Facilitated modelling with discrete-event simulation: Reality or myth?

Robinson, Stewart, Worthington, Claire H, Burgess, Nicola and Radnor, Zoe J (2013) Facilitated modelling with discrete-event simulation: Reality or myth? European Journal of Operational Research, 234 (1). pp. 231-240. ISSN 03772217

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2012.12.024

Abstract

Is it possible for discrete-event simulation to be used in a facilitated workshop environment? Over the last decade there have been various attempts to use simulation in this way, but we argue here that none have been successful in achieving a fully facilitated mode where the model is both developed and used in the workshop. We attempt to use a discrete-event simulation in a facilitated mode as part of a lean improvement workshop in a hospital setting. The model was successfully developed and used within the 3 day period of the workshop. Although the intervention was successful, we still had to build the model in the ‘back-office’, meaning that a fully facilitated mode was not achieved. The paper concludes by discussing how fully facilitated modelling with discrete-event simulation might be made possible; the answer is more about changing mind-sets than about technological challenge.


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