Building and Analyzing Discrete Event Simulation Models of Complex Systems: A Computational Complexity Approach

摘要

Discrete event simulation is a powerful modeling tool for analyzing complex systems (typically found in manufacturing and production environments) that cannot be studied analytically. A severe limitation of this approach has been the lack of a comprehensive environment that facilitates the construction and analysis of such models. This limitation has resulted in a skewed perception of simulation as a method of "last resort".rnThe objective of this research is to use tools from combinatorial optimization and computational complexity theory to explain why such a modeling and analysis environment has not been forthcoming, and how practitioners can be helped to overcome this barrier. This involves studying simulation model building and analysis questions theoretically, as well as designing algorithms and heuristics to provide practical tools for those involved in constructing large-scale simulation models of complex systems.