Design and Development of a Framework of a Scenario Service for Supply Chain Games

The primary goal of this presentation is to introduce a master thesis project regarding a framework of a scenario service for supply chain games. The framework describes the structure, and comprises software components, and the relationships among them. This thesis was conducted at the section of System Engineering of the Faculty Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology.

Considering the high level of complexity and dynamics in a supply chain, it is difficult to capture the aspects involved in managing supply chains without really showing the interactions between the key trading partners in a supply chain. This brings along the need for games that can transmit knowledge and skills needed for this kind of environment. A supply chain game is based on a simulation model and in the context of a supply chain system. A supply chain game is widely used for the purpose of education and research.

In a joint research with the R. H. Smith School of Business of University of Maryland, the System Engineering section of Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management of Delft University of Technology has developed the Global Supply Chain Game (GSCG) for research and education purpose. The game allows trainees to interact and train together in a simulated environment that more closely approximates the challenges and demands of real-time supply chain management.

Scenarios play an important role when a simulation game is played because trainees learn from the results of the decision they make by responding to the various game scenarios. However, it is found that design and control of a scenario during a game pose a big challenge, which should be supported by an appropriate service. This involves dynamic realism, game process control, etc. A scenario service as a component of GSCG is expected to improve the game quality and facilitate gaming process. Furthermore, it is expected that the proposed framework can be used for other supply chain games developed by faculty of TPM, which have similar architecture as GSCG do.

The presentation will briefly introduce the motivation of the research, design process, and the proposed framework and the concept of proof by implementing a small test.