Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics for Management Decision Making [Hardcover]

In recent years, there has been a growing debate, particularly in the UK and Europe, over the merits of using discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD); there are now instances where both methodologies were employed on the same problem. This book details each method, comparing each in terms of both theory and their application to various problem situations. It also provides a seamless treatment of various topics--theory, philosophy, detailed mechanics, practical implementation--providing a systematic treatment of the methodologies of DES and SD, which previously have been treated separately.        

Preface xv

List of contributors xvii

1 Introduction 1
Sally Brailsford, Leonid Churilov and Brian Dangerfield

1.1 How this book came about 1

1.2 The editors 2

1.3 Navigating the book 3

References 9

2 Discrete-event simulation: A primer 10
Stewart Robinson

2.1 Introduction 10

2.2 An example of a discrete-event simulation: Modelling a hospital theatres process 11

2.3 The technical perspective: How DES works 12

2.3.1 Time handling in DES 14

2.3.2 Random sampling in DES 15

2.4 The philosophical perspective: The DES worldview 21

2.5 Software for DES 23

2.6 Conclusion 24

References 24

3 Systems thinking and system dynamics: A primer 26
Brian Dangerfield

3.1 Introduction 26

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