Hans Mikkelsen

Simulation Games in Production Management - an introduction

The application of games for production management has widely increased in the past decade and has resulted in a large number of quite different games. Further advancement in the use of games, however, will depend on the acknowledgement that we need to differentiate between games and to be specific when selecting a game with respect to the learning environment in which the game should be placed, its pedagogical aim, the number of pre-defined jobs, the effort needed and the duration of the game.

Management of internal projects

Abstract Internal projects are characterized by organizational development and strong competition for internal personnel and management attention. This calls for a new framework for understanding the specific nature of internal projects. To study how internal projects are actually carried out, the authors studied projects in ten industrial enterprises by interviewing top managers and project managers. The paper presents the results and conclusions.

Risk management in product development projects

Abstract The preliminary results from a Danish study of the handling of uncertainty and risk in product development projects are presented. The original intention was to develop tools and methods for risk analysis and the increase of project robustness. But the study revealed that the handling of risks depends on attitudes to risk and on the risk-taking culture in the project organization. Thus a model for description of this culture is presented.

Games for organizational learning in production management

Development and implementation of new production management methods and systems represents a challenge to the individual employee, manager, student or teacher. Understanding dynamic and complex systems is very difficult, old methods and working habits have to be unlearned, a new kind of knowledge is required, and it is important to acquire proficiency in doing.

Planning and managing production management improvement projects

Abstract Several examples of unsuccessful planning and implementation of a new production management system point to a need for a more careful initial planning of where to go. Furthermore, there is a need for defining the scope of an improvement project at an early stage. A new approach to production management proposes as a task for all sections of an industrial enterprise. This paper aims to provide a structured approach to planning and managing a production management improvement process. By offering a framework and a number of methods we provide means for structuring a creative problem solving process. Three points of views are combined: (i) a methodology for dealing with the technical matters of production management, (ii) a project management approach to structuring and planning the improvement process, and (iii) a behavioural approach in which organizational learning processes play an essential role. The paper follows a previous paper in this journal (Riis 1990) in which a new approach to productio...

Orchestrating Lean Implementation

The notion of Lean Manufacturing is not merely confined to a set of well defined techniques, but represents a broad approach to managing a company. Working with lean entails many aspects, such as production planning and control, production engineering, product development, supply chain, and organizational issues. To become effective, many functional areas and departments must be involved. At the same time companies are embedded in a dynamic environment. The aim of the paper is to propose a comprehensive approach to better implementation of lean initiatives, based on two empirical studies. The paper will discuss how a concerted effort can be staged taking into account the interdependencies among individual improvement initiatives. The notion of orchestration will be introduced, and several means for orchestration will be presented. Critical behavioral issues for lean implementation

The Lego Truck Game - A game of production control

The Lego Truck Game demonstrates the relationship between material and production control through a number of departments in a total supply — and production chain. The game illustrates the use of different production control principles and organizations and in particular the connection between production — and information lead time, and the importance of synchronizing the material flow. Furthermore, the game is excellent to illustrate the concept of dynamics and uncertainty in production and production control. In the game the effects of using different production control principles can be calculated as well in economic terms as in terms of delivery accuracy.

Involving interested parties: application of analysis and planning tools

Abstract A model that explains the relationship between a project and its social environments is described. Tools used in the analysis of the environment are discussed, and an example of their practical application is presented.

Quality of project work and project management

Abstract Is quality management a discipline in project management or vice versa? Is quality assurance just extended use of bureaucratic control methods adopted from production quality control? This paper stresses the need for better integration of quality management activities into the activities of professional project management. Further, it raises the question of effective quality management tools in the early project phases, where requirement specifications and conceptual design are made.

Design of simulation games

In the preceding chapters different games have been presented, and a “road map” was introduced in the first chapter to serve as a guide for the reader to select one or more games suitable for a specific teaching situation. The games may also have inspired to suggest an alternative game be developed, or that one of the games be augmented. This paper sets forth to present a framework for designing a game. The overall design process is described in terms of four steps, respectively initializing, design, engineering and use. The initializing step includes the specification of requirements for simple games. The elements of a simulation game are introduced which may serve as a useful checklist during the design process. The design of games leads to a game concept Defining roles and role playing in the game is an important part of the design and engineering step.