Peter Milling

Enhancing learning capabilities by providing transparency in business simulators

Prefabricated computer-based simulations usually offer a user-friendly interface. This allows inexperienced users fast access to the simulation because they do not have to possess specific knowledge about simulation techniques. Thus, giving simulation models an easy-to-use interface increases the acceptance of the simulation tool and draws attention to it. Learners are not only able to examine the results of their decisions but also the causes of these results using powerful system dynamics diagramming techniques. This adds transparency to the former black-boxes, producing so-called transparent-box business simulators. This article reports on an experiment evaluating the relevance and effects of structural transparency. This experimental design also can be used to examine other types of business simulators. Hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of transparency were tested. Results show the necessity for further research and collaboration.

Organisational adaptation processes to external complexity

Purpose – Based on a conceptual framework of the linkages between strategic manufacturing goals and complexity, the purpose of this paper is to investigate adaptation processes in manufacturing firms to increasing external complexity.Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses are tested with statistical analyses (group comparisons and structural equation models) that are conducted with data from the third round of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey.Findings – The study shows that manufacturing firms face different degrees of complexity. Firms in a more complex environment tend to possess a more complex internal structure, as indicated by process configuration, than firms in a less complex environment. Also depending on the degree of complexity, different processes of adaptation to increases in external complexity are initiated by organisations.Research limitations/implications – Research studies taking into account the dynamics of adaptation processes would be helpful in order to draw further c...

From waste to value – a system dynamics model for strategic decision-making in closed-loop supply chains

Although the field of closed-loop supply chain management has attracted a lot of attention in recent years and the management of reverse logistics processes has become a major field of supply chain management, there is still a lack of research conducting analyses using a comprehensive approach that takes the complexity of problems of reverse logistics processes into account. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model that allows an original equipment manufacturer in the electronics industry to test different value recovery strategies for business-to-business products in a closed-loop supply chain setting. For this purpose system dynamics is used because this approach enables one to capture the high complexity of reverse logistics processes and is suitable, contrary to traditional optimisation approaches, for analysing the dynamic behaviour of closed-loop supply chains comprehensively. The simulation analysis identifies leverage points for the improvement of decisions concerning reverse logistics. In particular, the simulation runs conducted highlight the high complexity and connectivity inherited with various value recovery processes. The paper contributes to a better understanding of supply chain dynamics, the impact of product backflow, and reverse logistics.

Computer integrated manufacturing in German industry: aspirations and achievements

Reports on a empirical investigation about the usage of computer integrated manufacturing in German hardware manufacturing. Results show a substantial variety in the current status of CIM implementations and indicate a large number of reasons that caused the firms to invest in CIM, the most prominent being a reduction in order processing time, an increase in scheduling effectiveness, and shorter delivery delays. There are strong synergistic effects between the CIM components. Although a step‐by‐step implementation of CIM is feasible and successful, only the integration of the individual pieces of equipment utilizes the full potential. The analysis of the data supports the hypothesis that the higher the degree of integration and automation, the better the objectives associated with CIM will be achieved.

Organisationales Lernen und seine Unterstützung durch Managementsimulatoren

Die Dynamik in den Veranderungen der Umwelt konfrontiert die Unternehmen standig mit neuen Herausforderungen, die schnelle Antworten verlangen. Organisationales Lernen stellt ein entscheidendes Instrument zur Sicherung der Wettbewerbsfahigkeit der Unternehmen dar. Lernen ist ein zielsuchender, zu einer Verhaltensanderung fuhrender Ruckkopplungsprozes, der von den mentalen Modellen der Entscheidungstrager gesteuert wird. In komplexen Systemen behindern zahlreiche Barrieren die Effizienz und Effektivitat dieser Prozesse. Formale Modelle (virtuelle Realitaten, Mikroweiten) konnen durch die Simulation von Entscheidungskonsequenzen helfen, Hemmnisse bei der Bewaltigung der Systemkomplexitat zu uberkommen, Erfahrungen zu antizipieren und das Lernen masgeblich zu unterstutzen.

Modeling drivers of organizational change

Purpose – It is the purpose of this paper to analyze drivers of organizational change as well as their inhibitors with a particular focus on the influence of management and the environment.Design/methodology/approach – The question will be addressed with the help of the case study of the New York Stock Exchanges (NYSE) move towards electronic trading. A system dynamical analysis of underlying forces and feedback will help elucidate the strength of mechanisms that drive or impede change.Findings – The stepwise analysis of the model in accordance with different model boundaries reveals that neither the environment nor endogenous pressures from stakeholders and management alone are able to replicate the reference behavior; all three model elements are necessary to simulate the process of the NYSEs radical move. Additionally, with only minor changes in the underlying assumptions, the model is able to show the contrasting behaviors predicted by different streams of literature.Research limitations/implication...

Strategiekonsistenz in Geschäftseinheit und Fertigung — Angleichung der Strategien als Voraussetzung für den Erfolg industrieller Unternehmen?

Bis vor etwa 15 Jahren galt es als das wesentliche Ziel des Fertigungsbereichs eines Unternehmens, moglichst effizient zu produzieren und dabei den vorgegebenen Qualitatsanforderungen zu entsprechen. Strategische Aspekte tangieren nach dieser Sichtweise die Fertigung erst dann, wenn es um die Umsetzung von Entscheidungen geht, die die Wettbewerbsposition des Unternehmens gestalten sollen.’ Das Zusammenwirken und Zusammenpassen von Wettbewerbs-und Fertigungsstrategien spielt hier bestenfalls eine sekundare Rolle. Die resultierende mangelnde Abstimmung zwischen interner und externer Sicht von Unternehmen und Markt kann Markterfolg und Leistungsfahigkeit von Unternehmen und Fertigung gleichermasen beeintrachtigen.2 Ausgangspunkt des vorliegenden Beitrags ist die daraus abzuleitende Forderung nach Konsistenz der von der Geschaftseinheit und dem Fertigungsbereich verfolgten Strategie; es soll auf empirischer Basis untersucht werden, ob die Angleichung der Strategien beider Bereiche Voraussetzung fur den Unternehmenserfolg ist.