Integrating computer-aided modeling and micro-simulation in multi-criteria evaluation of service infrastructure assignment approaches
Abstract: This paper proposes
an integrated computer-supported multi-staged approach to the flexible design
and multicriteria evaluation of service infrastructure assignment processes/
algorithms.
Design/methodology/approach: It involves particularizing a metamodel
encompassing the main generic components and relationships into process models
and process instances, by incorporating structural data from the real-life
system. Existing data on the target user population is fed into a
micro-modeling system to generate a matching population of individual “virtual”
users, each with its own set of trait values. The micro-simulation of their interaction
with the assignment process of both the incumbent and the competitors generates
a rich multi-dimensional output, encompassing both “revealed” and
non-observable data. This enables a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation of
the foreseeable performance of the designed process/ algorithm, and therefore
its iterative improvement.
Findings: The research project developed a set of methodologies and
associated supporting tools encompassing the modeling, micro-simulation and
performance assessment of service infrastructure assignment processes.
Originality/value: The proposed approach facilitates, in a multicriteria
environment, the flexible modeling/design of situation-specific assignment
processes/algorithms and their performance assessment when facing their
case-specific user population.
Keywords: Infrastructure
assignment; metamodeling; microsimulation; multicriteria; simulation platforms
Author: Alfonso Duran, Isabel
Garcia, Miguel Gutierrez
Journal Code: jptindustrigg130029
