A discrete event simulation approach to improve the efficiency of university parcel centre services in Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah

Authors

  • Azli Azhar Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Jack Kie Cheng Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Freselam Mulubrhan Engineering and Built Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, S11WB, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/ijim.20.1.2026.11961

Keywords:

Parcel centre, Discrete event simulation, Parcel management, Customer, Operational efficiency

Abstract

The increasing reliance on e-commerce has led to higher demands in parcel management and customer expectations, exposing parcel centres to challenges like long waiting times and poor resource allocation. If left unaddressed, these issues may result in delays and customer dissatisfaction. This study aims to develop a simulation model for the parcel collection process at the UMPSA Parcel Centre, evaluate its efficiency using the model, and recommend alternative strategies. Discrete Event Simulation was used to generate the simulation model, and data were collected through observation and staff interviews. Several scenarios—implementing a sorting system and adding a service counter—were tested to identify the optimal solution. The results showed that these strategies successfully reduced the amount of time customers spent at the parcel centre, thus increasing overall efficiency. The findings offer practical recommendations for UMPSA and other academic institutions to improve resource allocation, reduce congestion, and improve service quality, ultimately benefiting staff and customers.

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Published

2026-03-26

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Azhar, A., Cheng, J. K., & Mulubrhan, F. (2026). A discrete event simulation approach to improve the efficiency of university parcel centre services in Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah. International Journal of Industrial Management, 20(1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijim.20.1.2026.11961

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