An alternative to BlackboardTM? Student use of web-based textbook teaching and learning material

This paper investigates the use of web-based textbook supplementary teaching and learning materials which include multiple choice test banks, animated demonstrations, simulations, quizzes and electronic versions of the text. To gauge their experience of the web-based material students were asked to score the main elements of the material in terms of usefulness. In general it was found that while the electronic text provides a flexible platform for presentation of material there is a need for continued monitoring of student use of this material as the literature suggests that digital viewing habits may mean there is little time spent in evaluating information, either for relevance, accuracy or authority. From a lecturer perspective these materials may provide an effective and efficient way of presenting teaching and learning materials to the students in a variety of multimedia formats, but at this stage do not overcome the need for a VLE such as Blackboard™

Integrating ERP and enterprise social software

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

Modelling People's Behaviour using Discrete-Event Simulation:A Review

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

Using activity based costing and simulation to reduce cost at a Police communications centre

Purpose: This study is based at a police force’s communications centre which undertakes a vital role in receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public and other agencies. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a method for addressing the conflict between the need to reduce cost and the requirement to meet national standards in terms of a timely response to customer calls. Design/methodology/approach: In a two-stage methodology an activity-based costing (ABC) approach is used as a framework to show how costs are generated by the three “drivers” of cost which relate to the design efficiency of the process, the demand on the process and the cost of resources used to undertake the process. The study then provides an analysis from a resource driver perspective using discrete-event simulation to model workforce staffing scenarios. Findings: Cost savings within the police communications centre are identified from an analysis of the three drivers of cost. Further analysis from a resource driver viewpoint using a simulation study of an alternative workforce schedule predicted an overall reduction in staffing cost of 9.4 per cent. Originality/value: The study outlines an innovative method that identifies where cost can be reduced using ABC and then provides an assessment of strategies that aim to reduce cost whilst maintaining service levels in a police operation using simulation

A review of the use of business simulation to enhance students' employability (WIP)

This paper investigates the potential use of business simulation games in enhancing employability skills of undergraduate business students in UK higher education institutions. It identifies the meaning of employability to different stakeholders in order to generate a list of skills that are considered important to various stakeholders as employers, government and academics. The benefits and learning outcomes as well as perceived limitations of business simulation games are then defined. Employability skills that can be improved using business simulation games and the importance of mapping and testing employability skills developments in simulation business environment are recognised

Hybrid Simulation Design and Implementation

Hybrid Simulation in the Operational Research (OR) domain can be defined as the combination of two or more of the simulation methods of discrete-event simulation, agent-based simulation and system dynamics. This article examines how this combination might be achieved by reviewing the characteristics of the simulation methods, considering design view options and taking into account software tools for implementation. The purpose is to provide guidance on how hybrid simulation configurations can be designed and implemented

A Hybrid System Of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) And Informality

One of the current research trends in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) involves examining the critical factors for its successful implementation. However, there is limited beyond system implementation, focusing on flexibly of ERP to respond to changes in business. Therefore, this study explores a combination system, involving an ERP system and informality, which focus on providing a company with efficient and flexible performance simultaneously. The paper aims to understand the constraints of using a single ERP system, and to define a new system corresponding to these problems, which is achieved by studying four Chinese companies operating in different industries. The study reveals that an ERP with pre-determined business activities cannot react promptly to unanticipated changes in a business. Incorporating informality into an ERP can react to different situations by using different procedures that are based on the practical knowledge of frontline employees

The application of simulation to product service systems:A review (WIP)

One innovative strategy among product manufacturers is to compete through the delivery of services to their clients. The range of advanced services provided by these manufacturers are underpinned by a system known as product-service systems (PSS). Based on a literature review, a description of a PSS with its dynamic behaviour is provided. Three PSS modelling and simulation methods (system dynamics, discrete event simulation and agent based simulation) and the nature of their application in the context of PSS are identified and discussed. Results indicate DES as the mostly used simulation approach accounting for over 50% papers reviewed due to its ability to model the dynamic behaviour of PSS over time. Previous and current research have focused on the design and in-service phase of PSS lifecycle phase. The choice of specific simulation method is dependent on the objectives intended, which include optimization of design configuration during the design and development phase and performance evaluation and optimization of resource utilization during the in-service phase of a PSS lifecycle. An area for further research is the application of simulation as a tool for cost analysis and cost estimation

Simulation in the supply chain context:matching the simulation tool to the problem

The supply chain can be a source of competitive advantage for the firm. Simulation is an effective tool for investigating supply chain problems. The three main simulation approaches in the supply chain context are System Dynamics (SD), Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Agent Based Modelling (ABM). A sample from the literature suggests that whilst SD and ABM have been used to address strategic and planning problems, DES has mainly been used on planning and operational problems., A review of received wisdom suggests that historically, driven by custom and practice, certain simulation techniques have been focused on certain problem types. A theoretical review of the techniques, however, suggests that the scope of their application should be much wider and that supply chain practitioners could benefit from applying them in this broader way

A simulation of an end-of-life reverse supply chain for electric vehicle batteries

The purpose of this study is to investigate the operation of an integrated end-of-life supply chain network in which authorised treatment facilities (ATFs), remanufacturers, and recyclers offer to Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturers the end of life (EOL) management of batteries within the UK. A simulation model has been constructed in order to measure the process efficiency, labour costs and transport costs of this reverse supply chain network for different resource (capacity) configurations. Although current demand for the management of the end-of-life (EOL) for the batteries is low there is a prediction of a rapid increase in demand as Electric Vehicle sales increase and the EV batteries within these vehicles reach their end of life. It is intended that the simulation will provide an indication of the potential capacity requirements through the supply chain that are required to deal with this future demand