The Process Analytics Simulation is an online simulation package designed to explore concepts in process analysis via a series of problems sets that are paired with simulation models, allowing students to increase their intuition and understanding of core operations concepts, including: cycle time, yield, use of inventory in processes, capacity management, bottlenecks and constraints, throughput time and rates, machine and labour utilization rates, and line and batch processes.

The simulation assignment counts for 25% of the total module grade.  It involves a 1500 - 2000 word paper, discussing the learning you have achieved from taking part in the simulation.  You should make specific reference to theories discussed in class, and also to the logic underlying the decisions made by your group in the simulation.  While drawing on the group actions and discussions, this is to be a personal commentary on the exercise and on your individual learning.  You may also make reference to other elements of the module in the context of what you have learned.  

The purpose of the diary is to record your personal experience of taking part in the exercise.  This may include commentary on the group dynamic and decision making, on the challenge of learning through group discussion, on the contrast between learning by doing as opposed to listening, on the way in which the simulation does or doesn’t complement the other aspects of the course, etc.  It is NOT to be a blow-by-blow account of each calculation made and each decision reached – you can outline that information in an appendix if you wish but it should not be part of the 1500-2000 words.

The table below describes the expectations from a grading perspective.

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