This unique book develops the application of experimental statistical designs and analysis to discrete-event simulation modeling. It takes a practical perspective and orients the reader with examples of the role of simulation in modeling a system. The stages and steps for applying simulation are discussed by focusing on the important role of statistics. Examples are given about how to design an experiment using techniques such as classical designs, group screening, polynomial decomposition, and Taguchi designs. Using the statistical techniques discussed, a sound simulation model can be built and adequately tested before implementation.

The book also shows how simulation results can be generalized by discussing in full the growing emphasis on simulation metamodeling. Examples of this approach are presented to show that reliable and simple models could be easily obtained. Furthermore, such models are applied within a decision framework to optimize the system of interest. This expands the power of simulation from being purely descriptive of the system to being a prescriptive model. The reader is exposed to potential problems and how such problems may be harnessed. Although the book discusses statistical techniques, it is written so as to be comprehensible to anyone with a basic background in statistics. The book is a good resource for consultants and simulation practitioners; it can also be used as a textbook for classes in simulation.

Strategic Total Quality Management is a new way of looking at quality. It views quality from corporate performance and product quality. Corporate performance is measured by the response of the firm to the emerging changes in its business environment. Increasingly, issues concerning the environment, business ethics and integrity are important and do affect the competitiveness and survivability of the firm. Quality must, therefore, take a more systemic or holistic definition. Also, with the increasing focus on product quality and many companies targeting six sigma or zero defect, product quality alone will not be enough of a competitive weapon for any one firm. Strategic Total Quality Management is based on a measure of quality as the overall performance of the firm.

The book discusses all aspects of quality management from a strategic total quality management perspective. It starts with an introduction of this new philosophy of quality, and presents guidelines for its implementation and strategic framework to guide the practice of strategic total quality management. The importance of environmental quality planning is discussed and a chapter is presented on the role of statistics in strategic total quality management. The book then discusses leadership and paradigm innovation and how they influence visionary management and quality practice. An examination of the works of Deming and Juran is synthesized in the context of strategic total quality management. The book will be useful to quality practitioners who need to know of alternative views of quality, students who are constantly challenged by the emerging quality management philosophies, and researchers who need to explore in depth some of these concepts of quality.

Climate change is increasingly of great concern to the world community. The earth has witnessed the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, changes in biodiversity, and more occurrences of natural disasters. Recently, scientists have begun to shift their emphasis away from curbing carbon dioxide emission to adapting to carbon dioxide emission. The increase in natural disasters around the world is unprecedented in earth's history and these disasters are often associated to climate changes. Many nations along the coastal lines are threatened by massive floods and tsunamis. Earthquakes are increasing in intensity and erosion and droughts are problems in many parts of the developing countries. This book is therefore to investigate ways to prepare and effectively manage these disasters and possibly reduce their impacts. The focus is on mitigation strategies and policies that will help to reduce the impacts of natural disasters. The book takes an in-depth look at climate change and its association to socio-economic development and cultures especially in vulnerable communities; and investigates how communities can develop resilience to disasters. A balanced and a multiple perspective approach to manage the risks associated with natural disasters is offered by engaging authors from the entire globe to proffer solutions.

Sustainability is about the effective management of nonrenewable and nonreplenishable natural resources. These resources are limited and critical to maintaining ecological balance. A collective effort is required to balance our socio-economic needs with environmental needs. This could be achieved by re-evaluating policies and actions as to how they affect the environment. Sustainability requires changes in traditional practices of doing things and refocusing ourselves to the needs of the earth. This handbook explores the role of sustainability in achieving social development, environmental protection, and economic development. These three areas constitute what is referred to as the triple bottom line (TBL). Sustainability management may help organizations and their global supply networks to re-evaluate their policies, processes, programs, and projects in terms of triple bottom line. Sustainability helps to facilitate planning, implementing, reviewing, and improving an organization's actions and operations to meet ecological goals.