Simulation 1 lecture

Question 1

Why simulation-
Difficult to predict performance of systems that exhibit:

Answer 1

Variability: operations systems exhibit predictable as well as unpredictable variations.
▪ Interconnectedness: various components that affect each other. Changing one part leads to a change in another part of the system.
▪ Complexity: combinatorial complexity (many possible combinations of tasks/components)
and dynamic complexity (interaction of components over time).

Question 2

Dynamic complexity: (3)

Answer 2

• An action has dramatically different effects in the short and long run
• An actions has a very different set of consequences in one part of the system to another
• An action leads to non-obvious consequences (counter intuitive behaviour)

Question 3

Throwaway models:

Answer 3

most common, used to investigate some issue for a client. (a few big
what if questions that has to anserd ones (how many operation rooms to buld)

Question 4

Ongoing use models

Answer 4

wider focus, evolves over time. (once per year how many staff to hire)

Question 5

Regular use models:

Answer 5

operational control of business processes, e.g., simulation based
scheduling

Question 6

Generic models:

Answer 6

developed for a number of somewhat similar organizations, customizable
through an interface.