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Exploring Systems Performance Using Modeling and Simulation – Project-based Study and Teaching

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

Project-Based and Experiential Learning in Manufacturing

Tagged Division

Manufacturing Division (MFG)

Page Count

12

DOI

10.18260/1-2--43631

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/43631

Download Count

175

Paper Authors

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Abstract

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) provides a risk-free environment allowing the users to experiment in a computer-generated virtual platform and analyze the what-if scenarios for effective decision support systems. Due to its pervasive usefulness, the concept of M&S is widely used across many sectors, including manufacturing, warehouse operations, supply chain, logistics, transportation, mining, and many more. The field of M&S requires computer-intensive and software-based training, which is very different from teaching in a regular classroom setting. Hence, we develop a three-stage (mimic-guide-scaffold) project-based teaching strategy to enhance students learning experience in M&S education. Here, students first follow the instructor to understand basics of simulation and become familiar with AnyLogic software. Second, the students work on a group project under the passive supervision of the instructor to enhance their problem-solving capability. In the third step, students work independently on a similar but extensive project to scaffold their knowledge. The project was designed to answer three high-level key research questions for a hospital system including systems throughput, resource utilization, and patients’ length of stay reduction. We performed a thorough evaluation using an anonymous survey, where thirty-one students participated to provide their feedback. This paper provides a detailed description of the projects including problem statements, learning objectives, evaluation rubrics, data collection criteria, and evaluation outcomes with detailed discussion.

(2023, June), Exploring Systems Performance Using Modeling and Simulation – Project-based Study and Teaching Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--43631

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