Aim
This course gives the student an understanding of how they can analyse complex systems, especially packaging and logistics systems, with simulation models. The aim of the course is to give the student the knowledge of identifying simulation problems and how to develop, run experiment, do statistical analyses, verify and validate simulation models.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• identify a simulation problem

• design a conceptual model based on a system

• design simulation models

• run experiment and analyse simulation models

• describe the most fundamental steps in the simulation process

• describe the most fudamental distribution functions and their properties

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• problemize a complex system and use it as a base for the conceptual model

• build and design models with the AutoMod software

• use simulation models to explain different scenarios

• analyse simulation results with the Autostat software

• design experiments with factor experiment method

• design animation models

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• give oral and written presentations of the solution from a practical simulation problem, which is solve by the use of discrete-event simulation

Contents
The course will give the students fundamental knowledge about simulation, about discrete event simulation as a method and how modelling and simulation can be used to analyse packaging and logistics systems. In addition modelling and simulation as a method is covered. Commercial software are used as tools in the course activities and assignments. Computer aided lectures, individual assignments, feedback seminars and guest lectures are used in the learning process.

Literature
Banks, J: Getting started with Auto Mod. Autosimulation 2004.
Books, dissertations and scientific papers in and about packaging logistics and simulation.