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Simulation_Introduction_Translation

Simulation is the process of creating a model of a real system to understand its behavior or evaluate strategies, often using computers. It allows for the study of complex systems, offering flexibility and the ability to account for uncertainty, though it provides approximations rather than exact answers. Various types of simulation models exist, including static vs. dynamic and deterministic vs. stochastic, with a defined set of steps for conducting a simulation study.

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12 views

Simulation_Introduction_Translation

Simulation is the process of creating a model of a real system to understand its behavior or evaluate strategies, often using computers. It allows for the study of complex systems, offering flexibility and the ability to account for uncertainty, though it provides approximations rather than exact answers. Various types of simulation models exist, including static vs. dynamic and deterministic vs. stochastic, with a defined set of steps for conducting a simulation study.

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### Introduction to Simulation

#### What is Simulation?


According to Robert E. Shannon (1975):
Simulation is "the process of designing a model of a real system and conducting
experiments with this model
- For the purpose either of understanding the behavior of the system or
- Of evaluating various strategies for the operation of the system."

#### What is Simulation? (cont’d.)


Simulation involves methods and applications to imitate or mimic systems, whether
they exist or not, usually using computers.
- Existing or non-existing systems can be studied by modeling them.
- It helps us understand and analyze complex systems.
- Simulation models are descriptive, not prescriptive. They explain how a system
behaves under certain conditions but do not suggest how to optimize those
conditions.

#### Purpose of Using Simulation


1. Study the internal interactions of a complex system or a subsystem within a
complex system.
2. Evaluate alternative designs or policies.
3. Experiment with new designs or policies before implementation, preparing for
potential outcomes.
4. Use simulation when working with the real system is impossible, disruptive,
expensive, or dangerous.

---

#### Systems
A system is a group of objects joined together in interaction or interdependence to
achieve a specific purpose.
**Examples:**
- Manufacturing facility (machines, people, transport devices, conveyor belts, and
storage space)
- Bank operation (customers, servers, teller windows, ATMs, loan desks)
- Airport operations (passengers, security, planes, crews, baggage)
- Hospital facilities (emergency room, personnel, operating room, equipment)
- Computer network (servers, clients, disk drives, printers, networking
capabilities, operators)
- Freeway system (road segments, interchanges, controls, traffic)
- Business processes (insurance office)
- Emergency-response systems

#### Models
Instead of studying the real system, we study the model because it is usually
easier, faster, cheaper, and safer.
- **Model Validity**: The model must faithfully represent reality.
- Ensure the level of detail is appropriate.
- The model should provide conclusions similar to those derived from the real
system.

#### Appropriate Logical Model?


- **Simple models**: Use traditional mathematical analysis to obtain exact results
(e.g., queueing theory).
- Example: M/M/1 queueing model with exponential interarrival and service times.
- **Complex systems**: Require complex models, often unsuitable for analytical
methods. Simulation becomes the alternative.
---

#### Popularity of Simulation


- Frequently ranked as the most useful tool in operations research and management
science.
- Second most used tool in corporate practice, following statistical analysis.

#### Advantages of Simulation


1. Flexibility to model systems as they are (even if messy and complicated).
2. Considers uncertainty and dynamic behavior.
3. Advances in simulation software improve model validity.

#### Disadvantages of Simulation


1. Provides approximations, not exact answers.
2. Stochastic simulations generate random output, requiring statistical analysis of
results.

#### Different Kinds of Simulation


- **Static vs. Dynamic**: Does time play a role in the model?
- Dynamic models represent systems changing over time.
- **Continuous vs. Discrete**: Can the state change continuously or only at
discrete time points?
- **Deterministic vs. Stochastic**: Is there uncertainty in the model?
- Most operational models are dynamic, discrete, and stochastic.

---

#### Classification of Simulation Models


1. **Static vs. Dynamic Models**:
- Static: Time is not a factor (e.g., Monte Carlo models for single-period
product orders).
- Dynamic: Time-dependent events (e.g., bank queue analysis).
2. **Discrete vs. Continuous Models**:
- Discrete: System state changes at specific events (e.g., customer count in a
queue).
- Continuous: State changes continuously over time (e.g., airplane position
during flight).
3. **Deterministic vs. Stochastic Models**:
- Deterministic: No randomness; outcomes are fixed.
- Stochastic: Includes randomness, requiring multiple runs to estimate outcomes.

#### Steps of a Simulation Study


1. Understand the system.
2. Formulate the problem.
3. Define objectives and plan the project.
4. Conceptualize the model.
5. Collect data.
6. Translate the model.
7. Verify and validate the model.
8. Design experiments.
9. Perform production runs and analyze output.
10. Document and report results.

#### Using Computers for Simulation


- **General-purpose languages**: C, C++, Java, Matlab, Python.
- Flexible but error-prone.
- **Simulation languages**: GPSS, SLX, SIMAN (basis for Arena).
- Popular and effective.
- **High-level simulators**: Easy to use, graphical interfaces, but limited
flexibility.

#### Simulation Software


Popular tools include Arena, widely used for simulation studies, educational
purposes, and competitions.

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