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Comparing model reuse with model building : an empirical study of learning from simulation
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Monks, Thomas (2011) Comparing model reuse with model building : an empirical study of learning from simulation. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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WRAP_THESIS_Monks_2011.pdf - Submitted Version Download (10Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2665902~S1
Abstract
What are the benefits of involving decision makers in simulation model development?
Do decision makers learn more about their problem if they are involved in model
development than if they had been excluded? This thesis presents an experiment
which compares decision maker learning outcomes and process in two different types
of discrete-event simulation (DES) study. The first is a traditional simulation project
where decision makers take the role of domain experts and are involved in the
building of a simulation model through to its use. The second is where a model is
reused rather than built. Sixty four undergraduate participants were individually
involved in one of three experimental conditions: development of an A&E simulation
model and its subsequent use; development of the same model, but with less time
for model use; or were presented with the model already developed and asked to
reuse it. Participants of each condition were then allowed to run the model, change
variables and review results in an attempt to improve the performance of the system.
Learning was measured at two levels: attitude change, to infer learning about
a business problem, and transfer of learning, to infer a deeper learning. Results
indicated that, firstly, model building aided participant's discovery of aspects of the
problem that were previously unconsidered. However, attitudes about these novel
aspects of the problem were only converted to transferable knowledge when experimentation
was not limited. Secondly, participants that reused the model learnt
about the model through quick cycles of experimentation followed by validation, although these tended to be focused on factors with which participants were most
familiar. In fact, model reuse participants learnt more following this approach than
by scrutinizing the results of each scenario in detail.
Little empirical evidence exists to support the discussions and the view that
involvement in model building aids learning. This thesis contributes to this debate
by providing insight into the mechanisms that in
uence learning. Moreover, results
suggest that learning from experimentation when reusing a model is also valid,
although the process followed may be different. Of course, there are limitations to
the approach used to perform the comparison. For instance, the experiment uses
novice decision makers and measures attitude immediately after the experiment.
Refl
ection on such points is used to aid the generation of testable hypotheses that
can be explored in future research.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management Q Science > QA Mathematics |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Digital computer simulation, Discrete-time systems, Decision making -- Simulation methods, Problem solving -- Simulation methods | ||||
Official Date: | February 2011 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Warwick Business School | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Robinson, Stewart, 1964-; Kotiadis, Kathy | ||||
Extent: | xvi, 310 leaves : illustrations, charts. | ||||
Language: | eng |
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