INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN MANAGEMENT V - SGGW

y inputting real world decisions and checking the accuracy of the simulated outcomes.
Also, it must be comprehensive enough to capture the complexity of a real
business. Another important problem of computer simulation is that there are usually
many solutions and no method of identifying the correct one. Furthermore,
there might be measurement errors contaminating the historical data [Barteczko,
Bocian, 2008, p.126-127]. An important drawback proposed by Nowak is the excessive
time consumed to build the models created, often, by the difficulties in
getting the data [Nowak, 2007, p.33]. Other significant problems are unclear objectives
and incorrect or undocumented assumptions that are very often caused by
poor communication between the model builders and managers [Barteczko,
Bocian, 2008, p.126-127].
Simulation is an extension to static modeling efforts and one that substantially
enhances benefits by leveraging existing models and enabling more advanced
analyses that can be obtained in no other way. Decision makers are growing more
receptive to new approaches to implementing strategy using computer simulations
[Funke, 2001, p. 69–72]. Nowadays software to create and support computer simulations
is readily advanced, available and user-friendly and what is most important
it is continuously improved. Users can do things with simulation that were unthinkable
even a couple of years ago. Furthermore, many researchers predict that
simulations will come to play a crucial role in every successful corporate transformation
[Bryden, Noble,2006, p. 520-523].
Sometimes organisations that decide to implement computer simulation software
do not spend enough time and do not care about its quality. There exist companies
that offer market bubbles software. It is important to remember that market
manipulations are always possible when access to markets is easy and when markets
are relatively thin. And only a well-designed simulation would bring expected
results [Charlette, p.1-5]. Significant problems are unclear objectives, incorrect or
undocumented assumptions very often caused by poor communication between the
model builders and managers who have problems defining their requirements
[Barteczko, Bocian, 2008, p.126-127].
62
Table 1. Computer simulations in decision making process SWOT analysis
Strengths Opportunities
1. safety
2. utilisation
3. flexibility
4. visibility
5. speed
6. variable time
7. time saving
8. cost saving
1. market trends- arrival of new, advanced
technology
2. an unfulfilled customer needs- computer
simulation may come to play
a crucial role in every successful
corporate transformation