SIE3601
Minor Test 1
Due 23 September 2025
, SIE3601 Minor Test 5
Question 1
Using practical examples, describe 5 application areas of simula-
tion. [10]
Answer:
Simulation is a powerful analytical tool used to model, evaluate, and optimise complex
systems. It enables decision-makers to test scenarios in a risk-free environment where
experimentation on the real system would be costly, disruptive, or impossible. Five
critical application areas are outlined below.
1. Manufacturing Systems
Example: A car assembly plant uses discrete-event simulation to model machine
breakdowns, production line buffers, and worker shifts.
Value: This identifies bottlenecks, quantifies the impact of downtime, and allows
managers to test different layouts and maintenance policies without halting pro-
duction.
Critical Note: Reliability of results depends heavily on accurate data inputs such
as machine failure distributions.
2. Healthcare Operations
Example: A hospital emergency department simulates patient arrivals, triage, and
treatment to optimise staff allocation and resource utilisation.
Value: It helps estimate patient waiting times and ensures capacity planning for
peak periods.
Critical Note: Patient demand is uncertain and influenced by external events; with-
out robust sensitivity analysis, predictions may misguide.
3. Transportation and Logistics
Example: A port terminal uses simulation to test crane scheduling, truck turnaround,
and container stacking strategies.
Value: Simulation supports minimising ship waiting time and balancing equipment
costs with service performance.
1
Minor Test 1
Due 23 September 2025
, SIE3601 Minor Test 5
Question 1
Using practical examples, describe 5 application areas of simula-
tion. [10]
Answer:
Simulation is a powerful analytical tool used to model, evaluate, and optimise complex
systems. It enables decision-makers to test scenarios in a risk-free environment where
experimentation on the real system would be costly, disruptive, or impossible. Five
critical application areas are outlined below.
1. Manufacturing Systems
Example: A car assembly plant uses discrete-event simulation to model machine
breakdowns, production line buffers, and worker shifts.
Value: This identifies bottlenecks, quantifies the impact of downtime, and allows
managers to test different layouts and maintenance policies without halting pro-
duction.
Critical Note: Reliability of results depends heavily on accurate data inputs such
as machine failure distributions.
2. Healthcare Operations
Example: A hospital emergency department simulates patient arrivals, triage, and
treatment to optimise staff allocation and resource utilisation.
Value: It helps estimate patient waiting times and ensures capacity planning for
peak periods.
Critical Note: Patient demand is uncertain and influenced by external events; with-
out robust sensitivity analysis, predictions may misguide.
3. Transportation and Logistics
Example: A port terminal uses simulation to test crane scheduling, truck turnaround,
and container stacking strategies.
Value: Simulation supports minimising ship waiting time and balancing equipment
costs with service performance.
1
