PROCESS ANALYTICS SIMULATION

The Process Analytics Simulation is an online simulation package designed

to explore concepts in process analysis via a series of problems sets that
are paired with simulation models, allowing students to increase their
intuition and understanding of core operations concepts, including: cycle
time, yield, use of inventory in processes, capacity management,
bottlenecks and constraints, throughput time and rates, machine and
labour utilization rates, and line and batch processes.
The simulation assignment counts for 25% of the total module grade. It
involves a 1500 - 2000 word paper, discussing the learning you have
achieved from taking part in the simulation. You should make specific
reference to theories discussed in class, and also to the logic underlying
the decisions made by your group in the simulation. While drawing on the
group actions and discussions, this is to be a personal commentary on the
exercise and on your individual learning. You may also make reference to
other elements of the module in the context of what you have learned.
The purpose of the diary is to record your personal experience of taking
part in the exercise. This may include commentary on the group dynamic
and decision making, on the challenge of learning through group
discussion, on the contrast between learning by doing as opposed to
listening, on the way in which the simulation does or doesnt complement
the other aspects of the course, etc. It is NOT to be a blow-by-blow
account of each calculation made and each decision reached you can
outline that information in an appendix if you wish but it should not be
part of the 1500-2000 words.
The table below describes the expectations from a grading perspective.

Grade

Characteristics

A comprehensive, highly-structured, focused and concise response to the

assessment task, consistently demonstrating:

Evidence of sustained critical reflection throughout the learning exercise

Comprehensive understanding of the theories behind the exercise
Substantial analysis, evaluation and synthesis of the simulation learning
experience
An original approach to reflection, including exceptionally insightful or
unexpected links between different elements of this module and other
modules.
A persistent and high level of engagement and learning, leading to a
cumulative understanding of the course material
A very high standard of writing and referencing, with no errors of
spelling or grammar.

A thorough and well-organised response to the assessment task,

demonstrating:

Evidence of critical reflection on the learning exercise

Clear understanding of the theories behind the exercise
Evidence of analysis and evaluation of the simulation learning
experience
An original approach to reflection, including some links between
different elements of the module.
Engagement with the exercise, leading to a cumulative understanding
of the course material
A high standard of writing and referencing, with few errors of spelling or
grammar.

An adequate and competent response to the assessment task, demonstrating:

C

Evidence of some personal reflection on the learning exercise

An understanding of the key theories behind the exercise
Analysis of the simulation learning experience
Engagement with the exercise, contributing to understanding of the
course material
An adequate standard of writing and referencing, with few errors of
spelling or grammar.

.
An acceptable response to the assessment task with:
D

Evidence of some personal reflection on the learning exercise, but

somewhat lacking in focus and structure
An understanding of the key theories behind the exercise but only a
basic capacity or understanding displayed.
Some effort to analyse the simulation learning experience
Engagement with the exercise, contributing to understanding of the
course material
An acceptable standard of writing and referencing, but with errors of
spelling or grammar.