Applying Performance Measures and Process Improvements in a Supply Chain: The Loch Dots Simulation
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Authors
Keith Miller
Craig Hill
Antoinette R. Miller
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Journal Article, Academic Journal
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Abstract
The article describes an in-class simulation that employs problem-based learning to teach supply chain concepts as part of an undergraduate or graduate business course. The inexpensive, highly cost-effective simulation is derived from a corporate LSS training activity and modified to introduce, demonstrate, and apply a wide range of supply chain and business concepts. It incorporates the use of operational and financial performance measures that include supplier, manufacturer, and customer coordination. It is scalable for small or large class sizes, and may be deployed as stand-alone, in-class exercise spread over several class meetings, or incorporated into a larger, semester-long process-improvement project for multiple student groups. The simulation emphasizes intra-firm cooperation, inter-firm coordination, critical thinking, and team work, in addition to the thirty or more business concepts that may be taught.