.
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A.J. Faria and John R. Dickinson
Compared with other methods of instruction, whether in managementtraining programmes or in university courses, simulation gaming isrelatively new. Readings, lectures, cases, role…
Abstract
Compared with other methods of instruction, whether in management training programmes or in university courses, simulation gaming is relatively new. Readings, lectures, cases, role playing and other instructional techniques were in use long before the appearance of business games. Though recent in comparative terms, however, simulation games have been in existence for nearly 40 years. Examines the use of simulation games for sales management training, describes a newly developed sales management simulation and illustrates its use in a sales‐training programme.
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John B. Washbush and Jerry Gosen
Total enterprise simulations are often used and included as graded elements by instructors in business degree capstone “policy courses” under the assumption that their use…
Abstract
Total enterprise simulations are often used and included as graded elements by instructors in business degree capstone “policy courses” under the assumption that their use enriches the learning experience. This suggests a belief that people who perform best in simulations have learned how to play the game better. The studies reported on here attempt to determine and evaluate the relationship between learning and simulation performance. These studies have consistently found that, while simulation‐related learning does occur, there appears to be no direct, positive relationship between the two variables. Suggestions for further research are proposed.
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L.P. Baldwin, T. Eldabi, V. Hlupic and Z. Irani
The design of manufacturing systems is a complex and expensive task for both SMEs and large organisations alike. Many problems relating to the design and operation of…
Abstract
The design of manufacturing systems is a complex and expensive task for both SMEs and large organisations alike. Many problems relating to the design and operation of manufacturing systems are too complex to allow for mathematical treatment, and as a result there is increasing recognition of the applicability of simulation in the manufacturing environment. This has in turn resulted in a growth in simulation software products available in the marketplace, and manufacturers of such products are naturally keen to extol the virtues of what they sell. In a rapidly changing workplace, there is some suggestion that simulation tools may not have developed to deal with the new demands, and so it is timely to review what is on offer. This paper presents the results of a survey of European simulation specialists, both working in industry and in an academic environment, on the use of simulation software. The main purpose of this survey was to determine how satisfied users are with simulation software and to highlight the most positive and negative features. The findings offer an insight into current software, and how this can be further enhanced.
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Chaipong Pongpanich, Tanasak Krabuanrat and Kim Hua Tan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and gain insights into the use of computer simulations and games in business schools in Thailand. In addition, it aims to compare the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and gain insights into the use of computer simulations and games in business schools in Thailand. In addition, it aims to compare the findings in Thailand with the study carried out in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 700 questionnaires were sent to the 35 universities in Thailand that offer MBA degrees. This survey achieved a response rate of 23 percent.
Findings
The usage of simulation games in business schools in Thailand is still at an early stage of development. The primary reason to use such tools in both Thailand and the UK is that they help to increase students' interaction and teamwork. Meanwhile, lack of information on simulation games is major obstacle of using simulation games in their classroom teaching. However, the demand for computer simulations and games in the classroom is likely to increase in the future.
Research limitation/implications
The study provides good platform for further in‐depth study on this topic in Thailand. As for practical implication, it suggests a need for more collaboration between industry and academia so that simulation games will be developed to fit with the teaching courses.
Originality/value
This study highlights the key factors underpinning the usage of these new tools in classroom teaching in the Thai context.
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Business simulations come in two forms: custom simulations that mirror a specific business, or evolved simulations presenting a generic business model. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Business simulations come in two forms: custom simulations that mirror a specific business, or evolved simulations presenting a generic business model. This paper aims to investigate these.
Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint paper presents the relative merits of both types of simulation.
Findings
The paper finds that custom simulations are ideal for training in specific products or processes. For all broad business learning objectives such as improved financial and strategic skills, an evolved simulation is a better choice. Capstone Business Simulation, for example, is used in executive education – for students from a wide range of industries – at Kellogg Business School, one of the top rated US business schools, and by corporations in a wide range of industries.
Originality/value
The paper can be used to help decide what type of business simulation is best for corporate training objectives.
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T.A. Spedding, W.L. Lee, R. de Souza and S.S.G. Lee
Describes the development of an adaptive simulation model for a keyboard assembly cell for real‐time decision support. Discusses the architecture of the modelling and control…
Abstract
Describes the development of an adaptive simulation model for a keyboard assembly cell for real‐time decision support. Discusses the architecture of the modelling and control system, including the movement of entities and conveyors, describing how up to four different keyboard types may be modelled, with a PC cell controller continually monitoring the state changes of the assembly line, passing the data captured to the simulation model created in ARENA.
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Felix T.S. Chan and Bing Jiang
Manufacturing systems design is a complex task and is crucial to the future of a company. Computer simulation provides an efficient and visual method for system designers. The…
Abstract
Manufacturing systems design is a complex task and is crucial to the future of a company. Computer simulation provides an efficient and visual method for system designers. The popularity of simulation is owing to its ability to model systems in a fast and cost‐effective way, its flexibility and its ability to model the time dynamic behavior of systems. This paper demonstrates the use of computer simulation as a tool for assisting managers and engineers in the design and analysis of a new manufacturing system by presenting a case study. The case study is a study of proposed instrument panel/crashpad production and assembly work‐cells in an automotive industry. The emphasis on the case study was to evaluate alternative designs, predict system performance, detect any potential problems, experiment with system parameters and determine the sensitivity of the system to these parameters. The case study results show that computer simulation can be a useful decision‐making support tool for the analysis of the system performance and the selection of the design alternatives before the system is actually implemented.
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Stephen A. Stumpf and Jane E. Dutton
Management simulations are used in many adult education programmes.Yet, little has been written about how people learn throughparticipation in such simulations. After a…
Abstract
Management simulations are used in many adult education programmes. Yet, little has been written about how people learn through participation in such simulations. After a description of how management simulations work, we propose four ideas to support the increasingly held belief that it is worthwhile to use management simulations in business education. Because management simulations are able to provide relevant, individualised, and experience‐based learnings for both programme participants and the facilitators, their use in management education is likely to increase several fold by the year 2000.
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Johathon S. Rakich, Paul J. Kuzdrall, Keith A. Klafehn and Alan G. Krigline
Simulation is a powerful analytical technique that plays a role inthe development of managers′ problem‐solving and decision‐making skillsas well as those skills related to…
Abstract
Simulation is a powerful analytical technique that plays a role in the development of managers′ problem‐solving and decision‐making skills as well as those skills related to effecting organisational change and dealing with the dynamics of organisational behaviour. An overview is presented of simulation in the health services setting. Two specific hospital simulation applications concerning the design of a same‐day surgery unit and the reallocation of beds among services are described. Each examines the impact on managerial skills and how simulation enhanced those skills. Finally, the implications of using simulation as a strategy for management development are discussed.
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