Use Of Simulation Techniques Research Articles

The use of simulation techniques and management tools to optimize the logistics process

The use of simulation techniques and management tools to optimize the logistics process

The Use of Simulation Techniques to Enhance English Speaking Skills of EFL Secondary School Students

This study aims to compare the English speaking skills of EFL secondary school students in Thailand before and after using simulation techniques, to investigate the progress of the students’ speaking skills, and to study the students’ attitudes towards simulation techniques. The study used a quasi-experimental research design with a one-group pre-test and post-test and involved ten grade-eight students in the 2/2021 semester. The participants learned through five simulations: Asking and offering help, Buying and selling, Asking and giving directions, Making a phone call, and Giving suggestions. The data were collected through a speaking pre- and post-test, with a rubric based on pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary, and also through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, inter-rater reliability analysis, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and content analysis. The findings show that the post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at P < 0.05 for all simulations. Moreover, the post-test scores for Simulation Five were significantly higher than the post-test scores for Simulation One, indicating the progress of the students’ speaking skills. Additionally, the students expressed positive attitudes towards simulation techniques, as they were able to learn new vocabulary, practice real-life situations, and increase their self-confidence. However, learning through simulations could make students anxious when they are worried about finding the correct and appropriate words. This result suggests that it is essential to build students’ vocabulary knowledge before having them participate in simulations.

Optimization of merchandise delivery logistics: case studies at Bejaia port

The object of the study is the logistics of goods delivery by ports. This study presents a methodology designed to improve the efficiency of goods delivery logistics at the Bejaia port (Algeria). It prioritizes the optimization of empty container allocation to the ZEP zone, taking into account the geographical accessibility of the Tixter area, aiming to reduce the high costs linked with goods transportation. At the core of this strategy lies the use of simulation techniques to optimize truck fleets, ensuring maximum utilization rates and effective management of delivery operations by the Bejaia Mediterranean Terminal (BMT) for its clients. Addressing this challenge, the study offers an exhaustive analysis, integrating truck assignment models and accessibility assessments of logistic zones. The results highlight the paramount significance of optimal resource allocation and synchronized client coordination for achieving streamlined goods delivery. It becomes apparent that employing these methodologies can yield substantial productivity improvements, emphasizing their pivotal role in strengthening the port's logistical infrastructure. Via rigorous analysis and insights derived from data, this study elucidates avenues towards achieving operational excellence within the logistical infrastructure of the port. By harnessing innovative strategies to confront persistent challenges, such as optimizing truck fleets and strategically allocating resources, the research anticipates a profound transformation in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of goods delivery operations. Ultimately, the integration of these methodologies holds the potential to propel the port of Bejaia towards enduring success and a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade. Through extensive efforts, this strategy can be extended to other national and international ports operating under similar conditions, as it provides valuable information and methodologies to optimize logistics and transportation operations.

Simulation techniques in industrial engineering: A USA and African perspective review

Simulation techniques play a crucial role in the field of Industrial Engineering, offering a powerful means to model, analyze, and optimize complex systems. This paper provides an overview of the state of simulation techniques in Industrial Engineering, with a focus on a comparative review of their application in the USA and Africa. In the United States, simulation has become an integral part of industrial processes, aiding in the design and improvement of manufacturing systems, supply chains, and logistics. Advanced simulation tools enable engineers to simulate real-world scenarios, evaluate performance, and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. The USA's emphasis on technology and innovation has resulted in the widespread adoption of simulation techniques, contributing to increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall competitiveness in industrial sectors. On the other hand, the African perspective reveals a diverse landscape with unique challenges and opportunities. While certain regions in Africa are rapidly advancing in industrialization, others face infrastructure limitations and economic constraints. The use of simulation techniques in African industrial engineering is gaining traction, albeit at a different pace. Localized applications focus on optimizing resource utilization, enhancing production processes, and addressing specific challenges related to the African context. The review highlights the potential for knowledge transfer and collaboration between the USA and Africa in the realm of simulation techniques. Bridging the gap through information exchange, training programs, and technology transfer can contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient industrial practices in Africa. Challenges such as data availability, infrastructure limitations, and skill development are addressed, offering insights into how these obstacles can be overcome to facilitate the effective implementation of simulation techniques in the African industrial landscape. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of simulation techniques in Industrial Engineering, examining the disparities and commonalities between the USA and Africa. By understanding the current state and challenges faced by both perspectives, this review sets the stage for collaborative efforts that can propel the industrial engineering field forward on a global scale.

Value Stream Management 4.0 – Simulating improvement measures and implementing them

This study explores the use of simulation techniques within the Value Stream Management framework, focusing on the phases of Value Stream Design and Value Stream Planning. The investigation is based on a digital Value Stream Map model, which serves as the basis for simulating various optimization and business scenarios. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential of simulation, focusing on optimizing the predictability of improvement measures and prioritizing their implementation. The investigation is validated through a use case based on a fischertechnik® Training Factory Industry 4.0 environment and Discrete Event Simulation implemented in ARENA® software.

Economic and Digital Modeling of Reengineering of Financial Activities of Domestic Enterprises

This paper presents the rationale for the use of simulation techniques, namely the Miller-Orr model. Model was based on the theory of system dynamics as a tool for re-engineering of administrative decisions by the financial flows of the company. The modified model contains adaptive mechanisms to establish the parameters that determine the optimal level of necessary funds on the account of the company. The article examines the essence of business process reengineering as a modern management concept to increase the level of product competitiveness, productivity growth, reduce production costs, improve the financial and economic results of the enterprise. The main errors that prevent the effective conduct of reengineering at domestic enterprises in the current conditions of globalization of the economy are identified and analyzed. Also, the paper highlights issues regarding the peculiarities of the formation of the business process re engineering system as a component of process-oriented management in modern organizations in the direction of ensuring accelerated successful adaptation of the latter to extreme, crisis situations, variability of the business environment.

Organizational and Methodological Support of Teaching Staff on the Use of Simulation Techniques in Additional Professional Education of Medical Specialists

The experience of conducting organizational and methodological measures with teachers of simulation training in the GAU DPO RB "Center for Advanced Studies" during simulation classes is presented.

Subject-object relationship of the banking system and the innovative investment market

Theoretical and methodical bases of estimation of efficiency of the real investment projects are examined, probed method of project analysis of projects taking into account risks, the estimation of investment projects is carried out with the use of simulation techniques.

Dynamic Simulation-Based Surrogate Model for the Dimensioning of Building Energy Systems

In recent decades, building design and operation have been an important field of study, due to the significant share of buildings in global primary energy consumption and the time that most people spend indoors. As such, multiple studies focus on aspects of building energy consumption and occupant comfort optimization. The scientific community has discerned the importance of operation optimization through retrofitting actions for on-site building energy systems, achieved by the use of simulation techniques, surrogate modeling, as well as the guidance of existing building performance and indoor occupancy standards. However, more knowledge should be attained on the matter of whether this methodology can be extended towards the early stages of thermal system and/or building design. To this end, the present study provides a building thermal system design optimization methodology. A data set of minimum thermal system power, for a typical range of building characteristics, is generated, according to the criterion of occupant discomfort in degree hours. Respectively, a surrogate model, providing a configurable correlation of the above set of thermal system dimensioning solutions is developed, using regression model fitting techniques. Computational results indicate that such a model could provide both desirable calculative simplification and accuracy on par with existing respective thermal load calculation standards and simplified system dimensioning methods.

Simulation of Scalability in Cloud-Based IoT Reactive Systems Leveraged on a WSAN Simulator and Cloud Computing Technologies

Implementing a wireless sensor and actuator network (WSAN) in Internet of Things (IoT) applications is a complex task. The need to establish the number of nodes, sensors, and actuators, and their location and characteristics, requires a tool that allows the preliminary determination of this information. Additionally, in IoT scenarios where a large number of sensors and actuators are present, such as in a smart city, it is necessary to analyze the scalability of these systems. Modeling and simulation can help to conduct an early study and reduce development and deployment times in environments such as a smart city. The design-time verification of the system through a network simulation tool is useful for the most complex and expensive part of the system formed by a WSAN. However, the use of real components for other parts of the IoT system is feasible by using cloud computing infrastructure. Although there are cloud computing simulators, the cloud layer is poorly developed for the requirements of IoT applications. Technologies around cloud computing can be used for the rapid deployment of some parts of the IoT application and software services using containers. With this framework, it is possible to accelerate the development of the real system, facilitate the rapid deployment of a prototype, and provide more realistic simulations. This article proposes an approach for the modeling and simulation of IoT systems and services in a smart city leveraged in a WSAN simulator and technologies of cloud computing. Our approach was verified through experiments with two use cases. (1) A model of sensor and actuator networks as an integral part of an IoT application to monitor and control parks in a city. Through this use case, we analyze the scalability of a system whose sensors constantly emit data. (2) A model for cloud-based IoT reactive parking lot systems for a city. Through our approach, we have created an IoT parking system simulation model. The model contains an M/M/c/N queuing system to simulate service requests from users. In this use case, the model replication through hierarchical modeling and scalability of a distributed parking reservation service were evaluated. This last use case showed how the simulation model could provide information to size the system through probability distribution variables related to the queuing system. The experimental results show that the use of simulation techniques for this type of application makes it possible to analyze scalability in a more realistic way.

Investigations on the Application of the Downhill-Simplex-Algorithm to the Inverse Determination of Material Model Parameters for FE-Machining Simulations

Modeling the machining process by means of simulation techniques became more and more popular within the last decades. The increasing use of simulation techniques can be attributed to the enhancing computational performance. To accurately model the machining process, different input models are required. Among them, the material model has a crucial impact on the quality of the simulated results. To determine the underlying material model parameters, an inverse procedure has been established, where the material model parameters are adjusted within a chip formation simulation until a reasonable match between simulations and experiments is achieved. However, the procedure of the inverse determination requires high computational efforts and is not robust. This paper presents a novel approach to determine material model parameters inversely from FE-machining simulations by means of the Downhill-Simplex-Algorithm. An effect study was conducted to investigate the influence of the initial simplex, the boundary conditions, and the underlying parameters of the Downhill-Simplex-Algorithm. Further, the validated procedure has been extended to consider multiple cutting conditions and an adaptive step-size has been implemented into the algorithm. The results of the procedure were validated by re-identification of process observables from the target simulations and it was aimed to re-identify the material model parameters of the target simulations. Based on the algorithm, a robust and systematical method has been developed to determine material model parameters inversely from the machining process.

Entrustment Decision Making: Extending Miller's Pyramid.

The iconic Miller's pyramid, proposed in 1989, characterizes 4 levels of assessment in medical education ("knows," "knows how," "shows how," "does"). The frame work has created a worldwide awareness of the need to have different assessment approaches for different expected outcomes of education and training. At the time, Miller stressed the innovative use of simulation techniques, geared at the third level ("shows how"); however, the "does" level, assessment in the workplace, remained a largely uncharted area. In the 30 years since Miller's conference address and seminal paper, much attention has been devoted to procedures and instrument development for workplace-based assessment. With the rise of competency-based medical education (CBME), the need for approaches to determine the competence of learners in the clinical workplace has intensified. The proposal to use entrustable professional activities as a framework of assessment and the related entrustment decision making for clinical responsibilities at designated levels of supervision of learners (e.g., direct, indirect, and no supervision) has become a recent critical innovation of CBME at the "does" level. Analysis of the entrustment concept reveals that trust in a learner to work without assistance or supervision encompasses more than the observation of "doing" in practice (the "does" level). It implies the readiness of educators to accept the inherent risks involved in health care tasks and the judgment that the learner has enough experience to act appropriately when facing unexpected challenges. Earning this qualification requires qualities beyond observed proficiency, which led the authors to propose adding the level "trusted" to the apex of Miller's pyramid.

Assessment of the Speed Management Impact on Road Traffic Safety on the Sections of Motorways and Expressways Using Simulation Methods

Methods used to evaluate the impact of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) services on road safety are usually based on expert assessments or statistical studies. However, commonly used methods are challenging to apply in the planning process of ITS services. This paper presents the methodology of research using surrogate safety measures calculated and calibrated with the use of simulation techniques and a driving simulator. This approach supports the choice of the type of ITS services that are beneficial for traffic efficiency and road safety. This paper presents results of research on the influence of selected scenarios of variable speed limits on the efficiency and safety of traffic on the sections of motorways and expressways in various traffic conditions. The driving simulator was used to estimate the efficiency of lane-keeping by the driver. The simulation traffic models were calibrated using driving simulator data and roadside sensor data. The traffic models made it possible to determine surrogate safety measures (number of conflicts and their severity) in selected scenarios of using ITS services. The presented studies confirmed the positive impact of Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) on the level of road safety and traffic efficiency. This paper also presents recommendations and plans for further research in this area.

Strong ground motion simulation techniques—a review in world context

Strong motion studies continue to be a very active field in seismology, and the use of simulation techniques in this context will continue to be an important endeavour in the coming years. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent progress and also pioneering efforts for the most prevalent simulation techniques including stochastic simulation technique (SST), empirical Green’s function technique (EGFT), composite source modelling technique (CSMT) and semi-empirical technique (SET). Attempts are also made to analyse the impact of each and every technique in terms of input parameters, output, advantages and limitations. The detailed analysis of trends we discussed herein indicates that every technique has its own metiers and flaws; hence, it is very difficult to select a simulation technique for a particular task. In conclusion, we hope that this overview would help the seismologists and earthquake engineers to look at this area of study from different angles to reveal some hidden opportunities. This will serve as an inspiration to improve the existing techniques for seismic hazard analysis and modelling of future earthquakes.

VeriVANca framework: verification of VANETs by property-based message passing of actors in Rebeca with inheritance

Vehicular ad hoc networks have attracted the attention of many researchers during the last years due to the emergence of autonomous vehicles and safety concerns. Most of the frameworks which are proposed for the modeling and analysis VANET applications make use of simulation techniques. Due to the high level of concurrency in these applications, simulation results do not guarantee the correct behavior of the system and more accurate analysis techniques are required. In this paper, we have developed a framework to provide model checking facilities for the analysis of VANET applications. To this end, an actor-based modeling language, Rebeca, is used which is equipped with a variety of model checking engines. We have extended Rebeca with the inheritance mechanism to support model-specific message passing among vehicles, which is crucial for the modeling of VANET applications. To illustrate the applicability of this framework, we modeled and analyzed two warning message dissemination schemes. Reviewing the results of using the model checking technique supports the claim that concurrent behaviors of the system components in VANETs may cause uncertainty which may not be detected by simulation-based techniques. We also observed that considering the interleaving of concurrent executions of the system components affects the performance metrics of it.

TEKNIK SIMULASI DALAM PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN GURU DI TADIKA: SATU KAJIAN AWAL

Teachers are the source of the dissemination of knowledge to students. The knowledge gained is the result of meaningful learning as well as the application of approaches to the Teaching and Learning Process in the classroom. In kindergarten, a teacher should be responsible for educating the best possible students, as well as mastering the various teaching methods and techniques in managing the teaching. Therefore, this study aims to explore the use of simulation techniques in classroom teaching and learning, and three main themes have been highlighted: (a) teacher knowledge, (b) simulation used in teaching and facilitating, (c) and challenge. To achieve this goal, the study was conducted using qualitative research using survey design and data collected using the interview method among 2 private teachers and 2 KEMAS teachers. The results of this study show that the main contributors to the use of simulation techniques depend on these 3 themes. These findings are expected to enhance the professional attitude and pedagogy of early childhood education and thus enhance the child's developmental aspect.

Simulation studies of a vision intruder detection system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe simulation research carried out for the needs of multi-sensor anti-collision system for light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an analysis related to the practical possibilities of detecting intruders in the air space with the use of optoelectronic sensors. The theoretical part determines the influence of the angle of view, distance from the intruder and the resolution of the camera on the ability to detect objects with different linear dimensions. It has been assumed that the detection will be effective for objects represented by at least four pixels (arranged in a line) on the sensor matrix. In the main part devoted to simulation studies, the theoretical data was compared to the obtained intruders’ images. The verified simulation environment was then applied to the image processing algorithms developed for the anti-collision system.FindingsA simulation environment was obtained enabling reliable tests of the anti-collision system using optoelectronic sensors.Practical implicationsThe integration of unmanned aircraft operations in civil airspace is a serious problem on a global scale. Equipping aircraft with autonomous anti-collision systems can help solve key problems. The use of simulation techniques in the process of testing anti-collision systems allows the implementation of test scenarios that may be burdened with too much risk in real flights.Social implicationsThis paper aims for possible improvement of safety in light-sport aviation.Originality/valueThis paper conducts verification of classic flight simulator software suitability for carrying out anti-collision systems tests and development of a flight simulator platform dedicated to such tests.

Simulation of Crack Propagation in Some Self-Compacting Concrete Structures and Determination of Their Strength and Ductility Performances

A study on the crack propagation, strength and ductility performances of some self-compacting concrete (SCC) structures with and without steel fibers can be made through experiments. But testing is laborious. For large structure like dam, testing is impossible. Sometimes, there could be insufficient laboratory facilities. Under such circumstances, the non-linear analysis of concrete structures became a novel design tool. It employs the power of computer simulation using finite element method (FEM) based software to support the structural engineers. The ATENA software uses smeared crack approach and is based on the Bazant’s crack band theory. The experimental total fracture energies of both SCC and steel fiber reinforced SCC (Steel fibers of length 25mm@ 0.6% by volume of mix) beams of strength M50 determined by RILEM’s work of fracture method, corresponding material properties and tension softening behavior are used as input data in the software. The simulated load-deflection/CMOD curve could be used to access the strength and ductility performances of the structures. The strength is identified by peak load and ductility by extension of tail end of this curve beyond yield load. Hence, this paper presents an appropriate methodology to determine the performances by simulation. Ductility is the desired property required for structures during earthquake. This can be improved by increasing the main steel reinforcement, incorporate fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and steel tubes to impart it. But this could be uneconomical. In such cases, it is to be investigated that ductility can be improved by incorporating steel fibers of appropriate aspect ratio and volume in the mix. The ductility ratio (μ) determined from the load-deflection/CMOD curves is further used to evaluate the response reduction factor(R) by an empirical formula as established in earlier investigation. The R used in base shear formula of IS 1893(Part-I)-2002 code considers the ductility property of the structures that are subjected to lateral base shear during earthquake. Thus this study is carried out to identify the usefulness of simulation technique which is a new and robust tool to assess these performances of the structures using ATENA software that avoid the tedious testing procedures. This study investigates the influence of steel fibers in SFRSCC structures to improve their strength and ductility performances compared to SCC structures.

Multifund choices within a lifecycle investment model. The Colombian Case

The purpose of this research is to study the welfare impact on consumption that lifecycle investors constrained to make compulsory contributions into a pension fund will get by choosing a multifund. The use of simulation techniques is applied to a life cycle investment model designed to fit the situation of the Colombian private pension system. It shows the importance of combining the percentage of investments in equity in the pension fund with the structure of human capital in order to determine which investment vehicle individuals should be chosen in order to save for retirement.

Game theory applications in systems-of-systems engineering: A literature review and synthesis

Systems-of-systems (SoS) are becoming increasingly common in more and more domains, spreading from the initial focus on government-controlled areas such as defense to open market industries. This implies that collaborative SoS are becoming more important, where the constituents need to be given incentives to join and remain within the SoS. Game theory has been proposed as a framework to model and analyze such SoS mechanisms. It aims at providing incentives to the independently operated and managed constituents. This paper presents a systematic literature review on the applications of game theory to SoS engineering, together with a synthesis aiming at capturing the best practices for doing such an analysis. The main conclusions are that game theory can be applied to SoS in a wide range of application areas, and deal with problems related to acquisition, design, and operations. In particular, the operational formation of SoS are well suited for this kind of analysis, and it often requires the use of simulation techniques. However, most results in the field lack a validation in practice.