Secondly, it was the first simulation that modelled the interaction of a CAPM system with a manufacturing facility. The case studies were based upon manufacturing data obtained from NEI Parsons. This work formed the basis of my PhD thesis, papers 14,23,34 and others during the period 1989-1995. The original model was deterministic. He has also developed planning methods based upon Simulated Annealing.
Simulation provides a mechanism for testing and evaluating scenarios.
It does not enable optimal solutions to be identified. Indeed many of the heuristics used by CAPM systems are known to generate sub optimal results. Pupong Pongcharoen, in his PhD has developed a planning tool based upon Genetic Algorithms that enables optimum schedules to be generated that minimise penalty costs due to earliness and lateness. The GA procedure proposed by Goldberg has been modified to include four repair procedures that correct schedules that are infeasible. New genetic operators have also been developed and tested.