Simulation

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• how to experiment with simulation models to meet management objectives.
• the principles and uses of agent-based simulations;
• the principles and uses of system dynamics;
• the principles and uses of discrete event simulation;
• the basic statistical techniques (e.g. sampling from distributions, replications, and variance reduction) underlying the methodology of simulation;

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• create and run simulations models using modelling software.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply quantitative and qualitative modelling approaches;
• frame a problem and conceptualise it in a way that it can be approached using modelling.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply problem-solving;
• demonstrate your numeracy to future employers;

• Discrete event simulation and use of modelling software
• System Dynamics and use of software
• Agent-based simulation
• Statistical aspects of simulation:
• Random numbers, sampling from distributions, confidence intervals and number of repetitions
• Validation, verification and experimentation
• Choosing distributions
• Queuing systems, events, activities and queues, activity diagrams
• Simulation software and the needs of users: graphics and interactivity
• The future of simulation: new research directions

Teaching methods include:

Lectures, computer workshops, private study

Learning activities include:

Practical class exercises and games, problem solving, hands-on computer modelling

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Feedback

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Individual help is given verbally during the workshops and classes; one-on-one meetings with individual students outside the module; since the coursework is in two separate parts, feedback on Part A is provided on Blackboard together with detailed written individual feedback in time for each student to enable them to improve before they submit Part B.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.