Professional Documents
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SIMULATION STUDIES
AN OVERVIEW (PART I)
Dr. Chee Khian Sim
Logistics, Operational Research and Analytics
Group
chee-khian.sim@port.ac.uk
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An Overview (Cont.)
• A conceptual model: a description of the model
that is to be developed.
• A computer model: the simulation model
implemented on a computer.
• Improvements and/or understanding: derived
from the results of the experimentation.
• An improvement in the real world: obtained
from implementing the improvement and/or
understanding gained.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL
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Conceptual Modelling
• The conceptual model is a non-software specific
description of the simulation model that is to be
developed, describing the objectives, inputs,
outputs, content, assumptions and
simplifications of the model.
1. Objectives: the purpose of the model and
modelling project.
2. Inputs: those elements of the model that can
be altered to affect an improvement in, or better
understanding of, the real world; otherwise,
known as the experimental factors.
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An Example (Cont.)
1. Objective: Determine the service time
required to ensure that the average
waiting time is less than 2 minutes.
2. Input/Experimental Factor:
Mean service time will be set to 0.7, 0.75 and 0.8
minutes.
3. Outputs:
• Average waiting time – to determine achievement of
objective.
• Utilisation of the service point – to determine reasons
for failure to meet objective.
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An Example (Cont.)
4. Content:
Scope of Model Component
Entities:
Customers
Activities:
Server
Queues:
Queue for service
Resources:
Personnel
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An Example (Cont.)
Level of detail
Component Detail
Entities:
Customers • Arrival pattern: Random
• Routing: to queue
Activities:
Server • Quantity: 1
• Service time: Fluctuates
with mean 0.7, 0.75 or
0.8
• Routing: to world
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An Example (Cont.)
Component Detail
Queues:
Queue for • Quantity: 1
service • Queue discipline: first-in-
first-out
• Routing: to server
Resources:
Personnel Not modelled; Represented
by server
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An Example (Cont.)
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An Example (Cont.)
5. Assumptions: No breakdowns of server.
6. Simplifications:
• Service personnel (resource) not specifically
modelled, but represented by the server
(activity)
• No limit to the number of people who can wait in
the queue for service.
• No pushing in to the queue and no balking,
jockeying or reneging from the queue.
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Exercise
• Three types of customers can arrive at a bank.
• Type 1: See one of the six available bank counters.
• Type 2: Wish a consultation with the mortgage advisor.
• Type 3: Wish to consult one of the two standby investment
advisors.
• Customers formed a queue for the service he/she is
seeking, if all personnel for the service are occupied.
• After service is completed, customer leaves the bank.
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References
1. Stewart Robinson, Simulation: The Practice of
Model Development and Use. 2nd Edition.
Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
2. Wikipedia.