In today’s business environment, complexity is on the rise, making it challenging to understand the interactions of various factors influencing performance outcomes. While mathematical modeling offers valuable insights by simplifying reality, its effectiveness diminishes as interactions become more complex.
As an alternative research design, scholars may consider obtaining evidence through empirical studies. However, accessing empirical data for complex phenomena can be extremely difficult or even impossible in some cases.
Where these traditional research methods fall short, computational modeling is a viable approach to enhance our understanding of complex phenomena. In this design, mathematical rigor and empirical realism are compromised to generate insights that neither method alone could offer. Computational modeling captures the complexity of real organizational and supply chain phenomena.
In this two-day research workshop held June 19-20, Javad Abadi from the University of Manitoba introduced participants to the fundamental principles of computational modeling in the context of supply chain management.
The session covered key concepts, methodologies and tools essential for developing robust computational models. Participants gained an understanding of how these models can be used to simulate and analyze complex supply chain dynamics.
Day Two of the workshop gave participants hands-on experience working in groups to explore how they can employ computational modeling techniques to investigate their own questions.
The workshop primarily focused on the constrained approach to computational modeling, particularly utilizing the NK model and its extensions to understand supply chain networks.
About the speaker:
Javad Feiz Abadi is an assistant professor of operations and supply chain management at the University of Manitoba. He previously worked for more than a decade as a faculty member within the Global SCALE Network at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He specializes in understanding the interdependence nature of supply chains. Abadi employs computational modeling research approaches to analyze supply chain network phenomena.
He has published papers utilizing the NK model and its extensions in reputable supply chain journals. Currently he is involved in ongoing research projects focusing on SC resiliency at the supply chain network level of analysis using the NK model.