CSC 429 (Modelling and simulation)

What are the key component of stimulation model?

A stimulation model can be defined as the representation of a
system that mimic its behavior of over time. These models
represent (emulate) the behavior of a real system.
Entity: Entity are the object or element in the system that are
of interest and being simulated. They can represent machine,
people and any other relevant items.
Attribute: Attribute define the characteristics or property of
an entity that are important for the simulation. For example,
the Person entity type has the Date of Birth, Age, and Name
as attribute.
Variable: This are quantity that can change over time and
influence the behavior of the system. They can be input
parameter, decision variable or performance metric. Example
are arrival rate, processing time and cost.
Processes: This is define as sequence of action that entity
goes through in the system. It describe how entity move
through the system, interact with other entity and also
experience change over time.
Event: At some specific point in time, event trigger changes
in the system. It can include arrival, departure or any other
occurrence that influence the simulations.
Simulation clock: This represent the passage of time in the
stimulation. It gives the current value of simulated time. It’s a
virtual clock that advances as event occur. It is used to
synchronize and coordinate the activities of entity and
processes.
Queue: This are used to represent waiting line or storage area
in the system. Entity may wait in queue before being process
or move to the next stage. Queue help carter for congestion
and waiting time in the system.
Resources: It represent entity that are used to perform task or
provide services in the system. This include machine,
employee, vehicle or any other element that contribute to the
functionality of the system.
Control logic: Control logic rules govern the behavior and
interaction of a system or device. Complex systems such as
airplanes, automobiles, and industrial machinery require
multiple electronic control units (ECUs) to control the
behavior of electrical subsystems. Applications for control
logic include: Supervising how to switch between different
modes of operation. Scheduling a sequence of tasks or steps
for a system.
Random number generator: By generating random numbers,
data scientists can simulate the behavior of a wide range of
phenomena, such as population growth, financial market
fluctuations, or the spread of diseases. This ability helps
organizations make informed decisions, identify potential
risks, and optimize their strategies. Many real world scenario
involve uncertainty and random number are used to simulate
uncertainty in the model.
Performance Measures: Performance measures are output
values for a model. The value are derived from a simulation
run by observing the values of parameters of interest during
the execution. Common performance measures include: Total
throughput, Average utilization, Average wait time, Maximum
queue length.
Experimental design: simulation experiments is generally a
great help, saving time and effort by providing efficient ways
to estimate the effects of changes in the model's inputs on its
outputs.
How do you choose appropriate simulation?
Problem complexity: The complexity of a simulation problem
also plays a role in its effectiveness. A more complex
simulation can often provide more detailed and nuanced
results. However, there is a trade-off here, as more complex
simulations require more computational resources and can be
more difficult to create and manage.
Scalability: Scalability is the ability of your data modeling
technique to handle large volumes of data and increased
processing requirements. You need to ensure that your
chosen technique can scale as your business grows.
Ease of use: The best simulation is one that is easy to use
and understand. Choose a simulation that is easy to use, with
clear instructions and a simple interface. If users struggle to
interact with the simulation or if the interface is confusing, it
can detract from the overall effectiveness.
Accessibility: Another key consideration when choosing a
simulation is accessibility. Make sure the simulation is
accessible to all students, regardless of any disabilities they
may have. This may include the provision of audio
descriptions, alternative text, and other accessibility features.
Community and Support: Support is the point of contact
between the users and the company offering the technical
solution to assist in solving software problems. Nowadays,
self-help content is a far more convenient way to learn new
software or gain quick refreshers on forgotten functionality.
Look for simulation that include a wealth of online help
community, be it in the form of blog posts, video explainers
or PDF guides. The learning curve will be greatly reduced, as
a result.
Modelling capability: This ensure the model can handle the
specific feature or the dynamic nature of the systems being
model. Such support must be discrete event simulators,
continuous Simulators, Agent-Based Simulators are all
involve.
Visualization and reporting: One of the most important
features of any simulation model is the ability to generate
reports and visualize the results of the simulation. Data
visualization is the representation of data through use of
common graphics, such as charts, plots, infographics, Tables,
Timelines Trees and even animations. Good data visualization
and reporting allows data analysts to identify and correct
problems in data sets quickly.
It is the point of contact between the users and the company
offering the technical solution to assist in solving software
problems.
Cost and licensing: Cost is always a factor in selecting a data
modeling technique. You need to consider the cost of
development, maintenance, and licensing when choosing a
technique. A software license serves as a legal agreement
between the software publisher and the end user, granting
permission to use a particular software under specific terms
and conditions.
Integration Capabilities: Consider how well the simulation
software integrates with other tools and systems you already
use. Seamless integration can streamline workflows, improve
data accuracy, and reduce the time spent transferring
information between systems.

Consider a scenario where a city is planning to

implement a new public transportation system.
Design a simulation model to access the impact of
the proposed transportation system on traffic
congestion, air quality and overall commuter
satisfaction.
[Link] the key variable, factors and
interaction to include in your model.
[Link] the challenges associated with the
modelling, complex dynamic of urban
transportation and proposed strategic to
address this challenges.
[Link], outline the specific measure of
success or effectiveness that can be used to
evaluate the proposed public transport system.
Identify the key variable, factors and interaction to include in
your model.
1. Public transportation system characteristics
 Frequency of service
 Capacity of vehicle
 Route and network design
 Integration with existing transportation mode
 Extensive Coverage
 Accessibility
 Safety and Security
2. Traffic flow and congestion
 Average travel speed
 Vehicle flow pattern
 Traffic density at key point
 Intersection performance
3. Air quality
 Emission rate from various vehicle pattern
 Ambient (outdoor) air quality level
 Distribution of air pollutions
4. Commuter satisfaction
 Length of commute
 Mode choice
 Safety at stops
 seating capacity
  Departure time accuracy
 Vehicle cleanliness
5. Land use and urban development
 Location and site
 Natural resources
 Transportation routes
 Industrialization
6. Economics impact
 Cost Savings for Individuals
 Job Creation
 Reduces Road Congestion
7. External factors
 Socioeconomic
 Demographic changes
 Land use aspects
 Whether condition
Discuss the challenges associated with the modelling,
complex dynamic of urban transportation and proposed
strategic to address this challenges.
 Complexity and Interconnectedness
 Data availability and accuracy
 Dynamic nature of urban environment.