Course syllabus

Tillämpad logistiksimulering
Applied Logistics Simulation

MTTN55, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2013-04-17

General Information

Main field: Food Product and Packaging Development.
Compulsory for: MFIPDES2
Elective for: I4, M4-lp, MD4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim


The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge of simulation and an understanding of simulation as a work method to model and analyse complex systems and phenomena in the logistics field using discrete event simulation. This means that upon course completion, you will be able to identify simulation problems, construct simulation models and validate, verify and statically analyse them using computer-based tools. You will also acquire the experience of conducting an actual simulation project in the business world. From this you will gain important insights into the management of a simulation project and its application in industry.  

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must


• describe the principles behind discrete event simulation
• define and describe the fundamental steps of the simulation methodology
• identify and formulate a simulation problem
• define relevant data to collect for simulation models
• verify and validate simulation models
• analyse and experiment with simulation models
• describe the fundamental properties of distribution functions based on previously acquired knowledge of probability

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must


• demonstrate the ability to organize and manage a simulation project
• apply the simulation methodology and critically evaluate its usability
• problematize a complex system and use it as a base for conceptualization
• develop conceptual models of real systems
• construct simulation models using a commercial software program
• use simulation models to evaluate different scenarios
• design an experiment using factor analysis
• analyse the simulation results using a commercial statistical software program
• estimate the accuracy of the simulation results using a research approach
• construct animation models using a commercial software program
• independently conduct simulation studies 

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must


• report and present, orally and in writing, the solution of a practical problem solved by using discrete event simulation
• discuss with different target groups the value and applicability of the discrete event simulation                               
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of the simulation, and its use in industry

Contents


The course is built on project-based learning in which the foremost course component is that of carrying out a complete simulation project based on a real problem in industry or the community. The project is carried out in a group and follows a research approach based on all the important steps of simulation methodology: from problem and goal formulations to the final analysis and evaluation of the simulation results. Throughout the project, you will receive ongoing feedback from your supervisor and from seminars. Your will also receive support from computer-aided lectures, individual assignments, and guest lectures from companies. The lectures will primarily deal with the use of the simulation software and the course literature, but will also include considerable discussion on the potential difficulties in the individual assignments. The guest lectures will provide good insight into how different companies implement and use discrete event simulation.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Examination will be done individually or in group form. During the course, the simulation project will be presented in an oral presentation and in a technical report.

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 16.

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Docent Daniel Hellström, daniel.hellstrom@plog.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.plog.lth.se