Simulation for Logistics: An Introduction
Discover logistics business simulation and explore the behaviour of logistics operations to identify problems in processes.
- Duration2 weeks
- Weekly study3 hours
Simulation for Logistics: An Introduction
Explore the basics of logistics simulation to help develop decision-making
On this course, you will be shown how current operations work within a business supply chain and will explore affordable scenarios for further improvements.
You will explore the benefits of logistics simulation along with limitation and other modelling steps. You will also gain the opportunity to learn how to better deal with uncertainty and reduce future business risks.
What topics will you cover?
Week 1
- Introduction to logistics business simulation
- What is simulation?
- Why do we need simulation?
- What can simulation do?
- Where can simulation be used?
- Advantages and disadvantages of simulation
- How is simulation accomplished?
- Simulation steps
- Warehouse management example
- Session summary
- Suggested readings
- Introduction to ARENA Rockwell software and modelling modules
Week 2
- Fundamental components, including system, model and modelling
- Modelling elements, including entity, attribute, activity, event and state variables
- Basics of selecting entities
- Basics of selecting attributes
- Visual examples of system modelling elements
- System analysis-tabular form
- Building a first ARENA simulation model
When would you like to start?
Date to be announced
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Assess when and where simulation is needed
- Investigate the ability of simulation to solve logistics problems
- Explore the simulation steps that can be applied to simulate systems
- Develop an understanding of the system concept and its components
- Explore different types of system elements
- Identify ways of using such elements to represent the system being modelled
Who is the course for?
This course is of particular interest to anyone with a keen interest in logistics operations and how to manage them efficiently while facing uncertainties in a virtual environment.
Please note that the staff described in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below may be subject to change.
What software or tools do you need?
ARENA Simulation Software - Download the trial version.
Throughout this short course/program you will be using Arena software. In order to take part in the practical tasks that exist in this short course/program, please take a look at the system requirements.
Who will you learn with?
Dr Ammar Al-Bazi is a specialised academic with an experience of 21 years in Business Simulation and Optimisation solutions and Senior Lecturer of Business Information Systems at Coventry University
Dr Jim Rowley EngD MSc BEng (Hon) CEng CMILT FHEA MIET PGCE, Assistant Professor in supply chain management, logistics, simulation and operations management at Coventry University, UK.
Who developed the course?
Coventry University
Coventry secured gold in the UK Government’s 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is University of the Year for Student Experience in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
- Established1992
- LocationCoventry
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What's different about this course?
Since 2017 you have been able to take a degree on FutureLearn. This free course is a bit like a starter course for a degree — it should give you a flavour of the degree subject but can also be your first step towards a degree qualification.
If you enjoy this course you can apply to join the program it’s part of to start working towards a degree on FutureLearn.
Don’t worry, you can still take the course without doing a full degree!
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Which program and degree is this course part of?
This course is part of the program Simulation for Global Logistics, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in MSc Global Logistics.