Discrete event simulation using Excel/VBA

Abstract

The spectrum of discrete event simulation modeling courses in industrial engineering programs varies from an emphasis on learning concepts of discrete event simulation to modeling simple systems using a commercially viable simulation language. Often, when the emphasis is on learning a commercial language, much of the course becomes training at the expense of concepts. As a result the student has a basic understanding of the language and modeling but limited understanding of discrete event simulation concepts. In either case, modeling complex systems is problematic because students will lack sufficient knowledge of simulation concepts to understand nuances of the language or sufficient experience with constructs to be proficient with a commercial language. However, it is relatively easy to learn details of a simulation language for students who understand discrete event simulation and modeling concepts. Excel/VBA is a ubiquitous software package with easy to use input and output features. Also, the statistical features of Excel overcome major limitations of modeling discrete event systems in a traditional procedural language. This paper examines a one-semester course in discrete event simulation that utilizes Excel and VBA to overcome limitations of traditional approaches for teaching simulation.