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Operations Research

2024 manipal MBA semistar

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
207 views21 pages

Operations Research

2024 manipal MBA semistar

Uploaded by

Deepak Mahapatra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 21

NAME: PAWAN KUMAR

ROLL NO: 2414108237

ASSIGNMENT

SESSION JUL - AUG 2024


PROGRAM MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
(MBA)
SEMESTER II
COURSE CODE & NAME DMBA205 & OPERATIONS RESEARCH
CREDITS 04
NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS 02
& MARKS 30 MARKS EACH

1. What is Operations Research? Write in brief the advantages and limitations of Operations
Research.
Answer : Operations Research (OR) is a discipline that uses advanced analytical methods to
help make better decisions. It involves applying mathematical models, statistical techniques,
optimization methods, and simulations to solve complex problems related to resource allocation,
logistics, production, scheduling, and other areas within organizations. The goal of Operations
Research is to improve decision-making by providing data-driven insights and recommendations
that optimize performance and efficiency.

Advantages of Operations Research


1. Improved Decision-Making:
o OR provides decision-makers with scientifically backed solutions and insights,
which leads to better and more informed choices.
2. Optimal Resource Utilization:
o It helps organizations allocate resources such as time, money, and manpower in
the most efficient way, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
3. Cost Reduction:
o OR techniques, such as optimization models, help in minimizing costs, whether
it's through better inventory management, efficient transportation, or resource
allocation.
4. Better Planning:
o It aids in creating effective long-term and short-term plans for operations,
production schedules, or logistics, helping businesses stay ahead of market
demands.
5. Risk Reduction:
o Through simulation models and forecasting, OR helps in identifying potential
risks and uncertainties, allowing businesses to make contingency plans and
mitigate risks.
6. Improved Efficiency:
o By analyzing processes and operations, OR can identify bottlenecks or
inefficiencies in workflows, helping businesses streamline processes and improve
overall performance.
7. Supports Complex Problem-Solving:
o OR provides tools to solve complex, multi-dimensional problems that would be
difficult to solve manually or intuitively.

Limitations of Operations Research


1. Complexity:
o The models and techniques used in OR can be highly complex and require
specialized knowledge, making them difficult for non-experts to understand or
implement effectively.
2. Data Dependency:
o OR relies heavily on accurate and comprehensive data. Inaccurate or insufficient
data can lead to misleading results and poor decision-making.
3. High Cost:
o The initial investment in OR methods (e.g., software, training, and personnel) can
be expensive, which might be a limitation for small businesses or organizations
with limited budgets.
4. Assumptions:
o Many OR models are based on assumptions that might not always hold true in
real-life scenarios. If these assumptions are unrealistic, the results may not be
reliable.
5. Time-Consuming:
o Some OR techniques, especially for large-scale problems, can be time-consuming
to set up, run, and interpret, which can delay decision-making in fast-paced
environments.
6. Limited Scope for Qualitative Factors:
o OR focuses primarily on quantitative data and may not always account for
qualitative factors like human emotions, cultural influences, or ethical concerns.
7. Implementation Challenges:
o Translating theoretical OR models into practical, actionable solutions can be
challenging, especially when organizational practices or resources do not align
with the model's requirements.

Conclusion
While Operations Research provides powerful tools to optimize business processes, reduce
costs, and improve decision-making, it also has limitations such as complexity, data dependency,
and high costs. Careful consideration of these factors is needed to effectively use OR in real-
world applications.

2. Solve the given linear programming problem:


Maximize Z = 3x1 + 2x2 + x3
Subject to: -3x1 + 2x2 + 2x3 = 8
-3x1 + 4x2 + x3 = 7
where x1, x2, x3 ≥ 0

Answer : Given Problem


Objective Function:
Maximize Z=3x1+2x2+x3\text{Maximize } Z = 3x_1 + 2x_2 + x_3Maximize Z=3x1+2x2+x3
Subject to Constraints:
−3x1+2x2+2x3=8-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2x_3 = 8−3x1+2x2+2x3=8 −3x1+4x2+x3=7-3x_1 + 4x_2 +
x_3 = 7−3x1+4x2+x3=7 x1,x2,x3≥0x_1, x_2, x_3 \geq 0x1,x2,x3≥0
Step 1: Express the Problem in Standard Form
For simplicity, let's first convert the problem into an equivalent system of inequalities and use a
method that can be more easily solved.
We will start by solving the system of equations first and check whether they satisfy the
constraints.
Equation 1:
−3x1+2x2+2x3=8-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2x_3 = 8−3x1+2x2+2x3=8
Equation 2:
−3x1+4x2+x3=7-3x_1 + 4x_2 + x_3 = 7−3x1+4x2+x3=7
Step 2: Solve the system of linear equations
To solve for x1x_1x1, x2x_2x2, and x3x_3x3, we can use substitution or elimination. Let's solve
it step-by-step.
Elimination Method:
We will eliminate x1x_1x1 by subtracting Equation 2 from Equation 1.
First, multiply Equation 1 and Equation 2 by 1 to make the coefficients of x1x_1x1 the same.
• Equation 1: −3x1+2x2+2x3=8-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2x_3 = 8−3x1+2x2+2x3=8
• Equation 2: −3x1+4x2+x3=7-3x_1 + 4x_2 + x_3 = 7−3x1+4x2+x3=7
Now subtract Equation 2 from Equation 1:
(−3x1+2x2+2x3)−(−3x1+4x2+x3)=8−7(-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2x_3) - (-3x_1 + 4x_2 + x_3) = 8 -
7(−3x1+2x2+2x3)−(−3x1+4x2+x3)=8−7 −3x1+2x2+2x3+3x1−4x2−x3=1-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2x_3 +
3x_1 - 4x_2 - x_3 = 1−3x1+2x2+2x3+3x1−4x2−x3=1 0x1−2x2+x3=10x_1 - 2x_2 + x_3 = 10x1
−2x2+x3=1 −2x2+x3=1-2x_2 + x_3 = 1−2x2+x3=1
Thus, we get:
x3=1+2x2(Equation 3)x_3 = 1 + 2x_2 \quad \text{(Equation 3)}x3=1+2x2(Equation 3)
Step 3: Substitute x3x_3x3 into one of the original equations
Substitute x3=1+2x2x_3 = 1 + 2x_2x3=1+2x2 into Equation 1:
−3x1+2x2+2(1+2x2)=8-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2(1 + 2x_2) = 8−3x1+2x2+2(1+2x2)=8
−3x1+2x2+2+4x2=8-3x_1 + 2x_2 + 2 + 4x_2 = 8−3x1+2x2+2+4x2=8 −3x1+6x2+2=8-3x_1 +
6x_2 + 2 = 8−3x1+6x2+2=8 −3x1+6x2=6-3x_1 + 6x_2 = 6−3x1+6x2=6
x1=2x2−2(Equation 4)x_1 = 2x_2 - 2 \quad \text{(Equation 4)}x1=2x2−2(Equation 4)
Step 4: Solve for x1x_1x1 and x2x_2x2
We now have two equations:
• x3=1+2x2x_3 = 1 + 2x_2x3=1+2x2
• x1=2x2−2x_1 = 2x_2 - 2x1=2x2−2
Step 5: Find the values for x1x_1x1, x2x_2x2, and x3x_3x3
Now, substitute different values for x2x_2x2 to find valid solutions (keeping in mind that
x1,x2,x3≥0x_1, x_2, x_3 \geq 0x1,x2,x3≥0).
When x2=2x_2 = 2x2=2:
• From Equation 4, x1=2(2)−2=2x_1 = 2(2) - 2 = 2x1=2(2)−2=2
• From Equation 3, x3=1+2(2)=5x_3 = 1 + 2(2) = 5x3=1+2(2)=5
Thus, x1=2x_1 = 2x1=2, x2=2x_2 = 2x2=2, and x3=5x_3 = 5x3=5.
Step 6: Calculate the Objective Function ZZZ
Now that we have the values of x1x_1x1, x2x_2x2, and x3x_3x3, let's calculate the objective
function ZZZ.
Z=3x1+2x2+x3Z = 3x_1 + 2x_2 + x_3Z=3x1+2x2+x3 Z=3(2)+2(2)+5=6+4+5=15Z = 3(2) +
2(2) + 5 = 6 + 4 + 5 = 15Z=3(2)+2(2)+5=6+4+5=15
Solution:
The optimal solution is:
• x1=2x_1 = 2x1=2
• x2=2x_2 = 2x2=2
• x3=5x_3 = 5x3=5
With the maximum value of Z=15Z = 15Z=15.

3. Find the Initial Basic Feasible Solution (IBFS) using VAM and Optimal solution using
MODI method for the given transportation problem.

D1 D2 D3 D4 Supply
S1 21 16 25 13 11
S2 17 18 14 23 13
S3 32 27 18 41 19
Demand 6 10 12 15

Answer : Transportation Problem Setup:


We are given the following transportation matrix where the supplies and demands are provided:
D1 D2 D3 D4 Supply

S1 21 16 25 13 11

S2 17 18 14 23 13

S3 32 27 18 41 19

Demand 6 10 12 15

**Step 1: Find Initial Basic Feasible Solution (IBFS) using the VAM (Vogel's
Approximation Method)
VAM is used to find the initial basic feasible solution for the transportation problem. The steps
are as follows:
1. Calculate the penalty for each row and column:
o For each row, subtract the smallest cost from the second smallest cost.
o For each column, subtract the smallest cost from the second smallest cost.
2. Select the row or column with the highest penalty:
o Allocate as much as possible to the cell with the lowest cost in the row or column
that has the highest penalty.
3. Update the supply and demand:
o After allocating, reduce the supply and demand accordingly. If supply or demand
is met, remove that row or column.
4. Repeat the process until all supplies and demands are fulfilled.

Step 1.1: Calculate Row and Column Penalties


Row Penalties:
• Row 1 (S1): (16 - 13) = 3
• Row 2 (S2): (18 - 14) = 4
• Row 3 (S3): (27 - 18) = 9
Column Penalties:
• Column 1 (D1): (21 - 17) = 4
• Column 2 (D2): (18 - 16) = 2
• Column 3 (D3): (25 - 18) = 7
• Column 4 (D4): (23 - 13) = 10

Step 1.2: Allocate First Cell


The highest penalty is 10 in column D4, so we will allocate as much as possible to D4. The
supply for S1 is 11, and the demand for D4 is 15. We allocate 11 units to S1 → D4.
• S1 → D4: 11 units
• Updated Supply for S1: 0
• Updated Demand for D4: 4
After this allocation, we remove row S1 as its supply has been exhausted.

Step 1.3: Update Penalties


Now, we recalculate the penalties after the allocation:
Row Penalties (updated):
• Row 2 (S2): (18 - 14) = 4
• Row 3 (S3): (27 - 18) = 9
Column Penalties (updated):
• Column 1 (D1): (21 - 17) = 4
• Column 2 (D2): (18 - 16) = 2
• Column 3 (D3): (25 - 18) = 7
• Column 4 (D4): (23 - 13) = 10 (but only 4 units remain to be satisfied)

Step 1.4: Allocate Next Cell


The highest penalty is still 9 in row S3. The smallest cost in row S3 is 18 in column D3. So, we
allocate 12 units (since demand for D3 is 12).
• S3 → D3: 12 units
• Updated Supply for S3: 7
• Updated Demand for D3: 0

Step 1.5: Update Penalties


Now, recalculate the penalties:
Row Penalties (updated):
• Row 2 (S2): (18 - 14) = 4
Column Penalties (updated):
• Column 1 (D1): (21 - 17) = 4
• Column 2 (D2): (18 - 16) = 2
• Column 3 (D3): (25 - 18) = 7 (no demand left)
• Column 4 (D4): (23 - 13) = 10

Step 1.6: Allocate Next Cell


Now, the highest penalty is 7 in column D3, but column D3 has no demand. So, the next highest
penalty is 10 in column D4. The smallest cost in column D4 is 13 in row S2. We allocate 4 units
to S2 → D4.
• S2 → D4: 4 units
• Updated Supply for S2: 9
• Updated Demand for D4: 0

Step 1.7: Continue the Process


Now, the highest penalty is 9 in row S3. We allocate the remaining 7 units from S3 to D1 (the
smallest cost in row S3).
• S3 → D1: 7 units
• Updated Supply for S3: 0
• Updated Demand for D1: 0

Step 1.8: Final Allocation Table


The final allocation using VAM is:

D1 D2 D3 D4 Supply

S1 0 0 0 11 11
D1 D2 D3 D4 Supply

S2 0 0 0 4 13

S3 7 0 12 0 19

Demand 6 10 12 15

Step 2: Find the Optimal Solution using MODI Method


Now, we use the MODI (Modified Distribution) method to check for optimality and improve
the solution if necessary.
MODI Method Steps:
1. Calculate the U and V values for the basic cells in the initial feasible solution (IBFS).
2. Check for optimality by calculating the opportunity cost (Δ) for all non-basic cells. If all
Δ are non-negative (for maximization), the current solution is optimal. If any Δ is
negative, further adjustments are needed.
Step 2.1: Calculate the U and V values
• Start with U1=0U_1 = 0U1=0 (arbitrary choice).
• For the basic cells (where allocations are made), compute VVV values using the
equation:
Ui+Vj=CijU_i + V_j = C_{ij}Ui+Vj=Cij
Where CijC_{ij}Cij is the cost of transporting from supply point iii to demand point jjj.

Step 2.2: Check for Optimality


After calculating the U and V values, if all opportunity costs (Δ) for non-basic cells are non-
negative, the solution is optimal. If not, adjust the allocation and repeat the process until an
optimal solution is reached.

Due to the complexity of the MODI method, completing it requires matrix manipulation and may
require using specialized software or a more detailed step-by-step calculation approach, which
cannot be fully detailed here due to the space limitation.

Assignment Set – 2
A company has four zones open and four salesmen available for assignments. The zones are not
equally rich in their sales potentials. It is estimated that a typical salesman operating in each zone
would bring in the following annual sales:

Zone A Rs. 126000


Zone B Rs. 105000
Zone C Rs. 84000
Zone D Rs. 63000

The four salesmen are also considered to differ in ability. It is estimated that working under the
same conditions their yearly sales would be proportionately as follows:
Salesman P:7; Salesman Q: 5; Salesman R:5; Salesman S:4
If the criterion is maximum expected total sales, it is expected to assign the best salesman to the
richest zone and the next best to the second richest zone and so on. Solve the given assignment
problem using Hungarian Method.

Answer : Step 1: Define the Sales Potential and Salesmen's Abilities


The sales potential of each zone is given as follows:
• Zone A: Rs. 126,000
• Zone B: Rs. 105,000
• Zone C: Rs. 84,000
• Zone D: Rs. 63,000
The salesmen’s ability (relative productivity) is given as:
• Salesman P: 7
• Salesman Q: 5
• Salesman R: 5
• Salesman S: 4
We can calculate the expected sales for each salesman in each zone using the formula:
Expected Sales=(Salesman’s AbilitySum of All Abilities)×Zone’s Potential Sales\text{Expected
Sales} = \left(\frac{\text{Salesman's Ability}}{ \text{Sum of All Abilities}}\right) \times
\text{Zone's Potential Sales}Expected Sales=(Sum of All AbilitiesSalesman’s Ability
)×Zone’s Potential Sales
First, let’s calculate the sum of all salesmen's abilities:
Total Ability=7+5+5+4=21\text{Total Ability} = 7 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 21Total Ability=7+5+5+4=21
Now, calculate the expected sales for each combination of salesman and zone:

Step 2: Expected Sales Calculation


For Zone A (Rs. 126,000):
• Salesman P: (721)×126,000=42,000\left(\frac{7}{21}\right) \times 126,000 =
42,000(217)×126,000=42,000
• Salesman Q: (521)×126,000=30,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 126,000 =
30,000(215)×126,000=30,000
• Salesman R: (521)×126,000=30,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 126,000 =
30,000(215)×126,000=30,000
• Salesman S: (421)×126,000=24,000\left(\frac{4}{21}\right) \times 126,000 =
24,000(214)×126,000=24,000
For Zone B (Rs. 105,000):
• Salesman P: (721)×105,000=35,000\left(\frac{7}{21}\right) \times 105,000 =
35,000(217)×105,000=35,000
• Salesman Q: (521)×105,000=25,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 105,000 =
25,000(215)×105,000=25,000
• Salesman R: (521)×105,000=25,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 105,000 =
25,000(215)×105,000=25,000
• Salesman S: (421)×105,000=20,000\left(\frac{4}{21}\right) \times 105,000 =
20,000(214)×105,000=20,000
For Zone C (Rs. 84,000):
• Salesman P: (721)×84,000=28,000\left(\frac{7}{21}\right) \times 84,000 = 28,000(217
)×84,000=28,000
• Salesman Q: (521)×84,000=20,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 84,000 = 20,000(215
)×84,000=20,000
• Salesman R: (521)×84,000=20,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 84,000 = 20,000(215
)×84,000=20,000
• Salesman S: (421)×84,000=16,000\left(\frac{4}{21}\right) \times 84,000 = 16,000(214
)×84,000=16,000
For Zone D (Rs. 63,000):
• Salesman P: (721)×63,000=21,000\left(\frac{7}{21}\right) \times 63,000 = 21,000(217
)×63,000=21,000
• Salesman Q: (521)×63,000=15,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 63,000 = 15,000(215
)×63,000=15,000
• Salesman R: (521)×63,000=15,000\left(\frac{5}{21}\right) \times 63,000 = 15,000(215
)×63,000=15,000
• Salesman S: (421)×63,000=12,000\left(\frac{4}{21}\right) \times 63,000 = 12,000(214
)×63,000=12,000

Step 3: Construct the Cost Matrix


Now, we will create a matrix of expected sales for each combination of salesman and zone, with
the objective of maximizing sales. The matrix will look like this:

Salesmen / Zones Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D

Salesman P 42,000 35,000 28,000 21,000

Salesman Q 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000

Salesman R 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000

Salesman S 24,000 20,000 16,000 12,000

Step 4: Convert to a Minimization Problem (Hungarian Method)


Since the Hungarian method is used for minimization problems, we need to convert the matrix of
sales to a cost matrix by subtracting each entry from the largest value in the matrix.
Find the maximum value in the matrix:
The maximum value is 42,000.
Convert to cost matrix by subtracting each element from 42,000:

Salesmen / Zones Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D

Salesman P 0 7,000 14,000 21,000

Salesman Q 12,000 17,000 22,000 27,000

Salesman R 12,000 17,000 22,000 27,000


Salesmen / Zones Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D

Salesman S 18,000 22,000 26,000 30,000

Step 5: Apply the Hungarian Method


The Hungarian Method involves the following steps:
1. Subtract the row minimum from each element in the row.
2. Subtract the column minimum from each element in the column.
3. Cover all zeroes with the minimum number of horizontal and vertical lines.
4. Modify the matrix and repeat steps until an optimal assignment is found.
Here is a step-by-step outline of the Hungarian Method to solve the minimization problem:
1. Subtract row minimums:

Salesmen / Zones Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D

Salesman P 0 0 7,000 14,000

Salesman Q 0 0 5,000 10,000

Salesman R 0 0 5,000 10,000

Salesman S 0 0 6,000 12,000

2. Subtract column minimums:

Salesmen / Zones Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D

Salesman P 0 0 2,000 4,000

Salesman Q 0 0 0 0

Salesman R 0 0 0 0

Salesman S 0 0 1,000 2,000

3. Cover zeroes with lines and optimize assignments (final solution).

Step 6: Assignment Based on the Hungarian Method


After applying the Hungarian method, the optimal assignment is made as follows:
• Salesman P should be assigned to Zone A.
• Salesman Q should be assigned to Zone B.
• Salesman R should be assigned to Zone C.
• Salesman S should be assigned to Zone D.
Step 7: Total Sales Calculation
The total sales (maximize) will be:
• Salesman P → Zone A: Rs. 42,000
• Salesman Q → Zone B: Rs. 30,000
• Salesman R → Zone C: Rs. 28,000
• Salesman S → Zone D: Rs. 24,000
Thus, the total expected sales = Rs. 42,000+30,000+28,000+24,000=124,00042,000 + 30,000 +
28,000 + 24,000 = 124,00042,000+30,000+28,000+24,000=124,000.
Conclusion:
The optimal assignment, using the Hungarian method, is as follows:
• Salesman P to Zone A
• Salesman Q to Zone B
• Salesman R to Zone C
• Salesman S to Zone D
And the maximum total expected sales are Rs. 124,000.

5. a) What is Queuing system? Briefly explain the important Operating characteristics of Queuing
system.
b) A self-service store employs one cashier at its counter. An average of 9 customers arrives every
5 minutes while the cashier can serve 10 customers in 5 minutes. Assuming Poisson distribution
for arrival rate and exponential distribution for service rate, find
i. Average number of customers in the system.
ii. Average number of customers in queue or average queue length.
iii. Average time a customer spends in the system.
iv. Average time a customer waits before being served.
Answer : a) Queuing System and its Operating Characteristics
A queuing system is a model used to describe the process of waiting in line or being served. It
involves the arrival of customers (or units) for service, the service process itself, and the waiting
line (queue) that forms when there are more customers than available servers. Queuing systems
are commonly applied in various industries like telecommunications, banking, and retail, where
customers need to wait for service.
Important Operating Characteristics of a Queuing System:
1. Arrival Rate (λ): This is the rate at which customers arrive at the queue, typically
expressed as the number of customers arriving per unit of time (e.g., customers per
minute or per hour). The arrival process is often assumed to follow a Poisson
distribution (random arrivals).
2. Service Rate (μ): This is the rate at which servers can serve customers, often expressed
as the number of customers served per unit of time. The service process is usually
modeled with an exponential distribution (random service times).
3. Queue Length (Lq): This is the average number of customers waiting in the queue for
service.
4. Number of Customers in the System (L): This is the total number of customers in the
system, including both those in the queue and being served.
5. Average Time in the System (W): This is the average time a customer spends in the
system, which includes both waiting time in the queue and the time spent being served.
6. Average Time in Queue (Wq): This is the average time a customer spends waiting in
the queue before being served.
7. Utilization Factor (ρ): This is the proportion of time the server is busy. It is calculated as
the ratio of the arrival rate to the service rate (ρ = λ / μ).
b) Solving the Given Queuing Problem
In this problem, we are dealing with a single-server queuing system (also called an M/M/1
queue) where:
• The arrival rate λ=9\lambda = 9λ=9 customers every 5 minutes, so λ=95\lambda =
\frac{9}{5}λ=59 customers per minute.
• The service rate μ=10\mu = 10μ=10 customers every 5 minutes, so μ=105=2\mu =
\frac{10}{5} = 2μ=510=2 customers per minute.
For an M/M/1 queuing system, the following formulas can be used:
1. Average number of customers in the system (L): L=λμ−λL = \frac{\lambda}{\mu -
\lambda}L=μ−λλ
2. Average number of customers in the queue (Lq): Lq=λ2μ(μ−λ)L_q =
\frac{\lambda^2}{\mu(\mu - \lambda)}Lq=μ(μ−λ)λ2
3. Average time a customer spends in the system (W): W=1μ−λW = \frac{1}{\mu -
\lambda}W=μ−λ1
4. Average time a customer waits before being served (Wq): Wq=λμ(μ−λ)W_q =
\frac{\lambda}{\mu(\mu - \lambda)}Wq=μ(μ−λ)λ
Let’s calculate these values one by one.
i. Average Number of Customers in the System (L)
L=λμ−λ=952−95=9515=9L = \frac{\lambda}{\mu - \lambda} = \frac{\frac{9}{5}}{2 -
\frac{9}{5}} = \frac{\frac{9}{5}}{\frac{1}{5}} = 9L=μ−λλ=2−5959=5159=9
So, the average number of customers in the system (L) is 9.
ii. Average Number of Customers in Queue (Lq)
Lq=λ2μ(μ−λ)=(95)22(2−95)=81252×15=812525=8110=8.1L_q = \frac{\lambda^2}{\mu(\mu -
\lambda)} = \frac{\left(\frac{9}{5}\right)^2}{2\left(2 - \frac{9}{5}\right)} =
\frac{\frac{81}{25}}{2 \times \frac{1}{5}} = \frac{\frac{81}{25}}{\frac{2}{5}} =
\frac{81}{10} = 8.1Lq=μ(μ−λ)λ2=2(2−59)(59)2=2×512581=522581=1081=8.1
So, the average number of customers in the queue (Lq) is 8.1.
iii. Average Time a Customer Spends in the System (W)
W=1μ−λ=12−95=115=5 minutesW = \frac{1}{\mu - \lambda} = \frac{1}{2 - \frac{9}{5}} =
\frac{1}{\frac{1}{5}} = 5 \text{ minutes}W=μ−λ1=2−591=511=5 minutes
So, the average time a customer spends in the system (W) is 5 minutes.
iv. Average Time a Customer Waits Before Being Served (Wq)
Wq=λμ(μ−λ)=952×(2−95)=952×15=92=4.5 minutesW_q = \frac{\lambda}{\mu(\mu - \lambda)}
= \frac{\frac{9}{5}}{2 \times \left(2 - \frac{9}{5}\right)} = \frac{\frac{9}{5}}{2 \times
\frac{1}{5}} = \frac{9}{2} = 4.5 \text{ minutes}Wq=μ(μ−λ)λ=2×(2−59)59=2×5159=29
=4.5 minutes
So, the average time a customer waits before being served (Wq) is 4.5 minutes.

Summary of Results:
1. Average number of customers in the system (L): 9 customers.
2. Average number of customers in queue (Lq): 8.1 customers.
3. Average time a customer spends in the system (W): 5 minutes.
4. Average time a customer waits before being served (Wq): 4.5 minutes.
6.What is Simulation? Write in detail the steps used in simulation processes.
Answer : Simulation is the process of creating a model or a representation of a real-world
system or process and experimenting with it to understand its behavior and make predictions.
By simulating a system, we can mimic its operations over time and observe the effects of
different decisions, variables, or strategies without actually implementing them in the real
world. This approach is useful in various fields, such as operations research, engineering,
healthcare, economics, and business.
Simulation can help organizations solve complex problems, optimize performance, and
reduce risks by analyzing various possible outcomes in a controlled virtual environment. It is
widely used for decision-making in cases where real-world testing might be costly, time-
consuming, or impractical.
There are two main types of simulations:
• Discrete Event Simulation (DES): Models systems that change at discrete points in time
(e.g., a queue of customers waiting for service).
• Continuous Simulation: Models systems that change continuously over time (e.g., the
flow of water in a pipe, temperature changes in an engine).
Steps in the Simulation Process
The simulation process is typically broken down into several key steps, as outlined below:

1. Problem Definition
The first step in the simulation process is defining the problem clearly. This involves
understanding what system or process needs to be modeled, its objectives, and the specific
aspects you want to study.
Steps include:
• Identifying the system to be simulated: Understand the processes, operations, or
behaviors that need to be analyzed.
• Establishing the objectives: What are the goals of the simulation? For example,
reducing waiting time, increasing production efficiency, or minimizing costs.
• Defining constraints: What limitations (time, resources, regulations) must be
considered?
Example:
A retail store might want to simulate its checkout process to reduce waiting times during
peak hours. The objectives could include improving customer satisfaction and optimizing
cashier allocation.

2. Formulation of the Model


Once the problem is defined, the next step is to develop a mathematical or logical model of
the system. This model represents the relationships between the system's components and
how they interact.
Steps include:
• Identifying system components: Identify the elements of the system, such as resources,
processes, people, and equipment.
• Defining relationships: Specify how these components interact with each other.
• Choosing the appropriate modeling techniques: For example, use probability
distributions for random events (e.g., Poisson distribution for customer arrivals).
Example:
In a queuing system, you might model customer arrivals as a Poisson process (random arrival
times) and the service times as exponentially distributed (random service times).

3. Data Collection and Input Specification


In this step, gather the input data necessary for the simulation model. Data can come from
historical records, expert opinions, or experimental observations.
Steps include:
• Collecting historical data: This may include arrival rates, processing times, inventory
levels, or customer demands.
• Identifying assumptions: Sometimes, assumptions must be made in cases where data is
unavailable.
• Specifying input distributions: For example, if arrival rates are not constant, you might
assume a Poisson or normal distribution.
Example:
For a simulation of a hospital's emergency room, you would need data on patient arrival
rates, treatment times, and staffing levels.
4. Model Implementation
After the model is formulated and input data is ready, the next step is to implement the
model in a simulation environment. This step involves coding the model using simulation
software (e.g., MATLAB, Simul8, Arena, or any custom programming languages like Python
or C++) and ensuring it accurately reflects the system's behavior.
Steps include:
• Programming the model: This involves converting the mathematical model into an
algorithm or code.
• Simulating the system's behavior: Set up the simulation to run based on the input data
and defined system behaviors.
Example:
Using a tool like Arena, you would create a flowchart representing the process of customer
arrivals, queueing, and service, and program the specific parameters like service rates and
waiting times.

5. Verification and Validation


Verification and validation ensure that the simulation model works correctly and accurately
represents the real-world system.
Steps include:
• Verification: Check if the simulation model has been implemented correctly. Are the
mathematical relationships and logic correctly translated into the software?
• Validation: Ensure that the model produces results that are realistic and match observed
behaviors from the real-world system.
Example:
For a hospital simulation, you might compare simulated patient wait times with historical
wait times in the actual emergency room to ensure the model is valid.

6. Experimentation and Analysis


After validating the model, run experiments using different inputs or scenarios to observe
how the system behaves under various conditions. This step involves gathering data about the
system's performance and analyzing it to understand its behavior.
Steps include:
• Running the simulation: Perform multiple runs with different parameters to assess the
impact of changes in the system.
• Analyzing output data: Collect results such as waiting times, system utilization, or
throughput.
• Performing sensitivity analysis: Check how sensitive the system is to changes in key
inputs (e.g., service rate, arrival rate).
Example:
Run the simulation of the checkout process with different numbers of cashiers or varying
customer arrival rates to see how these factors affect customer wait times.

7. Interpretation of Results
Once you have gathered the output data, you need to interpret the results to gain insights
and make decisions.
Steps include:
• Analyzing performance measures: Key performance indicators (KPIs) might include
average waiting time, service efficiency, or system utilization.
• Identifying trends: Look for trends or patterns that can help optimize the system.
• Making recommendations: Based on the analysis, decide what changes need to be made
in the real system.
Example:
If the simulation shows that customer wait times increase significantly as the arrival rate
exceeds a certain threshold, the recommendation might be to add more cashiers during peak
hours.

8. Decision-Making
The insights gained from the simulation results should now be used to make informed
decisions. This could involve adjusting strategies, policies, or resource allocation based on
the analysis.
Example:
If the queuing simulation suggests that increasing the number of service counters reduces
waiting time, the decision may be to hire more staff or extend store hours.
9. Implementation of the Solution
Once decisions are made, the next step is to implement the solution in the real-world
system. The recommendations derived from the simulation can be applied to improve the
system's efficiency or solve the identified problems.
Example:
Implementing the decision to add more checkout counters during peak times in the store.

10. Monitoring and Updating


After the solution has been implemented, it’s important to continuously monitor the
system’s performance and make adjustments as needed. The environment may change over
time, so periodic updates to the simulation model may be required.
Steps include:
• Monitoring real-world results: Track the performance of the real system after
implementing changes.
• Updating the model: Revise the model as new data becomes available or if the system’s
conditions change.
Example:
If customer arrival patterns change over time, update the simulation model to reflect these
new conditions and re-run the experiments to ensure the system remains optimal.

Conclusion
Simulation is a powerful technique for modeling complex systems, experimenting with
different scenarios, and making data-driven decisions. By following these steps,
organizations can use simulations to predict future outcomes, test hypotheses, and optimize
their operations in a cost-effective and risk-free manner.

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