Sensitivity Analysis in Discrete Event Simulation Using Design of Experiments.

Simulation is a widely used methodology in all Applied Science disciplines. This textbook focuses on this crucial phase in the overall process of applying simulation, and includes the best of both classic and modern methods of simulation experimentation. This book will be the standard reference book on the topic for both researchers and sophisticated practitioners, and it will be used as a textbook in courses or seminars focusing on this topic.

This is a new edition of Kleijnen’s advanced expository book on statistical methods for the Design and Analysis of Simulation Experiments (DASE). Altogether, this new edition has approximately 50% new material not in the original book. More specifically, the author has made significant changes to the book’s organization, including placing the chapter on Screening Designs immediately after the chapters on Classic Designs, and reversing the order of the chapters on Simulation Optimization and Kriging Metamodels. The latter two chapters reflect how active the research has been in these areas. The validation section has been moved into the chapter on Classic Assumptions versus Simulation Practice, and the chapter on Screening now has a section on selecting the number of replications in sequential bifurcation through Wald’s sequential probability ration test, as well as a section on sequential bifurcation for multiple types of simulation responses. Whereas all references in the original edition were placed at the end of the book, in this edition references are placed at the end of each chapter. From Reviews of the First Edition: “Jack Kleijnen has once again produced a cutting-edge approach to the design and analysis of simulation experiments.” (William E. BILES, JASA, June 2009, Vol. 104, No. 486)

Sensitivity analysis should be considered a pre-requisite for statistical model building in any scientific discipline where modelling takes place. For a non-expert, choosing the method of analysis for their model is complex, and depends on a number of factors. This book guides the non-expert through their problem in order to enable them to choose and apply the most appropriate method. It offers a review of the state-of-the-art in sensitivity analysis, and is suitable for a wide range of practitioners. It is focussed on the use of SIMLAB – a widely distributed freely-available sensitivity analysis software package developed by the authors – for solving problems in sensitivity analysis of statistical models. Other key features: Provides an accessible overview of the current most widely used methods for sensitivity analysis. Opens with a detailed worked example to explain the motivation behind the book. Includes a range of examples to help illustrate the concepts discussed. Focuses on implementation of the methods in the software SIMLAB - a freely-available sensitivity analysis software package developed by the authors. Contains a large number of references to sources for further reading. Authored by the leading authorities on sensitivity analysis.

Sensitivity analysis is used to ascertain how a given model output depends upon the input parameters. This is an important method for checking the quality of a given model, as well as a powerful tool for checking the robustness and reliability of its analysis. The topic is acknowledged as essential for good modelling practice, and is an implicit part of any modelling field. · Offers an accessible introduction to sensitivity analysis · Covers all the latest research · Illustrates concepts with numerous examples, applications and case studies · Includes contributions form the leading researchers active in developing strategies for sensitivity analysis The principles of sensitivity analysis area carefully described, and suitable methods for approaching many types of problems are given. The book introduces the modeller to the entire causal assessment chain, from data to predictions, whilst explaining the impact of source uncertainties and framing assumptions. A 'hitch-hiker's guide' is included to allow the more experienced reader to readily access specific applications. Modellers from a wide range of disciplines, including biostatistics, economics, environmental impact assessment, chemistry and engineering will benefit greatly form the numerous examples and applications.