Whereas Operations Research has always paid much attention to optimization, practitioners judge the robustness of the 'optimum' solution to be of greater importance.Therefore this paper proposes a practical methodology that is a stagewise combination of the following four proven techniques: (1)...

This tutorial explains the basics of linear regression models. especially low-order polynomials. and the corresponding statistical designs. namely, designs of resolution III, IV, V, and Central Composite Designs (CCDs).This tutorial assumes 'white noise', which means that the residuals of the...

Traditionally pull production systems are managed through classic control systems such as Kanban, Conwip, or Base stock, but this paper proposes ‘customized’ pull control. Customization means that a given production line is managed through a pull control system that in principle connects...

This paper provides a survey of simulation in supply chain management.It reviews four types of simulation, namely spreadsheet simulation, system dynamics, discreteevent simulation, and business games.Which simulation type should be applied, depends on the type of managerial question to be...

Abstract: To analyze the input/output behavior of simulation models with multiple responses, we may apply either univariate or multivariate Kriging (Gaussian process) metamodels. In multivariate Kriging we face a major problem: the covariance matrix of all responses should remain positive-de...

This paper proposes a novel method to select an experimental design for interpolation in random simulation, especially discrete event simulation.(Though the paper focuses on Kriging, this design approach may also apply to other types of metamodels such as linear regression models.)Assuming that...

Abstract: Factor screening searches for the really important inputs (factors) among the many inputs that are changed in a realistic simulation experiment. Sequential bifurcation (or SB) is a sequential method that changes groups of inputs simultaneously. SB is the most e¢ cient and effective...

The bootstrap is a simple but versatile technique for the statistical analysis of random simulations.This tutorial explains the basics of that technique, and applies it to the well-known M/M/1 queuing simulation.In that numerical example, different responses are studied.For some responses,...

Short-term performance of a production management system for make-to-stock factories may be quantified through the service rate per shift; long-term performance through the average monthly work in process (WIP). This may yield, for example, that WIP is minimized, while the probability of the...