A web-based human resource planning simulation model using system dynamics approach

Abstract

This research studies the dynamics of human resource planning for researchers to the specific organization based on project development. The main objective of this study is to develop a simulation model using System Dynamics methodology. The application of this model will include accurately estimating the human resources requirements and the scope will be focusing only for researcher and not including others staff. The function of the human resource plan are to determine the numbers of staff needed, when they will be recruited, how they will be managed, the costs involved in their employment and so forth. In addition, model will help the management in assessing the impact of different strategies aimed at effectively and economically sustaining the availability of the sufficient number of experienced researcher in meeting the organization demands. The model also help to predict how many project completed per year based on number of researchers in the organization. By having the web-based human resource simulator, human resource staff are able to use this simulator for running “what-if” scenarios for assessing the effects of managerial staffing decisions based on projects duration, quality and number of completed project as well as the soft variable such as morale of the researcher that will include in the modeling and see its impact on financial performance. This variable often has a significant financial impact both in the short and long run, yet it is very difficult to account for. To achieve the objectives, a prototype of web-based simulation had been developed throughout this study. The main conclusion is that system dynamics methodology is structured in a way that the prediction of what will happen in a system if current policies are kept is enabled.