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Date November 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19N.2.SL.TZ0.5
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone no time zone
Command term Identify Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

A supermarket chain has identified four potential locations to build a distribution centre. The distribution centre will store goods and distribute them to a large number of supermarkets in the region.

A computer simulation will be run to determine the best location to build the distribution centre.

Outline two reasons for using a computer simulation in this scenario.

[4]
a.

Identify two data inputs for this computer simulation model.

[2]
b.i.

Identify two criteria that may be used to determine the best location to build the distribution centre.

[2]
b.ii.

Discuss how the simulation model will use the data inputs in (b)(i) and the criteria identified in (b)(ii) to generate recommendations.

[6]
b.iii.

Outline why the use of a computer simulation may not be beneficial.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

Award [1 mark] for reason and [1 mark] for expansion [4 marks max].
Cost;
Building a distribution centre is expensive so it is impractical to build four centres to see which one is the best location / build the centre in a poor site location;

Time;
The time to build and run the simulation is much less than building a distribution centre;

Amendments to input data / extra variables added;
The simulation could be adjusted to factor in unforeseen variables / run worst case scenario e.g. roadworks, changes in traffic congestion, new housing being built in the area;

Mark as [2] and [2].

a.

Award [2 max].
Road networks to and from the distribution sites;
Location of the supermarkets / distance to the supermarkets;
Location of the port / airport / station that delivers the products to the distribution centre;
Cost of the land for each of the sites;
Average labour costs in the area;
Time taken to drive from the site to each supermarket at different times of the day;

b.i.

Award [2 max].
Overall costs to build the distribution centre for each site;
Running costs to receive shipments / distribute goods;
Time taken to build the distribution centre at each of the sites;
Time taken to distribute goods / shipments to arrive;

b.ii.

Award [6 max].

Overall costs to build the distribution centre for each site;
Inputs of labour rate, time taken to build, cost of land are inputted;
Simulation is run with a variety of scenarios (e.g. number of workers, rate of pay for labour; cost of materials);

Running costs to receive shipments / distribute goods;
Inputs of fuel cost, distance to each supermarket / sites, fuel economy, number of trips, etc.
Simulation is run with a variety of scenarios (eg fuel price increases, congestion reduces fuel economy, more trips needed to ship goods)

Time taken to build the distribution centre at each of the sites;
Inputs for number of diggers, number of workers, building materials delivery schedule;
Simulation is run with scenarios (delay in window deliveries, change in the number of builders, etc.)

Time taken to distribute goods / shipments to arrive;
Inputs for time taken to travel to destination, number of vehicles; length of time to load / unload goods, etc.;
Simulation is run with scenarios (e.g. Increased traffic congestion, number of vehicles shipping goods, etc.)

b.iii.

Award [2 max].
The cost outweighs the benefit;
It may be impossible to simulate a simulation / too many variables / too many confounding factors;
No positive reasons such as time/danger/modification;

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.i.
[N/A]
b.ii.
[N/A]
b.iii.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Modelling and simulation » B.1 The basic model
Option B: Modelling and simulation

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