Michigan Simulation User Group

Management Education Center
811 West Square Lake Road
Troy, MI 48098

The Michigan Simulation User Group (MSUG)'s Annual Conference includes presentations by prominent speakers on a wide range of topics designed to be of interest to the simulation practitioner and their management.

UPDATED 10/26/2009:  Conference Agenda included.  Read full article for details.

Based on your feedback we have specifically selected 3 speakers from across different industries. In addition to great presentations, we are continuing with our restructured agenda to give attendees the opportunity to see a variety of products showcased in vendor sessions.  You will also have the opportunity to talk to these and other vendors during our break room sessions so that you can get detailed information about their full line of product or service offerings.

The conference is on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.  We invite you to register for the conference and ensure a place for this exciting event. Just fill in the Registration form (see conference flyer attached) and mail it to Mark Steury - Treasurer, MSUG.  Attendance to the conference includes a one year membership to the MSUG.  We are accepting payments through postal mail only.  The address is on the form.

Please e-mail treasurer AT m-sug DOT org if you have any questions regarding payment.  Please direct all other questions to annual DOT conference DOT chair AT m-sug DOT org.

Read full article for agenda, presentation abstracts, speaker biographies, vendor sessions details, call for nominees for election to the MSUG Steering Committee, venue map & directions.

Agenda:

Presenters:

Thomas Schriber – Simulation for the Masses: Spreadsheet-Based Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract: Spreadsheet-based Monte Carlo simulation has come into relatively widespread use as a methodology supporting studies in risk analysis for a broad range of problem types in areas such as operations management, finance, and marketing. The basic methodology is quite easily assimilated by those familiar with the fundamentals of probability, statistics, and sampling, and the practical applications of the methodology are compelling. Practitioners of discrete-event simulation can master spreadsheet-based simulation especially easily, and can expand their skill set importantly by doing so. This paper provides suggestive examples for the use of spreadsheet-based simulation and briefly explores the underlying methodology, mentioning the relevant native Excel tools and reviewing elements of one of the commercial Excel add-ins available to support use of the methodology. The presentation itself will include demonstration and discussion of the dynamics of spreadsheet-based Monte Carlo simulation.

Biography: Thomas J. Schriber is a Professor of Business Information Technology at The University of Michigan. He is a recipient of the INFORMS Simulation Society’s Lifetime Professional Achievement Award, and of the Society’s Distinguished Service Award, and has received the James R. Wilson Winter Simulation Conference Board of Directors’ Award for Distinguished Service. He is a Charter Member and Fellow of the Decision Sciences Institute and author of Simulation Using GPSS, which was in widespread use for many years. He has been a WSC Program Chair and served ten years on the WSC Board of Directors, chairing the board for two years. He is a member of ASIM (the German-language simulation society), the Decision Sciences Institute, the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and INFORMS.

Toni Ruohonen – Improving the Operation of an Emergency Department by using a Simulation Model

Abstract: Simulation was used to create a new universal mode of action for emergency departments. Processes, resources and technological solutions were taken under examination. The focus was on the main patient process: this made it possible to find solutions, which would reduce passive waiting time, decrease the throughput time and still keep the quality of care at a good level. The results of the simulation run showed that implementing all the solutions proposals at the same time would decrease the patients’ length of stay over 40 %. As can be seen from the results of this study, with the use of new technologies, alternative strategies, and resource reallocation it is possible to improve the operation of different heath care units and meet the challenges in the health care.

Biography: Toni Ruohonen is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Jyväskylä. He received his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (telecommunication) from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Finland and his PhD from University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Dr. Ruohonen’s research interests include health care processes planning, wireless technologies, system modeling/simulation, service science and service design.

Paul Fognini – Simulation Solutions with Little or No Data

Abstract: An ideal situation for system simulation model building is to have all the information needed about the system.  This means the system layouts, mechanical attributes, and controls algorithms.  Then there is the operational data.  A common problem when creating a system simulation is lack of data.  Often times there are delays in obtaining data and others it is not possible to get the needed data.  This problem and an example of how to overcome it and still build a meaningful system simulation will be discussed.

Biography: Paul Fognini has over 21 years experience in using and creating simulation models of manufacturing and material handling systems.  His positions has ranged from a Jr. Simulation Analyst to Simulation Coordinator and finally to President of Preferred Simulation Consultants Inc.

Vendor Sessions:

Our confirmed vendor sessions, in alphabetical order, are:

Dasi Solutions, LLC
Emulate 3D Ltd
ProModel Corporation

Besides vendor sessions, you will also have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with many vendors in their booths during the break room sessions.

Call for Nominees:

We are looking for volunteers to serve on the MSUG Steering Committee; please contact Cindy Schiess at cschiess at dsidsc dot com.

Map & Directions:

View Larger Map

From I-75 take the Crooks Road exit (#72). Turn right at the ramp and go ½ mile north on Crooks to Square Lake Road. Turn right on Square Lake Road (heading east). Management Education Center is the first driveway on the right.