Deck 14: Computer Simulation: Basic Concepts

Question 1

Analytical methods are preferable to simulation if an appropriate analytic method is available.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

A number is a random number between 0 and 1 if it is generated in such a way that every possible number within this interval has an equal chance of occurring.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

A simulation clock keeps track of how long the simulation has run in real time.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Computer simulation is a useful tool because it generates accurate information using very small samples.

Question 5

When using a random number table,it is important to always start at the same point of the table so that results may be replicated.

Question 6

Simulation is especially useful for situations too complex to be analyzed using analytical models.

Question 7

One purpose of running experiments on a simulation model is to answer "what-if" questions.

Question 8

Random numbers can be generated in Excel by using the VLOOKUP function.

Question 9

Simulation models are fairly easy to use and understand; therefore they can be used for a wide range of decisions.

Question 10

Random observations can be generated in Excel by using the VLOOKUP function.

Question 11

Managers can use simulation to obtain optimal answers for a wide range of problems.

Question 12

Simulation enables a decision maker to experiment with a system and observe its behavior.

Question 13

A simulation model is validated if it adequately depicts real system performance.

Question 14

Simulation is often the first choice of decision makers instead of analytic models.

Question 15

Simulation is basically an optimizing technique.

Question 16

Computer simulation is only applicable to situations that have elements that can be described by random variables

Question 17

A stochastic system is one that evolved over time according to a continuous probability distribution.

Question 18

A simulation model includes a description of the components of the system that is to be simulated.

Question 19

When dealing with relatively complex systems,computer simulation is an inexpensive option for decision makers.

Question 20

Computers can simulate years of operation in seconds.

Question 21

The main reason that a large number of replications of a simulation would be made is:

A)computers are usually used,and they can easily handle a large number of replications.
B)it is part of the scientific approach.
C)it is a form of sampling,and large samples give more accurate results than small samples.
D)it is more likely to provide optimal answers.
E)None of the above.

Question 22

It is always necessary to test the validity of a simulation model by comparing its results with those of an analytic study.

Question 23

A Data Table can be used to "trick" Excel to perform many replications of a computer simulation.
Multiple Choice Questions

Question 24

A larger confidence interval is desirable for a measure of performance since it shows that the results are valid over a larger range.

Question 25

The main procedure for advancing the time on the simulation clock is called next-event time advance.

Question 26

Which of the following would not be a probable reason for choosing simulation as a decision-making tool?

A)The situation is too complex for a mathematical model.
B)The is a limited time in which to obtain results.
C)Good results have been obtained in the past using simulation.
D)Users are able to understand the model.
E)All of these are probable reasons for choosing simulation.

Question 27

Solver Table is used to generate many replications of a computer simulation.

Question 28

Given this frequency distribution,the random number 0.2258 would be interpreted as a demand of:

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)1 or 2.

Question 29

With the speed of computers,it is not necessary to limit the amount of factors considered in a simulation.

Question 30

Animation can be used to display computer simulations in action.

Question 31

Figure
If a simulation begins with the first random number,the first simulated value would be:

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)4.

Question 32

A manager is simulating the number of times a machine operator stops a machine to make adjustments.After careful study the manager found that the number of stops ranged from one to five per cycle and that each number of stops was equally likely.Using the random numbers 0.1835 and 0.3094 (in that order),the next two simulated cycles would respectively have stops for adjustment of:

A)2 and 2.
B)1 and 2.
C)2 and 1.
D)1 and 1.
E)2 and 3.

Question 33

Figure
If a simulation begins with the first random number,the second simulated value would be:

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)4.

Question 34

Simulation will often give measures of performance as outputs.

Question 35

One key advantage of computer simulation is that is makes full use of the simplifying approximations that are available.

Question 36

A simulation model is often formulated in terms of a flow diagram.

Question 37

A flow diagram shows the output of a simulation run.

Question 38

Which of the following is not a reason for simulation's popularity?

A)It is simple to use and/or understand.
B)Extensive software packages are available.
C)Many situations are too complex for mathematical solutions.
D)If can be used for a wide range of applications.
E)It is typically an inexpensive approach.

Question 39

In order to generate more accurate results when using simulation:

A)use a continuous distribution instead of a discreet distribution.
B)increase the number of replications.
C)increase the number of factors considered.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.

Question 40

Figure
If a simulation begins with the first random number,the third simulated value would be:

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)4.

Question 41

A simulation model includes:

A)a description of the components of the system.
B)a simulation clock.
C)a definition of the state of the system.
D)All of the above.
E)a.and b.only.

Question 42

Figure
On cold mornings,the probability that David's car won't start is 0.22.When it doesn't start,he takes the bus and is late for work.When it does start,he drives to work on the freeway.Sixty-five percent of the time the freeway is clear,and he gets to work on time.The rest of the time he is late.Simulate 10 consecutive days worth of trips to work using the random numbers given (use the smaller numbers to represent "car won't start" and "freeway clear").
How many times is David late for work because his car won't start?

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)4.

Question 43

Which of the following would not be considered a main advantage of simulation?

A)It permits experimentation with the system.
B)It generates an optimal solution.
C)It compresses time.
D)It can serve as a training tool.
E)All of the above are advantages.

Question 44

Figure
On cold mornings,the probability that David's car won't start is 0.22.When it doesn't start,he takes the bus and is late for work.When it does start,he drives to work on the freeway.Sixty-five percent of the time the freeway is clear,and he gets to work on time.The rest of the time he is late.Simulate 10 consecutive days worth of trips to work using the random numbers given (use the smaller numbers to represent "car won't start" and "freeway clear").
How many times is David late for work?

A)0.
B)1.
C)2.
D)3.
E)4.

Question 45

Which of the following can be used for computer simulation?

A)Spreadsheets.
B)Programming languages.
C)Simulation languages.
D)Simulators.
E)All of the above.