Modeling human behavior in customer-based processes: The use of scenario-based surveys

Alinda Kokkinou, David A. Cranage

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Due to the complex and relatively unpredictable nature of human behavior, customer service-based processes such as those featured in call centers, restaurants, and hotels can be challenging to model. The present study provides an example of using established theories of customer behavior, in combination with primary data collection, in a time and cost efficient way to model customer decision-making in a particular situation. The context of the study is a hotel check-in process manned by three service employees to which management would like to add a self-service check-in alternative, in order to reduce waiting times. In order to model how customers choose between using the service employee and using the self-service technology, a crucial component of the simulation model, scenario-based surveys are used to supplement existing theories. The simulation study is briefly described and the advantages of this approach are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011
Pages683-689
Number of pages7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011 - Phoenix, AZ, United States
Duration: Dec 11 2011Dec 14 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - Winter Simulation Conference
ISSN (Print)0891-7736

Other

Other2011 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix, AZ
Period12/11/1112/14/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Software
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Computer Science Applications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modeling human behavior in customer-based processes: The use of scenario-based surveys'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this