Reference no: EM13763367

Computer simulation project milestone 2

The final project for this course is the creation of a final report that analyzes a real-world problem and proposes a simulation model-based solution. The report consists of a base model that reflects an as-is system, a set of alternative models that reflect the "what-if" questions asked of the base model, and a statistical analysis that indicates which is the best model. This is an individual project; however, you may consult with other students.

You will choose a problem case. Then, you will develop a base model and the alternative models that reflect your "what-if" questions.You will create an experimental design,run these models, and compare them. Then, you will evaluate the output results and, based upon your chosen criteria, decide on the best model. The project is divided intothree milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in ModulesFive, Seven, and Nine.

Main Elements of the Final Product

A comprehensive final report should explain the problem, your base and alternative models, and should describe and analyze the results of your simulation runs. Be sure to clearly describe your "what-if" questions and how you answered them.Model complexity must be on the level with models encountered in the later chapters of the textbook. Be sure to have the following, clearly defined separate sections:

Cover pagecontainingidentification information as indicated by your instructor
Brief executive summary and table of contents referring to sections and figures and charts using page numbers
Problem formulationdescribing the problem you will model and the "what-if" questions
System and simulation specificationdescribing model logic usingobject flow diagrams (hand-write and scan or use software such as Visio)
Base model and alternative models that states all of your assumptions
Input analyses includingdata collection, analysis, and distribution fitting
Verification and validation of your model. Explain how you did these.
Calculation of number of runs (n) for your model. Show all steps.
Output analyses

•  "What-if" questions and their results and your conclusions
•   Show statistically significant differences, if any, between models. Show your work.

Cost-benefit analysis of "what-if" scenario results
Summary, conclusions, discussion of results
Appendicesshould contain most tables and charts, except where they naturally fit into the text of the report.

Milestones

Milestone 1: Final Project Proposal

Description of the case you wish to simulate-Example: A local bank with an inside lobby that has three teller stations and a single queue. Also, the bank hastwo drive-through windows with a single dedicated teller serving both windows.
Problem situation-Example: The inside teller queue is rather long, with customers waiting on average 7 minutes to begin service. Too many customers arriving at the drive-through windows balk because of the line length.
What-if questions-Example: What if the inside single queue is turned into three queues (one for each teller station)? What if we cross-train all tellers to service both the inside and drive-through areas?
Performance metrics of interest-Example: Average queue lengths and average waiting time in the queues;also, average utilization of the servers
Object flow diagram of the case and what-if question scenarios
What challenges do you expect from this project and what do you expect to learn?

Milestone 2:Term Project Beta Models

The base model file so far and alternative model files so far. Model complexity must be on the level with models encountered in the later chapters of the textbook.
A Word document containing the appropriate identification information.
Explain how the base model represents the actual case, and enumerate what more needs to be done.
Explain how the alternative model(s) represents your what-if questions actual case, and enumerate what more needs to be done.
Show object flow diagrams of the models.
What challenges remain for you, and what concepts and techniques do you need to master in order to successfully complete the project?

Milestone 3: Final Product

This should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the main elements of the final product. It will consist of one Word document and multiple Flexsim files. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This milestone will be graded using the Final Product Rubric.