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Soft with a hard centre: discrete-event simulation in facilitation

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  • S Robinson

    (Warwick University)

Abstract

Discrete event simulation is normally described as a ‘hard’ OR technique. This may not, however, always be the case. An example of a simulation of a user support helpline is described which, it is argued, has many of the traits of a ‘soft’ OR intervention. In particular, the study involved a facilitated discussion around a simulation model about possible improvements to a problem situation. The nature of the intervention is considered from both a methodological and paradigmatic perspective, and conclusions are drawn about where the intervention lies on a ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ continuum. It is argued that ‘soft’ issues need to be subsumed into the prescribed methodology for discrete-event simulation.

Suggested Citation

  • S Robinson, 2001. "Soft with a hard centre: discrete-event simulation in facilitation," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 52(8), pages 905-915, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:52:y:2001:i:8:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2601158
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601158
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. S Robinson, 2007. "PSMs: looking in from the outside," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 58(5), pages 689-691, May.
    2. Howick, Susan & Ackermann, Fran, 2011. "Mixing OR methods in practice: Past, present and future directions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 215(3), pages 503-511, December.
    3. S Howick & C Eden, 2011. "Supporting strategic conversations: the significance of a quantitative model building process," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(5), pages 868-878, May.
    4. Robinson, Stewart & Kotiadis, Kathy, 2016. "Can involving clients in simulation studies help them solve their future problems? A transfer of learning experimentAuthor-Name: Monks, Thomas," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(3), pages 919-930.
    5. Lane, David & Husemann, Elke & Holland, Darren & Khaled, Abdul, 2019. "Understanding foodborne transmission mechanisms for Norovirus: A study for the UK's Food Standards Agency," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 275(2), pages 721-736.
    6. Pessôa, Leonardo Antonio Monteiro & Lins, Marcos Pereira Estellita & da Silva, Angela Cristina Moreira & Fiszman, Roberto, 2015. "Integrating soft and hard operational research to improve surgical centre management at a university hospital," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 245(3), pages 851-861.
    7. Smith, Chris M. & Shaw, Duncan, 2019. "The characteristics of problem structuring methods: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 274(2), pages 403-416.
    8. Tako, Antuela A. & Robinson, Stewart, 2010. "Model development in discrete-event simulation and system dynamics: An empirical study of expert modellers," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 207(2), pages 784-794, December.
    9. B Lehaney & D Malindzak & Z Khan, 2008. "Simulation modelling for problem understanding: a case study in the East Slovakia Coal Industry," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(10), pages 1332-1339, October.
    10. M Pidd, 2010. "Why modelling and model use matter," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(1), pages 14-24, January.
    11. Gogi, Anastasia & Tako, Antuela A. & Robinson, Stewart, 2016. "An experimental investigation into the role of simulation models in generating insights," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(3), pages 931-944.
    12. Carter, Michael W. & Busby, Carolyn R., 2023. "How can operational research make a real difference in healthcare? Challenges of implementation," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 306(3), pages 1059-1068.
    13. S Robinson, 2008. "Conceptual modelling for simulation Part I: definition and requirements," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(3), pages 278-290, March.
    14. R Ormerod, 2006. "The OR/MS contribution to strategy development and policy-making," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(1), pages 117-120, January.
    15. Robinson, Stewart, 2002. "General concepts of quality for discrete-event simulation," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 138(1), pages 103-117, April.
    16. R J Ormerod, 2010. "OR as rational choice: a decision and game theory perspective," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(12), pages 1761-1776, December.
    17. A A Tako & S Robinson, 2009. "Comparing discrete-event simulation and system dynamics: users' perceptions," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(3), pages 296-312, March.
    18. S Robinson, 2008. "Conceptual modelling for simulation Part II: a framework for conceptual modelling," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(3), pages 291-304, March.
    19. Kiygi-Calli, Meltem & Weverbergh, Marcel & Franses, Philip Hans, 2021. "Forecasting time-varying arrivals: Impact of direct response advertising on call center performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 227-240.
    20. Robinson, Stewart & Worthington, Claire & Burgess, Nicola & Radnor, Zoe J., 2014. "Facilitated modelling with discrete-event simulation: Reality or myth?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 234(1), pages 231-240.
    21. J Mingers, 2003. "A classification of the philosophical assumptions of management science methods," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 54(6), pages 559-570, June.
    22. S Robinson, 2005. "Discrete-event simulation: from the pioneers to the present, what next?," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 56(6), pages 619-629, June.
    23. M den Hengst & G-J de Vreede & R Maghnouji, 2007. "Using soft OR principles for collaborative simulation: a case study in the Dutch airline industry," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 58(5), pages 669-682, May.
    24. Morgan, Jennifer Sian & Howick, Susan & Belton, Valerie, 2017. "A toolkit of designs for mixing Discrete Event Simulation and System Dynamics," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 257(3), pages 907-918.
    25. K Kotiadis & J Mingers, 2006. "Combining PSMs with hard OR methods: the philosophical and practical challenges," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(7), pages 856-867, July.

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