Vol.48, No 3 (2015)

Črtomir Rozman

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 11, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia

Miroljub Kljajić

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia

Karmen Pažek

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 11, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The sugar beet is the main field crop used for sugar production in the temperate climatic zone. Since investment in sugar beet industry are long term and ireversible tde decision support and economic analysis are required in order to maximise investment returns. Methodology: A system dynamics methodology was chosen to model the impacts of regional sugar factory investments. We present the basic concepts of system dynamics (SD) models and their development in the case of sugar beet production and processing systems. Sugar beet economics are also analyzed using the static technological economic simulation model. Results: The simulation provides answers to strategic questions related to the total sugar beet production and processing system and will be used for the simulation of different scenarios for sugar production and their impact on economic and environmental parameters at an aggregate level. Furthermore, the feasibility analysis of sugar beet production revealed that at the current price and intensity levels (yields), we can expect profitable sugar beet production for both white sugar and ethanol. Conclusion: Preliminary results show that under expected production parameters the sugar beet processing and production would be economically feasible.

Bartlomiej Gawin

University of Gdansk, Department of Business Informatics, Piaskowa 9, 81-864 Sopot, Poland

Bartosz Marcinkowski

University of Gdansk, Department of Business Informatics, Piaskowa 9, 81-864 Sopot, Poland

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Business process simulation (BPS) model is based on real-life data form sources like databases, observations and interviews. It acts as “as-is” business scenario can used for reengineering. The main challenge is to gather relevant data and to develop simulation model. Research aims to elaborate BPS model and to systematically assess how close to reality it is. Design/Methodology/Approach:The research has been performed in Polish telecommunications company. Authors investigate technical process of expanding cellular network. After elaborating “as-is” model, authors use ADONIS simulation tool to run a series simulations and confront simulation results with actual historical events. After this, assessment whether computer simulation model can precisely map real-life business process – and consequently act as credible basis for process improvement – is made. Results: The simulation model has been constructed with data from the WfMS database, observations, staff knowledge and their experience. Fully equipped simulation model is found to allow reconstructing the historical execution of business activity with low margin for error. Some limitation were identified and discussed. Conclusion: BPS is not a popular approach for process reengineering and improvement yet. Data collection issues for BPS that require adopting process mining techniques and additional information sources are among the reasons for that. In our study, computer simulation outputs are compatible with historical events. Hence the model reflects the business reality and can be taken as a reference model while redesigning the process.

Davorin Kofjač

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj

Blaž Bavec

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj

Andrej Škraba

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In a complex strictly hierarchical organizational structure, undesired oscillations may occur, which have not yet been adequately addressed. Therefore, parameter values, which define fluctuations and transitions from one state to another, need to be optimized to prevent oscillations and to keep parameter values between lower and upper bounds. The objective was to develop a simulation model of hierarchical organizational structure as a web application to help in solving the aforementioned problem. Design/Methodology/Approach: The hierarchical structure was modeled according to the principles of System Dynamics. The problem of the undesired oscillatory behavior was addressed with deterministic finite automata, while the flow parameter values were optimized with genetic algorithms. These principles were implemented as a web application with JavaScript/ECMAScript. Results – Genetic algorithms were tested against well-known instances of problems for which the optimal analytical values were found. Deterministic finite automata was verified and validated via a three-state hierarchical organizational model, successfully preventing the oscillatory behavior of the structure. Conclusion: The results indicate that the hierarchical organizational model, genetic algorithms and deterministic finite automata have been successfully implemented with JavaScript as a web application that can be used on mobile devices. The objective of the paper was to optimize the flow parameter values in the hierarchical organizational model with genetic algorithms and finite automata. The web application was successfully used on a three-state hierarchical organizational structure, where the optimal flow parameter values were determined and undesired oscillatory behavior was prevented. Therefore, we have provided a decision support system for determination of quality restructuring strategies.

Tadeja Jere Jakulin

University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Portorož – TURISTICA, Obala 11a, SI – 6320 Portorož

Aleksandra Golob

Šentvid pri Grobelnem 29a, SI- 3231 Grobelno

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The standardisation and classification of managed events provide a legislative basis to distinguish events managed for tourism in their characteristics and quality. The systems approach to standardisation and classification of managed events is a unique, holistic view of event management quality and event organization in tourism. It enables a clear overview of a researched topic and provides adequate support to design and decision-making. In this paper, we explain the meaning of standardisation and classification for Slovenian legislation related to event management. We present the importance of a systems approach methodology for event categorization and classification as it relates to the quality of event management organization, the quality of staff, the quality of the event program and the quality of event services. Objectives: Provide an overview of events in tourism, related definitions and information gathered from scientific authors, which serves as current systems approach principles with which we want to achieve the desired results, positive changes in legislation; in our case—in the field of managed event quality for tourism through standardisation and classification of events on the national level in Slovenia. Method: A descriptive method and systems approach methods are fundamental methodological principles in our analysis. In the context of a systems approach, we used qualitative modelling and constructed causal loop models (CLD) of the legislative system of events and investments in the events. We also used context-dependent modelling (SD model) in a frame of systems dynamics. Results: We present the most appropriate solution to eliminate our problem or question about how to achieve high quality and unique events within event tourism and with event management, thereby creating added value to an event legislative system. We explain suggestions for achieving triple-bottom elements through well-designed quality standards and classification of events, which leads to an optimal categorization of events. Conclusion: From a systems point of view, event tourism processes, including event management, are systems consisting of people and technologies with the purpose of designing, producing, trading and deploying the idea of an event. It is necessary to transform the current Slovene legislative system of events and prepare a document which standardizes and classifies events based on systems approach methodology.

Khalid Aboura

University of Dammam, College of Business Administration, Department of Quantitative Methods, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In the mid-1990s, a decision support system for copper production was developed for one of the largest mining companies in Australia. The research was conducted by scientists from the largest Australian research center and involved the use of simulation to analyze options to increase production of a copper production facility. Objectives: We describe a statistical model for shutdowns due to air quality control and some of the data analysis conducted during the simulation project. We point to the fact that the simulation was a sophisticated exercise that consisted of many modules and the statistical model for shutdowns was essential for valid simulation runs. Method: The statistical model made use of a full year of data on daily downtimes and used a combination of techniques to generate replications of the data. Results: The study was conducted with a high level of cooperation between the scientists and the mining company. This contributed to the development of accurate estimates for input into a support system with an EXCEL based interface. Conclusion: The environmental conditions affected greatly the operations of the production facility. A good statistical model was essential for the successful simulation and the high budget expansion decision that ensued.

Silvo Pozderec

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče Slovenia.

Martina Bavec

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče Slovenia.

Črtomir Rozman

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče Slovenia.

Jožef Vinčenc

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče Slovenia.

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Organic and integrated production of vegetables are the two most common production systems in Slovenia. The study analyzed two production systems with different cultures as alternatives with purpose to find the most appropriate variants. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study based on the development and integration of developed specific technological-economic simulation models for the production of vegetables (salad, growing peppers, salad cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, round and cherry tomato) in greenhouse and multi-criteria decision analysis. The methodology of the study based on the DEX methodology and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of organic (ECO) and integrated production (IP) in greenhouse. Results: The evaluation results show that both cultivation methods of commercially attractive vegetables in greenhouse are variable. In the case of integrated production, the assessment of multi-criteria decision analysis EC and DEXi showed that salad (Donertie F1) proved to be the best possible alternative. In the case of organic production, the multi-criteria analysis assessment of pickling cucumbers (Harmony F1) is the best possible business alternative. Conclusion: For the further production planning process by decision maker is the ranking with Expert Choice (EC) more useful and precise, while the DEX evaluations are more descriptive.

Miroljub Kljajić

University of Maribor Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Gerhard Wilhelm Weber

Middle East Technical University

Abstract

Background/Purpose:  The aim of this special issue “Recent Advances in Simulation based decision making in business process” is to continue presenting the research achievement from the area of Systems Approach and Decision Support Systems for assessments of complex problems. The majority of the contributions represents extended and revised papers presented at the 26th, Conference on System Research, Informatics and Cybernetics, Baden-Baden, Germany, August 4-9, 2014, in the stream Simulation Based Decision Support and Business Intelligence, chaired by Miroljub Kljajić. The special issue includes papers dealing with the development of simulation methodology, modeling tools and practice for decision assessment, service systems, control, optimization and agriculture dynamics research. To address those issues above, firm policies need to be established as a result of continued search for a sustainable future.

In that respect, the paper entitled “Sugar beet production: A system dynamics model and economic analysis” describes the system dynamics model for beet production development in order to support decision making and is continuation of previous research.  The sugar beet is the main field crop used for sugar production in the temperate climatic zone. Since investment in sugar beet industry are long term and ireversible the decision support and economic analysis are required in order to maximise investment returns. A system dynamics methodology was chosen to model the impacts of regional sugar factory investments. The simulation provides answers to strategic questions related to the total sugar beet production and processing system and will be used for the simulation of different scenarios for sugar production and their impact on economic and environmental parameters at an aggregate level.

The purpose of the paper entitled “How Close to Reality is the „as-is” Business Process Simulation Model?” was the development of a Business Process Simulation (BPS) model based on real-life data. The research has been performed in Polish Telecommunications Company. The authors investigate technical process of expanding cellular network. After elaborating “as-is” model, authors use ADONIS simulation tool to run a series simulations and confront simulation results with actual historical events. The simulation model has been constructed with data from the WfMS database, observations, staff knowledge and their experience. The authors conclude that BPS is not a popular approach for process reengineering and improvement yet. Data collection issues for BPS that require adopting process mining techniques and additional information sources are among the reasons for that.

The paper entitled “Web Application for Hierarchical Organizational Structure Optimization – Human Resource Management Case Study” describes new methodology to prevent oscillation during optimization of parameters in organizational hierarchical structure. The objective was optimization of the flow parameter values in the hierarchical organizational model with genetic algorithms and finite automata. The hierarchical structure was modeled according to System Dynamics. The problem of the undesired oscillatory behavior was addressed with deterministic finite automata, while the flow parameter values were optimized with genetic algorithms. The results indicate that the hierarchical organizational model, genetic algorithms and deterministic finite automata have been successfully implemented with JavaScript as a web application that can be used on mobile devices.

The aim of this paper entitled “Systems Approach to Standardisation, Classification and Modelling of Managed Events for Tourism” is the development standardisation and classification of managed events provides a legislative basis to distinguish events managed for tourism in their characteristics and quality. In the context of a systems approach, the authors used qualitative modelling and constructed causal loop models of the legislative system of events and investments in the events. Article was continued with structure of SD model in a frame of systems dynamics.

In the paper “A Statistical Model for Shutdowns due to Air Quality Control for a Copper Production Decision Support System”, a decision support system for copper production for one of the largest mining companies in Australia was developed. Statistical model for shutdowns due to air quality control and some of the data analysis conducted during the simulation project was described. The statistical model made use of a full year of data on daily downtimes and used a combination of techniques to generate replications of the data. The environmental conditions affected greatly the operations of the production facility. A good statistical model was essential for the successful simulation and the high budget expansion decision that ensued.

The last paper of this issue is called “Multi-criteria assessment of vegetable production business alternatives”. The article describes oorganic and integrated production of vegetables in Slovenia. The study analyzed two production systems with different cultures as alternatives with the purpose to find the most appropriate variants. The study is based on the development and integration of developed specific technological-economic simulation models for the production of vegetables (growing salad, peppers, salad cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, round and cherry tomato) in greenhouse and multi-criteria decision analysis. The methodology of the study based on the DEX methodology and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of organic (ECO) and integrated production (IP) in greenhouse. The evaluation results show that both cultivation methods of commercially attractive vegetables in greenhouse are variable.

The guest editors hope that our selected topics display the state-of-the-art of the research efforts over the world coping with complex problem solving in a holistic way which is characteristic for modern Systems Research and Cybernetics! Moreover, we are very thankful to journal Organizacija (Organization – Journal of Management, Information Systems and Human Resources) for having given us the opportunity and honour of hosting this special issue as a scientific project and service to the people on earth. We express our gratitude to the Editors of Organizacija, and hope that our special issue will well-demonstrate Organizacija being a premium journal and of a great scientific and social value!