1. When customers visit a supermarket, they do not expect to wait in checkout queues for too long, however the supermarket manager cannot afford to have all the checkouts open all of the time.
In an attempt to solve the problem the supermarket manager may decide to make a computer model using a spreadsheet to calculate the optimum number of checkouts that should be open at any time. N07P1
(a) Define the term computer model. (2)
Computer-based system that uses mathematical formulas to help for analysis, predicting, and planning.
(b) Describe two inputs into the model that would be needed in order to calculate the best number of checkout operators. (4)
The first input that would be needed in order to calculate the best number of checkout operators is the average time it takes for a cashier to ring a customer through. Customers want to finish shopping quickly and be on their way. If the time takes too long then the customer will be unsatisfied and won't return to that store. This would also mean the manager would need more registers open to speed up the process, but this means he must pay more employees. The second input the manager would need is the busiest times of day. This would allow him to calculate the number of customers in the store at this time and help him decide how many registers he would need open. It would also help him make the schedule and shift changes because he needs less registers open between peak hours.
(c) Explain why this or any other computer model may not give accurate results. (4)
The inputs are not concrete or the same everyday. The busy hours each day may change. If a huge storm is coming then a greater influx of customers will be seen at the store which a manager may not be prepared for. If a big game is on that night then people will be tailgating an barbecuing meaning there would be more people in the store than was anticipated. Second one can never know whether an employee is working at full capacity. People have off-days and outside stressors affect how an employee performs on a given day. One day that person may ring customers through at an average of 90 seconds per transaction and the next day due to unknown circumstance ring them through at 180 seconds per person.
2. Computer models and computer simulations are often used by businesses to test and train staff. One situation where a computer simulation is used is in the training of airline pilots. M07P1
(a) Define the term computer simulation. (2)
Use of a computer-generated system to represent the dynamic responses and behaviour of a real or proposed system. A mathematical description of a system is developed as a computer program that uses equations to represent the functional relationships within the system. When the program is run, the resulting mathematical dynamics form an analog, usually represented graphically, of the behaviour of the modeled system. Variables in the program can be adjusted to simulate varying conditions in the system.
(b) Describe two input devices that would be used in a pilot training computer simulation. (4)
One input would be the control panel in the cockpit. This panel contains many buttons and switches that are used to fly the plane. The pilot needs to get used to where they are in relation to his/her seat and how to use them efficiently. The second input would be the joystick. The joystick would be connected to the simulator and it allows the pilot to get a feel for how it works in relation to the plane.
(c) Explain one benefit and one problem associated with training pilots on simulators instead of using real planes. (4)
One problem associated with training pilots on simulators instead of using real planes is the stress factor of being in a real plane. There are many variables that affect the stress level on a pilot and these will be greatly lowered when using a simulator. One example is the fact that the pilot is flying a real plane. The threat/consequences of crashing the real plane are higher instead of in the simulator. A second example is the effect of stress on the body. Because stress levels will be higher in the live situation the pilot may make mistakes and perform less than up to par.
One benefit of this is connected to my second example. By allowing the pilots to practice over and over in the simulator they will know the planes and how to fly inside and out. This virtually eliminates any fumbling in the cockpit during the live flight. While the stress will be there, the pilot will be experienced in all aspects of flying and can tell themselves "I know how to do this."; allowing them to relax.
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