ISE 403: Homework Lab #1, Fall 2013

Due: Tuesday September 3, 2013 at 11:59pm (submit electronically through e-mail to schultz_sr@mercer.edu)

1. In the hand simulation of the simple processing system in Chapter 2, define another time-persistent statistic as the total number of parts in the system (also called Work-In-Process(WIP)). The total number in the system includes the parts in the queue and the part(s) in service. Augment Table 2-2 (in the Arena textbook) to track this as a new global variable and add new statistical accumulators to get its time average and maximum. Compute the values of all the statistics at the end (time = 20.0).
   
   Hand in a revised Table 2.2 with the new variable for all parts (entities) visible. Show calculations needed so that you get partial credit even if you get the wrong answer.
   
   
2. In the preceding problem, did you really need to add state variables and keep track of new accumulators to get the time-average number of parts in the system? If not, why not? How about the maximum number of parts in the system?
   
   
3. There is a very important relationship in systems engineering that relates WIP and Cycle Time, called Little's Theorem.  It states the throughput is equal to the WIP divided by the Cycle Time.  Throughput is parts per unit time (namely the number of parts produced in the 20 minutes of simulation).  Does Little's Theorem hold in this case?
   
   Show your calculations and state whether Little's Theorem holds.
   

Submit in one file:

• Revised Table 2.2 (only need to show pertinent columns) with additional columns. Clearly define the additions. Show how the values are obtained through sample calculations.
• Keep your answers to question 2 brief. Use not more than three sentences for each question.
  
• Show calculations to demonstrate whether Little's Theorem holds. In three or four sentences state why is does or does not hold.