Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA) is a method for computing a sample path derivative with respect to an input parameter in a discrete event simulation. The IPA algorithm is based on the fact that for certain parameters and any realization of a simulation, the change in parameter can be...

The technique of perturbation analysis has recently been introduced as an efficient way to compute parameter sensitivities for discrete event systems. Thus far, the statistical properties of perturbation analysis have been validated mainly through experiments. This paper considers, for an M/G/1...

We present a model which enables efficient analysis of certain types of closed queueing networks with blocking due to limited buffer spaces. The networks analyzed are those in which the limited buffers occur in tandem subnetworks. A new model, with variable buffer-size, is introduced as a...

The models developed in this paper seek to open up the `black-box' of learning. I suggest that we need to think of learning-by-doing as a process of knowledge creation on the shop-floor by specialized teams of engineers. Learning is to be viewed, therefore, as a conscious decision and not a mere...