CSC 426 – MODELLING AND
SIMULATION
Examination Instructions:
- Answer Question 1 (Compulsory) and any other two (2) questions.
- Time Allowed: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 70
QUESTION 1 (Compulsory) – 30 Marks
A. Define the following terminologies as used in modeling and simulation (10 marks):
i. System
ii. Entity
iii. Attribute
iv. Object
v. System State
B. With relevant examples, differentiate between: (12 marks)
i. Stochastic and Deterministic models
ii. Static and Dynamic models
iii. Mathematical and Computational models
C. Briefly explain any four (4) simulation tools and their application areas. (8 marks)
QUESTION 2 – 20 Marks
A. Explain Game Theory as it relates to modeling and simulation. (6 marks)
B. Define the concept of a "payoff matrix" and demonstrate how it is used with an example.
(8 marks)
C. State and explain three (3) real-life applications of game theory in decision-making. (6
marks)
QUESTION 3 – 20 Marks
A. Explain the difference between discrete and continuous computational models. (6 marks)
B. Describe Monte Carlo Simulation and list three (3) of its applications. (7 marks)
C. Discuss Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) with a practical use-case. (7 marks)
QUESTION 4 – 20 Marks
A. What are the major steps involved in building and validating a simulation model? (10
marks)
B. Discuss the importance of statistical analysis in simulation results. (5 marks)
C. Describe event-driven simulation with a real-world example. (5 marks)
QUESTION 5 – 20 Marks
A. Describe any five (5) key tools used for specifying or implementing simulation models.
(10 marks)
B. Explain the concept of "model validation and verification" in simulation. (6 marks)
C. What are conceptual models? Give two examples. (4 marks)
Suggested Answers
QUESTION 1 – COMPULSORY
A. Terminologies
- System: A group of interacting or interdependent components forming a complex whole.
- Entity: An object or component of a system that is of interest (e.g., a customer in a queue).
- Attribute: A property or characteristic of an entity (e.g., the age of a person).
- Object: A real or conceptual element in a model representing a system component.
- System State: A snapshot of all the variables and conditions of the system at a point in
time.
B. Differences
i. Stochastic vs. Deterministic:
- Stochastic includes randomness (e.g., arrival times in a bank queue).
- Deterministic is predictable and without randomness (e.g., y = mx + c).
ii. Static vs. Dynamic:
- Static models represent systems at a specific time (e.g., a circuit diagram).
- Dynamic models represent changes over time (e.g., population growth).
iii. Mathematical vs. Computational:
- Mathematical models use equations (e.g., differential equations).
- Computational models use algorithms and simulations (e.g., agent-based models).
C. Simulation Tools
- MATLAB – Numerical computation in engineering.
- Python (NumPy, SciPy) – Versatile modeling and analysis.
- AnyLogic – For agent-based and discrete-event simulations.
- Simulink – Graphical simulation for dynamic systems.