Call for Papers

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling

Modelling and simulation of new business models



Guest Editor: Peter Ball, Cranfield University, UK

This special issue aims to present the latest thinking on modelling and simulation beyond traditional operations, manufacturing and supply chain boundaries. The increasing diversity of supply chain structures, the emerging business collaboration models, the increasing levels of outsourcing, recycling, after sales and developments in servitisation all present challenges to the functionality of existing tools and their application.

Significant work has been done on modelling and simulating "simple" service or production systems as well as business processes and supply chains. Such work examines flows of parts, products or information. However, with business models that have emerged from industry and commerce there are challenges to the functionality of tools, techniques for model building and the understanding of performance through modelling. Information and product flows may have to be combined, the products may never leave the model and products returned from the field.

Examples of emerging business models include:

*The growing industry for recycling and re-manufacture presents challenges for how to model an operation that has uncertain inputs that need disassembling and possibly re-assembly. For example, the EU's directive for End-of-life vehicles presents challenges to model operations that have to meet targets on re-use, recycling and recovery.

*Servitisation, such as product service systems, where the manufactured product is part of a service offering. In the case of Rolls-Royce's "Power by the hour" approach the manufactured product is owned throughout by the manufacturer to provide a service to the airline. Another example is the approach operated by Xerox for the supply and operation of photocopiers/digital printers. Additionally, integrated product health management systems may monitor the product in service and sensors provide signals to the supply chain that a product needs maintenance, repair or overhaul.

*Increased levels of outsourcing amongst companies results in extended but tightly coupled supply chains. The flow of product and information is potentially more complex than in-house operations. This special issues looks to provide theories, tools and case studies of the application of modelling and simulation techniques beyond "traditional" manufacturing, operations or supply chain systems.

Work can relate to service or manufacturing sectors and can examine the development of new techniques or the application of techniques for greater understanding of emerging business models. Work can be at any level from internal company operations through to strategic supply chain level. The research may come from any sector and from any field of modelling and simulation.

Subject Coverage

Papers may include either theoretical or empirical research. Suitable themes in this issue include but are not limited to the following:

*How do we use simulation modelling and analysis techniques beyond "traditional" manufacturing and supply chains?
*What are the challenges and potential solutions for modelling the return, re-manufacture and recycling?
*How can services or servitisation be modelled and simulated?
*Can "Product Service Systems" be modelled to understand differences between "traditional" supply chains and service led supply chains?
*What are the challenges to modelling collaborations between companies?
*How can data from the field or market be incorporated into business models and simulations?
*How can planning and control systems be included in models that stretch beyond "simple" operational boundaries?

Notes for Intending Authors
Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available at http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=100

Important Dates
Deadline for submission of manuscripts: 31 January, 2008
Notification of acceptance/rejection to authors: 31 March, 2008
Final (camera-ready) papers submission: 31 July, 2008

Editors and Notes
On-line Submission is our preferred route; please use it if at all possible. However, if you experience any problems submitting papers in this way, or require further information about the special issue, please contact:

Peter Ball
Department of Manufacturing, B50
Cranfield University
Cranfield
Bedford, MK43 0AL
U.K.
+44 1234 750111 Ext 5657
Email: p.d.ball@cranfield.ac.uk