Tillal Eldabi | University of Bradford (original) (raw)
Papers by Tillal Eldabi
Proceedings of the 2003 International Conference on Machine Learning and Cybernetics (IEEE Cat. No.03EX693)
Journal of Computing and Information Technology, 2005
Creating simulation models based on the world-views such as the three-phase approach, the event-b... more Creating simulation models based on the world-views such as the three-phase approach, the event-based approach, the activity-based approach and the processbased approach has been used as a standard practice for several decades. However, it is still not known whether they are suitable to be adopted or not when creating a simulation model by following the Grab-and-Glue framework. Hence, this paper aims at evaluating the suitability of accessing these world-views when building a simulation model based on the Grab-and-Glue framework. After an evaluation is conducted based on the proposed criteria, it is discovered that none of the world-views are suitable to be used. Hence, it is recommended that a new world-view is necessary to be developed for structuring the simulation model which is assembled based on the Grab-and-Glue framework.
Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 2010
PurposeThe increase in business process management projects in the past decade has seen an increa... more PurposeThe increase in business process management projects in the past decade has seen an increase in demand for business process modelling (BPM) techniques. A rapidly growing aspect of BPM is the use of workflow management systems to automate routine and sequential processes. Workflows tend to move away from traditional definitions of business processes that can often be forced to fit a model that does not suit its nature. Existing process modelling tools tend to be biased to either the informational, behavioural or object‐oriented aspect of the workflow. Because of this, models can often miss important aspects of a workflow. As well as managing the relationship between the types of model it is important to consider who will be using it, as process models are useful in various ways. The paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports on a case study in a manufacturing company, where users were surveyed to see which are the notations that are most c...
Business Process Management (BPM) is still an important research topic amongst both academics and... more Business Process Management (BPM) is still an important research topic amongst both academics and businesses. The recent recession has forced businesses to focus on cost control and efficiency in order to better cope with the economic downturn. Many companies in this situation turn to BPM software as a means of improving their efficiency and costs by reducing aspects of the business such as process lead-times and material costs. In order to identify areas of the business and its processes which require changing the business will ...
Simulation modelling is a powerful tool for problem understanding and problem solving. Constructi... more Simulation modelling is a powerful tool for problem understanding and problem solving. Constructing simulation models following the classical simulation modelling framework has disadvantage of being time consuming, hence making it expensive. Users can sometimes be reluctant to use simulation due to these reasons or implement simulation results. This paper proposes a new simulation approach that tackles the problem of time. For this purpose, this paper will start by reviewing a number of existing simulation modelling ...
2020 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2020
The advent of COVID-19 has shaken the whole world to its core. With many decision makers at all l... more The advent of COVID-19 has shaken the whole world to its core. With many decision makers at all levels trying to tackle the spread of the disease and the economic ramification, the modeling and simulation is of paramount importance as part of this effort. Given the intricacy and interconnectedness of the problem, hybrid simulation (HS) seems to provide better support for modelers given its ability to connect multiple decision categories. However, HS models are known to take longer to build while requiring multiple expertise, which does not match the rapid impacts of COVID-19. To allow for faster means for developing such models, in this paper, we call for the establishment of a hub for rapid HS model development through global collaboration of simulation modelers. In the lack of such hubs, we demonstrate how a HS model could be built using publicly available single-method models.
2018 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2018
How important it is to our discipline that we can reproduce the results of Modeling & Simulation ... more How important it is to our discipline that we can reproduce the results of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) research? How important is it to be able to (re)use the models, data, and methods described in simulation publications to reproduce published results? Is it really that important or are the lessons and experiences described in a paper enough for us to build on the work of others? At the 2016 Winter Simulation Conference, a panel considered opinions on reproducibility in discrete-event simulation. This article builds on these and asks if there really is a reproducibility crisis in M&S? A diverse range of views on the subject are presented including reflections on the reproducibility in terms of the art and science of simulation, the frustrations of poor reproducibility, perspectives from the industrial production & logistics community, the wider context of open science and artefact sharing, and the role of provenance beyond reproducibility. 1 INTRODUCTION What does reproducibility mean in terms of Modeling & Simulation? Does reproducibility matter? To what degree is reproducibility possible? Could reproducibility policies have a negative impact on publishing in M&S? These questions were amongst some initially posed to our panelists as a starting point to gather a range of views on this potentially important topic. This panel paper presents a range of views on the subject and contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of reproducibility in our discipline.
In recent years more focus has been placed on integrated health and social care services within m... more In recent years more focus has been placed on integrated health and social care services within most western countries. Despite the reported importance of this area, it has not been explored enough in simulation research. Current modeling methods of healthcare systems focus on compartmentalized and specific specialties, such as emergency room modeling. Integrated care services, on the other hand, come with increased complexity, which makes it even more difficult for traditional modeling approaches to capture the desired level of detail. This article aims at identifying lessons for modeling complex integrated healthcare systems by presenting a case of intermediate care development using modeling. The main observations indicate that the involvement of stakeholders in a collaborative modeling should take precedence over model accuracy. Also iterative modeling is the most viable way to approach such systems; and that modelers should possess more skills than those needed for technical sk...
2018 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2018
The last 10 years have witnessed a marked upsurge of attention on Hybrid Simulation (HS). The maj... more The last 10 years have witnessed a marked upsurge of attention on Hybrid Simulation (HS). The majority of authors define HS as a joint modelling approach which includes two or more simulation approaches (mainly Discrete Event Simulation, System Dynamics and Agent Based Simulation). Whilst some may argue that HS has been in existence for more than 5 decades, the recent rise tended to be more problem driven rather than technical experimentation. Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) 2015, 2016, 2017 have witnessed 3 panels on the purpose, history and definition of HS, respectively. This paper reports on a comprehensive review conducted by the panelists on HS and its applications. The aim of the paper is to move the debate forward by exploring potential platforms for developing concrete avenues for research on HS in conjunction with the modelling life cycle.
2017 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2017
There is a growing trend in the number of M&S studies that report on the use of Hybrid Simulation... more There is a growing trend in the number of M&S studies that report on the use of Hybrid Simulation. However, the meaning and the usage of the term varies considerably. Indeed, the hybrid simulation panel during last year's conference (WSC2016) laid bare the strong views, from the panelists and audience alike, as to what constitutes a hybrid model and what is new? The ensuing debate set the scene for this year's paper, in which we discuss the various perspectives on hybrid simulation by focusing on three aspects: its definition, its purpose and its benefits. We hope this paper will pave the way for further studies on this subject, with the objective of achieving a convergence of the definition of hybrid simulation. 1 INTRODUCTION The Hybrid Simulation track at the WSC has continued to grow over the last four years. This is representative of the growing interest in this topic, and indeed, reflects the volume of publications accessible through scholarly outlets. However, the meaning and the usage of this term varies considerably, as the hybrid methodology is not precisely defined (Balaban, Hester, and Diallo 2014). Most of the studies refer to a pair-wise (e.g., Heath et al. 2011) or full combination (e.g., Djanatliev and German 2013) of the three most commonly applied simulation techniques, namely the Discrete-Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamics (SD), and Agent-Based Simulation (ABS). Furthermore, new terms have been introduced which, arguably, have the same meaning, e.g., multi-method simulation, multiparadigm modeling, cross-paradigm simulation, mixed-modeling and combined simulation. From the literature, we find numerous examples of "hybrid" models for specific use-cases. However, what makes those models "hybrid"? Is this only the application of two or more simulation paradigms? Why is hybridization necessary or useful in a certain case? What are the major steps to develop a hybrid model?
2016 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2016
Hybrid simulation comes in many shapes and forms. It has been argued by many researchers that hyb... more Hybrid simulation comes in many shapes and forms. It has been argued by many researchers that hybrid simulation provides a better insight of the system in hand as it allows modelers to assess its inherent problems from different dimensions. As a result Hybrid Simulation is becoming an important field within the Modeling and Simulation arena. Yet we find that there no clear and cohesive definition for it. Therefore, this panel paper aims to explore the concept of Hybrid Simulation and its progression through the years. In doing so, we hope to lay out the underpinnings of a structured Hybrid Simulation approach by providing historical narratives of the origins of hybrid models; the current challenges expressed by scholars; and future studies to ensure more focused development of a comprehensive methodology for Hybrid Simulation.
Proceedings of the 31st conference on Winter simulation Simulation---a bridge to the future - WSC '99, 1999
Proceedings of the 2009 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2009
Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the role of modeling and simulation in healthcare domai... more Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the role of modeling and simulation in healthcare domain has seen unprecedented attention from the academic community. So much literature has focused on barriers facing implementation and uptake of modeling and simulation by the healthcare community. This article focuses on this issue and goes beyond that and examines the nature of healthcare problems and the causes of barriers using the concept of wicked problems. There is a clear mismatch between the wicked nature of healthcare problems and the tame approaches proposed by the modeling community. The article concludes that with the existence of such mismatch, implementation cannot be used to measure success, and further suggests guiding principles when developing modeling and simulation approaches to tackle wicked healthcare problems. These are based around redefining the meaning of success, problem profiling, modeling methods, and modeling skills.
2015 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2015
It is well documented that modeling large complex healthcare systems cannot be achieved using the... more It is well documented that modeling large complex healthcare systems cannot be achieved using the traditional single-technique approach. Developing large healthcare models requires more than one way of thinking about it, as healthcare systems consist of multiple stakeholders, policies, types of patients and many more complex subsidiaries. Whilst the literature is abound with hybrid models and attempts to theorize multi-method approaches, there is limited guidance of how to go about building a hybrid model and when. In this paper we attempt to develop a guiding framework focusing identifying what issues to consider when building a hybrid model. This 3-phased framework is based on model decomposition into modules, assigning methods to these modules, and identification of communication strategies between them. We start our endeavor by focusing on two types of popular techniques, namely system dynamics and discrete event simulation.
Proceedings of the 34th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
This paper explores the socio-technical approaches being developed in the Center for Health Infor... more This paper explores the socio-technical approaches being developed in the Center for Health Informatics and Computing [CHIC] for addressing issues within healthcare that necessitate the integration of information systems with clinical and managerial development. A brief description of the health provision in the UK is given as a background to understanding the need for integrated interventions and approaches in health informatics.
Proceeding of the 2001 Winter Simulation Conference (Cat. No.01CH37304), 2001
Proceedings of the 2004 Winter Simulation Conference, 2004.
2000 Winter Simulation Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.00CH37165), 2000
This paper demonstrates the use of simulation in an evaluative study for the technology of liver ... more This paper demonstrates the use of simulation in an evaluative study for the technology of liver transplantation from cost-effectiveness point of view. This study is conducted in the United Kingdom where there are no explicit guidelines for the prioritization of patients waiting for transplantation. Another objective of the model is to enable health economists to understand the technology of liver transplantation and evaluate alternative policies for prioritizing patients in the waiting list. The paper shows the construction of a tailor-made package (LiverSim) and provides an example of how this package is used by the stakeholders to assist in the evaluation process. Some final lessons are drawn that simulation helps in exploring more issues outside the boundaries of quantitative results.
2007 Winter Simulation Conference, 2007
The changing needs of healthcare provision around the world are forcing service designers and dec... more The changing needs of healthcare provision around the world are forcing service designers and decision makers to adopt new tools in design and evaluation of processes. Apart from the pressure to deliver better services from constrained resources, the increasing use of metrics to monitor and manage care delivery, also means that service providers require a clearer idea of how a service improvement will perform prior to implementation. In turn, this opens up an opportunity for a much greater use of simulation and modeling techniques, provided they can be set within an appropriate framework. This paper discusses and describes a research project aimed at conducting pilot work for developing a framework that facilitates joined up thinking and enables integrative modeling. An approach to achieving such an end is described and progress to date is reported. Since this is an ongoing project, some of the latest results are presented at the conference.
In Sudan more than 40% live below the poverty line and getting basic financial service poses a ch... more In Sudan more than 40% live below the poverty line and getting basic financial service poses a challenge to financial institutions. Most of these unserved populations live in far-flung areas that make it difficult for microfinance institutions to reach them. But the enormous growth of mobile technology industry has created new opportunity to expand financial services to this unserved population. Branchless banking is one of the latest technologies that have been employed in different developing countries to expand financial services to the unbanked poor. Despite the potential benefits and relevance of Branchless banking to Sudan, there are still very few studies on Branchless banking in Sudan. To address this gap in the literature, this study aims to investigate the factors that are essential to the development of branchless banking in Sudan using mobile technology. This is a research-in-progress paper, the critical review of the literature so far revealed that there are essential factors for the success of branchless banking in Sudan e.g. the identification of the industry key players and their roles, the enabling regulatory environment, the infrastructure readiness and Sudanese cultural values. The paper will provide regulators and policy makers in Sudan a way forward to expedite the development of suitable Branchless banking for microfinance in Sudan.
Proceedings of the 2003 International Conference on Machine Learning and Cybernetics (IEEE Cat. No.03EX693)
Journal of Computing and Information Technology, 2005
Creating simulation models based on the world-views such as the three-phase approach, the event-b... more Creating simulation models based on the world-views such as the three-phase approach, the event-based approach, the activity-based approach and the processbased approach has been used as a standard practice for several decades. However, it is still not known whether they are suitable to be adopted or not when creating a simulation model by following the Grab-and-Glue framework. Hence, this paper aims at evaluating the suitability of accessing these world-views when building a simulation model based on the Grab-and-Glue framework. After an evaluation is conducted based on the proposed criteria, it is discovered that none of the world-views are suitable to be used. Hence, it is recommended that a new world-view is necessary to be developed for structuring the simulation model which is assembled based on the Grab-and-Glue framework.
Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 2010
PurposeThe increase in business process management projects in the past decade has seen an increa... more PurposeThe increase in business process management projects in the past decade has seen an increase in demand for business process modelling (BPM) techniques. A rapidly growing aspect of BPM is the use of workflow management systems to automate routine and sequential processes. Workflows tend to move away from traditional definitions of business processes that can often be forced to fit a model that does not suit its nature. Existing process modelling tools tend to be biased to either the informational, behavioural or object‐oriented aspect of the workflow. Because of this, models can often miss important aspects of a workflow. As well as managing the relationship between the types of model it is important to consider who will be using it, as process models are useful in various ways. The paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports on a case study in a manufacturing company, where users were surveyed to see which are the notations that are most c...
Business Process Management (BPM) is still an important research topic amongst both academics and... more Business Process Management (BPM) is still an important research topic amongst both academics and businesses. The recent recession has forced businesses to focus on cost control and efficiency in order to better cope with the economic downturn. Many companies in this situation turn to BPM software as a means of improving their efficiency and costs by reducing aspects of the business such as process lead-times and material costs. In order to identify areas of the business and its processes which require changing the business will ...
Simulation modelling is a powerful tool for problem understanding and problem solving. Constructi... more Simulation modelling is a powerful tool for problem understanding and problem solving. Constructing simulation models following the classical simulation modelling framework has disadvantage of being time consuming, hence making it expensive. Users can sometimes be reluctant to use simulation due to these reasons or implement simulation results. This paper proposes a new simulation approach that tackles the problem of time. For this purpose, this paper will start by reviewing a number of existing simulation modelling ...
2020 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2020
The advent of COVID-19 has shaken the whole world to its core. With many decision makers at all l... more The advent of COVID-19 has shaken the whole world to its core. With many decision makers at all levels trying to tackle the spread of the disease and the economic ramification, the modeling and simulation is of paramount importance as part of this effort. Given the intricacy and interconnectedness of the problem, hybrid simulation (HS) seems to provide better support for modelers given its ability to connect multiple decision categories. However, HS models are known to take longer to build while requiring multiple expertise, which does not match the rapid impacts of COVID-19. To allow for faster means for developing such models, in this paper, we call for the establishment of a hub for rapid HS model development through global collaboration of simulation modelers. In the lack of such hubs, we demonstrate how a HS model could be built using publicly available single-method models.
2018 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2018
How important it is to our discipline that we can reproduce the results of Modeling & Simulation ... more How important it is to our discipline that we can reproduce the results of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) research? How important is it to be able to (re)use the models, data, and methods described in simulation publications to reproduce published results? Is it really that important or are the lessons and experiences described in a paper enough for us to build on the work of others? At the 2016 Winter Simulation Conference, a panel considered opinions on reproducibility in discrete-event simulation. This article builds on these and asks if there really is a reproducibility crisis in M&S? A diverse range of views on the subject are presented including reflections on the reproducibility in terms of the art and science of simulation, the frustrations of poor reproducibility, perspectives from the industrial production & logistics community, the wider context of open science and artefact sharing, and the role of provenance beyond reproducibility. 1 INTRODUCTION What does reproducibility mean in terms of Modeling & Simulation? Does reproducibility matter? To what degree is reproducibility possible? Could reproducibility policies have a negative impact on publishing in M&S? These questions were amongst some initially posed to our panelists as a starting point to gather a range of views on this potentially important topic. This panel paper presents a range of views on the subject and contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of reproducibility in our discipline.
In recent years more focus has been placed on integrated health and social care services within m... more In recent years more focus has been placed on integrated health and social care services within most western countries. Despite the reported importance of this area, it has not been explored enough in simulation research. Current modeling methods of healthcare systems focus on compartmentalized and specific specialties, such as emergency room modeling. Integrated care services, on the other hand, come with increased complexity, which makes it even more difficult for traditional modeling approaches to capture the desired level of detail. This article aims at identifying lessons for modeling complex integrated healthcare systems by presenting a case of intermediate care development using modeling. The main observations indicate that the involvement of stakeholders in a collaborative modeling should take precedence over model accuracy. Also iterative modeling is the most viable way to approach such systems; and that modelers should possess more skills than those needed for technical sk...
2018 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2018
The last 10 years have witnessed a marked upsurge of attention on Hybrid Simulation (HS). The maj... more The last 10 years have witnessed a marked upsurge of attention on Hybrid Simulation (HS). The majority of authors define HS as a joint modelling approach which includes two or more simulation approaches (mainly Discrete Event Simulation, System Dynamics and Agent Based Simulation). Whilst some may argue that HS has been in existence for more than 5 decades, the recent rise tended to be more problem driven rather than technical experimentation. Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) 2015, 2016, 2017 have witnessed 3 panels on the purpose, history and definition of HS, respectively. This paper reports on a comprehensive review conducted by the panelists on HS and its applications. The aim of the paper is to move the debate forward by exploring potential platforms for developing concrete avenues for research on HS in conjunction with the modelling life cycle.
2017 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2017
There is a growing trend in the number of M&S studies that report on the use of Hybrid Simulation... more There is a growing trend in the number of M&S studies that report on the use of Hybrid Simulation. However, the meaning and the usage of the term varies considerably. Indeed, the hybrid simulation panel during last year's conference (WSC2016) laid bare the strong views, from the panelists and audience alike, as to what constitutes a hybrid model and what is new? The ensuing debate set the scene for this year's paper, in which we discuss the various perspectives on hybrid simulation by focusing on three aspects: its definition, its purpose and its benefits. We hope this paper will pave the way for further studies on this subject, with the objective of achieving a convergence of the definition of hybrid simulation. 1 INTRODUCTION The Hybrid Simulation track at the WSC has continued to grow over the last four years. This is representative of the growing interest in this topic, and indeed, reflects the volume of publications accessible through scholarly outlets. However, the meaning and the usage of this term varies considerably, as the hybrid methodology is not precisely defined (Balaban, Hester, and Diallo 2014). Most of the studies refer to a pair-wise (e.g., Heath et al. 2011) or full combination (e.g., Djanatliev and German 2013) of the three most commonly applied simulation techniques, namely the Discrete-Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamics (SD), and Agent-Based Simulation (ABS). Furthermore, new terms have been introduced which, arguably, have the same meaning, e.g., multi-method simulation, multiparadigm modeling, cross-paradigm simulation, mixed-modeling and combined simulation. From the literature, we find numerous examples of "hybrid" models for specific use-cases. However, what makes those models "hybrid"? Is this only the application of two or more simulation paradigms? Why is hybridization necessary or useful in a certain case? What are the major steps to develop a hybrid model?
2016 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2016
Hybrid simulation comes in many shapes and forms. It has been argued by many researchers that hyb... more Hybrid simulation comes in many shapes and forms. It has been argued by many researchers that hybrid simulation provides a better insight of the system in hand as it allows modelers to assess its inherent problems from different dimensions. As a result Hybrid Simulation is becoming an important field within the Modeling and Simulation arena. Yet we find that there no clear and cohesive definition for it. Therefore, this panel paper aims to explore the concept of Hybrid Simulation and its progression through the years. In doing so, we hope to lay out the underpinnings of a structured Hybrid Simulation approach by providing historical narratives of the origins of hybrid models; the current challenges expressed by scholars; and future studies to ensure more focused development of a comprehensive methodology for Hybrid Simulation.
Proceedings of the 31st conference on Winter simulation Simulation---a bridge to the future - WSC '99, 1999
Proceedings of the 2009 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2009
Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the role of modeling and simulation in healthcare domai... more Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the role of modeling and simulation in healthcare domain has seen unprecedented attention from the academic community. So much literature has focused on barriers facing implementation and uptake of modeling and simulation by the healthcare community. This article focuses on this issue and goes beyond that and examines the nature of healthcare problems and the causes of barriers using the concept of wicked problems. There is a clear mismatch between the wicked nature of healthcare problems and the tame approaches proposed by the modeling community. The article concludes that with the existence of such mismatch, implementation cannot be used to measure success, and further suggests guiding principles when developing modeling and simulation approaches to tackle wicked healthcare problems. These are based around redefining the meaning of success, problem profiling, modeling methods, and modeling skills.
2015 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2015
It is well documented that modeling large complex healthcare systems cannot be achieved using the... more It is well documented that modeling large complex healthcare systems cannot be achieved using the traditional single-technique approach. Developing large healthcare models requires more than one way of thinking about it, as healthcare systems consist of multiple stakeholders, policies, types of patients and many more complex subsidiaries. Whilst the literature is abound with hybrid models and attempts to theorize multi-method approaches, there is limited guidance of how to go about building a hybrid model and when. In this paper we attempt to develop a guiding framework focusing identifying what issues to consider when building a hybrid model. This 3-phased framework is based on model decomposition into modules, assigning methods to these modules, and identification of communication strategies between them. We start our endeavor by focusing on two types of popular techniques, namely system dynamics and discrete event simulation.
Proceedings of the 34th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
This paper explores the socio-technical approaches being developed in the Center for Health Infor... more This paper explores the socio-technical approaches being developed in the Center for Health Informatics and Computing [CHIC] for addressing issues within healthcare that necessitate the integration of information systems with clinical and managerial development. A brief description of the health provision in the UK is given as a background to understanding the need for integrated interventions and approaches in health informatics.
Proceeding of the 2001 Winter Simulation Conference (Cat. No.01CH37304), 2001
Proceedings of the 2004 Winter Simulation Conference, 2004.
2000 Winter Simulation Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.00CH37165), 2000
This paper demonstrates the use of simulation in an evaluative study for the technology of liver ... more This paper demonstrates the use of simulation in an evaluative study for the technology of liver transplantation from cost-effectiveness point of view. This study is conducted in the United Kingdom where there are no explicit guidelines for the prioritization of patients waiting for transplantation. Another objective of the model is to enable health economists to understand the technology of liver transplantation and evaluate alternative policies for prioritizing patients in the waiting list. The paper shows the construction of a tailor-made package (LiverSim) and provides an example of how this package is used by the stakeholders to assist in the evaluation process. Some final lessons are drawn that simulation helps in exploring more issues outside the boundaries of quantitative results.
2007 Winter Simulation Conference, 2007
The changing needs of healthcare provision around the world are forcing service designers and dec... more The changing needs of healthcare provision around the world are forcing service designers and decision makers to adopt new tools in design and evaluation of processes. Apart from the pressure to deliver better services from constrained resources, the increasing use of metrics to monitor and manage care delivery, also means that service providers require a clearer idea of how a service improvement will perform prior to implementation. In turn, this opens up an opportunity for a much greater use of simulation and modeling techniques, provided they can be set within an appropriate framework. This paper discusses and describes a research project aimed at conducting pilot work for developing a framework that facilitates joined up thinking and enables integrative modeling. An approach to achieving such an end is described and progress to date is reported. Since this is an ongoing project, some of the latest results are presented at the conference.
In Sudan more than 40% live below the poverty line and getting basic financial service poses a ch... more In Sudan more than 40% live below the poverty line and getting basic financial service poses a challenge to financial institutions. Most of these unserved populations live in far-flung areas that make it difficult for microfinance institutions to reach them. But the enormous growth of mobile technology industry has created new opportunity to expand financial services to this unserved population. Branchless banking is one of the latest technologies that have been employed in different developing countries to expand financial services to the unbanked poor. Despite the potential benefits and relevance of Branchless banking to Sudan, there are still very few studies on Branchless banking in Sudan. To address this gap in the literature, this study aims to investigate the factors that are essential to the development of branchless banking in Sudan using mobile technology. This is a research-in-progress paper, the critical review of the literature so far revealed that there are essential factors for the success of branchless banking in Sudan e.g. the identification of the industry key players and their roles, the enabling regulatory environment, the infrastructure readiness and Sudanese cultural values. The paper will provide regulators and policy makers in Sudan a way forward to expedite the development of suitable Branchless banking for microfinance in Sudan.