Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of using a model?
What is the main purpose of using a model?
Which of the following is true about simulations?
Which of the following is true about simulations?
Why is computer simulation ideal for creating simulations?
Why is computer simulation ideal for creating simulations?
What do simulations use models for?
What do simulations use models for?
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What is a key step in creating computer simulations?
What is a key step in creating computer simulations?
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What determines the form of a model?
What determines the form of a model?
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What is a key aspect of defining a system?
What is a key aspect of defining a system?
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Which type of system changes state abruptly at discrete points in time?
Which type of system changes state abruptly at discrete points in time?
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What type of system includes randomness during changing the status?
What type of system includes randomness during changing the status?
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Which system is completely isolated from its environment?
Which system is completely isolated from its environment?
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What distinguishes an open system from a closed system?
What distinguishes an open system from a closed system?
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Which type of system has inputs and outputs that can change at any instant of time?
Which type of system has inputs and outputs that can change at any instant of time?
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What is one advantage of modeling and simulations mentioned in the text?
What is one advantage of modeling and simulations mentioned in the text?
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Why can simulations only identify possible trends according to the text?
Why can simulations only identify possible trends according to the text?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of modeling and simulations as per the text?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of modeling and simulations as per the text?
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What is a challenge associated with developing models, based on the text?
What is a challenge associated with developing models, based on the text?
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Which aspect of modeling and simulations allows for looking at things under various scenarios?
Which aspect of modeling and simulations allows for looking at things under various scenarios?
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Why can computer model errors have disastrous results based on the text?
Why can computer model errors have disastrous results based on the text?
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What is a benefit of using simulation as a tool?
What is a benefit of using simulation as a tool?
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In which situation would it be inappropriate to use simulation according to the text?
In which situation would it be inappropriate to use simulation according to the text?
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What type of systems is simulation particularly useful for, based on the text?
What type of systems is simulation particularly useful for, based on the text?
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How can simulation models be beneficial for new designs and policies?
How can simulation models be beneficial for new designs and policies?
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In what scenario would it be inappropriate to use simulation as mentioned in the text?
In what scenario would it be inappropriate to use simulation as mentioned in the text?
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What aspect makes simulation helpful for visualizing plans?
What aspect makes simulation helpful for visualizing plans?
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Study Notes
Models and Simulations
- A model is an abstraction of a system, used to understand and represent the system in a comprehensible way.
- Models can have many forms, including mathematical equations, diagrams, and physical mock-ups, depending on the purpose of the model.
- A model is a static representation of the system, while a simulation uses a model to emulate the dynamic characteristics of the system.
Simulations
- A simulation is an execution of a model, and its quality depends on the quality of the model.
- Simulations are used instead of real systems for many reasons, including:
- Being cheaper
- Being more configurable and controllable
- Being safer
- Being faster (or slower)
- Being more accessible for data collection
Computer Simulation
- Computer simulation is ideal when a model can be expressed in terms of mathematics and logic.
- Computer simulations can easily store information about all attributes of the model throughout the simulation run.
- Steps involved in creating simulations include:
- Gathering and preparing accurate data
- Creating mathematical formulas (algorithms) to output data
- Generating animations, graphs, or other output displays
- Verifying and validating the data through re-testing
Systems
- A system is a part of some potential reality where we are concerned with space-time effects and casual relationships among parts of the system.
- Defining a system requires setting boundaries to separate it from the rest of the universe.
- Examples of systems include:
- Energy flow among biological components in a pond
- Physical motion of balls rebounding inside a closed space
- Customer service at a fast-food restaurant
Types of Systems
- Continuous Systems: whose inputs and outputs are capable of changing at any instant of time (e.g. car speed, electricity generator)
- Discrete Systems: one that changes state abruptly at discrete points in time (e.g. bank customers arriving)
- Deterministic Systems: previous status determines the new status (e.g. chemical experiment)
- Stochastic Systems: includes randomness during changing the status
- Closed Systems: a system that is completely isolated from its environment (internal effectiveness)
- Open Systems: one that accepts input from external sources and produces output (e.g. human body)
Advantages of Modeling and Simulations
- Safety: testing or experimenting without harming the person or environment
- Economic savings: designing and testing new products before prototypes or the final product is made
- Projection: looking into the future and highlighting potential impacts
- Visualization: seeing and understanding relationships
- Speed: speeding up or slowing down time
- Replication: looking at things under a variety of different scenarios
Disadvantages of Modeling and Simulations
- Mathematical calculations can be very complex
- Simulations may not identify real-life situations or activities
- Faulty or hidden assumptions
- Processing power and labor costs can be high
- Complexity and assumptions can lead to errors
Developing a Model
- Mathematical methods: probability theory, algebraic method, etc.
- Numerical computer-based simulation: simple and useful for complex systems
When to Use Simulation
- When studying internal interactions of a subsystem with complex system
- When simulating informational, organizational, and environmental changes
- When designing new systems or policies
- When training is needed
- When visualizing a plan with animated simulation
When Not to Use Simulation
- When the problem can be solved by common sense
- When the problem can be solved analytically
- When direct experiments are possible
- When costs exceed savings
- When resources or time are not available
- When system behavior is too complex
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Description
Test your knowledge on the benefits of modeling and simulations, including safety testing, economic savings, future projections, visualization, time manipulation, and scenario replication.
