A Multi-Agent Simulation of Retail Management Practices

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

Abstract

We apply Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) 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. Despite the fact we are working within a relatively novel and complex domain, it is clear that intelligent agents do offer potential for developing organizational capabilities in the future. Our multi-disciplinary research team has worked with a UK department store to collect data and capture perceptions about operations from actors within departments. Based on this case study work, we have built a simulator that we present in this paper. We then use the simulator to gather empirical evidence regarding two specific management practices: empowerment and employee development.

Citation

Siebers, P., Aickelin, U., Celia, H., & Clegg, C. A Multi-Agent Simulation of Retail Management Practices

• Conference Name: Proceedings of the Summer Computer Simulation Conference (SCSC 2007)
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2007
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/592