John Crowe - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by John Crowe
It is often taken for granted that the right products will be available to buy in retail outlets ... more It is often taken for granted that the right products will be available to buy in retail outlets seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Consumer perception is that of a simple service requirement, but the reality is a complex, time sensitive system-the retail supply chain (RSC). Due to short product life-cycles with uncertain supply and demand behaviour, the RSC faces many challenges and is very vulnerable to disruptions. In addition, external risk events such as BREXIT, extreme weather, the financial crisis, and terror attacks mean there is a need for effective RSC risk management (RSCRM) processes within organisations. Literature shows that although there is an increasing amount of research in RSCRM, it is highly theoretical with limited empirical evidence or applied methodologies. With an active enthusiasm coming from industry practitioners for RSCRM methodologies and support solutions, the RSCRM research community have acknowledged that the main issue for future research is not tools and techniques, but collaborative RSC system wide implementation.
Today’s third level students are of a virtual generation, where online interactive multi-player g... more Today’s third level students are of a virtual generation, where online interactive multi-player games, virtual reality and simulations are a part of everyday life, making gaming and simulation a very important catalyst in the learning process. Teaching methods have to be more innovative to help students understand the complexity of decisions within dynamic supply chain environment. Interactive simulation games have the potential to be an efficient and enjoyable means of learning. A serious interactive business game, Automobile Supply Chain Management Game (AUSUM), has been introduced in this paper. Using theories learnt in class as a knowledge base, participants have to develop effective supply chain partnership strategy to enhance their supply chain networks. Deploying the game over the web encourages student interaction and group work. Most importantly the game will enable students to fundamentally grasp the impact of strategic decisions on other parts and players of the supply ch...
Bridging the gap between theory and practice has always been a key issue for students and graduat... more Bridging the gap between theory and practice has always been a key issue for students and graduates. The magnitude and scope of subject areas that students at third level institutions have to learn in theory means that visualising them without any practical experience can be very difficult. Understanding the complexity of supply chain networks and how to manage them create a considerable level of difficulty for students and professionals. Theories and applications included in supply chain management subjects are the key to empathise the real challenges. Nevertheless, teaching these theories needs substantial efforts and new innovative approaches to deliver the concepts and assure successful transfer of the learning outcomes. To complicate things more, the levels of uncertainty and risk within an entire supply chain are still not fully recognised or understood even by industry professionals. Research studies showed the need for more transparency and collaborative approaches to take p...
High levels of complexity and uncertainty, and various sources of risks, create challenges for su... more High levels of complexity and uncertainty, and various sources of risks, create challenges for supply chain networks in achieving satisfactory performance, but advances in Information Technology can help supply chain decision makers predict the magnitude and impact of the risks related to their decisions. The framework proposed in this paper offers a solution that integrates intelligent-agents, simulation modelling, and optimisation. Its friendly, animated, interactive web-based interface is especially designed to engage the user in a ‘serious game’ environment. Each user plays a specific role in the supply chain network, and encounters the consequences of their decisions. The optimisation engine embedded in the framework advises users about the optimum decisions and their anticipated performance outcomes. Genetics Algorithm (GA) and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) are used to enhance the decision quality. A high-level communication protocol has been designed, developed and implemented t...
Abstract: In response operations to global recession and increased competition, organizations hav... more Abstract: In response operations to global recession and increased competition, organizations have tried to become more efficient by decreasing costs and streamlining operations. To achieve this, the philosophy of lean management has gained in popularity. The main obstacle organizations face when implementing lean is deciding which activities to implement lean principals on. A well known lean practice, value stream mapping, is a very effective tool in mapping the current and future state of an organizations lean activities. Limitations in calculating variability information that describe system variations and uncertainty means more powerful analytical tools are needed. Simulation offers a more thorough analysis of a system’s data , including the examination of variability and has the ability to change certain parameters and measure key lean performance indicators. Using a tire distribution company as a case study, this paper has developed a framework that uses discrete event simulat...
This is an era marked by rapid technology development in all different educational arenas. Alongs... more This is an era marked by rapid technology development in all different educational arenas. Alongside this growing demand of technology, learning process is getting new forms and hence traditional teaching approaches tend to struggle and lack the requisite qualities to meet new generation expectations. In third level education, this problem is increasing in magnitude and new dimensions, especially when it comes to teaching difficult subjects such as supply chain management. Understanding the complexity of supply chain networks and how to manage them create a considerable level of difficulty for students and professionals. Collaboration between supply chain members is now recognised as an important strategic factor in creating a solution to the complexity of the supply chain system. New technologies are beginning to bring a huge transformation into teaching delivery methods. This paper presents an integrated web-based simulation framework that supports learning supply chain concepts a...
Recently, the application of lean thinking in healthcare has grown significantly in response to r... more Recently, the application of lean thinking in healthcare has grown significantly in response to rising demand caused by population growth, ageing and high expectations of service quality. However, insufficient justifications and lack of quantifiable evidence are the main obstacles to convince healthcare executives to adopt lean. Therefore, this paper presents a methodology that integrates lean tools with simulation to enhance the quality of patient care in healthcare facilities. This enables healthcare organisations to dedicate more time and effort to patient care without extra cost to the organisation or to the patient. Value stream mapping is used to identify value-added and non-value-added activities.. Then, a comprehensive simulation model is developed to account for the variability and complexity of healthcare processes and to assess the gains of proposed improvement strategies. An extensive analysis of results is provided and presented to managers to illustrate the potential b...
We are part of extraordinary times, global recession coupled with increased competition; high cos... more We are part of extraordinary times, global recession coupled with increased competition; high costs and decreasing demand have changed the dynamics of supply chain management (SCM). In response, many organizations have fast-tracked changes to corporate-level strategies to reduce costs and maintain profit margins and have not considered the long-term impact these decisions have on more operational-level SCM activities. This has resulted in a renewed focus on customer value and the economic and behavioral systems of the supply chain, or more accurately, the value chain. The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model increases the integration organizations have within their supply chains and increases alignment between different hierarchical strategies. Simulation techniques, in particular discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD) are proven techniques in improving SCM corporate and operational decision making processes. This paper presents a framework that integrate...
The Irish Journal of Management, 2016
The emerging eLearning paradigm is becoming increasingly used in many academic disciplines. The c... more The emerging eLearning paradigm is becoming increasingly used in many academic disciplines. The concept acknowledges learning processes that no longer deploy only traditional teaching methods. It can be argued that today’s third level education students are part of a new virtual era where the blackboard has been replaced by the interactive whiteboard, so more interactive and virtually orientated teaching aids are required to assist in the transition from traditional learning to eLearning. The key objective of this paper is to propose a simulation-based learning framework that integrates web-based simulation and a web content management hierarchy model. Using the highly complex subject of supply chain management as a field of study, the newly developed eSimulation tool allows users to examine various management strategies in real-life scenarios, encourages group work and offers remote access capabilities for distance learning. Interactive learning is facilitated using a web-based por...
2015 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2015
2010 Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation, 2010
Proceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2011
Knowledge economies are based on the concept of knowledge transfer between education institutes a... more Knowledge economies are based on the concept of knowledge transfer between education institutes and stakeholders. In response, the significant move away from traditional teaching methods to the emerging paradigm of eLearning has become increasingly in evidence across many academic disciplines. To assist in the transition from traditional learning to eLearning, more interactive and virtually orientated teaching aids are needed. This
It is often taken for granted that the right products will be available to buy in retail outlets ... more It is often taken for granted that the right products will be available to buy in retail outlets seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Consumer perception is that of a simple service requirement, but the reality is a complex, time sensitive system-the retail supply chain (RSC). Due to short product life-cycles with uncertain supply and demand behaviour, the RSC faces many challenges and is very vulnerable to disruptions. In addition, external risk events such as BREXIT, extreme weather, the financial crisis, and terror attacks mean there is a need for effective RSC risk management (RSCRM) processes within organisations. Literature shows that although there is an increasing amount of research in RSCRM, it is highly theoretical with limited empirical evidence or applied methodologies. With an active enthusiasm coming from industry practitioners for RSCRM methodologies and support solutions, the RSCRM research community have acknowledged that the main issue for future research is not tools and techniques, but collaborative RSC system wide implementation.
Today’s third level students are of a virtual generation, where online interactive multi-player g... more Today’s third level students are of a virtual generation, where online interactive multi-player games, virtual reality and simulations are a part of everyday life, making gaming and simulation a very important catalyst in the learning process. Teaching methods have to be more innovative to help students understand the complexity of decisions within dynamic supply chain environment. Interactive simulation games have the potential to be an efficient and enjoyable means of learning. A serious interactive business game, Automobile Supply Chain Management Game (AUSUM), has been introduced in this paper. Using theories learnt in class as a knowledge base, participants have to develop effective supply chain partnership strategy to enhance their supply chain networks. Deploying the game over the web encourages student interaction and group work. Most importantly the game will enable students to fundamentally grasp the impact of strategic decisions on other parts and players of the supply ch...
Bridging the gap between theory and practice has always been a key issue for students and graduat... more Bridging the gap between theory and practice has always been a key issue for students and graduates. The magnitude and scope of subject areas that students at third level institutions have to learn in theory means that visualising them without any practical experience can be very difficult. Understanding the complexity of supply chain networks and how to manage them create a considerable level of difficulty for students and professionals. Theories and applications included in supply chain management subjects are the key to empathise the real challenges. Nevertheless, teaching these theories needs substantial efforts and new innovative approaches to deliver the concepts and assure successful transfer of the learning outcomes. To complicate things more, the levels of uncertainty and risk within an entire supply chain are still not fully recognised or understood even by industry professionals. Research studies showed the need for more transparency and collaborative approaches to take p...
High levels of complexity and uncertainty, and various sources of risks, create challenges for su... more High levels of complexity and uncertainty, and various sources of risks, create challenges for supply chain networks in achieving satisfactory performance, but advances in Information Technology can help supply chain decision makers predict the magnitude and impact of the risks related to their decisions. The framework proposed in this paper offers a solution that integrates intelligent-agents, simulation modelling, and optimisation. Its friendly, animated, interactive web-based interface is especially designed to engage the user in a ‘serious game’ environment. Each user plays a specific role in the supply chain network, and encounters the consequences of their decisions. The optimisation engine embedded in the framework advises users about the optimum decisions and their anticipated performance outcomes. Genetics Algorithm (GA) and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) are used to enhance the decision quality. A high-level communication protocol has been designed, developed and implemented t...
Abstract: In response operations to global recession and increased competition, organizations hav... more Abstract: In response operations to global recession and increased competition, organizations have tried to become more efficient by decreasing costs and streamlining operations. To achieve this, the philosophy of lean management has gained in popularity. The main obstacle organizations face when implementing lean is deciding which activities to implement lean principals on. A well known lean practice, value stream mapping, is a very effective tool in mapping the current and future state of an organizations lean activities. Limitations in calculating variability information that describe system variations and uncertainty means more powerful analytical tools are needed. Simulation offers a more thorough analysis of a system’s data , including the examination of variability and has the ability to change certain parameters and measure key lean performance indicators. Using a tire distribution company as a case study, this paper has developed a framework that uses discrete event simulat...
This is an era marked by rapid technology development in all different educational arenas. Alongs... more This is an era marked by rapid technology development in all different educational arenas. Alongside this growing demand of technology, learning process is getting new forms and hence traditional teaching approaches tend to struggle and lack the requisite qualities to meet new generation expectations. In third level education, this problem is increasing in magnitude and new dimensions, especially when it comes to teaching difficult subjects such as supply chain management. Understanding the complexity of supply chain networks and how to manage them create a considerable level of difficulty for students and professionals. Collaboration between supply chain members is now recognised as an important strategic factor in creating a solution to the complexity of the supply chain system. New technologies are beginning to bring a huge transformation into teaching delivery methods. This paper presents an integrated web-based simulation framework that supports learning supply chain concepts a...
Recently, the application of lean thinking in healthcare has grown significantly in response to r... more Recently, the application of lean thinking in healthcare has grown significantly in response to rising demand caused by population growth, ageing and high expectations of service quality. However, insufficient justifications and lack of quantifiable evidence are the main obstacles to convince healthcare executives to adopt lean. Therefore, this paper presents a methodology that integrates lean tools with simulation to enhance the quality of patient care in healthcare facilities. This enables healthcare organisations to dedicate more time and effort to patient care without extra cost to the organisation or to the patient. Value stream mapping is used to identify value-added and non-value-added activities.. Then, a comprehensive simulation model is developed to account for the variability and complexity of healthcare processes and to assess the gains of proposed improvement strategies. An extensive analysis of results is provided and presented to managers to illustrate the potential b...
We are part of extraordinary times, global recession coupled with increased competition; high cos... more We are part of extraordinary times, global recession coupled with increased competition; high costs and decreasing demand have changed the dynamics of supply chain management (SCM). In response, many organizations have fast-tracked changes to corporate-level strategies to reduce costs and maintain profit margins and have not considered the long-term impact these decisions have on more operational-level SCM activities. This has resulted in a renewed focus on customer value and the economic and behavioral systems of the supply chain, or more accurately, the value chain. The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model increases the integration organizations have within their supply chains and increases alignment between different hierarchical strategies. Simulation techniques, in particular discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD) are proven techniques in improving SCM corporate and operational decision making processes. This paper presents a framework that integrate...
The Irish Journal of Management, 2016
The emerging eLearning paradigm is becoming increasingly used in many academic disciplines. The c... more The emerging eLearning paradigm is becoming increasingly used in many academic disciplines. The concept acknowledges learning processes that no longer deploy only traditional teaching methods. It can be argued that today’s third level education students are part of a new virtual era where the blackboard has been replaced by the interactive whiteboard, so more interactive and virtually orientated teaching aids are required to assist in the transition from traditional learning to eLearning. The key objective of this paper is to propose a simulation-based learning framework that integrates web-based simulation and a web content management hierarchy model. Using the highly complex subject of supply chain management as a field of study, the newly developed eSimulation tool allows users to examine various management strategies in real-life scenarios, encourages group work and offers remote access capabilities for distance learning. Interactive learning is facilitated using a web-based por...
2015 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2015
2010 Second International Conference on Advances in System Simulation, 2010
Proceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2011
Knowledge economies are based on the concept of knowledge transfer between education institutes a... more Knowledge economies are based on the concept of knowledge transfer between education institutes and stakeholders. In response, the significant move away from traditional teaching methods to the emerging paradigm of eLearning has become increasingly in evidence across many academic disciplines. To assist in the transition from traditional learning to eLearning, more interactive and virtually orientated teaching aids are needed. This