CS-563: Simulation and Modeling
Lecture 02– System, Model & Simulation
Dr. Zeeshan Rafi
PhD MIS, MPhil IT, BS Software Engineering
Former Software Engineer
Database Administrator
System Analyst
Department of Computing and
Information Systems
Istanbul University, TR
KHAS University, TR
University of Gujrat, PK
GC University, Pk
Systems and System Environment
System:
• defined as a group of objects that are joined together in some
regular interaction or interdependence toward the
accomplishment of some purpose.
System Environment:
• Changes occurring outside the system.
The decision on the boundary between the system and its
environment may depend on the purpose of the study.
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Components of a System (1)
1 Entity An object of interest in the system.
2 Attribute A property of an entity.
3 Activity A time period of specified length.
4 State The collection of variables necessary to describe the system at any time,
relative to the objectives of the study.
5 Event An momentary occurrence that may change the state of the system.
6 Endogenous To describe activities and events occurring within a system (Internal).
7 Exogenous To describe activities and events in an environment that affect the
system (External).
8 Queues Entities generally wait in a queue until it is their turn to be processed.
Simple system generally use first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue priorities. Also,
once entities enter the queue, they cannot depart before receiving service.
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Components of a System (2)
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Discrete and Continuous Systems
Systems can be categorized as discrete or continuous.
Bank : a discrete system
The head of water behind a dam : a continuous system
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Model of a System
Model
a representation of a system for the purpose of studying the
system
a simplification of the system
sufficiently detailed to permit valid conclusions to be drawn
about the real system
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Types of Models
Static or Dynamic Simulation Models
Static simulation model (called Monte Carlo simulation)
represents a system at a particular point in time.
Dynamic simulation model represents systems as they change
over time.
Deterministic or Stochastic Simulation Models
Deterministic simulation models contain no random variables and
have a known set of inputs which will result in a unique set of
outputs.
Stochastic simulation model has one or more random variables as
inputs. Random inputs lead to random outputs.
The model of interest in this class is discrete, dynamic, and stochastic.
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Discrete-Event System Simulation
The simulation models are analyzed by numerical
rather than by analytical methods.
Analytical methods employ the deductive reasoning of
mathematics to solve the model.
Numerical methods employ computational procedures to
solve mathematical models.
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Let us see a flow chart, which will describe the
steps followed in a simulation study.
(in the next slide)
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Steps in a Simulation Study (1)
Problem formulation
Policy maker/Analyst understand and agree with the formulation.
Setting of objectives and overall project plan
Model conceptualization
The art of modeling is enhanced by an ability to abstract the
essential features of a problem, to select and modify basic
assumptions that characterize the system, and then to enrich and
elaborate the model until a useful approximation results.
Data collection
As the complexity of the model changes, the required data
elements may also change.
Model translation
GPSS/HTM or special-purpose simulation software
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Steps in a Simulation Study (2)
Verified?
Is the computer program performing properly?
Debugging for correct input parameters and logical structure
Validated?
The determination that a model is an accurate representation of
the real system.
Validation is achieved through the calibration of the model
Experimental design
The decision on the length of the initialization period, the length
of simulation runs, and the number of replications to be made of
each run.
Production runs and analysis
To estimate measures of performances
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Steps in a Simulation Study (3)
More runs?
Documentation and reporting
Program documentation : for the relationships between input
parameters and output measures of performance, and for a
modification.
Progress documentation : the history of a simulation, a
chronology of work done and decision made.
Implementation
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