Introduction to System Thinking: Understanding Systems

What is a characteristic of a system?

It is unrelated to the sum of its parts
It is less than the sum of its parts
It is equal to the sum of its parts
It is more than the sum of its parts (correct)

What is a key component of system resilience?

Single species forestation
Just-in-time deliveries
Feedback loops (correct)
Bovine growth hormone engineered cattle herds

What is a common sacrifice made for the sake of productivity and stability in a system?

System complexity
System hierarchy
System resilience
System self-organisation (correct)

What is a characteristic of a system that exhibits self-organisation?

It is complex and evolving (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a system that exhibits self-organisation?

A simple snowflake (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a system that is resilient?

It is elastic and adaptive (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Monte Carlo simulation in the context of random variables?

To map random variables to a set of numbers for model input (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the numbers generated by a computer program for mapping random variables called?

Pseudo-random numbers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which Excel formula is used to obtain a value for a probabilistic input that is normally distributed?

=NORMINV(RAND(),Mean, Standard Deviation) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in using simulation to solve a problem?

Define the problem (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the sixth step in using simulation?

To consider the results and modify the model or inputs as needed (C) Signup and view all the answers

How are random variable values utilized in the model?

Through a technique known as Monte Carlo simulation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are decision variables in the context of decision models?

Factors that can be controlled and selected by the decision maker (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the second step in the problem-solving process with analytics?

Defining the problem (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of models in decision making?

They cannot capture every detail of the real problem (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of management science?

To support rational choice (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of rational choice, as defined by Simon (1954)?

It involves a set of alternative courses of action (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to acknowledge human behavior in decision making?

Because it is often irrational and influenced by emotions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Why?' relate to in the root definition questions using PQR?

The naming and framing of the problem (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the CATWOE framework in root definitions of relevant systems?

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the system's context (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the CATWOE framework, what refers to the world view or adding context to the system?

Weltanschauung (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the PQR method, what does the 'What?' relate to?

The activity of the system (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'Actors' in the CATWOE framework?

To carry out more than one activity in the system (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the root definitions of relevant systems?

To think about the system that might be put in place to achieve what people want (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the simulation model in the context of flight reservations?

To relate profit for the flight to the number of passengers with a reservation who show up (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the simulation model developed for in the context of inventory policy?

To choose an inventory policy that provides good customer service at a reasonable cost (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the controllable input in the simulation model for flight reservations?

The number of reservations accepted for the flight (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the probabilistic input in the simulation model for inventory policy?

The product demand and delivery lead time (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the simulation in the context of traffic flow?

To determine the effect of installing a left turn signal on traffic flow (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of the controllable inputs in the simulation models?

They can be adjusted to optimize performance (B) Signup and view all the answers