All programmes > Course: Simulation Theory and Applications

Simulation Theory and Applications (B-KUL-D0R19A)

6.0 ECTS English 39.0 First termFirst term Basic Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Put Ferdinand
POC Nederlandstalige Masters FEB

Aims

The primary objective is to present the concepts and methodology of simulation, such that the students learn how to construct simulation models, and how to use simulation as a tool to solve certain optimization problems in a business environment.
See description under 'onderwijsleeractiviteiten'('activities') for more details.

Previous knowledge

Order of enrolment:
The following course units should be:
* successfully completed: /
* taken before: /
* at least taken at the same time: /

Clarification:
Basic Statistics, General Computer Experience. Knowledge of a Programming Language is not absolutely required, but can be helpful.

Content

This course is intended to be a first course on simulation. Basic concepts of simulation, and discrete event simulation in particular are introduced. A simulation tool (Arena) is used to construct and run simulation models, while accompanying tools (Input Analyzer, Output Analyzer, Process Analyzer, OptQuest) are used for analysis and optimization.
See description under 'onderwijsleeractiviteiten' for more details.

Course material

Text book

Is also included in other courses

Activities

6.0 ects. Simulation Theory and Applications (B-KUL-D0R19a)

6.0 ECTS English 39.0 First termFirst term
Put Ferdinand
POC Nederlandstalige Masters FEB

Content

1.      What is simulation?
2.      Fundamental simulation concepts
3.      Using Arena
4.      Constructing simple models with the Basic Process Panel
5.      Input analysis: specifying parameters and distributions
6.      Constructing more complex models with the Advanced Process Panel
7.      Output data analysis
8.      Detailed modeling: Blocks and Elements Panel
9.      Moving and transferring entities: Advanced Transfer Panel
10.    Steady-state statistical analysis
11.    Experimental design and optimization: using Process Analyzer and OptQuest
12.    Generating random numbers and variates
13.    Variance reduction techniques
 

Aims

After following this course, the students must be able to:
- explain the philosophy and the basic concepts of simulation;
- design and build medium-sized simulation models;
- design experiments and to analyse the statistical results;
- find an optimal configuration using simulation;

Course material

D. Kelton, R. Sadowski & N. Swets: Simulation with Arena, 5th edition, McGraw Hill, International edition, 2010, 636 p., ISBN 978-007-126771-7
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Arena Version 12.00.00 (Windows compatible software including extended Online Help function, can be downloaded from http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073376280/student_view0/arena_software_download.html ).

Evaluation

Evaluation : Simulation Theory and Applications (B-KUL-D2R19a)

Mode of evaluation : Written
Category : interim evaluations plus final examination during examination period
Type of evaluation : Closed book, Assessment exercises

Explanation

Determining the exam resultThe exam will be graded by the teacher. The result is expressed as a whole number on 20. The grading scheme is as follows:
- the four homeworks count for 40 % of the final grade;
- the exam counts for 60 % of the final grade.

Evaluating the homeworks
Four homework assignments are distributed in class (and via Toledo). Homeworks have to be solved in groups of 3 or 4 students. Deadlines for handing in the homework solutions are determined in advance, and are announced in class (and via Toledo). Each homework is graded on a scale from 0 (worst) to 7 (best). If a deadline is not respected, 1 point will be subtracted per day late.
Homework solutions are discussed in class.

Evaluation during the third exam period
The student has two opportunities to take an exam during the academic year: the first time during the first exam period, according to the semester of scheduling, and a second time during the third exam period. The evaluation during the third exam period is identical to the evaluation during th first exam period.
During the third exam period the homeworks are again part of the evaluation. The result that was obtained for the homeworks during the first semester can be retained, or the student can prefer to solve a new set of homeworks for the third exam period. The final grade in the third exam period will be computed in exactly the same way as in the first period.

Exam description
The exam consists of open questions. Sample exam questions will be shown in class.