4f Spreadsheets for simulation - advantages/disadvantages ***

Question 0

Give two disadvantages of using spreadsheet software to work out the wages for the employees.

Answer 0

2 from:
Need access to the program (1)
Mistake on data-entry can be replicated throughout the wages spreadsheet(1) leading to wrong amounts being paid (1) Need skills to be able to use the program (1)
Limited data handling functions/better programs available (1)

Question 1

Modelling software is used by the company to create a model of a new boat it is considering building.
(a) Give two reasons why a computer model of the boat is created.

Answer 1

Ability to ask what if questions (1) without rebuilding the model from scratch (1)
Inbuilt calculations (1) less chance of error in calculating (1) Automatic recalculation -make a change and all related formulae and values change and result can be seen (1) Danger of making the boat (1) without testing – may sink (1) Too long to have to rebuild if it does not work (1) can create and test in model first decreasing time (1)
Use of variables and constants (1) allows entire model to be changed by changing one value (1)
Cheaper to build computer models (1) than many manual ones (1)
Model can be backed up (1) if original lost, a copy (1)

Question 2

The company is considering a move to new premises and is using a spreadsheet model to run simulations on the costs of relocating.

(a) Describe two advantages of using a spreadsheet model to run the simulations.

Answer 2

2 from, 2 marks each:
Make changes/alter the model to try different scenarios (1) without having to build a new model (1)
No additional cost (1) likely to already have the software (1)
Staff expertise (1) likely to be able to use spreadsheet software without additional training (1)
Software has been optimised for calculations (1) can produce results faster than other software (1)
Can create charts / graphs from the data (1) to show trends / predictions / forecasts (1)
Recalculations performed (1) so that all related fields are updated with
changes (1)

Question 3

The committee want to create a model to predict income from the hire of the hall over the next three years.

(a) Explain three advantages of using a spreadsheet to create the model.

Answer 3

3 from, 1st for feature, 2nd for advantage:
Recalculation (1) allows values to be changed without recreating the
entire spreadsheet (1)
What if /prediction(1) can look at different scenarios without building
new models/can see without it occurring in real life (1)
Worksheets (1) can use different worksheets to separate values making
it easier to read (1) [6] Graphs( 1) can be created to easily understand data (1)
Protection (1) can be applied to worksheet/workbooks - business
confidentiality (1).

Question 4

Explain two disadvantages of using a spreadsheet model to create and run the predictions.

Answer 4

4 from eg:
Not all the variables may be correct (1) or all known variables included (1) which leads to results that cannot trusted (1)
The model is only as good as the rules (1) and correct implementation of the functions/formulae (1) a mistake in the creation can lead to incorrect figures (1)