Simulating compliance behaviour for effective inspection strategies using agent based modelling

Authored by Asselt Esther van, Sjoukje Osinga, Harry Bremmers

Date Published: 2016

DOI: 10.1108/bfj-05-2015-0175

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: ODD Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to simulate compliance behaviour of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands based on the Table of Eleven: 11 factors determining compliance (based on economic, cognitive, social and institutional factors). Design/methodology/approach - An Agent-Based Model (ABM) was developed that could incorporate both individual and group behaviour and allowed to evaluate the effect of various intervention strategies. For this purpose, a case study on the compliance of pig farmers with antibiotics legislation in the Netherlands was used. Findings - The effect of social factors (acceptance of legislation and social influence) on compliance levels was tested as well as the number of inspectors. This showed that the model can help to choose the most optimal intervention strategy depending on the input parameters. Research limitations/implications - Further expansion of the model may be necessary, e.g. including economic factors, in order to reflect real-life situations more closely. Practical implications - The model can be used by inspection services to effectively implement their control programme. Originality/value - The developed ABM is a first attempt to simulate compliance behaviour and as such contributes to the current limited knowledge on effective intervention strategies.

Tags

Attitudes Food safety Pig farmers Noncompliance Risks