Building a knowledge based simulation optimization system with discovery learning

Simulation optimization is a developing research area whereby a set of input conditions is sought that produce a desirable output (or outputs) to a simulation model. Although many approaches to simulation optimization have been developed, the research area is by no means mature.

This research makes three contributions in the area of simulation optimization. The first is fundamental in that it examines simulation outputs, called "response surfaces," and notes their behavior. In particular both point and region estimates are studied for different response surfaces: Conclusions are developed that indicate when and where simulation-optimization techniques such as Response Surface Methodology should be applied.

The second contribution provides assistance in selecting a region to begin a simulation-optimization search. The new method is based upon the artificial intelligence based approach best-first search. Two examples of the method are given.

The final contribution of this research expands upon the ideas by Crouch for building a "Learner" to improve heuristics in simulation over time. The particular case of parameter-modification learning is developed and illustrated by example.

The dissertation concludes with limitations and suggestions for future work.