Adaptive Capacity through Complex Adaptive System

Abstract

Problem: The corrugated board industry is highly affected by customer uncertainty, various demands and short delivery times. In combination with a complex multi-step production process managers have to be able to identify bottle-necks and gain knowledge and understanding of how different changes in process will affect the production output. <br/><br/> Purpose: The purpose of this master thesis is twofold, (1) to examine applicability of complexity theory through agent-based modelling on a production process (2) to identify improvement areas in order to increase the production output at SKS production site in Eslöv, by modelling and simulating the production process through an agent-based model. <br/><br/> Method: The chosen method of this study is a combination of a case study and a complex system approach. The empirical data was collected through interviews, observation and document studies which were analysed through an agent-based simulation model. <br/><br/> Conclusions: Through the holistic complex system approach and by iteratively exploring the SKS production process’s components the authors were able to distinguished essential factors of the production process wherefrom the complexity emerged. The production process exhibited several internal complex properties whereby the authors consider that SKS production process can undoubtedly be consider as a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). By mapping and utilising agent-based modelling the complexity of the system could be transferred to an agent-based model. Through analysis of the agent-based model the authors identified and simulated four improvement areas which provide possibility of an increased capacity utilisation and production output. Based on the results the authors recommend a higher individual freedom for the machines and a greater interaction both within the company and with the customer.

Cite this paper

@article{bodin2006adaptive,
  title = {{Adaptive Capacity through Complex Adaptive System}},
  author = {Bodin, Niclas and Cronberg, Filip},
  journal = {Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University)},
  year = {2006}
}

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