Research Proposal related to crime and prisoners issues

Identified with wrongdoing and detainees issues - Research Proposal Example The popularity for jail space has prompted a moderately high populace, notwithstanding the way that the country plans to build new jail beds. This examination will concentrate on jail packing in the United States of America. Inmates’ information throughout the years will be concentrated cautiously, as this is a worry because of the expanded number as days cruise by. In addition, the expense of a detainee will be broke down, just as a decision to include new offices. One specific jail will be chosen, whereby the detainees and watchmen will be the examination populace. This paper will talk about basically how financing is an indispensable job in congestion and its effect on the jail framework. Jail stuffing impacts all criminal equity offices. As per insights, perhaps the biggest jail in the nation is packed and each one out of 99.1 grown-ups is right now in jail. The age long development of inmates’ populace isn't a direct result of developing crime percentages, however of changes in condemning arrangement. The soar populace of American penitentiaries seriously strains the criminal equity framework strategically and monetarily. Jail packing has in excess of a couple of negative impacts upon prisoners. Studies have uncovered that jail stuffing prompts rivalry for restricted assets, higher disease rates, expanded recidivism, higher self destruction rates, and animosity. Furthermore, the packed conditions are debasing and dehumanizing for the detainees, this is ambiguous to the contemporary remedial changes, which demand amplifying the chances to prisoners. There are a few different ways to decrease jail packing, increasingly complete option is house capture and network administration, which are options in contrast to imprisonment, and new jail structures. In the year 1980, the quantity of detainees was around 500,000. In the year 2006, the quantity of prisoners was 2,245,189. Presently, this

Blog Archive University of Virginia (Darden) Essay Analysis, 20122013

Blog Archive University of Virginia (Darden) Essay Analysis, 2012â€"2013 Is Darden trying to keep aspiring consultants at bay? Does the school just not have the resources to read a large number of essays? We have no real way of knowing, of course, but we have a hard time imagining that the admissions committee can get a full and accurate impression of a candidate from a single 500-word essay. Nonetheless, our analysis of this standalone essay prompt follows… Share your thought process as you encountered a challenging work situation or complex problem. How did this experience change your perspective? (500 words maximum) Darden wants to know about your thought process, so choosing a situation to discuss that required clear and measured consideration on your part is imperative. In other words, simply explaining the nature of the situation is not enough for this essayâ€"you need to reveal the process of contemplation that ultimately led you to action in your efforts to resolve the issue. Interestingly, you do not necessarily need to show that you achieved your desired results, and the type of challenge you describe is not of primary importance (though it does need to be one from the professional sphere). The key to a successful essay here is showing not only that you invested an appropriate amount of thought for the problem or situation at hand, but also the progression and development of your thinking. Another important element of this essay is demonstrating that you learned from the experience. Further, what you say you have learned will need to clearly be impactful, because it needs to fulfill the e ssay prompt’s requirement of having been significant enough to have “changed your perspective.” You will therefore need to show a contrast between how you thought of things before the situation and how you considered them after, showing how you now approach similar encounters (or, for that sake, different encounters) in a new way. Just a note: make sure that your resume is in stellar condition, because you will need to rely on it to reveal other important accomplishments to the Darden admissions team. However, be careful not to overstuff it. Do not mistake quantity for quality. If you feel you could benefit from more guidance on your resume, we suggest checking out our mbaMission Resume Guide.   This guide discusses how to write a strong admissions committeeâ€"focused and results-driven resume; explains how to approach spacing, formatting, special sections and descriptions of consulting work; and includes three sample resumes with notes, plus more than 300 action-oriented verbs that demonstrate accomplishments rather than responsibilities. For a thorough exploration of Darden’s academic program/merits, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, academic environment and more, please check out the  mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Darden School of Business Administration. Share ThisTweet 2012-2013 MBA Essay Analysis University of Virginia (Darden)

The Allegorical Messages of The Divine Comedy by Dante...

The beginning lines of The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri indicate a pragmatic journey through the dark woods. It is soon evident that The Divine Comedy is in terms of an allegory. Midway through his life, Dante finds himself lost and in darkness. He is confused and unaware of how he has ended up in these dark woods. Dante soon comes across Italian poet Virgil, who will guide him through the Nine Circles of Hell. Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy: Inferno portrays Dante’s life and adventure through Hell which allegorically represents a much broader subject: man’s journey through life to salvation. The Divine Comedy: Inferno begins when Dante is midway through life and he has lost his way. In the starting lines, Dante claims, â€Å"Midway in our life’s journey, I went astray From the straight road and woke To find myself Alone in a dark wood.† Dante declares that he has strayed away from the â€Å"straight road.† In Dante’s allegory, the straight road symbolizes the right and virtuous path that leads to God. Mankind must be constantly seeking morality, and once man begins to lose sight of this righteousness, they will begin to abandon God’s honest path. In order to remain on the right path, man must carefully strive for virtue and be aware of their sins. Not knowing how he wandered away from the â€Å"straight road,† Dante finds himself in an eerie, dark wood. In Dante’s Inferno, this â€Å"dark wood† allegorically resembles the people of mankind who are not consciously aware ofShow MoreRelatedThe Divine Comedy1705 Words   |  7 Pagesreintroduction of ideas that came with the Renaissance in Italy, brought about a literary revival. One of the writers that influenced this revival is Dante Alighieri, a 13th century poet from Florence, Italy. His world famous epic, La Commedia, or more commonly known as The Divine Comedy remains a poetic masterpiece depicting truth and sin. The Divine Comedy, through the journey into the three hells, expresses a universal truth of good versus evil. Alighieri’s life of heartbreak with the influences ofRead MoreDantes Voyage Through Hell1490 Words   |  6 PagesThe Inferno was written by Dante Alighieri around 1314 and depicts the poet’s imaginary journey thro ugh Hell. Dante spent his life traveling from court to court both lecturing and writing down his experiences. His Divine Comedy – the three-part epic poem consisting of Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso (Hell, Purgatory and Heaven)– is generally regarded as one of the greatest poetic feats ever accomplished. All three parts are incredible literary feats with symbolism so complex and beautiful thatRead MoreThe Inferno : Warning Or Threat?1385 Words   |  6 Pages Warning Or Threat? The Inferno, is the first part of the trilogy within the Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri. The Inferno incompasses the story of Dante’s journey through Hell to reach the path of righteousness going toward Heaven’s Gate. Across the immeasurable and extensive journey of Dante and Virgil, both together observe the punishments brought upon oneself, as a result of the sins committed by the hopeless residents of Hell. Within the novel, the severity of punishment and the disciplineRead MoreThe Inferno : Depiction And Representation Of Women2519 Words   |  11 Pagesthe context of the poem than what they say alone. Dante lived in an era when women did not occupy influential roles in the public realm, and were actually discouraged from engaging in intellectual or philosophical debate. Women were not allowed to take part in political discourse nor communicate through the medium of poetry. For the exclusion of women from the historical and literary western canon, Dante†™s perception of women in The Divine Comedy can be seen as an underlying framework for furtherRead MoreDante s Paradise Lost, And Homer s Iliad2502 Words   |  11 Pagesâ€Å"Paradise Lost† and Homer’s â€Å"Iliad† the â€Å"Commedia† of Dante Alighieri represents the very pinnacle of poetic accomplishment. The essay will look at the Vita Nouva as the praise of the miracle; for such was the marvelously beneficent lady, as long as she lived, as Dante often affirms. And in this miracle one can recognized a material attestation of Eternal Truths. And the divine comedy is the glorification of truth itself as revealed to Dante and subsequently to Dante’s readers now days. The Vita

What Is a Pearl

A natural pearl is formed by a mollusk - an animal such as an oyster, clam, conch, or gastropod. How Does a Pearl Form? Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a bit of food, a grain of sand, or even a piece of the mollusks mantle becomes trapped in the mollusk. To protect itself, the mollusk secretes substances that it also uses to build its shell - aragonite (a mineral) and conchiolin (a protein). These substances are secreted in layers and a pearl is formed. Depending on how the aragonite is formed, the pearl may have a high luster (nacre, or mother-of-pearl) or a more porcelain-like surface. A wild pearl often has imperfections. One way to tell a natural pearl from an artificial pearl, according to the American Museum of Natural History, is to rub it against your teeth. A natural pearl will feel gritty, and an artificial pearl will feel smooth. Cultured Pearls Pearls created in the wild are rare and expensive. Eventually, people began culturing pearls, which involves placing an irritant in the shells of mollusks. They are then placed in holding baskets and the pearl is harvested after about 2 years. Species That Form Pearls Any mollusk can form a pearl, although they are more common in some animals than in others. There are animals known as pearl oysters, which includes species in the genus Pinctada. The species Pinctada maxima (called the gold-lipped pearl oyster or silver-lipped pearl oyster) lives in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific from Japan to Australia and produce pearls known as South Sea Pearls. Other pearl-producing animals include abalones, conchs, pen shells, and whelks. Pearls may also be found and cultured in freshwater mollusks and are often produced by species collectively called pearl mussels.

Analyze the Purpose of an Assessment - 2716 Words

Written Assignment Analyse the purpose of assessment: Assessment is the process of collecting and evaluating achievement. It should always test the learner, but be clearly understood by the learner too. (Tummons 2007,p.5) states that Assessment ensures that we can motivate and encourage learners as well as diagnosing their learning needs. Also it allows us to evaluate learning progress as well as allowing the process of selection to take place. â€Å"The primary purpose of assessment is it improve students’ learning and teachers’ teaching†¦ What makes assessment for learning effective is how well the information is used.† (Ministry of Education 2014) Another quote that I found summed up the purpose of assessment perfectly was;†¦show more content†¦Describe and evaluate 2 different formative assessment method activities used to check the learning of either individuals or a group of learners: One formative assessment method is observation, observation is mostly successful when assessing a group of learners. When an observation assessment is needed to be carried out it should always be planned with the learner being assessed and any other parties that may be involved or need to be present too. Also the assessor should always observe from a reasonable distance, as if the assessor is too close to the learner then this can make them very nervous. This would there for lead to the assessment evidence being unreliable as they wouldn’t have performed as well as when they do it in their own time. But if the assessor is observing the learner from a great distance that is too far, then they wouldn’t be able to appropriately assess the learner and won’t be able to confirm that their work/evidence is sufficient, due to not being able to see everything they had carried out. Another rule when the assessment method of observation is being carried out, is that the ass essor is not allowed to interfere in any way. So if the learner is being assessed on their IT skills and isn’t able to complete one part of the assessment, then the assessor would have to fail them, as it would be unethical if the assessor completed that part for them and then passed the learner regardless. One activity that is popular is;Show MoreRelatedThe Efficacy Of Cognitive Behavior Therapy ( Cbt )808 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction The purpose of the needs assessment is to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). As an intervention approach in counseling, cognitive behavior therapy is used to assist in managing clients who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of the needs assessment is to pinpoint the needs for counselors to assist clients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The population of interest is teens diagnosed with post-traumatic stressRead MoreTraining Needs Assessment For Developing An Effective Training Program1448 Words   |  6 Pagesnecessary of training needs assessment for developing an effective training program. In recently years more and more companies are focus on training, however the effect of training cannot achieve companies’ goal. Most of companies choose lots of unnecessary subject for training and waste money. That result in Training Needs assessment. The judgment process of whether do training or not is tra ining needs assessment (Raymoond, 2007). As an organization, Training need assessment can affect organizationRead MoreStudy Guide1489 Words   |  6 Pagesand prewriting Outlining D. Audience and purpose E. F. Evaluation techniques—self-review and peer review Self and peer editing and proofreading symbols G. Transition and flow H. Organization I. J. K. Drafting and revising Purpose of the introduction, body, and conclusion Presenting written ideas visually and orally 2. Rhetorical Strategies A. Foundations of critical thinking B. C. Critical reading Summarization D. Writing for multiple purposes E. F. Voice, tone, and register DescriptiveRead MoreThe Field Of Education, We Never Stop Learning893 Words   |  4 Pageswill enhance our teaching and help our students benefit from it. Having the opportunity to give myself a self-assessment, has provided me with information regarding myself. This self-assessments helped me get a cleared vision of what I know and what I need to learn. After reading, Richardson, I discovered what some of my strengths and weaknesses are. I plan on using this self-assessment to enhance my knowledge and find success in future learning. Richardson writes. â€Å"If education does become acceptedRead MoreMonitoring And Document Student Learning1704 Words   |  7 PagesUsing a Variety of Assessment Instruments in the Classroom and Analyzing the Data to Monitor and Document Student Learning Alicia D. Hardin Belhaven University â€Æ' Using a Variety of Assessment Instruments in the Classroom and Analyzing the Data to Monitor and Document Student Learning Effective classroom teachers use a variety of assessments daily to determine student progress. Assessing students can be ongoing or at specific times during the school year. After any assessment is given, it isRead MoreFormative Assessment : The Glossary Of Education774 Words   |  4 PagesFormative assessments. Yael Mirabal According to â€Å"The Glossary of Education†, â€Å"Formative assessment refers to a wide variety of methods that teachers use to conduct in-process evaluations of student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course. Formative assessments help teachers identify concepts that students are struggling to understand, skills they are having difficulty acquiring, or learning standards they have not yet achieved so that adjustmentsRead MoreWhy English Learners Struggle With Content Literacy1238 Words   |  5 Pagescontent accessible to students (p.82). 6. How does assessment help us set instructional goals? Teachers use formative, summative, and informal assessments to determine whether learning has taken place. An assessment can be done before, during and at the end of a unit. Teachers use the data collected from the performance of students to set instructional goals depending on the areas in which the student needs improvement. Heacox (2002) Assessments are very important because teachers plan instructionsRead MorePerception, Quality, Or Ability Of Someone Or Something?1050 Words   |  5 PagesAn assessment is defined as the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something (Merriam Webster). This definition is nonspecific because of the vast quantity of assessments available. One may go to the doctor and have a medical assessment and then at school have another assessment. Each of these assessments will be different from the other and yet they serve the same purpose-to measure. Assessments differ in what they measure and how they measure which is w hyRead MoreA Brief Note On Internet Wide Scanning And Tracking The Adoption Of Defensive Mechanisms1040 Words   |  5 Pages â€Æ' Table of contents SL No: Title Page 1. Introduction 3 2. Purpose and Aims 4 3. Significance 4 4. Project Approach 5 5. Project Plan 6 6. Risk Assessment 8 7. Communication 9 8. References 10 Introduction Internet-wide scanning is an efficient technique used by researchers to study and measure the internet to discover new vulnerabilities and tracking the adoption of defensive mechanisms. The internet wide scanning is conducted using the existing high speed scanning tools such asRead MoreMy Vision As A Psychology Practitioner Scholar892 Words   |  4 Pagesbe reviewed; each one is designed to analyze behavior in children. The review will be of the Conners 3rd Edition, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and Behavior Assessment System for Children – 2. The purpose, appropriateness, materials needed, and test taking requirement will be review. A comparison of these instruments will be discussed and evaluated for the most appropriate test to utilize for deeper and examination. Purpose The purpose of the three tests that are being review

Understanding And Applying Multiple Strategies -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Understanding And Applying Multiple Strategies? Answer: Introducation According to Depoy and Gitlins definition of research, multiple research strategies management lead to the evolution of the scientific knowledge. These multiple research strategies include inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning. However, all these research strategies must satisfy four basic criteria of being understandable, logical, confirmable and useful. Logical means logical thinking and the action process taken to achieve the goal of the research is clear and has a rational approach. By understandable, it signifies that research process taken is justified. Confirmable signifies that researcher has logically identified research strategies used in the study (DePoy and Gitlin 2015). Usefulness signifies the knowledge that means the information derived from the research is useful and has the potential to improve professional practise along with overall client outcome. However, the criterion of usefulness is subjective and is based on the judgement about the value of the knowled ge produced in the study (DePoy and Gitlin 2015). As per my understanding of the research the pour pillars which are discussed by Depoy and Gitlin are appropriate in discussing the meaning and the importance of the research strategies. Research strategy from the logical point of view defines a set of reasoning that involves the defined ways of thinking while methodically relating to the ideas used to develop an understanding and relationship business the strategies. Understandable and conformable means that the research strategies must be understandable by the researchers so that he or she can confirm its utility in extracting or proving the required objective of the research. Finally usefulness, I think it is the core value of the research strategies because f the strategy is not useful in extracting the required information then the entire efforts will be futile. References DePoy, E and Gitlin, L.N., accounting.Introduction to Research-E-Book: Understanding and Applying Multiple Strategies. Elsevier Healthcare Scie

Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling

Executive Summary The use of optimization techniques for managerial decision-making is popular. Various tools have been developed to help fit few resources to production processes with the aim of maximizing profits and reducing wastage of resources. This paper looks into this aspect with a special interest in simulation.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Simulation is a technique that tries to replicate a real life scenario into a model. With reference to case study examples, this paper analyses methodologies adopted in applying this technique in product planning and scheduling. The researcher also reviews literature in this field to get greater insight into the topic. The paper concludes that simulation is a critical tool for business success as long as it is installed after careful preparation and steps taken to ensure it refle cts the needs and objectives of the organization. Introduction Simulation is a manufacturing technique that aptly represents reality of operations and processes in a model. The model is a reflection of what happens in reality and takes into account the parameters and conditions on the ground. It is quite a useful tool in product planning and scheduling. Scheduling is the act performed by managers where they allocate resources, indentify procedures, and estimate different parameters that entail the procedures, such as costs. This is quite imperative in project management as it informs the project manager about the imminent project and acts as a tool for prediction. Product planning, on the other hand, refers to the process of allocation of meager resources to production activities with the aim of ensuring that company objectives are met. This includes customer satisfaction and meeting demand. Generally, this represents an optimization problem for a company as it refers to a process w here a manager has to make a decision to minimize costs and maximize profits simultaneously. This paper looks into the possibility of applying simulation to solving production planning and scheduling problems in different organizations. The researcher employs the use of case studies and previous applications of these tools to reflect the advantages, disadvantages, problems, and possible solutions inherent to the usage of simulation in these functions. Through evaluation of this case study, the researcher points out recommendations of the issues that manufacturers encounter in using this powerful function (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Conceptual Framework This section looks into the literature surrounding the use and application of simulation in scheduling and production planning. The review points out the disadvantages and looks into the possibility of improper application of this tool in different companies.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's se e if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Production Planning Production planning refers to the act of striving to meet market demands through effective and efficient usage and application of resources in a manufacturing or service firm. Production planning, according to Graves (1999) is quite an effective tool in reaching optimal solutions to managerial problems. It is applicable to staff planning, how many lots to produce in a particular time, how to allow extra work time, and how to sequence production runs effectively. Since this is an optimization problem, different tools can be used to solve them. This is informed by the nature of the manufacturing, the level of technology and size of the organization in question. Examples of optimization solution techniques are linear programming, simulation, and complex computer software (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Graves (1999) also points out that to use a certain technique certain features about the product and production processes must be accounted for; for instance, the time of production. This informs the usage of certain techniques. The use of simulation is quite popular. This is because of the possibility of putting the model on a test run and coming up with the model that fits the organization perfectly (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). In certain situations, it is relatively easier to use compared to others. Additionally, the possibility of putting these models on a test run effectively makes it quite flexible and admirable. In production planning, according to Graves (1999), this technique is the most widely spread. An organization needs to indentify certain objectives and come up with a list of the constraints or limitations or resources. This is put into a model that replicates the actual situation on the ground. Another way to solve production-planning problems that is widely applicable in many organizations is linear programming. It is almost similar to simulation bu t it has the limitation of many assumptions. Hence, it may not reflect the reality on the ground as noted by Graves (1999). Scheduling During the development of a project, it is imperative to ensure that activities that lead to the completion of the project are commenced appropriately and their deadlines met. Deadline represents one of the constraints of a project. Others include the scope of the project, the cost or budget allocated, goals, and objectives set out in the project (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). In a manufacturing set-up, operations scheduling entails dispatching, controlling, tracking, and monitoring of production in the shop floor. It is imperative to ensure that certain functions within a manufacturing plant run smoothly.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, scheduling is highly applicable to personn el allocations to work centers, equipment allocation, capacity planning, prioritization, and determination of order performance. Additionally, scheduling helps managers to control activities at the shop floor so that orders with relative urgency are dispatched (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Hence, this is a very important function in ensuring smooth operations of a manufacturing plant. It is also quite important in the overall success of a company as it directly affects the demand. Figure 1: Typical Scheduling Process Figure 1 above represents a typical scheduling process where controls are carried out by software. The software maybe designed from a simulation run by the firm over a long period. It captures activities in the whole process with necessary parameters. It details each person’s requirement in the process (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Scheduling is quite important as it plays a huge role in minimizing idle time from machines and personnel, reduces time spent by a product before it is finally released in market, and helps in meeting deadlines in the downstream of a market. Application of Simulation in Scheduling Methodology Companies apply production planning using a top-down approach that goes to finer details (e.g. from days to hours). Essentially, the management allocates real orders to the available resources to meet maximal capacity utilization, minimize work in progress, reduce chances for delays, and to have as minimal thorough-put times as possible. It is important to note that these needs are frequently in conflict.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Depending on the needs of an organization, different methods may be used, for example assignment techniques, simulation techniques and computer software. Since this paper looks into simulation, it is crucial to note that it is applied in two levels. First, a simulations model may be developed that tests and configures an existing tool of planning. Hence, it is just a fine tuning tool and is not part of the production process. Secondly, simulation may play a direct role in production if it is installed in the system. In this case, it is referred to as an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) tool. Essentially, it does most of the functions captured that define scheduling such as allocating tasks, equipment, and order processing and updates on Work in Progress (WIP). Limitation The use of these systems does not mean that organizations or companies gain from their applications. The case study highlights areas where many companies may end up confused by the whole system. Data stored in these systems, especially the APS, may reveal many anomalies. This is partly because of lack of proper reflection. For example, a German toy manufacturer in the case study had the following anomalies. Anomaly Degree of anomaly Work stations Less that 50% of work stations (140 in total) were in use Capacity Some work stations had zero capacity utilization while others had over 500% utilization Orders Frequent delays Synchronization Lack of synchronization between shop floor reality and system reflection Figure 2: Anomalies in System Findings and Suggested Solutions A company (Decopart) that supplies aluminum parts used the APS system quite effectively. The management employed the use of experts to carry out the technical work. Additionally, Decopart uses up to date tools for this processes, which are easily adaptable to the changes in production or market demand. They have the capacity to detect the need for more resources and any delays or idle times. It is also quite integrative which means it reflects the whole organization is functioning. The system took quite some time to install. This ensured that the company came up with many processes that were in contrast with the objectives of the systems. Additionally, through use of a model, the company was able to fine-tune the system to reflect its future capacity requirements. Hence, it is imperative to understand your organization well before installing this system (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). Advantages and Disadvantages Simulation has many advantages. First, it allows a company to study the whole organization as a model before installing the model to its operations. This is an important step as it brings out the bottlenecks that the company should deal with in future. Additionally, it allows the company to adjust to the needs of the organization and to the system with the aim of achieving certain goals. Depending on how well it is used, how well it is designed, and the level of preparation before the full installation, a company is in a position to adjust positively to any changes that may occur in future affecting the system. This includes the need for more resources, changes in market demand, creation of new workstations, and changes in personnel duties (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). The system is quite costly to roll out. Decopart used quite a huge sum of money to set up its own system. Although it effectively, connects major manufacturing functions in an organization, care must be taken in training. This is because many employees may find it tiring to adjust to the needs of the system and hence affect its functions. Additionally, enough expertise must be sought to put the relevant data captured in the system to good use. This is because, it is inappropriate to have all that information without aiding in managerial decisions. Application of Simulation in Production Planning Methodology In a production process whose steps are predefined, application of simulation is quite possible. For example, the case study presents a company that produces prefabricated concrete parts for houses. Certain steps are performed in certain duration using predetermined times. Machines are programmed to know cycle times and locations of a part during production. Hence, it forms a continuous process. This is after a careful analysis of previous production using a simulation model. The model can tell how many products are likely to be produced with defects and can be tweaked to ensure that these defects are reduced to the minimum and detected before the product reaches the customer. The company uses an online simulation, which records sales data and uses this data to reflect what to produce (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). Limitation Creating such a system requires quite a lot of time. Previous operations should be captured and appropriate software created to reflect this information. For example, the case has a company that was in the business of painting cars. More than 100 colors were in use and certain procedures in the painting process resulted in delays, long transitional times, and idle time. This contributed to a challenge in trying to come up with an appropriate model. Hence, some business functions may be difficult to put into a simulation model (Krauth, 2010). Advantages and Disadvantages As noted above, not all process can be put into a model. Some are a bit complex and hard to simulate. The use of ISSOP optimization tool helps in these situations. It has an inbuilt tool that caters for many aspects of production such as production planning, throughput times, idle times, and capacity. However, a slight tweak in the system may cause considerable danger to the production process and steps must be taken to ensure that there are corrective measures in place. Additionally, simulation software requires a human interface. Although some are quite automated, some defects can affect a huge roll out in production leading to catastrophic co nsequences (Krauth, 2010). Evaluation of the Case Study The case study was a critical look at the optimization and simulation tools in place in major organizations and SMEs. The case presents a number of small businesses that are using these tools in production planning and scheduling. It also highlights the challenges, advantages, and appropriate software for the different organizations with specific needs. It also looks at the suitability of these models for the future and critically analyses the level of applicability: is it a support system or the main system? The case also looks into the issue where some problems cannot be captured in a system and their effect on the overall need to meet certain objectives. For example, personnel morale is an independent variable whose effect may not be captured in the system. Offline and online simulation and their respective advantages are also discussed in detail (Krauth, 2010). Summary of Findings and Recommendations The case’s major finding is that although many companies use simulation and optimization systems, majority are not satisfied with them. It is hard to understand the system as a nonprofessional and appropriate training and preparation are crucial to the success of such production planning and scheduling systems. Additionally, it is important to note that much software has been developed to analyze the functions of a system but specific companies that should insist on that specific software which appropriately captures the needs of the company. Certain decisions can be made directly using software solutions (Krauth, 2010). For example, it can allocate responsibility to personnel, detect idle time, and reflect urgent demands. However, it cannot capture the mood of personnel and this may lead to ‘invisible causes of bottlenecks’. Hence, it is crucial for the management to continuously asses every aspect of an organization with the aim of reducing and capturing such bottlenecks. As the comp any, Decopart found out, a production process, which has many available options, reduces the effectiveness of creating a simulation or optimization system. Hence, much time needs to be dedicated to such processes to reduce chances of a defective system (Krauth, 2010). Conclusion Many companies employ optimization and simulation techniques to solve managerial problems. These solutions are meant to enhance decision-making capability of the management. The case looks into the use of simulation in particular towards finding solutions in product planning and scheduling functions of an organization. The case study presents a number of companies whose optimization software solutions, as a direct business function or as an assisting function, helps in streamlining operations. For instance, a car painting business that uses simulation software to run its operations with tremendous results. It is crucial to note that the optimization and simulation solutions are not entirely good for all orga nizations. Certain steps need to be carried out to ensure that the solutions are successful. For instance, ample preparation, knowing the market, personnel training, and motivation packages are crucial steps. Additionally, proper expertise is a fundamental requirement towards realizing this goal (Krauth, 2010). References Chase, B.R., Jacobs, R.F. Aquilano, N.J. (2006). Operations Management for Competitive Advantage. New York: McGraw Irwin. Graves, C.S. (1999). Manufacturing Planning and Control. Web. Krauth, J. (2010). Simulation Supports Production Planning and Scheduling. Berlin: Sim Serv. Mapes, J., Szwejczewski, M. New, C. (2000). Process Variability and Its Effect on Plant Performance. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 20 (7): 792-808. This case study on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling was written and submitted by user Charley S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.