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While simulation has a vast area of application, this textbook focuses on the use of simulation to analyse business processes. It provides an up-to-date coverage of all stages of the discrete-event simulation (DES) process, covering important areas such as conceptual modelling, modelling input data, verification and validation and simulation output analysis. The book is comprehensive yet uncomplicated, covering the theoretical aspects of the subject and the practical elements of a typical simulation project, demonstrated by cases, examples and exercises. It also shows how simulation relates to new developments in machine learning, big data analytics and conceptual modelling techniques. Guidance is provided on how to build DES models using the Arena, Simio and Simul8 simulation software, and tutorials for using the software are incorporated throughout. Simulation Modelling offers a uniquely practical and end-to-end overview of the subject, which makes it perfect required or recommended reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students studying business simulation and simulation modelling as part of operations research, business analytics, supply chain management and computer science courses.

PurposeTo provide an example of the use of system dynamics within the context of a discrete‐event simulation study.Design/methodology/approachA discrete‐event simulation study of a production‐planning facility in a gas cylinder‐manufacturing plant is presented. The case study evidence incorporates questionnaire responses from sales managers involved in the order‐scheduling process.FindingsAs the project progressed it became clear that, although the discrete‐event simulation would meet the objectives of the study in a technical sense, the organizational problem of "delivery performance" would not be solved by the discrete‐event simulation study alone. The case shows how the qualitative outcomes of the discrete‐event simulation study led to an analysis using the system dynamics technique. The system dynamics technique was able to model the decision‐makers in the sales and production process and provide a deeper understanding of the performance of the system.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study describes a traditional discrete‐event simulation study which incorporated an unplanned investigation using system dynamics. Further, case studies using a planned approach to showing consideration of organizational issues in discrete‐event simulation studies are required. Then the role of both qualitative data in a discrete‐event simulation study and the use of supplementary tools which incorporate organizational aspects may help generate a methodology for discrete‐event simulation that incorporates human aspects and so improve its relevance for decision making.Practical implicationsIt is argued that system dynamics can provide a useful addition to the toolkit of the discrete‐event simulation practitioner in helping them incorporate a human aspect in their analysis.Originality/valueHelps decision makers gain a broader perspective on the tools available to them by showing the use of system dynamics to supplement the use of discrete‐event simulation.

Business process simulation (BPS) is used to evaluate the effect of the redesign of a police road traffic accident (RTA) reporting system. The new system aims to provide timely statistical analysis of traffic behaviour to government bodies and to enable more effective utilisation of traffic police personnel. The simulation method is demonstrated in the context of assisting process change enabled by the use of information systems in an organisation in which there had been a historically mixed pattern of success in this activity.

A structured approach to process improvement is described in the context of the human resources division of a UK police force. The approach combines a number of established techniques of process improvement such as the balanced scorecard and process mapping with a scoring system developed to prioritise processes for improvement. The methodology described presents one way of ensuring the correct processes are identified and redesigned at an operational level in such a way as to support the organisation's strategic aims. In addition, a performance measurement system is utilised to attempt to ensure that the changes implemented do actually achieve the desired effect over time. The case demonstrates the need to choose and in some cases develop in‐house tools and techniques dependent on the context of the process improvement effort.

This paper presents a case study of the use of business‐process simulation within the context of a business‐process‐reengineering approach to change. The process‐based change methodology provides context to the simulation technique in that it connects the aims of a business‐process simulation (BPS) study to the strategic aims of the organisation and incorporates a consideration of human factors in order to achieve successful implementation of redesigned processes. Conversely, the ability of BPS to incorporate system variability, scenario analysis and a visual display to communicate process performance makes it a useful technique to provide a realistic assessment of the need for, and results of, change.

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a contribution to the area of behavioural operations management (OM) by identifying key challenges in the use of discrete-event simulation (DES) to model people's behaviour in OM.


Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review method is undertaken in order to assess the nature and scale of all publications relevant to the topic of modelling people's behaviour with DES in OM within the period 2005-2017.


Findings
The publications identified by the literature review reveal key challenges to be addressed when aiming to increase the use of DES to model people's behaviour. The review also finds a variety of strategies in use to model people's behaviour using DES in OM applications.


Research limitations/implications
A systematic literature review method is undertaken in order to include all publications relevant to the topic of modelling people's behaviour with DES in the OM domain but some articles may not have been captured.


Originality/value
The literature review provides a resource in terms of identifying exemplars of the variety of methods used to model people's behaviour using DES in OM. The study indicates key challenges for increasing the use of DES in this area and builds on current DES development methodologies by presenting a methodology for modelling people's behaviour in OM.

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of a hybrid enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, combining an ERP system with enterprise social software (ESS). The study will provide a critical assessment of the implementation of this process technology.


Design/methodology/approach
Multiple case studies of organisations based in China were conducted to understand the use of ERP systems in different contexts. Following an evaluation of the context of each ERP implementation (within-case analysis) the research draws a cross-case conclusion that defines the nature of a hybrid ERP system and then synthesises the propositions related to the benefits and challenges of implementation.


Findings
The authors find that a hybrid ERP system is able to support efficiency in business process management and also provide a flexible response to changes in business requirements. It does this by allowing for the continued use of informal processes that cannot be incorporated into the ERP system.


Practical implications
This research indicates how ERP systems in conjunction with ESS can provide a flexible response to changing business requirements and increase collaboration within the organisation. Key lessons include the need to perform informal activities under the guidance of managers and provide clear boundaries for the implementation of informal activities.


Originality/value
This study has found that the use of case studies can provide a valuable insight into the use of a hybrid ERP system from the perspective of its use within the organisation as a work system that requires an assessment of the context within which organisational members perform their work.

Presents an assessment of the use of simulation modelling to assist in business process reengineering projects. Considers the relevance of the simulation technique to modelling business systems and relates its use to the main stages of a reengineering project. Presents a case study of the use of the technique as part of a reengineering project at a police force in the UK. The use of simulation in reengineering is shown to be relevant in the areas of performance measurement, testing of alternative change strategies and communication of process execution.