How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education

How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Rene Haijema, Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Rene is Associate Professor in Business Analytics (Data Science & Operations Research) with strong interests in practice oriented and scientific research directed to improve business processes/decisions by quantitative data driven and model-based research. He explained the usage of quantitative methods (Machine learning, Optimization, and Simulation) to evaluate and improve (Food) Supply Chain Management and in particular Inventory management.

During his insightful presentation he explained how he incorporates our Enterprise Dynamics® discrete event simulation software into his courses. The InControl team was impressed by the real-world cases he shared, from sectors like Food, Agriculture, Pharma, and harbor logistics, showcasing how he provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in simulating complex systems. These hands-on skills are essential for preparing students for their future careers. Rene proved to be a genuine ambassador of WUR.

Wageningen University and Research institute (WUR) is a world-renowned institution specializing in life sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies. Based in the Netherlands, it is recognized for its pioneering research and education in key areas such as food production, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity. WUR is world’s most sustainable university and is rated (by students) for 18 years in row as the best university in The Netherlands. WUR’s mission is to enhance the quality of life through scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders in the Wageningen domain.

Following the presentation, Rene spoke with our Manager of Research and Education Nienke Valkhoff, CCO Frank Van Poeteren, and the ERS (Enterprise Resource Simulator) development team to discuss our next-generation simulation platform, ERS. The ERS platform can perform multi-threaded simulation and therefore remove the existing inhibitors (the required computational power and time). This new platform is multi-formalistic, supports multi-threaded simulations, and offers multi-language capabilities, opening exciting possibilities for the future of simulation technology.

We are proud to see Enterprise Dynamics® is playing a key role in education, helping shape the next generation of professionals by our simulation software licenses, tutorials, video’s, cases and guest lectures, we continue to support academic and professional development.