27th European Simulation and Modelling Conference - ESM'2013, October 23-25, 2013, Lancaster University, UK, Keynotes

Keynote Speaker

Rethinking the Place of System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulation

Professor Michael Pidd
Lancaster University
Department of Management Science
Lancaster LA1 4YX, United Kingdom
+44-(0)1524-594237

Abstract

Recent years have shown a renewed interest in comparing and combining discrete vent simulation and system dynamics. Both discrete event simulation and system dynamics have histories that stretch back over 50 years. Here we consider that history, reflect on the similarities, compare the two approaches and consider what one community might learn from the other in the future.

Curriculum Vitae

Michael Pidd is Professor of Management Science and recently ended his latest term as Head of the Department of Management Science at Lancaster University Management School. He is known for his writings on simulation modelling, including the books Computer Simulation in Management Science and Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, both of which have been in print for many years. His current research interests include simulation modelling in healthcare, technical developments in simulation modelling methodology and performance measurement in public services. In 2012, Cambridge University Press published his latest book: Measuring the Performance of Public Services: Theory and Practice. He is a past-President of the UK Operational Research Society, a Companion of Operational Research and a Fellow of the British Academy of Management.

Invited Speakers

Simple Models for a Complex World

 

Stewart Robinson
Professor of Management Science
School of Business and Economics
Loughborough University
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1509 222432
Email: s.l.robinson@lboro.ac.uk

Abstract

Simulation models provide simplified representations of the real world which are useful for understanding and predicting the future; but how simple should they be? In developing such models there is a tension between obtaining approximate results quickly from a simple model and making extended efforts to generate models with a high level of fidelity. In this talk I shall discuss why simple models can be better. In doing we shall see some examples of simulation models that have been applied by business and the public sector, showing how they were used and the benefits that were obtained. Although set in a business context, the lessons have much wider applicability for the use of models in other fields.

Curriculum Vitae

Stewart Robinson is Professor of Management Science and Associate Dean Research at Loughborough University, School of Business and Economics. Previously employed in simulation consultancy, he supported the use of simulation in companies throughout Europe and the rest of the world. He is author/co-author of five books on simulation. His research focuses on the practice of simulation model development and use. Key areas of interest are conceptual modelling, model validation, output analysis and alternative simulation methods (discrete-event, system dynamics and agent based). Professor Robinson is co-founder of the Journal of Simulation and President-Elect of the Operational Research Society. Further details can be found at his home page: www.stewartrobinson.co.uk

Understanding the big picture: how modelling and simulation gives BAE Systems an edge

Suzanne Harrison
Head of Service Delivery - CORDA
BAE Systems, United Kingdom

Abstract

BAE Systems has used modelling and simulation for many years in support of manufacturing our products. In the last decade, however, our customers' requirements have moved towards wanting us to provide a service as well as the platform. For example, a customer may also want BAE Systems to maintain the platform, with incentives for ensuring the platform is ready to be used as often as possible and penalties in place should this not occur. This new way of contracting includes significantly different risks, uncertainties, performance requirements and complexities, all of which BAE Systems needs to better understand to ensure we provide the best service, at an affordable price, whilst still being profitable.

In this talk I will discuss how modelling and simulation helps BAE Systems reduce risk, save money, win contracts and operate the business, providing benefits to both the Company and its customers.

Curriculum Vitae

After gaining a Masters in Operational Research from Birmingham university, Suzanne joined CORDA, a defence modelling and analysis consultancy. CORDA is part of BAE Systems and provides modelling support both to the UK Ministry of Defence and to the other businesses within BAE Systems.

Suzanne has now been with CORDA for 16 years and is currently responsible for all the support that CORDA provides to BAE Systems' global businesses. As part of this role, Suzanne helps shape the governance and training surrounding the use of modelling and analysis. She is also a Fellow of the OR Society.

Suzanne has also gained significant experience of working within a military environment, having spent 3.5 years as the Operational Analyst at Joint Force Command Naples, Italy and through deployments, has supported the missions in Bosnia and Kosovo

Vehicle Powertrain Simulation: a Useful and Save Costing Methodology

Valerian Croitorescu
POLITEHNICA University Bucharest
313 Splaiul Independentei st.,
Sector 6, PC 060042, Bucharest, Romania

 

Abstract

Automotive industry continuous growth is requiring well-developed systems in order to offer highest quality to the customers. Powertrains’ development and design involve new components integration, most often being electronically controlled, either they are electronic components. Their goal is to obtain an economical and less harmful emission vehicle, without changing the other performances, like safety, dynamics and also costs. The solutions for reducing the costs are very hard to be achieved. Even using modeling and simulation for most of the systems development, many obstacles can appear and the initial plans about the possibility of implementing new solutions may undergo major changes. The challenges may allow a positive feedback from the manufacturers by using modeling and simulation instead of physical building and hard testing the systems or the components. Even though the software simulation platforms can be very expensive, using modeling and simulation especially for powertrain development, improves the costs reduction.

This presentation aims to present the efficiency of using modeling and simulation in powertrain development and the high importance of using simulation as a viable tool in order to lower the costs and to reduce the time to deliver the final products, with respect to the current needs. Highlighting the need for simulation use presents simulation software as a habitual tool for every vehicle manufacturer or for most of the vehicle research departments. It also presents some basic mandatory principles for modeling and simulation. Intermediate-stages for integration and verification of different components, sub-systems and systems that are able to be added and integrated for verification may be included in the powertrain development by using modeling and simulation. In addition, simulation results and predefined data can be validated by easily comparing with Hardware-in-the-Loop testing results.

Curriculum Vitae

is University Assistant Professor at Automotive Engineering Department from University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, , Romania and also CEO and Founder of AUTOJOBS.RO and AEROJOBS.RO. Valerian Croitorescu earned his Automotive Engineer Degree in 2007, as valedictorian. He prepared the diploma project in France, inside ‘Ecole Nationale D`Ingenieurs De Tarbes’ - ENIT. He also attended two master programs at University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, the first one with regard to technical sciences: `Efficiency and Security in Automotive Engineering` and the second one, an industrial master, `Environmental Management`. His academic records include numerous awards and certifications, being also member of several professional technical societies. In September 2007, Valerian joined the academic stuff of Automotive Engineering Department. In 2008, he founded “autojobs.ro”, a specialized web portal in automotive industry having the goal to help and provide job seekers and employers the opportunity to be connected, followed by “aerojobs.ro” in 2012, aviation dedicated jobs web portal. In 2012, he graduated the Ph.D., Magna cum Laude, at University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, with the thesis “Modern Drives Using Unconventional Energy Storage Devices – Hybrid Electric Vehicles”. A part of his Ph.D. thesis has been accomplished during a research stage at LMS International.

A more extensive CV can be downloaded here in pdf format.