2010 Publications
Journal Publications.
[1] Practical simulation application: Evaluation of process control parameters in Twisted-Pair Cables manufacturing system, 2010
Amr Mahfouz, Said Ali Hassan, and Amr Arisha
Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, Volume18, Pages: 471–482
Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, Volume18, Pages: 471–482
Abstract
Intensive competition and rapid technology development of Twisted-Pair Cables (TPC)industry have left no room for competing manufacturers to harbour system inefficiencies. TPC are used in various communication and networks hardware applications; their manufacturing facilities face many challenges including various product configurations with different equipment settings, different product flows and Work in Process (WIP) space limitations. The quest for internal efficiency and external effectiveness forces companies to align their internal settings and resources with external requirements/orders, or in different words, significant factors must be set appropriately and identified prior to manufacturing processes. Integrated definition models (IDEF0, IDEF3) in conjunction with a simulation model and a design of experiments (DOE) have been developed to characterize the TPC production system, identify the significant process parameters and examine various production setting scenarios aiming to get the best product flow time.
Conference Publications.
[1] Evaluating and Selecting Optimization Software Packages: A Framework for Business Applications, 2010
Waleed Abo-Hamad, Amr Arisha
Proceedings of International Conference on Operations Research , Venice, Italy
Proceedings of International Conference on Operations Research , Venice, Italy
Abstract
Owing the fact that optimization of business process is a crucial requirement to navigate, survive and even thrive in today’s volatile business environment, this paper presents a framework for selecting a best-fit optimization package for solving complex business problems. Complexity level of the problem and/or using incorrect optimization software can lead to biased solutions of the optimization problem. Accordingly, the proposed framework identifies a number of relevant factors (e.g. decision variables, objective functions, and modeling approach) to be considered during the evaluation and selection process. Application domain, problem specifications, and available accredited optimization approaches are also to be regarded. A recommendation of one or two optimization software is the output of the framework which is believed to provide the best results of the underlying problem. In addition to a set of guidelines and recommendations on how managers can conduct an effective optimization exercise is discussed..
[2] Customer Management Analysis of Irish Plumbing & Heating Distribution System: A Simulation Study, 2010
John Crowe, Amr Mahfouz, Amr Arisha and Finbarr Barrett
2010 Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation (SIMUL), Pages:
59-66
2010 Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation (SIMUL), Pages:
59-66
Abstract
The sudden burst of the property bubble, coupled with current global economic conditions has resulted in a huge decrease in demand for plumbing and heating fixtures in the Irish construction industry. Moreover, inefficient supply chain management policies have imposed further pressures on companies resulting in more system bottlenecks and unnecessary costs. Inventory management is seen as a functional area that can ease such bottlenecks and in turn increase supply chain efficiency, decrease costs and increase customer satisfaction. The challenge is to predict the balance of on-hand inventory and order quantity to optimise customer satisfaction and minimise inventory cost. It is also essential that managers clearly understand the cost effect stock-outs have on different groups of customer, i.e. customer segmentation policy. Traditional inventory mathematical techniques are inadequate in investigating the influence of customer segmentation policy on performance. To investigate this further, conceptual modelling using flowcharts and data flow diagrams in conjunction with simulation modelling and design of experiments have been developed to characterise the inventory management process of a plumbing and heating distribution centre. Significant process parameters where identified and examined with and without segmented customer management policies, aiming to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction rate at the lowest possible total cost.
[3] Supply Chain Simulation: Experimentation without Pain, 2010
Ayman Tobail, John Crowe and Amr Arisha
Proceedings of 13th Annual Academy of Management Conference
Proceedings of 13th Annual Academy of Management Conference
Abstract
Bridging the gap between theory and practice has always been a key issue for students and graduates. The magnitude and scope of subject areas that students at third level institutions have to learn in theory means that visualising them without any practical experience can be very difficult. Understanding the complexity of supply chain networks and how to manage them create a considerable level of difficulty for students and professionals. Theories and applications included in supply chain management subjects are the key to empathise the real challenges. Nevertheless, teaching these theories needs substantial efforts and new innovative approaches to deliver the concepts and assure successful transfer of the learning outcomes. To complicate things more, the levels of uncertainty and risk within an entire supply chain are still not fully recognised or understood even by industry professionals. Research studies showed the need for more transparency and collaborative approaches to take place among supply chain partners in order to achieve more sustainable operations. Making sure students comprehend the scale of activities and stochastic nature of a supply chain before they carry on their industrial careers is therefore crucial. Using computer simulation integrated with structured modelling techniques, a detailed, animated and generic supply chain simulation-based learning framework can be developed to incorporate many areas of learning undertaken by students in relation to the supply chain management. Experimenting on the simulation models allow the students to examine quantitatively the impact of changing critical factors (e.g. inventory level, demand, suppliers’ lead time) on the performance of supply chain. This paper demonstrates the impact of using interactive simulation technologies in teaching third level education with special reference to supply chain management and discusses the benefits of learning through such a level of immersion.
[4] Web-Based Supply Chain Simulation: An Integrated Approach, 2010
Ayman Tobail, John Crowe and Amr Arisha
ICERI 2010
ICERI 2010
Abstract
The internal dynamics of emergency departments (ED) in Irish hospitals represent complex non-linear stochastic systems with an environment of uncertainty, variability and limited resources. Planning and managing such systems pose overwhelming demands. To improve operations, patient service, resource planning, and real-time reaction to unexpected events, sophisticated tools to efficiently achieve these goals must be applied. Advanced solution techniques (e.g. simulation and optimisation) have been successfully applied in manufacturing operations to improve the delivery, cost-effectiveness and service quality. Yet, random arrival of patients, limited resources and multitasking are challenges in EDs that add more complexity to this critical area. This study delivers a contribution to both theory and practice. By the elaboration of patient risks types, simulation is investigated for its compliance with risk management approaches that hence delivered modifications to the simulation modelling approach. This investigation and the modifications allows the conclusion that simulation is suited for risk management and that simulation models are applicable as risk assessment models for healthcare once the modifications are considered by the modeller.
[5] The Analysis of Rush Orders Risk in Supply Chain: A Simulation Approach, 2010
Amr Mahfouz and Amr Arisha
Modsim World 2010 Conference & Expo
Modsim World 2010 Conference & Expo
Abstract
Satisfying customers by delivering demands at agreed time, with competitive prices, and in satisfactory quality level are crucial requirements for supply chain survival. Incident of risks in supply chain often causes sudden disruptions in the processes and consequently leads to customers losing their trust in a company’s competence. Rush orders are considered to be one of the main types of supply chain risks due to their negative impact on the overall performance. Using integrated definition modeling approaches (i.e. IDEF0 & IDEF3) and simulation modeling technique , a comprehensive integrated model has been developed to assess rush order risks and examine two risk mitigation strategies. Detailed functions sequence and objects flow were conceptually modeled to reflect on macro and micro levels of the studied supply chain. Discrete event simulation models were then developed to assess and investigate the mitigation strategies of rush order risks, the objective of this is to minimize order cycle time and cost.
13461099461346084856final_manuscript__modsim.pdf | |
File Size: | 621 kb |
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[6] Customer Management Analysis of Irish Plumbing & Heating Distribution System: A Simulation Study, 2010
John Crowe, Amr Mahfouz, Finbarr Barrett and Amr Arisha
Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation
Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation
Abstract
The sudden burst of the property bubble, coupled with current global economic conditions has resulted in a huge decrease in demand for plumbing and heating fixtures in the Irish construction industry. Moreover, inefficient supply chain management policies have imposed further pressures on companies resulting in more system bottlenecks and unnecessary costs. Inventory management is seen as a functional area that can ease such bottlenecks and in turn increase supply chain efficiency, decrease costs and increase customer satisfaction. The challenge is to predict the balance of on-hand inventory and order quantity to optimise customer satisfaction and minimise inventory cost. It is also essential that managers clearly understand the cost effect stock-outs have on different groups of customer, i.e. customer segmentation policy. Traditional inventory mathematical techniques are inadequate in investigating the influence of customer segmentation policy on performance. To investigate this further, conceptual modelling using flowcharts and data flow diagrams in conjunction with simulation modelling and design of experiments have been developed to characterise the inventory management process of a plumbing and heating distribution centre. Significant process parameters where identified and examined with and without segmented customer management policies, aiming to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction rate at the lowest possible total cost.
134608511405601898.pdf | |
File Size: | 465 kb |
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[7] INTEGRATING BALANCED SCORECARD AND SIMULATION MODELLING TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE IN IRISH HOSPITALS, 2010
Khaled Ismail, Waleed Abo-Hamad, and Amr Arisha
Winter Simulation Conference
Winter Simulation Conference
Abstract
In the healthcare sector, there is a requirement for innovative solutions in managing the high levels of complexity and uncertainty within emergency departments (EDs). Simulation modeling is currently seen as a competent means of analyzing EDs, which allows changes effects to be understood and predicted more easily. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC), well-known performance management concept, has become a steering method in approaching new improvement cycles. This paper presents a methodology that integrates BSC and simulation modeling to increase ED efficiency and improve its performance in a University Hospital in North Dublin. BSC design began with understanding patient’s needs, ED activities, as well as training and development programs. Then a detailed simulation model was developed and integrated with the BSC to provide a comprehensive decision support system. This integrated model is used for evaluation and assessment of various decisions in emergency services and improving its performance.
1346110563wsc_2010.pdf | |
File Size: | 475 kb |
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