CRESS Events

Modelling Service Operations: A Mixed Discrete-Event and Agent Based Simulation Approach

Stewart Robinson, Operational Research and Management Sciences Group

Discrete-event simulation, which has grown out of modelling manufacturing systems, has increasingly been applied in the service sector.  The approach, however, is not always appropriate for modelling service operations.  In particular, it cannot help with detailed decisions about the layout of service operations in which the customers are present, such as retail outlets and airports.  A mixed discrete-event and agent based simulation approach is proposed for modelling such systems.  The approach will be demonstrated through a simple model of a coffee shop.  Extensions to the approach will also be discussed.  I hope the mix of discrete-event and agent based simulation will be thought provoking for those working in social simulation.

Biography

Stewart Robinson is a Professor of Operational Research and the Associate Dean for Specialist Masters Programmes at Warwick Business School.  Previously employed in simulation consultancy, he supported the use of simulation in companies throughout Europe and the rest of the world.  He is author/co-author of four books on simulation.  His research focuses on the practice of simulation model development and use.  Key areas of interest are conceptual modelling, model validation, output analysis and alternative simulation methods (discrete-event, system dynamics and agent based).  For more details see: www.btinternet.com/~stewart.robinson1/sr.htm.