Current Events in Business Research
Proper research in business is vital to its success. This paper will discuss how well the article Computer Modelling and Simulation of Bakeries' Production Planning written and researched by Walid Barakat Hussein, Florian Mitzscherling Hecker, Thomas Martin Becker published in 2009. The article summarizes the efforts of bakeries selling ten different products using the ARENA computer simulation system to streamline production and prevent “bottle-necking”.
The first step of effective business research is stating a clear purpose. The article starts out with an introduction that states businesses past troubles with understanding the “sequence of activities required to complete a process-whether fulfilling an order, producing a part, or servicing a customer,” (par 1) which is what the ARENA computer system is supposed to help with. Later in the introduction: “This research work presents a methodology of modeling and simulation of production system using Arena software simulation tool, in order to deal efficiently with the production procedures and processes, and propose an appropriate system structure that will operate according to given specifications,” (par 3). The introduction stated a very clear purpose, which helps those reading the article as well as following the first step of proper business research.
The research process was thoroughly detailed and the design was thoroughly planned. In the method and case study section on the article it explains how the actual computer program will help with the most common problems small and even large bakeries encounter. It provides tables and graphs to better explain the program as well.
It is somewhat difficult to say if high ethical standards were used in the research of the ARENA program since using this program is fairly non-dangerous, simple and non-invasive. There is nowhere in the article that proves high ethical standards were used. The whole point of ARENA is that it eliminates limitations of bakeries with limited equipment. The next requirement in the business research model is adequate analysis for decision maker’s needs; the article had very adequate analysis from the ten bakeries they put the ARENA system in, as well as in-time computer windows that detailed how the program works and why it helps.
The researchers’ findings were simply put and their conclusion that the ARENA computer system improves production was very justified. In the articles conclusion, it says: “Computer simulation is an effective tool to analyze the production processes. It illustrates the concepts that may have difficulty to be explained throughout measurements. The Arena modelling system is a flexible and powerful framework that allows analysts to create animated simulation models that accurately virtually represent any system,” and I agree. The graphs and visuals clearly showed that ARENA is easy to use to control amount of ingredients and the timing of mixing, proofing, and baking as well as cooling time.

References
Hussein, W., Hecker, F., Mitzscherling, M., & Becker, T. (2009). Computer Modelling and Simulation of Bakeries' Production Planning. International Journal Of Food Engineering, 5(2), 1-14