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What is a simulation?

Module by: Petrina Mangala. E-mail the author

What is a simulation?

A simulation is a representation of a situation with a similar but simpler model that can easily be manipulated to determine experimental results. It is basically an experiment run as a model of reality. Using a simulator or experimenting with a fictitious system can show the eventual real effects of a given situation. 

Examples:

  • Physical or manual simulations: These simulations rely on the use of physical methods to create data that mimic the types of information required. Physical simulations are used in many contexts, including the modelling of natural systems, and manual systems. Physical methods, such as using a dice to simulate data have the disadvantage of being too time consuming.
  • Computer simulations:Computer programs based on mathematical models are used to manipulate elements of the experiment. This type of simulation can be applied in many ways. In teletraffic engineering, computer simulations generate system topology and traffic models that can be used for network performance management. Some computer exercises that use a computer program to generate data or information are TELPACK, CSIM19, and Minitab.

Exercise:

A call center facility is designed to serve on a first-come first-served basis. The average service time is 3 minutes and the average inter-arrival time is 5 minutes. If the number of arrivals is 20, calculate the average queue length and average response time. Will all the arrivals be served?.[Use the CSIM19DEMOto simulate the results]. Answer

References:

Simulation, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation, last accessed 23 February 2006. Part 1: Manual simulations, http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/simul/introman.htm, last accessed 23 February 2006

Co-Author: Christopher Chikalimba Gama

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