This unit is being introduced as a level 3 elective unit. It builds upon analysis topics introduced in FIT1006 putting then in the context of realistic simulation models. It can also serve as a complement to the Decision Support stream of the BBIS and will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to conduct professional simulation studies for both commercial and research applications.

This is a first generation entry for this unit in the re-structure of FIT undergraduate programs. Changes will be noted in the version history.

This unit develops upon the introduction to modelling and analysis given in FIT1006 and can also serve as an elective to complement the material covered in the Decision Support stream of the BBIS.

Simulation is one of the many important modelling techniques used in decision support technology. It's use is wide spread across many industries due to its ability to handle high degrees of system complexity and variability. This unit is designed to give students the theoretical and practical foundation required to reliably apply simulation techniques to real problems

Upon completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Recognise and analyse problems appropriate for simulation modelling and use their analysis to develop appropriate conceptual system models.
2. Build discrete event simulation models using a commercial modelling language.
3. Animate their models in a manner appropriate for understanding, validation and communication with stake holders.
4. Design and execute appropriate experimental programmes using simulation models.
5. Accurately and critically evaluate the output of simulation models and draw supportable conclusions about system behaviour.
6. Understand and apply a range of techniques to aid model verification and validation.

Upon completion of this unit students will be able to:

7. Appreciate the need for formal management processes required to maximise success of simulation studies.
8. Understand the organisation's need to concentrate on the problem and it's possible solutions rather then the solution technique.

Upon completion of this unit students will be able to:

9. Appreciate the need to identify and involve relevant stakeholders during the progress of a simulation study.
10. Appreciate that the success of a simulation study involves team work.
11. Discuss and apply techniques for eliciting the required information from system experts.

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 020307 Decision Support Systems

This unit gives a comprehensive overview on the theory and practice of discrete event simulation. It presents a structured approach to performing a simulation study that looks at: analysis and conceptual modelling; model building, verification and validation techniques; experimental design and results analysis, interpretation and reporting. Emphasis is on covering all of the issues that need to be considered for successful simulation.

This unit gives a comprehensive overview on the theory and practice of discrete event simulation. It presents a structured approach to performing a simulation study that looks at: analysis and conceptual modelling; model building, verification and validation techniques; experimental design and results analysis, interpretation and reporting. Emphasis is on covering all of the issues that need to be considered for successful simulation.

• Kelton, Sadowski and Sturrock, Simulation with Arena, 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill 2004.
• Law and Kelton, Simulation Modeling and Analysis, 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill 2000
• Robinson, Successful Simulation, McGraw-Hill 1994
• Gogg and Mott, Improve Quality and Productivity with Simulation, 3rd Ed. KMI Consulting Group 1996

On Campus

Normally four hours of contact per week comprising two hours of lecture/seminar material and two hours of (primarily computer) laboratory work.

The lectures are designed to reinforce all objectives with particular emphasis upon developing and presenting the theoretical foundation. The application of theory, in the form of various case studies, will be the emphasis in laboratory sessions.

• Written Examination 40%
• End of Semester Practical Examination 30%
• Case Study Assignement 30%

Theoretical components of all objectives are assessed via the written examination. Application oriented objectives are assessed via the case study and practical laboratory examination.

12 hours per week. Contact time for on-campus modes will usually be four hours per week.

A high-tech lecture theatre with data display and internet connection, with a PC and facility to plug in a laptop, for two hours per week throughout the semester.

Laboratory sessions will require a lab equipped with the Standard Operating Environment, and other software as specified below, for two hours per lab group per week during semester.

One lecturer for each campus offering each semester. One tutor per lab session for each campus offering each semester.

Arena Version 7 (Educational Version)

Adequate copies of at least the recommended texts listed above.

Faculty of Information Technology

Nil

Nil

This is a Faculty unit

Nil

FIT1006 or equivalent