Track - Empirical Modelling and Simulation

Many scholars and practitioners in Operations Management consider modelling and simulation to be axiomatic in terms of Bertrand and Fransoo (2002). Such axiomatic models are meaningful only in an idealized environment and, thus, are detached from reality. However, modelling and simulation can also have a strong empirical basis, either describing a real-world setting or even giving prescriptions for improving operations (“descriptive empirical” and “normative empirical” in Bertrand and Fransoo’s terms). This special track is exclusively focussing on empirical modelling and simulation efforts.

We are looking for submissions that clearly demonstrate a linkage between a model/ simulation and a real-world situation. For instance, empirical analyses or cases are used to parameterize the model; model results are used to improve the process in an organisation; methodological papers addressing these issues are appropriate as well. Regularly, a discussion about the external validity of such modelling projects is necessary and crucial. Managerial relevance is a key criterion for assessing papers for this track, rather than technical sophistication. Thus, it is important to note again that sheer “number-crunching”, optimization models, etc. without a direct and clear link to reality are not acceptable in this special track, for such submissions other more appropriate conferences exist. A plethora of modelling and simulation methods can be used: for example, system dynamics, classical OR techniques, discrete event simulation, or agent based simulation on the quantitative side; but also (participatory) problem solving methods and Soft OR methods on the more qualitative side can be considered for this special track. Submissions in the realm of Behavioral OM are welcome if they use modelling or simulation as a research tool, for instance as experimental tasks.

• Bertrand, J.W.M. and J.C. Fransoo (2002): “Operations Management Research Methodologies Using Quantitative Modelling”, International Journal of Operations and Production Management 22(2): 241–264.

Contributors are invited to submit extended abstracts (1000 words) to the conference site, http://www.euroma2011.org/, by 17 January 2011. Indicate track name (Empirical Modelling and Simulation) and corresponding author. All submissions will be blindly reviewed and evaluated using the same criteria as other EurOMA abstracts.

Decisions regarding acceptance will be made by 17 February 2011. Papers are accepted on the assumption that the manuscript is an original work and has not been copyrighted, published or accepted for presentation at other conferences. At least one author must register, attend the conference, and present the paper. Full papers (max length = 10 pages) must be received by 16 May, 2011. Accepted papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings.

Track organizers:

Andreas Größler, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands (a.groessler@fm.ru.nl) Jürgen Strohhecker, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Germany (j.strohhecker@frankfurt-school.de)