A System Dynamics Policy Analysis Model of the Air Force Reparable Asset System

摘要

The Air Force reparable asset system is an example of a multi-item, multi-echelon inventory system. Though such systems have been extensively studied using classic operations research techniques, there has been little research done on the impact of policy changes on system performance. The system dynamics approach, by focusing on and explicitly representing the information and decision structures of the system under study, provides the means to assess the impact of policy on performance by selecting specific performance goals at each system level. This research developed and validated a descriptive model of the Air Force reparable asset system using a system dynamics approach. Using the DYNAMO simulation language, the impact of policy on the system was demonstrated via computer simulation. The authors concluded that a system dynamics model of the reparable asset system would be of value of Air Force logistics policy-makers. (Author)