Research output per year
Research output per year
My research uses system dynamics and simulation-based modelling to support decision-making in complex policy and supply chain systems, with a particular focus on resilience, circularity, and learning. I examine how feedback, delay, and non-linear behaviour shape long-term outcomes in organisational, industrial, and public-policy contexts.
This research agenda builds on my PhD research, which developed an integrated system dynamics and discrete-event simulation framework to analyse risk, feedback, and decision-making in retail supply chains.
A central strand of my work is system dynamics–based policy modelling, including fiscal and socio-economic simulation to support cross-border and all-island policy analysis. This includes EU-funded research on Brexit-related, cross-border trade and supply chain disruption, using simulation-based scenario analysis to examine regulatory, policy, and operational impacts. This research contributes to evidence-informed decision-making on long-term societal challenges, where policy choices involve uncertainty, competing objectives, and structural trade-offs.
I also develop simulation-based solutions for complex systems, integrating System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulation to analyse supply chains, business processes, and operational networks. This includes research on supply chain resilience and circular supply chains, supporting sustainability transitions and responsible resource use.
A further strand of my research focuses on game-based education and simulation-supported training, using interactive models to develop systems thinking and decision literacy among students and practitioners. This work connects research, teaching, and professional education through experiential and problem-based learning approaches.
My research agenda is strongly informed by prior industry experience in FMCG manufacturing and retail supply chain operations, including work on forecasting, network design, outsourcing decisions, and business analytics. Experience in data-intensive, high-uncertainty operational environments shaped my focus on simulation and systems modelling, and continues to inform my emphasis on practice-relevant and policy-oriented decision-support tools developed in collaboration with external partners.
Across all areas, my aim is to produce research that is methodologically rigorous and explicitly designed to inform real-world decision-making in industry, education, and public policy.
Research Expertise and Methods
Keywords
System Dynamics • Simulation Modelling • Policy Modelling • Cross-Border Analysis • Brexit • Supply Chain Management • Circular Supply Chains • Business Analytics • Game-Based Learning • Complex Systems • Decision Support
PhD
Award Date: 1 Jan 2017
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
McAlpine, A. (Recipient) & Crowe, J. (Recipient), 2 Feb 2022
Prize