Ch. 10 - Modeling and Analysis: Heuristic Search Methods and Simulation

Question 1

In the choice phase of problem solving, normative models involve selecting an optimal or best outcome.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Analytical techniques for problem solving are best for unstructured rather than structured problems.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Heuristic approaches are typically used to solve more complex problems.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Genetic algorithms are heuristic methods that do not guarantee an optimal solution to a problem.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

A “what-if” model is most typically used for the most structured problems.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

The use of simulation models is desirable because they can usually be solved in one pass, without incurring the time and cost of iterations.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

An advantage of simulation is that it allows model builders to solve problems with minimal interaction with users or managers.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

Time compression in a simulation allows managers to test certain strategies with less risk.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Simulation solutions cannot easily be transferred from one problem domain to another.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Determining the duration of the simulation occurs before the model is validated and tested.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

Discrete events and agent-based models are usually used for middle or low levels of abstraction.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

In steady-state plant control design, time-independent simulation would be appropriate.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Simulation does not usually allow decision makers to see how a solution to a complex problem evolves over (compressed) time, nor can decision makers interact with the simulation.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Visual interactive simulation (VIS) is a simulation method that lets decision makers see what the model is doing and how it interacts with the decisions made, as they are made.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

Visual interactive modeling (VIM) systems, especially those developed for the military and the video-game industry, have “thinking” characters who can behave with a relatively high level of intelligence in their interactions with users.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

How does blind search differ from optimization?
A) Blind search cannot result in optimal solutions whereas optimization methods do.
B) Blind search usually does not conclude in one step like some optimization methods.
C) Blind search is usually a more efficient problem solving approach than optimization.
D) Blind search represents a guided approach while optimization is unguided.

Answer 16

B) Blind search usually does not conclude in one step like some optimization methods.

Question 17

In modeling, an optimal solution is understood to be
A) a solution found in the least possible time and using the least possible computing resources.
B) a solution that can only be determined by an exhaustive enumeration and testing of alternatives.
C) a solution that is the best based on criteria defined in the design phase.
D) a solution that requires an algorithm for determination.

Answer 17

C) a solution that is the best based on criteria defined in the design phase.

Question 18

When is a complete enumeration of solutions used?
A) when there are an infinite number of solutions to be searched
B) when the modeler requires a guided approach to problem solving
C) when a solution that is “good enough” is fine and good heuristics are available
D) when there is enough time and computational power available

Answer 18

D) when there is enough time and computational power available

Question 19

All of the following are true about heuristics EXCEPT
A) heuristics are rules of good judgment.
B) heuristics are used when the modeler requires a guided approach to problem solving.
C) heuristics are used when a solution that is “good enough” is sought.
D) heuristics are used when there is abundant time and computational power.

Answer 19

D) heuristics are used when there is abundant time and computational power.

Question 20

Which approach is most suited to structured problems with little uncertainty?
A) simulation
B) genetic algorithms
C) optimization
D) human intuition

Answer 20

C) optimization

Question 21

Genetic algorithms belong to the family of methods in the
A) optimization area.
B) complete enumeration family of methods.
C) artificial intelligence area.
D) non-computer based (human) solutions area.

Answer 21

C) artificial intelligence area.

Question 22

All of the following are suitable problems for genetic algorithms EXCEPT
A) dynamic process control.
B) simulation of biological models.
C) pattern recognition with complex patterns.
D) simple optimization with few variables.

Answer 22

D) simple optimization with few variables.

Question 23

Which approach is most suited to complex problems with significant uncertainty, a need for experimentation, and time compression?
A) simulation
B) genetic algorithms
C) optimization
D) human intuition

Answer 23

A) simulation

Question 24

Which of the following is an advantage of simulation?
A) It always results in optimal solutions.
B) It can incorporate significant real-life complexity.
C) It solves problems in one pass with no iterations.
D) Simulation software requires special skills.

Answer 24

B) It can incorporate significant real-life complexity.

Question 25

In which stage of the simulation methodology do you determine the variables and gather data?
A) defining the problem
B) designing the experiment
C) testing and validating the model
D) constructing the simulation model

Answer 25

D) constructing the simulation model

Question 26

In which stage of the simulation methodology do you determine how long to run the simulation?
A) defining the problem
B) designing the experiment
C) testing and validating the model
D) constructing the simulation model

Answer 26

B) designing the experiment

Question 27

In which stage of the simulation methodology do you determine the system’s boundaries and environment?
A) defining the problem
B) designing the experiment
C) testing and validating the model
D) constructing the simulation model

Answer 27

D) constructing the simulation model

Question 28

What BEST describes a simulation model with a limited number of variables, each with a finite number of values?
A) Monte Carlo simulation
B) discrete event simulation
C) continuous distribution simulation
D) system dynamics simulation

Answer 28

B) discrete event simulation

Question 29

What BEST describes a simulation model in which it is not important to know exactly when a modeled event occurred?
A) system dynamics simulation
B) discrete event simulation
C) continuous distribution simulation
D) time-independent simulation

Answer 29

D) time-independent simulation

Question 30

The advantages of visual interactive simulation include all of the following EXCEPT
A) the ability to see how a simulation works.
B) improved presentation of simulation results.
C) reduced need for decision maker involvement.
D) improvements in training using the simulation.

Answer 30

C) reduced need for decision maker involvement.

Question 31

What can system dynamics modeling be used for?
A) micro-level simulation models that examine individual values
B) qualitative methods for analyzing a system
C) simulation models that test each subsystem in isolation
D) studying system behavior at an instant in time

Answer 31

B) qualitative methods for analyzing a system

Question 32

The EHR (electronic health record) system dynamics modeling example showed that
A) e-notes negatively affect radiology performance.
B) increased electronic note-taking negatively affects compliance.
C) adverse drug events help to decrease patient time.
D) increased staff training results in increased electronic prescriptions.

Answer 32

D) increased staff training results in increased electronic prescriptions.

Question 33

In agent-based modeling, agents are
A) autonomous rule-based decision making units.
B) the human workers or agents who use the system.
C) the hardware platform used to conduct the simulation.
D) communication links between simulations.

Answer 33

A) autonomous rule-based decision making units.

Question 34

Agent-based modeling is best for all the following types of problem features EXCEPT
A) many interrelated factors.
B) low uncertainty.
C) irregular data.
D) complex interactions.

Answer 34

B) low uncertainty.

Question 35

What is the final stage of an agent-based modeling (ABM) methodology?
A) identifying the agents and determining their behavior
B) determining the suitability of ABM
C) validating agent behavior against reality
D) determining agent-related data

Answer 35

C) validating agent behavior against reality