Question

Which of the following activities do you expect to be performance oriented and which are simulation oriented? a. The design of an automated shuttle system (often used at airports between terminals) b. The design of a model predicting the path of a hurricane c. The design of a Web search database used to derive and maintain indices for documents stored on the World Wide Web d. The design of a model of a nation's economy for testing theories e. The design of a program for monitoring a patient's vital signs

Short answer

a, c, e are performance-oriented; b, d are simulation-oriented.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Terminology

In this exercise, you are given a list of design activities and asked to classify them as either performance-oriented or simulation-oriented. - **Performance-Oriented**: These activities are focused on the real-world implementation and effectiveness in performing tasks efficiently. - **Simulation-Oriented**: These activities aim to mimic or imitate real-world systems to predict or analyze different outcomes under various scenarios.

Analyze Activity a

**Activity**: The design of an automated shuttle system. This is performance-oriented because it focuses on creating a real system that operates efficiently and safely to transport people between locations.

Analyze Activity b

**Activity**: The design of a model predicting the path of a hurricane. This is simulation-oriented because it involves creating models to predict and study various potential paths a hurricane might take.

Analyze Activity c

**Activity**: The design of a Web search database used to derive and maintain indices for documents stored on the World Wide Web. This is performance-oriented because it requires constructing an efficient system to quickly retrieve and index vast amounts of data.

Analyze Activity d

**Activity**: The design of a model of a nation's economy for testing theories. This is simulation-oriented because it involves creating a mathematical or computational model to predict and analyze different economic scenarios and test theories.

Analyze Activity e

**Activity**: The design of a program for monitoring a patient's vital signs. This is performance-oriented because it is concerned with the accurate and continuous observation of vital signs in a real-world medical environment.

Key concepts

Performance-Oriented Design

Performance-oriented design is primarily focused on creating efficient, practical, and effective solutions that are implemented in the real world. The goal is to enhance productivity, reliability, and overall system efficiency. This approach is about ensuring that the system performs well under real-world conditions.

For instance, in the context of an automated shuttle system, performance-oriented design tasks include:

• Ensuring the shuttle efficiently transports passengers between terminals.
• Implementing reliable and safe operations under varying conditions.
• Optimizing energy consumption and minimizing downtime.

The emphasis in performance-oriented design is often on speed, accuracy, and resource management to meet the user's needs effectively and consistently.

Simulation-Oriented Design

Simulation-oriented design involves the creation of models that imitate real-world systems to analyze and predict outcomes. This approach is an essential tool for understanding complex systems where real-world testing may be impractical.

• It allows designers to explore different scenarios, test theories, and analyze potential outcomes.
• Simulations can be used to study processes that are too dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to test in the real world.

For example, designing a model to predict hurricane paths is inherently simulation-oriented. It involves using computer models to simulate complex weather patterns and forecast possible trajectories. Such simulations are critical for planning emergency responses and minimizing potential damage.

Automated Shuttle Systems

Automated shuttle systems are an excellent example of a performance-oriented design application. These systems are often used in environments like airports, where efficiency and dependability are paramount.

• The design process must consider logistics such as routing, capacity, and scheduling.
• Safety measures must be robust to protect passengers during transit.
• Systems should be designed to adapt to changing conditions, such as varying passenger loads and external weather factors.

The ultimate aim is to ensure that the system operates as seamlessly and efficiently as possible, providing a positive experience for users.

Economic Modeling

Economic modeling fits within the domain of simulation-oriented design. These models are constructed to analyze and predict economic behaviors and test economic theories under various conditions.

• Economic models can simulate the impact of policy changes, market fluctuations, and other economic variables on a nation's economy.
• By altering model parameters, analysts can explore potential outcomes and identify optimal strategies.
• This approach assists policymakers in making informed decisions by forecasting potential results of economic policies.

Simulation through economic modeling is invaluable in today's fast-changing economy, providing insights that guide strategic planning and decision-making.