Using Goldratt's Game to Introduce Simulation in the Introductory Operations Management Course

Abstract

Simulation is a key tool in operations research (OR); however, it is often difficult to introduce and motivate simulation within the introductory operations management (OM) course. Time, software, and student constraints often require simulation to be relegated to an appendix/special topic exercise left for the diligent student or to eliminate its coverage entirely. This paper describes the use of “Goldratt's Game” to provide an Excel-based introduction to the topic of simulation within the normal flow of the introductory OM course. While this coverage is far from complete, it provides students with sufficient preparation—in terms of understanding the motivation for and applicability of simulation—for more advanced, elective OM courses that employ simulation.