Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping and complicating the world. Nowhere has it been more controversial and complex than in reopening plans for schools. Observing student behavior indicates that the dining hall services are a major area of concern in reopening plans. Careful consideration and focus need to be taken into account for dealing with high demands in short timeframes experienced at dining halls. The removal of masks while eating increases the probability of spreading germs between individuals, forming a potential hotspot for spreading if a breakout were to occur. The dining halls are a complex system, in which modeling student behavior becomes critical conditions for determining results. Using Simio, a simulation and modeling software, three dining hall models were created and analyzed to determine the optimal number of people that should be allowed into the system where COVID-19 protocols could be followed but did not cause workstations to be idle. Parameters for the simulations were created from student conducted time studies. Simulation provided the ability to effectively compare alternative models with different conditions. Cycle time as well as queuing time and length were calculated for each model, which indicated the effectiveness of the system on meeting demand. The instructional models were compared to the baseline model to validate the dining hall COVID-19 reopening policies. The analysis proved guidelines for the dining halls would help limit the number of close contacts and get students through the system quickly; overall helping campus dining services serve students safely and quickly.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2021 |
Editors | A. Ghate, K. Krishnaiyer, K. Paynabar |
Publisher | Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, IISE |
Pages | 644-649 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781713838470 |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Event | IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2021 - Virtual, Online Duration: 2021 May 22 → 2021 May 25 |
Publication series
Name | IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2021 |
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Conference
Conference | IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2021 |
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City | Virtual, Online |
Period | 21/5/22 → 21/5/25 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2021. All rights reserved.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Control and Systems Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering