BUS238 Business Process Simulation

Simulation use computers to study systems and processes. In this course students will learn how simulation is applied in various business contexts to get information regarding expected outcomes and risks and analyze impacts from changes in business processes. Simulation is used to collect valuable insights before implementing in real-life.

The course will go through the main methodologies of computer-based simulation: discrete-event simulation, agent-based simulation, and system dynamics. The course participants will, by working on a project, collect input data, model business processes, and analyze the outcomes of the simulations.

Upon completion of the course, the students shall have

Knowledge

• Knowledge of main methodologies in simulation
• Knowledge of how computer-based simulation can be utilized to analyse business processes
• Knowledge of how uncertainty affects performance of business processes.

Skills

• Skills to identify real-world problem where simulation is a relevant tool for analysis and decision making.
• Skills to set up a simulation model, given the student’s own project, and analyze simulation results.
• Skills to collect input data
• Skills to conduct «what-if» and sensitivity analyses and draw conclusions.

General competence

Be able to communicate with specialists and non-specialists regarding central topics within the course.