Deck 12: Simulation

Question 1

A table of uniformly distributed random numbers should be read

A) from left to right.
B) from top to bottom.
C) diagonally, starting from the top left corner and moving to the bottom right.
D) in any consistent sequence.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Simulation

A) does not guarantee optimality.
B) is flexible and does not require the assumptions of theoretical models.
C) allows testing of the system without affecting the real system.
D) All of the alternatives are correct.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

A simulation model used in situations where the state of the system at one point in time does not affect the state of the system at future points in time is called a

A) dynamic simulation model.
B) static simulation model.
C) steady-state simulation model.
D) discrete-event simulation model.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Values for the probabilistic inputs to a simulation

A) are selected by the decision maker.
B) are controlled by the decision maker.
C) are randomly generated based on historical information.
D) are calculated by fixed mathematical formulas.

Question 5

To use Excel to generate a normally distributed random variable, you must know the mean and standard deviation of the distribution and have a random number between 0 and 1.

Question 6

The process of determining that the computer procedure that performs the simulation calculations is logically correct is called

A) implementation.
B) validation.
C) verification.
D) repetition.

Question 7

Common features of simulations--generating values from probability distributions, maintaining records, recording data and summarizing results--led to the development of

A) Excel and Lotus.
B) BASIC, FORTRAN, PASCAL, and C.
C) GPSS, SIMSCRIPT, SLAM, and Arena
D) LINDO and The Management Scientist

Question 8

When events occur at discrete points in time

A) a simulation clock is required.
B) the simulation advances to the next event.
C) the model is a discrete-event simulation.
D) All of the alternatives are correct.

Question 9

A simulation model uses the mathematical expressions and logical relationships of the

A) real system.
B) computer model.
C) performance measures.
D) estimated inferences.

Question 10

In order to verify a simulation model

A) compare results from several simulation languages.
B) be sure that the procedures for calculations are logically correct.
C) confirm that the model accurately represents the real system.
D) run the model long enough to overcome initial start-up results.

Question 11

The process of generating probabilistic inputs and computing the value of the output is called

A) simulation.
B) verification.
C) validation.
D) implementation.

Question 12

The degree of risk is associated with the probability or magnitude of loss.

Question 13

Numerical values that appear in the mathematical relationships of a model and are considered known and remain constant over all trials of a simulation are

A) parameters.
B) probabilistic input.
C) controllable input.
D) events.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the advantages of simulation?

A) Simulation is relatively easy to explain and understand.
B) Simulation guarantees an optimal solution.
C) Simulation models are flexible.
D) A simulation model provides a convenient experimental laboratory for the real system.

Question 15

A quantity that is difficult to measure with certainty is called a

A) risk analysis.
B) project determinant.
C) probabilistic input.
D) profit/loss process.

Question 16

The word "uniform" in the term "uniform random numbers" means

A) all the numbers have the same number of digits.
B) if one number is, say, 10 units above the mean, the next number will be 10 units below the mean.
C) all the numbers are odd or all are even.
D) each number has an equal probability of being drawn.

Question 17

If customer 2 has a service time of 1.6, and if customer 3 has an interarrival time of 1.1 and a service time of 2.3, when will customer 3's service be completed?

A) 5.0
B) 3.9
C) 3.4
D) There is not enough information to answer.

Question 18

Simulation is a trial-and-error approach to problem solving.

Question 19

Simulation is an excellent technique to use when a situation is too complicated to use standard analytical procedures.

Question 20

Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the disadvantages of simulation?

A) Each simulation run only provides a sample of how the real system will operate.
B) The summary of the simulation data only provides estimates about the real system.
C) The process of developing a simulation model of a complex system can be time-consuming.
D) The larger the number of probabilistic inputs a system has, the less likely a simulation will provide the best approach for studying the system.

Question 21

Simulation models that must take into account how the system changes or evolves over time are referred to as dynamic simulation models.

Question 22

In a Monte Carlo simulation, each simulation trial is dependent upon the result of a previous trial.

Question 23

Using simulation to perform risk analysis is like playing out many what-if scenarios by randomly generating values for the probabilistic inputs.

Question 24

Simulation is an optimization technique.

Question 25

Each simulation run provides only a sample of how the real system will operate.

Question 26

Computer-generated random numbers are not technically random.

Question 27

Computer-generated random numbers are normally distributed.

Question 28

The time required to set up lighting for a portrait studio is uniformly distributed between 12 and 20 minutes. Use the following random numbers to generate the setup time for 10 customers.

Question 29

Estimates of the financial information for a new product show the following information:
Use the random numbers .51, .97, .58, .22, and .16 to simulate five trials. What is the net profit for each trial?

Question 30

Verification is the process of ensuring that the simulation model provides an accurate representation of the real system.

Question 31

Greenfields is a mail order seed and plant business. The size of orders is uniformly distributed over the interval from $25 to $80. Use the following random numbers to generate the size of 10 orders.

Question 32

Computer-generated random numbers are normally distributed over the interval from 0 to 1.

Question 33

A static simulation model is used in situations where the state of the system affects how the system changes or evolves over time.

Question 34

Validation determines that the computer procedure is operating as it is intended to operate.

Question 35

In comparing different policies using simulation, one should use the same set of random numbers whenever possible.

Question 36

The parameters of a simulation model are the controllable inputs.

Question 37

For any waiting line system, (Average number of units in waiting line) = (Total waiting time) divided by (Total time of simulation).

Question 38

Seventy-five percent of calls arriving at a help line can be handled by the person who answers the phone, but the remaining 25% of them will need to be referred to someone else. Assume that every call requires one minute of attention by the person who answers the phone (either to answer the question or to figure out how the referral should be handled). Calls that are referred need an additional amount of time, as given in the table below.
Callers are served on a first come, first served basis, and are put on hold until the line is free. Use the random numbers to simulate what happens to 10 callers. (Use the random numbers in order - from left to right, first row first - as you need them.) What percentage of your callers needs to be referred? Of those who had to be referred, what is the average referral time?

Question 39

Trials of a simulation show what would happen when values of the probabilistic input change.

Question 40

A discrete-event simulation reviews the status of the system periodically, whether or not an event occurs.

Question 41

Arrivals to a truck repair facility have an interarrival time that is uniformly distributed between 20 and 50 minutes. Service times are normally distributed with mean 30 minutes and standard deviation 10 minutes. Develop a spreadsheet model to simulate the arrival of 100 trucks. Collect information on the time the repair facility is idle and on the average waiting time for trucks.

Question 42

On a visit to an amusement park you pass someone who has just ridden a roller coaster and asks you for directions to the First Aid Station. Realizing that traffic at the First Aid Station would be something to study with simulation, you gather some information. Two EMTs staff the station, and patients wait and go to the first one available. People coming there can be divided into two groups: those who need something minor (e.g. Tylenol, a band-aid) or those who need more help. Assume those in the first group constitute 25% of the patients and take 5 minutes to have their problem solved. Those in the second group need an uncertain amount of time, as given by a probability distribution. Develop a flowchart for this simulation problem.

Question 43

Using the spreadsheet below, give the cell address which would have the formula shown.