COURSE DESCRIPTION
It is not a typical theoretical course where only slides will be covered. The goal is to build models and analyze given ones. It is a highly hands-on course where students (as well as instructor!) will be analyzing business scenarios and constructing working simulation models using a given simulation tool.

Simulation while not an easy exercise in any manner, is a very important method to test what-if scenarios in a world where uncertainly is the norm of the situation. In a world where services are gaining more and more prominence, simulation exercise becomes the only method to experience reality without actually doing it – production area has already benefited long from the method. Think about the popularity of reality shows on TV – how those have changed our take on entertainment. Similarly, simulation is the reality show of business process world without actually investing in them.

ExtendSim (www.ExtendSim.com) will be the primary tool of simulation modeling. Other tools like Simul8 (www.Simul8.com) will be discussed as needed.

Some overall questions will span the general class theme. For any given challenge,
§ How to model the given system
§ What data and knowledge about the data exist and what are the constraints
§ How to analyze the output for model validation
§ How to suggest improvements from the model and its behavior

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the course the student should have:
§ Gain an understanding of integrating business management principles and practice the theory in an interdisciplinary environment
§ Develop skills that are necessary to solidify a business situation using what-if scenarios
§ Obtain the knowledge and skill to analyze a business process – not just at high-level
§ Work as a member of a team in completing everyday business tasks and making decisions relating to the overall operation of the business and growth of the business
§ Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in a rapidly evolving environment
§ Develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in primary business function:

o Human Resources	o Operations	o SCM
o Marketing/Sales	o Finance	o Services

COURSE MATERIAL
§ Text: Business Process Modeling, Simulation and Design, Manuel Laguna, Johan Marklund , 2004, Prentice Hall
§ Reference: Simulation Modeling and Analysis, Averill M. Law, 4th Edition, 2008, Tata McGraw
§ Additional Reading Material/Models/Cases: These will be shared online or in the class

SESSION	CONTENT	READING
MODULE A BASIC SIMULATION MODELING
1	Introduction/course outline The Nature of Simulation Systems, Models and Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
2	Simulation of a Single Server Queuing System Simulation of an Inventory System Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
3	Parallel/ Distributed Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
4	Steps in a Simulation Study Other types of Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 1
5	Case Studies
MODULE B – MODELNG COMPLEX SYSTEMS
6	List Processing in Simulation Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 2
MODULE C – SIMULATION SOFTWARE
7	Introduction, Classification Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
8	Desirable Software Features Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
9	Simulation Software Demonstration Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 3
10	Simulation Software Demonstration Simulation with ExtendSim/Simul8/others	Chapter 3
MODULE D – PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
11	Random Variables Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 4
12	Simulation Output Data and Stochastic Process Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 4
13	Simulation Output Data and Stochastic Process Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 4
14	Case Studies
MODULE E – PRESENTATION
15	Presentation of Assignment
16	Presentation of Assignment
MODULE F – INPUT PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
17	Useful Distributions Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 6
MODULE G – RANDOM NUMBER GENERATORS
18	Introduction, Generators Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 7
MODULE H – RANDOM VARIATES
19	Continuous and Discrete Random Variates Simulation with ExtendSim	Chapter 8
MODULE I – PRESENTATION
20	Student presentations