Bank-office Process Management in the Financial Services: a Simulation Approach Using a Model Generator

For the last ten years or so, developments in simulation software and methodology have been focused in two areas: (1) automating the model-building process; and (2) interfacing with other techniques and systems. That both academic and commercial research continues to be carried out in these areas is evidence of the continued popularity of the simulation technique. The most popular application areas where simulation modelling is used include manufacturing (engineering and process), warehousing and communications; not surprisingly, research and developments have therefore been concentrated in these areas. This paper describes the development of a simulation model generator for a different application area, that of clerical office processing of paper and documents for financial service companies. It outlines the reasons why there is a need for such a model generator and discusses the initial design requirements. The paper goes on to detail the developments and re-defined criteria required as the model generator brief changes as a result of practical applications.     

Simulation: an application of factory design process methodology

To successfully compete in today's challenging, volatile markets, enterprises must be highly flexible and open to change. Management must be confident that changes they make to their enterprise's design will improve market position and have the potential to meet demanded performance levels. Mistakes are expensive and difficult to correct. The factory design process (FDP) research offers an information-centred modelling environment, which links object oriented databases with simulation to meet the challenges of enterprise redesign. Desired enterprises are modelled, and evaluated, using six FDP Views. Dynamic evaluation, using simulation, is an essential part of the FDP Performance View, enabling the operation of proposed designs to be assessed, before costly physical implementations are undertaken. Simulation plays a key role in testing ideas, comparing enterprise design solutions and evaluating design performance through a variety of ‘what if?’ operational scenarios. Therefore, simulation makes a valuable contribution in several new application areas within enterprise design.     

Simulation Model Development Environments: A Research Prototype

The needs for automated assistance in the simulation task are undeniable. The size and complexity of current modelling efforts far exceed the bounds considered challenging only a decade ago. A research prototype of a simulation model development environment (SMDE) has been developed to provide an integrated and comprehensive collection of computer-based tools to (1) offer cost-effective, integrated and automated support of model development throughout its entire life cycle, (2) improve the model quality by effectively assisting in the quality assurance of the model, (3) significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of the project team, and (4) substantially decrease the model development time. The prototype SMDE is composed of four layers: (0) hardware and operating system, (1) kernel SMDE, (2) minimal SMDE, and (3) SMDEs. Currently, a SUN 3/160 colour computer workstation and the UNIX operating system constitute layer 0, upon which an advanced prototype SMDE is being developed. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) describe the current state of research on simulation support environments; (2) use the SMDE research prototype as an example for describing concepts and principles employed, experiences gained, and guidelines (potential principles) derived in the design and creation of the prototype; and (3) identify and speculate on future research directions.     

Developments in delay time analysis for modelling plant maintenance

Delay time (DT) analysis is a pragmatic mathematical concept readily embraced by engineers which has been developed as a means to model maintenance decision problems. Attention is focused upon the maintenance engineering decisions of what to do, as opposed to the logistical decisions of how to do it. This paper reviews the cumulative knowledge and experience of delay time modelling. The decision environment within which delay time (DT) models are intended as decision aids is briefly reviewed, and the initial development of simple DT models for a repairable component and a complex plant presented. Variations on the basic model are outlined and discussed including perfect and non-perfect inspection, steady state and non-steady state conditions, and homogeneous and non-homogeneous Poisson arrival rate of defects. Attention is given to the parameter estimation process, and both subjective and objective estimation techniques are outlined. Case sketches present practical experience in using the DT concept to model actual plant, to assess the benefits obtained, and to validate modelling and parameter assessment.     

Modelling and computation of acrylic bone cement injection and curing within the framework of vertebroplasty

This contribution deals with the simulation based investigation of processes related to the surgical treatment of vertebroplasty. In this regard, a simulation framework has been developed, which includes the generation of microstructural computer models of cancellous bone structures, the simulation of bone cement injection by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods and finite element (FE) simulations of bone cement curing processes. The modelling and computation strategy is illustrated and different material modelling approaches for the representation of acrylic bone cements as a non-linear fluid and a non-linear viscoelastic solid with curing dependent properties are outlined. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Mathematical Programming Modelling Using MGG

MGG is a software package for the application of mathematicalprogramming (MP). It complements the Sciconic MP code by providinga facility for developing MP models quickly and efficiently,and it enables changes to be made easily to established models.It is available on a wide range of minis and mainframes anda version of it is available as part of the Micro LP systemon IBM PCs and compatibles. MGG is based on an approach to modellingMP problems which stresses the primacy of the mathematical formulation.The process of MP modelling is divided into two stages: modelpreparation and running of the model. The user writes a mathematicalformulation, which MGG converts to matrix generator and reportwriter programs. This is done once to produce the programs whichcan then be run many times on different data. This paper describesMGG and draws comparisons with other matrix generator and mathematicalprogramming languages. It starts by considering how an MP problemcan be described, and then sets out a methodology for formulation.The MGG language is based upon this approach. A simple exampleis presented which is shown both as an algebraic formulationand in the MGG language. The process of building and runningmodels with MGG is then described. Finally, some comments areoffered on experience of using the software.     

A Microcomputer-Based Simulation Study of a Port

A microcomputer-based simulation model is described which was developed to aid in the planning of future berth requirements at a third-world port. The port handles a variety of incoming and outgoing cargoes, using a mixture of specialized and general berths. Some of the complications of the ship-to-berth allocation rules are described, and how they were modelled. The help that the model provided to the consultants is briefly outlined.     

The Vehicle Scheduling Problem and Monte Carlo Simulation

A new method for planning the routes of a fleet of carriers subject to a maximum load restriction is outlined. It is derived from a combination of the well-known "savings" heuristic rule and Monte Carlo simulation. Without increasing the level of complexity of the search routine beyond that already employed in "savings" based programs a marked reduction in total route length can be obtained. This is demonstrated with the aid of three much-considered problems, and for one of these, distances have been found that are below any previously recorded, even for those algorithms with the support of more elaborate logistics.     

Simulation modelling of emergency medical services

This paper deals with the problem of application of simulation modelling in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems. Approaches to modelling of EMS are discussed and a review of EMS simulation models is presented. A simple simulation model of a rural EMS system in Poland is described. Some results of the initial application of the model are presented. Possibilities of simulation modelling for solving EMS managerial and planning problems are briefly analysed.     

Simulation,Gaming and Training in a Competitive,Multimodal, Multicompany,Intercity Passenger-transportation Environment

This paper presents a microcomputerized simulation game designed as an analysis, experimentation and training tool in the field of intercity passenger-transportation planning and management. The simulation deals with different transportation modes and companies in a competitive environment, whether it be regulated or not. The background, philosophy and objectives of the game are discussed in relation to the intrinsic complexity of decision-making and the state of development of modelling in transportation.     

The Role of Discrete Event Simulation Techniques in Finite Capacity Scheduling

Discrete event simulation is becoming an established tool in finite capacity scheduling. However, recent work on scheduling systems has concentrated on the development of different modelling approaches and tools, without proper examination of how they can be used to meet business objectives. This paper examines the role of scheduling in improving business performance and suggests possible considerations in the development and implementation of a finite capacity scheduler. It reviews the advantages and limitations of discrete event simulation as a modelling technique for scheduling, and argues the need for further research to develop more versatile tools. A simulation-based scheduling system incorporating bottleneck planning principles to maintain throughput with low inventory is described, as are the experiences gained during its implementation in a medium-sized press shop.     

CASM—The Right Environment for Simulation

The modeller approaching discrete-event simulation has expected and received a high degree of computer support. The processing power simply to run a model and analyse the results would, of course, be taken for granted, but support has gone far beyond this in promoting the easier and speedier construction of models through specialized program structures, languages and lately program generators. Computer graphics capabilities of mini- and microcomputers have been exploited to secure a readier acceptance of simulation models and results. These support facilities constitute the computer environment within which the fortunate modeller works at present. What more could be expected?The work of an L.S.E. group of researchers is guided by a picture of an ideal environment for simulation modelling. We shall describe this picture and illustrate the progress made towards its implementation. Our principal intention is to promote discussion amongst simulation practitioners about their own ‘ideal’ of a computer support environment and the nature of deficiencies in the current systems.     

Modelling Techniques for Simulation of Submarine Engagements

The process of designing complex, costly military systems benefits substantially from analyses of performance as predicted by some form of model of the system and its operating environment. In this paper, techniques are described that have been implemented in a suite of computer programs to represent the tactical situations that can develop between two opposing submarines. The kernel of the program suite is the Submarine Interactive Attack Model (SIAM). This is sufficiently versatile that a wide range of scenarios can be simulated, and meaningful statistics for expected submarine performance obtained. Emphasis is placed on the modelling of both the dynamic tactical situations that can evolve in underwater warfare and the tactical decision-making that influences the outcome of submarine operations. Although the techniques have been applied to a specific domain it is believed that they are applicable to a wide range of complex problems.     

Exploring the model development process in discrete-event simulation: insights from six expert modellers

This paper explores the model development process in discrete-event simulation (DES) by reporting on an empirical study that follows six expert modellers while building simulation models. DES is a widely used modelling approach, however little is known about the modelling processes and methodology adopted by modellers in practice. Verbal Protocol Analysis is used to collect data, where the participants are asked to speak aloud while modelling. The results show that the expert modellers spend a significant amount of time on model coding, verification and validation, and data inputs. The modellers iterate often between modelling activities. Patterns of modelling behaviour are identified, suggesting that the modellers adopt distinct modelling styles. This study is useful in that it provides an empirical view of existing DES modelling practice, which in turn can inform existing research and simulation practice as well as teaching of DES modelling to novices.     

Cellular Simulation

Cellular simulation, a method of organizing simulation models to improve experimental efficiency, is described and shown to have the further advantages of reconciling the event based approach with the activity approach to simulation modelling and to have implication for modelling large systems.     

The Use of Soft Systems Methodology in the Development of a Simulation of Out-patient Services at Watford General Hospital

The effective and efficient provision of out-patient services may be assisted by the appropriate use of discrete event simulation. Resource use must be carefully monitored and suitable control actions must be taken, if service level and quality are to be maintained, whilst keeping cost increases to a minimum. In itself, simulation provides no means by which system activities may be identified. The use of soft systems methodology as a tool to aid in activity identification for simulation modelling is being explored. The investigation focuses on the effects the participative nature of soft systems methodology has on the acceptability of a simulation model. This case study forms part of a research objective of developing a generic approach to link soft systems methodology and simulation. Its aim is to provide analysts and managers with a process which may assist in planning strategies for health care.     

TaskSelSim: a model of the self-organization of the division of labour in honeybees

We here describe a novel multi-agent model of the decentralized task selection process in honeybee colonies. The model is based on individual behavioural programs represented as hierarchical finite state automatons. We successfully simulated empirical experiments (with real honeybees) using the model. We shed more light on task specialization and polyethism in honeybees by modelling the heterogeneous environment that emerges over time inside the colony and by considering the changing differences in stimuli strength in each small area of the hive. Our simulation experiments presented here investigate the model's reaction to changing values in crucial model parameters and investigate the stability of the predicted colony behaviours.     

基于随机模拟视角的混合数据形式密度算子

基于“蒙特卡罗仿真”的思想,采用随机模拟的方法从混合数据形式的角度对密度算子进行拓展研究。首先,给出了一种将混合数据转化为区间数的方法,并通过平移和放大或缩小处理,将所有区间数放到同一区间范围内;然后,运用随机数发生器给出区间上某分布的随机数信息,并依据随机数的分布情况对其进行聚类,给出了密度权重的确定方法;在此基础上,将随机模拟的方法应用于密度算子信息集结模型中,得到带有概率信息的评价结论。最后,通过一个算例验证了方法的有效性。