Why Transient Analysis Can Be De-Emphasized in Undergraduate Simulation Courses

We present the results of coverage tests performed to validate our preliminary analysis indicating that determining `appropriate' run length is more important for obtaining coverage than performing `proper' transient analysis. Our preliminary experiment was designed with the intention of showing students the pitfalls of performing `bad' transient analysis when estimating steady-state parameters. However, we found that for short run lengths any transient turncation diminishes coverage; and it is only beneficial to delete transient data when long runs of the output data are available. As with the preliminary analysis, two types of systems are analyzed (M/M/1/GD/∞/∞ systems and an M/M/s/GD/∞/∞); additionally, coverage tests are also conducted on 3-stage M/M/1/GD/∞/∞ queuing systems. The coverage analysis supports our preliminary conclusion: when first exposing students to the subject of output analysis on non-terminating systems, strong emphasis should be placed on choosing proper run length and the time devoted to transient analysis can be reduced.