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Use of business process simulation: A survey of practitioners

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Journal of the Operational Research Society

Abstract

In order to understand the requirements of people engaged in business process simulation (BPS), a survey was conducted among potential business process simulation users. The survey had a 37% response rate and revealed a low usage of simulation in the design, modification and improvement of business processes. It confirms that BPS projects are typically short, relatively non-technical, and rely on good project management for their success. Most BPS users employ general-purpose simulation software rather than purpose-designed business process simulators. There is no evidence of a skills gap, rather a feeling that there is no net gain from employing simulation methods when simpler methods will suffice. These findings are discussed and conclusions drawn.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants for their time and cooperation. N. Melão was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under Praxis XXI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Escola Superior de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Viseu, Portugal

    N Melão

  2. Department of Management Science, The Management School, Lancaster University, UK

    M Pidd

Authors
  1. N Melão
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  2. M Pidd
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Correspondence to M Pidd.

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Melão, N., Pidd, M. Use of business process simulation: A survey of practitioners. J Oper Res Soc 54, 2–10 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601477

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601477

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