Systems and Simulation Modeling

• A system is defined by interacting objects working towards a purpose.
• A system's environment consists of external factors influencing its operation.
• The boundary between a system and its environment is determined by the objectives of the study.
• An attribute is a characteristic or property of an entity within a system.
• An event is an instantaneous occurrence that may alter the system's state.
• Endogenous factors originate from activities and events within the system itself.
• A discrete system is characterized by changes occurring at specific points in time.
• The state variables in a continuous system change smoothly over time.
• The primary purpose of a model in simulation is to simplify the system for easier analysis.
• A static simulation model represents a system at a single point in time.
• A stochastic simulation model incorporates random variables and probabilistic outcomes.
• Numerical methods are preferred over analytical methods because they can handle more complex models.
• "Problem formulation" involves defining project objectives and scope.
• "Model translation" refers to transforming the conceptual model into a computer program.
• Ensuring the simulation model is free from logical errors and functions correctly is known as verification.
• Debugging code for correct input parameters is crucial for verifying a simulation model.
• "Validation" aims to confirm that the model accurately represents the real system.
• Experimental design focuses on determining the length of simulation runs and the number of replications.

Simulation Study Phases

• "Production runs and analysis" focuses on obtaining performance estimates from the simulation model.
• The "implementation" phase involves applying the simulation results to real-world decisions.

Queuing Models

• In a single-channel queue system, customers are served one at a time by a single server.
• Dual-channel queue systems are characterized by two servers operating independently.
• The arrival of customers is often modeled with a Poisson distribution.
• Service times are commonly assumed to follow an exponential distribution.
• A key assumption of the M/M/1 queuing model is an infinite queue capacity.
• "Reneging" refers to customers leaving the queue before receiving service.
• "Jockeying" describes customers switching between queues.
• "First-Come, First-Served" (FCFS) prioritizes customers in the order of their arrival.
• Model translation is the phase where a model is executed to obtain results during production runs.
• ‘Balking’ refers to customers deciding not to join the queue.
• A deterministic simulation model contains no random variables and outputs are predictable.
• The art of modeling is enhanced by the ability to abstract essential features of a problem.
• Problem formulation is the first phase in a simulation study.
• Verification ensures that the simulation model operates correctly.
• Simulation models are representations of a system used to study its behavior - this statement is true.
• Dynamic simulation models represent systems at a specific point in time - this statement is false.
• Verification ensures that the simulation model operates correctly - this statement is true.
• Monte Carlo simulation is a type of dynamic simulation model - this statement is false.
• Experimental design in simulation involves decisions on run length and number of replications - this statement is true.
• Documentation and reporting are not essential steps in a simulation study - this statement is false.