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Medeiros, Deborah J.; Sadowski, Randall P.
doi: 10.1177/003754978304000103pmid: N/A
This research provides a general modeling approach for the design and analysis of computer-controlled manufacturing cells containing robots, sensors, automatic machines, and orientation devices. The development process is described and alternative concepts are discussed. The developed ap proach allows a simulation model to be constructed by se lecting appropriate modules from an available library and linking them together. A demonstration manufacturing cell developed by McDonnell Douglas for the Air Force In tegrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) program is utilized to illustrate the concepts and a more complex exam ple is presented to illustrate the versatility. This approach is flexible because alternative configurations can be modeled quickly and easily. Individuals with significant expertise in cell design but little experience in simulation can create simulation models of manufacturing cells and perform mean ingful analysis.
doi: 10.1177/003754978304000104pmid: N/A
Software engineering is a collection of techniques for developing and maintaining large programs. New techniques are necessary because techniques that work for small programs are inadequate for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining large systems. Although some software engineering techniques require special computerized tools, many are easy to apply and can be used by simulationists working in any environment. In particular, simula tionists can take advantage of chief programmer teams, structured walkthroughs, structured analysis and design, software develop ment systems, structured programming, standardized coding con ventions, and top-down testing.
Picardi, Anthony C.; Shorb, Alan McK.
doi: 10.1177/003754978304000105pmid: N/A
A system dynamics model of Saudi Arabia's oil export strategy has been constructed. Besides providing estimates of future oil exports, this work demonstrates the application of stochas tic simulation models with feedback to the examination of de cisions involving multiple objectives. Such models can be used in real-world strategic planning where decisions affect the achievement of many goals simultaneously, and where tradeoffs must be made between different objectives. Since strategic planning occurs in an environment of uncertain events, it is necessary to explore the limits of the system behavior so best and worst case scenarios can be defined.Our model, called the Saudi Oil Decision Model, uses inter views with informed people to estimate probable values of ex ternal factors and to validate the system structure. The model considers seven Saudi national objectives, four of which are advanced by increasing exports and three by decreasing ex ports. The feedback structure balances increases and de creases in exports according to criteria that measure the achievement of all seven objectives.The model was simulated in a Monte Carlo mode, and the results were examined to determine which combinations of ex ternal events produced the largest changes in oil exports. Analysis shows that large increases in Saudi oil exports are unlikely, given their national objectives as evidenced in past behavior. The reason for this derives from the dynamics of compromise between conflicting objectives. The Saudi Oil Decision Model is the first multi-objective model to be ap plied to the political-economic problem of oil exports from Saudi Arabia.
doi: 10.1177/003754978304000106pmid: N/A
A low cost, microcomputer-based voice recognition device makes a convenient input channel for an interactive model of a manufacturing system. The problems with current hardware are its limited capabilities and unreliable operation. However, the potential exists for useful voice control of simulations in the near future
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