Demarcation, Model, Method, Algorithm

Question 1

What is a method?

Answer 1

An established, habitual, logical, or prescribed practice or systematic process of achieving certain ends with accuracy and efficiency, usually in an ordered sequence of fixed steps

Question 2

What is a model?

Answer 2

Graphical, mathematical (symbolic), physical, or verbal representation or simplified version of a concept, phenomenon, relationship, structure, system, or an aspect of the real world

Question 3

What is an algorithm?

Answer 3

Step by step procedure designed to perform an operation, and which will lead to the sought result if followed correctly

Question 4

What is a procedure?

Answer 4

• A fixed, step-by-step sequence of activities or course of action (with definite start and end points) that must be followed in the same order to correctly perform a task
• Repetitive procedures are called routines

Question 5

Objectives of a model

Answer 5

• Elimination of the unnecessary
• “what if” scenarios to help decision making
• explain, control, predict events (past as basis)

Question 6

In which kind of classes can models be divided into?

Answer 6

ICONIC MODEL:

• least abstract
• physical
• “look-alike” model
• example: train, plane

ANALOGOUS MODEL:

• more abstract but
• some similarity to reality
• chart, graph, map, network diagram

SYMBOLIC MODEL:

• most-abstract model
• no similarity to reality
• mathematical equation or formula, financial statement, language, and set of accounts

Question 7

What are some properties of algorithms?

Answer 7

• definite beginning, ending,
• finite number of steps
• produces same output when same input is given
• suitable for solving problems
• unsuitable for problems where value judgements are required