Agent based simulation as a novel decision support tool for retail managers

Siebers, Peer-Olaf; Aickelin, Uwe; Celia, Helen; Clegg, Chris

Abstract

Intelligent agents offer a new and exciting way of understanding the world of work. We apply
agent-based simulation to investigate a set of problems in a retail context. Specifically, we are
working to understand the relationship between human resource management practices and retail productivity. Our multi-disciplinary research team draws upon expertise from work psychologists and computer scientists. Our research so far has led us to conduct case study work with a top ten UK retailer. Based on our case study experience and data we are developing a simulator that can be used to investigate the impact of management practices (e.g. training, empowerment, teamwork) on customer satisfaction and retail productivity.

Citation

Siebers, P.-O., Aickelin, U., Celia, H., & Clegg, C. Agent based simulation as a novel decision support tool for retail managers. Presented at ECMI 2008 - European Consortium for Mathematics in Industry

• Conference Name: ECMI 2008 - European Consortium for Mathematics in Industry
• End Date: Jun 4, 2008
• Deposit Date: Feb 18, 2009
• Journal: Proceedings of 15th European Conference on Mathematics for Industry (EMI2008)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: agent-based modelling, agent-based simulation, retail productivity, management practices, customer behaviour
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1016156
• Publisher URL: http://www.ecmi2008.org/
• Additional Information: Proceedings of the conference will be published by Springer in the series: Mathematics in industry