Module: Simulation for Decision Making

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Simulation for Decision Making
Module Code	MNA1181
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

Simulation is a common and very powerful operational research method for analysing complex operational/industrial problems, allowing for a deeper understanding of the behaviour of systems. This module focuses on the application of discrete event simulation modelling to operational problems, at the strategic, tactical and operational organisational levels. Students will learn and appreciate the use of simulation in industry, through gaining practical experience in problem solving through the utilisation of a commercial simulation software package, specifically towards supporting the mapping and modelling of business processes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the nature and application of discrete event simulation experimentation
2. Appraise the value of business process mapping and analysis for decision making
3. Evaluate the characteristics of discrete event system methodology, including the effects of uncertainty on performance of modelled systems
4. Understand how to build, run, analyse and experiment with simulation models to support strategic, tactical and operational decision making
5. Describe the importance of experiment design, input and output data handling and translating process into modelling blocks in a commercial off the shelf discrete event simulation environment

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Group work	25	No Description
Assignment Completion	30	No Description
Independent Study	46	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12198	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	James Byrne	Module Teacher

Section Breakdown
CRN	12296	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	James Byrne	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	n/a	30%	n/a
Project	n/a	70%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

What is discrete event simulation?

Systems thinking and systems dynamics

Problem structuring methods and simulation - challenges

Simulation as a management science tool for process systems: a critical realist perspective

Models as an interface

DES view on simulation modelling

Multi-method modelling using AnyLogic (or other COTS simulation application)

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Jerry Banks: 2009, Discrete-event System Simulation, 0138150370
Sally Brailsford,Leonid Churilov,Brian Dangerfield: 2014, Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics for Management Decision Making, Wiley, 360, 1118349024

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None