journal of public affairs education - NASPAA *The Global Standard ...

Introduction of Government Process Modeling With Rockwell Arena SoftwareEach time the learner observes a simulation of the model, a reaction takesplace in the mind of the learner (Alessi & Trollip, 2001; Jonassen, 2006). Thesimulation provides feedback about the possible outcomes that a real systemmight produce in the real world. Based on new information derived frommultiple simulations of the same model, the learner can adjust the model, runadditional simulations, and gain additional insights. It is far better to iron outthe probable consequences of poor design decisions in a computer simulationthan in a real organization. A simulation of a business process can produceinsights not only into system performance, but also into tradeoffs involvingcosts and outcomes.Situational simulations are popular in business education in order to simulateinteractions with other businesses (Faira, 1998; Keys, 1997). Learners areencouraged to explore alternatives with a sense of unpredictability, as the actionsof organizations and the people therein are largely unanticipated. Models andsimulations offer potential benefits in terms of transfer of learning to realapplications (Clark & Voogel, 1985).Simulations typically have multiple learning advantages when compared toother teaching methodologies. Models are simplifications of the real world, andallow learners to focus on relationships between specific aspects (Alessi &Trollip, 2001). It takes far less time to observe the simulations produced by amodel than it does to run an experiment in the real world. The experience ofcreating a model and observing the outcomes of its simulation is a realexperience, and can be motivating to learners. Simulations provide motivationalelements such as challenge (Malone & Lepper, 1987) and relevance (Keller &Suzuki, 1988). The outcomes of simulations also are more engaging andpersuasive than the speculations about simulations that are offered by aninstructor. Having designed a model, learners are likely to “own” the outcomesof its simulations, even if those outcomes were not anticipated.Simulations are flexible because they can be used to facilitate any educationalphilosophy, and can be included in any of the four phases of instruction(Alessi & Trollip, 2001). Instructors have numerous options when theyimplement simulations. Simulations can be designed to emphasize measuredoutcomes, critical thinking, and discovery learning. Simulations also can begeared to promote individual learning, collaboration, or even competition(Alessi & Trollip, 2001).ROCKWELL ARENA SOFTWAREArena is the process-modeling and simulation software developed by RockwellAutomation and the former Systems Modeling Corporation, which wasacquired by Rockwell in 2000. The software is widely used to model andsimulate industrial processes and supply chains. The major value of using Arenais to anticipate the implications of designing complex processes, so as to observe386 Journal of Public Affairs Education