Simulation Modeling

Simulation Modeling

Simulation modeling is the process of replicating an existing (or potential) system into a simulation model using software and technology. Simulation models represent great resources for testing multiple systems hypothetical scenarios in risk-free environments while being able to manipulate their parameters, constraints and logic without having to incur in high costs.

However, even with the use of cutting-edge technologies and software, replicating a system into a simulation model represents a challenging task. …

Python for Industrial Engineers

Reliability

Reliability is the probability that an item, product, machine or equipment will perform a required function for a given period of time, under certain operating conditions. In other words, it is the probability of a non-failure over time.

Simulation Modeling

Simulation Modeling

Simulation is one of the most widely used operations research and management science techniques. It consists in the use of mathematical methods and computer techniques to imitate or simulate the operations of various kinds of real-world facilities and process, referred as systems. The assumptions of how a system works usually take the form of mathematical or logical relationships; they constitute a model that is used to try to gain understanding on how the corresponding system behaves.

Since most real-world systems are too complex to allow realistic models to be evaluated analytically, these models must be studied by means of simulation…

R for Engineers and Managers

Data Trees

Data tress are visual representations of hierarchical data. They are widely used in multiple fields such as decision theory, machine learning, finance, organizational management, routing algorithms, computer science and programming. Data trees help organizing data into groups and subgroups based on a hierarchy.

Data Trees Elements

• Root node: represents the very top node of the tree. All the existing data points, groups and subgroups end up linked to it. It is the node with the highest hierarchy.
• Leaves: represent children of nodes with higher hierarchies (i.e. parent nodes). They can also be parent nodes of multiple branches of leaves with lower hierarchies.
• Attributes…

R FOR Industrial Engineers

IPO Diagram

An IPO (Input-Process-Output) Diagram is a very high-level diagram used for systems analysis that visually describes business processes with the description of each component in word. It shows a process key inputs and resulting outputs after a set of operations. IPO diagrams are also widely used in software engineering applications.

Components

Inputs

Represent everything that enters the system to be processed or transformed to achieve the desired outcome. Inputs can be raw materials, information, data or even an outputs from another process.

Process

Represent the set of operations, calculations and steps required to transform the given inputs into the desired outcome. …

Programming Basics

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a code hosting platform for version control and collaboration. It lets you and others work together on projects from anywhere. GitHub provides access control and several collaboration features such as bug tracking, feature requests, task management, continuous integration and wikis for personal, enterprise and open source project.

Creating a GitHub Profile

Don’t have a GitHub account yet? No problem. Create one here by clicking on the ‘Sign up’ button located in the right top corner. You will be asked to define a username, email address, new password and to verify your account.

Creating a New Repository

Whenever your are interested in starting a brand new project…

R for Probability and Statistics

What is Sampling?

Sampling is the process of selecting a random number of units from a known population. It allows obtaining information and drawing conclusions about a population based on the statistics of such units (i.e. the sample), without the need of having to study the entire population.

Why is Sampling Used?

Sampling is performed for multiple reasons, including:

• Cases where it is impossible to study the entire population due to its size
• Cases where the sampling process involves samples destructive testing
• Cases where there are time and costs constrains

Sampling Techniques

There are two types of sampling techniques:

• Probability sampling: cases when every unit from a given population…

Python for Financial Analysis

Stock Market and Investments

There is one main fundamental principle to make a profit out of investments in the stock market: sell stocks at a higher price than what you paid for. In other words: buy low, sell high. As simple as it sounds, but not as simple as it is.

However, there is always a time lapse between the stock price at its acquisition and its price at its selling; either its price increases or drops. For some stocks, the time required to increase (or decrease) their price is shorter or longer than for others. …