Chapter 12 – Computer Simulation: Basic Concepts
True / False Questions
1. Managers can use simulation to obtain optimal answers for a wide range of problems.
2. Computers can simulate years of operation in seconds.
3. Simulation is basically an optimizing technique.
4. Simulation models are fairly easy to use and understand; therefore they can be used for a
wide range of decisions.
5. A stochastic system is one that evolved over time according to a continuous probability
distribution.
6. When dealing with relatively complex systems, computer simulation is an inexpensive
option for decision makers.
Chapter 12 – Computer Simulation: Basic Concepts
15. Computer simulation is a useful tool because it generates accurate information using very
small samples.
16. Random observations can be generated in Excel by using the VLOOKUP function.
17. Computer simulation is only applicable to situations that have elements that can be
described by random variables
18. Analytical methods are preferable to simulation if an appropriate analytic method is
available.
19. A simulation model includes a description of the components of the system that is to be
simulated.
20. A simulation clock keeps track of how long the simulation has run in real time.
21. The main procedure for advancing the time on the simulation clock is called next-event
time advance.
22. Simulation will often give measures of performance as outputs.
Chapter 12 – Computer Simulation: Basic Concepts
On cold mornings, the probability that David’s car won’t start is 0.22. When it doesn’t start, he
takes the bus and is late for work. When it does start, he drives to work on the freeway. Sixty-
five percent of the time the freeway is clear, and he gets to work on time. The rest of the time
he is late. Simulate 10 consecutive days worth of trips to work using the random numbers
given (use the smaller numbers to represent “car won’t start” and “freeway clear”).
42. How many times is David late for work because his car won’t start?
43. How many times is David late for work?
