Simulation Model - Answers A high-level representation used to imitate the operation of a real-world
process or system over time.
Discrete Model - Answers A model where the state of the system changes only at a countable number
of points in time.
Stochastic Model - Answers A model that incorporates randomness or probability into its operation.
Dynamic Model - Answers A model that evolves or changes over time.
Analytic Methods - Answers Mathematical techniques used to derive exact solutions or properties of
a model.
Numerical Methods - Answers Computational techniques used to approximate solutions to
mathematical models, often when analytical solutions are not feasible.
Simulation Methods - Answers Techniques that involve imitating the operation of a system over time
to study its behavior and draw inferences.
Simulation Languages - Answers Specialized software packages designed to facilitate the building and
running of simulation models (e.g., Arena).
Input Analysis - Answers The process of identifying, collecting, and statistically modeling the data that
drives a simulation.
Random Variate Generation - Answers The process of generating random numbers that follow a
specific probability distribution, based on Unif(0,1) pseudo-random numbers.
Output Analysis - Answers The process of analyzing the data generated by a simulation to draw
statistically valid conclusions about the system being modeled.
Variance Reduction Techniques - Answers Methods used to improve the efficiency of a simulation by
reducing the variability of the output statistics.
Verification - Answers The process of ensuring that the simulation model is implemented correctly
and that the program runs as intended.
Validation - Answers The process of determining whether the simulation model is an accurate
representation of the real-world system being studied.
Pseudo-Random Numbers (PRN's) - Answers Numbers generated by a deterministic algorithm that
appear to be random and uniformly distributed between 0 and 1.
Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) - Answers A common algorithm for generating pseudo-random
numbers using a linear recurrence relation modulo m.
Seed - Answers The initial value used to start a pseudo-random number generator.
Inverse Transform Method - Answers A technique for generating random variates from a specific
distribution by using the inverse of its cumulative distribution function applied to a Unif(0,1) random
number.
Terminating Simulation - Answers A simulation where the system's behavior is of interest only for a
finite duration or until a specific event occurs.
Steady-State Simulation - Answers A simulation where the primary interest is in the long-run behavior
of the system after it has reached a stable operating condition.
Independent Replications - Answers A method for analyzing terminating simulations by running the
simulation multiple times with different random number streams to obtain independent observations
of system performance.
Initialization Bias (Start-up Bias) - Answers The effect of the initial conditions of a simulation on the
output data, particularly in steady-state simulations.
Batch Means - Answers A method for analyzing steady-state simulations by dividing a single long
simulation run into contiguous batches and treating the mean of each batch as an independent
observation.
Queueing Models - Answers Simulation models used to analyze systems involving waiting lines, such
as call centers or manufacturing processes.
Supply Chain Simulation - Answers Simulation used to model and analyze the flow of goods,
information, and finances within a supply chain network.