Course Description
An introduction to the application and theoretical background of system simulation. Topics include systems concepts, modeling systems using discrete events and the modeling of manufacturing and materials handling systems, computer systems and service systems through simulation. Theoretical topics include random variable generation, model verification and validation, statistical analysis of output, variance reduction techniques and optimization via simulation. A high-level simulation language will be utilized. Students will complete and present a simulation project.
Prerequisites
STAT 541 and MATH 309 or their equivalents, or permission of instructor.
Course Objectives
Each student should
- Understand how computer simulation can be used to model complex systems and solve decision problems.
- Understand the assumptions made in building a discrete event simulation
- Be able to run a simulation project from start to finish
- Understand and apply the statistical methods used in simulation analysis
- Perform sensitivity analyses to test the effects of critical model parameters
- Clearly and concisely present the insights obtained from the simulation analysis
Texts & Software
Kelton, Sadowski and Sadowski - Simulation with Arena - 4th Edition - McGraw Hill.
Banks, Carson, Nelson and Nicol - Discrete Event System Simulation - 3rd Edition - Prentice Hall.
Grading
Your final grade will depend on the following breakdown.
Activity
Date
Percent of Grades
Class Participation
Ongoing
50
Project Proposal
TBA
10
Project Model
TBA
20
Final Project Report
TBA
20
For each homework problem a student will be called upon to discuss their solution, so you must be prepared! The rest of the class should be involved in the discussion. Not having the correct answer is not a problem, the aim is to learn at this stage. Not having completed the problem is not a problem, but you should have a good explanation of what you found difficult and what stopped you from finishing the problem. Not having done it at all - BIG PROBLEM! You should make sure you have access to any files that you need to demonstrate your work (i.e. on a thumbdrive or by remote access).
Projects
The simulation projects are semester long projects where you build a substantial simulation model and use it to analyze a real or proposed system. You are responsible for determining an appropriate system to model. There will be three stages to the project: 1) Project Proposal - system description, key output measures, experimentation, alternative configurations; 2) Simulation Model - finished simulation model for each experiment or alternative configuration; 3) Simulation Analysis and Recommendations - analysis of results and experimentation, conclusions and recommendations. Each stage will require a written report. The final projects will be presented in class. You will be graded on each stage plus the quality of your presentations and your written reports.
Conduct in Class
You will be graded on your participation in class. Good participation involves:
Being prepared with a recommendation and supporting arguments
Asking clarifying questions that articulate any confusion you might be experiencing
Pursuing lines of inquiry that enhance the learning process by challenging assumptions and ideas constructively
Engaging in the learning process of others even after you think you understand
Helping to find ways to move the discussion forward especially when the class is struggling
In short, contributing to the learning process of the section
Good participation is not about:
Being right
Defending your position at all cost
Making yourself look “smart” or causing someone else to feel “stupid”
Sitting back passively after you understand something
In short, damaging the learning climate of the class
Cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. University Rules and Procedures prohibit anyone "to have in his possession any firearm, other weapon, or explosive, regardless of whether a license to possess the same has been issued, without the written authorization of the President of the university...".
VCU Statement on Safety
What to know and do to be prepared for emergencies at VCU:
Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts (www.vcu.edu/alert/notify). Keep your information up-to-date.
Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities.
Know where to go for additional emergency information (www.vcu.edu/alert).
Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234). Report suspicious activities and objects.
VCU Honor System
All VCU students are presumed upon enrollment to have acquainted themselves with and have an understanding of the Honor System. Therefore, it is a student's responsibility to ask course instructors to clarify expectations for each assignment in order to be in compliance with the Honor System. The 2007 - 8 VCU Honor System policy statement and purpose is located at http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf
Statement on Americans with Disabilities Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 require Virginia Commonwealth University to provide an 'academic adjustment' and/or a 'reasonable accommodation' to any individual who advises us of a physical or mental disability. If you have a physical or mental limitation that requires an academic adjustment or an accommodation, please arrange a meeting with me at your earliest convenience. Additionally, if your course work requires you to work in a lab environment, you should advise the instructor or department chairperson of any concerns you may have regarding safety issues related to your limitation(s).