Tracks

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Advanced Tutorials
Agent-Based Simulation
Analysis Methodology
Aviation Modeling and Analysis
Case Studies
Complex, Intelligent, Adaptive and Autonomous Systems (CIAAS)
Cyber-Physical Systems
Environment and Sustainability Applications
Gaming
Healthcare Applications[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Homeland Security Enterprise
Hybrid Simulation
Introductory Tutorials
Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Manufacturing Applications
Military Applications
Modeling and Analysis of Semiconductor Manufacturing (MASM)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Modeling Methodology
Networks and Communications
Poster
Project Management and Construction
Simulation Education
Simulation Optimization
Simulation for a Noble Cause
Simulation Standards and Reproducibility
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Advanced Tutorials

Track Coordinator: Adelinde Uhrmacher University of Rostock, and Susan Sanchez, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

The Advanced Tutorials track is oriented toward more experienced practitioners and researchers who do not necessarily specialize in simulation research, but nevertheless seek the latest modeling and analysis tools and techniques for advanced applications. Special-focus sessions within the Advanced Tutorials Track give practitioners and researchers a survey of recent fundamental advances in the theory of simulation modeling and analysis.

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Agent-Based Simulation

Track Coordinators: Bhakti Stephan Onggo, Trinity College Dublin, and Victor Chan, Tsinghua University

The Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) track is interested in theoretical, methodological and applied research that involves synergistic interaction between simulation and agent technologies. It covers multi-agent systems, agent-based simulation and agent-directed simulation. Contributions to the ABS track can be advancements of agent-based simulation modeling and/or analysis, studies of complex adaptive systems or self-organizing emergent phenomena using agent-based models, and applications of ABS to fields such as biomedical sciences, business, engineering, environment, individual, group, organizational behavior, social systems and intelligent transportation systems. Also, of interest are contributions that demonstrate the use of agents as support facilities to enable computer assistance in simulation-based problem solving (i.e., agent-supported simulation), or the use of agents for the generation of model behavior in a simulation study.Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Theory and Methodologies:

High-level specification or modelling languages for agent-based simulation
Advanced execution platform for agent-based simulation (e.g. cloud, edge computing)
Formal models of agents and agent societies
Verification, validation, testing; quality assurance; as well as failure avoidance in agent-based simulations
Experiments and output analysis of agent-based simulations
Advanced agent features for agent-directed simulation: e.g., agent-based simulation to monitor multi- simulation studies, agents in design and monitoring of simulation experiments and analysis of results
Interface with artificial intelligence and analytics
Incorporating big-data into agent-based models

Applications

Autonomous and adaptive systems
Complex adaptive systems modeling
Self-organizing systems
Applications in business or management (e.g. operations, supply chain, marketing, finance)
Applications in physical science and engineering (e.g. environment, biomedical, engineering)
Applications in social sciences
Simulation modeling of agent technologies at the organization, interaction (e.g., communication, negotiation, coordination, collaboration) and agent level (e.g., deliberation, social agents, computational autonomy)

Technology, Tools, Toolkits and Environments:

Agent infrastructures and supporting technologies (e.g., interoperability, agent-oriented simulation software engineering environments)
Agent architectures, platforms, and frameworks
Standard APIs for agent simulation programming

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Analysis Methodology

Track Coordinator: Marko Hofmann, University of the German Armed Forces, and Wei Xie, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Analysis Methodology track is intended to cover a variety of empirical, computational, mathematical and statistical techniques in the context of their application to simulations. Papers covering the construction and calibration of simulation inputs that either improve upon standard approaches or introduce new methods are encouraged. Similarly papers covering the analysis of simulation output that aims to meaningfully interpret the information produced by simulations and allows modelers to make useful inferences regarding the simulated system are also included. Finally, papers that deal with the efficiency, accuracy and appropriateness of a simulation as a representative model of some actual system are also covered by the Analysis Methodology track. The main focus of this track is to explore methods for obtaining better inputs, estimates or inferences using practical or novel approaches. We also welcome suggestions for sessions on emerging topics. Nonconventional methods, methods dealing with non-stationary time series, and methods for dealing with nonlinear dynamics are welcome.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Simulation methodologies for system design and control
Statistical issues of input and output analysis
Simulation for risk management
Constructing and calibrating non-stationary inputs
Theoretical and practical problems of simulation output interpretation
Calibration of simulation systems
Interpretation and handling of data variation in simulation models
Sensitivity analysis and robustness of simulation results
Metamodeling and Multimodeling
Epistemological issues of Simulation-based Analysis

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Aviation Modeling and Analysis

Track Coordinators: Miguel Mujica Mota, HVA – Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (NL)

The world’s air transportation system is preparing for an influx of new users with diverse needs, while simultaneously growing in its traditional areas. The Aviation Track aims to cover most of the important areas of the aviation industry where simulation alone or together with other techniques can provide solutions. Therefore, we invite researchers from research institutions, universities, airlines, air navigation service providers, and industry to submit original papers presenting results of their work.

Areas of interest are, but not limited to:

Human-in-the-Loop simulations for training and for evaluating new technologies
Airports
Capacity & efficiency improvement
Airport capacity forecast
Business intelligence for airports
Multi-Airport Systems
Small and regional airport development
Airline operations
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul and Lean MRO
Optimization of operational processes or specific problems in aviation
Air Traffic Management
ATC/AIRPORT systems
Predictability of air transportation operations
Unmanned airborne systems
Trajectory modeling
Safety of interactions with manned aviation
Air traffic control concepts
Development of incident investigation
Environmental effects of aviation
Cargo problems in aviation
Multimodality where aviation is involved
Economics of the air transportation system
Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance systems

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Case Studies

Track Coordinator: Sven Spieckermann, SimPlan AG, and José Arnaldo B. Montevechi, Universidade Federal de Itajubá (UNIFEI)

The Case Studies Track serves as a multidisciplinary forum for professionals to share what they have learned modeling real world problems using simulation. The applications are open to all areas including, but not limited to:

Manufacturing
Logistics and distribution
Healthcare
Mining
Social and human behavior
Aerospace
Food services
Military
Data analytics
Standard implementations

The track will consist of 30-minute presentations, which should include time for questions and answers. The presentations should focus on a specific problem where simulation was utilized to conduct an analysis and provide recommendations for potential solutions. A two-page extended abstract is required to be submitted for consideration via the WSC submission site. No full length paper is required. The extended abstract should, at a minimum, describe the problem, the simulation methods used, the results, and the impact/benefits of the project. A separate shorter version of the abstract limited to 150 words must also be submitted. The abstracts will be reviewed and those case studies selected for presentation at WSC will have their abstract appear in the final program of WSC and on the WSC Archive website to share what they have learned modeling real world problems. If you are interested in having a relevant panel session in the case study track, a two-page extended abstract that described the panel needs to be submitted. A 90- mins panel slot will be allocated to those whose panel proposals have been accepted. Online submission for the Case Studies Track will open in June 2017. Case Study track papers should use the standard template for submission, and submit papers 2 pages long only.

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Complex, Intelligent, Adaptive and Autonomous Systems (CIAAS)

Track Coordinators: Saurabh Mittal, MITRE Corporation, Jose L. Risco Martin, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, Marco Lutzenberger, DAI-Lab, TU Berlin, Germany, and Claudia Szabo, University of Adelaide, Australia

The increasing popularity of the Internet of Things, or IoT metaphor emphasizes that heterogeneous systems are the norm today. A system deployed in a netcentric environment eventually becomes a part of a system of systems (SoS). This SoS also incorporates adaptive and autonomous elements (such as systems that have different levels of autonomy and situated behavior). This makes design, analysis and testing for the system-at-hand a complex endeavor.

Testing in isolation is not the same as a real-system operation, since the system’s behavior is also determined by the input, which evolves from the environment. This exact factor is difficult to predict, due to an ever-increasing level of autonomy. Advanced Modeling and Simulation (M&S) frameworks are required to facilitate SoS design, development, testing, and integration. In more particular, these frameworks must provide methods to deal with intelligent, emergent, and adaptive behavior as well as autonomy.

The subject of emergent behavior and M&S of emergent behaviors takes the center stage in such systems as it is unknown how a system responds in the face of emergent behavior arising out of interactions with other complex systems. Intelligent behavior is also defined as an emergent property in some complex systems. Consequently, systems that respond and adapt to such behaviors may be called intelligent systems as well. This track has two objectives.

The first objective aims to focus on M&S of the following aspects of complex SoS engineering and brings researchers, developers and industry practitioners working in the areas of complex, adaptive and autonomous SoS engineering that may incorporate human as an integral part of SoS operations. This objective covers the following topics:

Theory for adaptive and autonomous systems
Intelligence-based systems
Computational intelligence and cognitive systems
Human-in-the-loop systems
M&S Frameworks for intelligent behavior
Methodologies, tools, and architectures for adaptive control systems
Knowledge engineering, generation and management in CIAAS
Weak and Strong emergent behavior, Emergent Engineering
Complex adaptive systems engineering
Self-* (organization, explanation, configuration) capability and collaborative behavior in CIAAS
Applications to robotics, unmanned vehicles systems, swarm technology, semantic web technology, and multi-agent systems
Netcentric CIAAS
Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) environments
Simulator design for CIAAS systems
Modeling tools for CIAAS design
Modeling, engineering, testing and verification of complex behavior
Development and testing of complex and distributed systems
Modeling, simulating, and testing IoT environments and applications

The second objective is to incorporate Complexity Science to advance the M&S of CIAAS. Complexity is a multi-level phenomenon that exists at structural, behavioral and knowledge levels in such SoS. Emergent behavior is an outcome of this complexity. Understanding emergent behavior as an outcome of this complexity will provide foundation for resilient intelligent systems, and M&S thereof. Following are some of the topics related to this objective, but not limited to:

Complexity in Structure: network, hierarchical, small-world, flat, etc.
Complexity in Behavior: Micro and macro behaviors, local and global behaviors, teleologic and epistemological behaviors
Complexity in Knowledge: ontology design, ontology-driven modeling, ontology-evaluation, ontology transformation, etc.
Complexity in Human-in-the-loop: artificial agents, cognitive agents, multi-agents, man-in-loop, human-computer-interaction
Complexity in intelligence-based systems: Situated behavior, knowledge-based behavior, mnemonic behavior, resource-constrained systems, energy-aware systems
Complexity in adaptation and autonomy
Complexity in architecture: Flat, full-mesh, hierarchical, adaptive, swarm, transformative
Complexity in awareness: Self-* (organization, explanation, configuration)
Complexity in interactions: collaboration, negotiation, greedy, rule-based, environment-based, etc.
Complexity in Live, Virtual and Constructive environment
Complexity in artificial systems, social systems, techno-economic-social systems
Complexity in model engineering of complex SoS
Complexity in model specification using modeling languages and architecture frameworks such as UML, PetriNets, SysML, DoDAF, MoDAF, UAF, etc.
Complexity in Simulation environment engineering: distributed simulation, parallel simulation, cloud simulation, netcentric parallel distributed environments
Complexity in Testing and Evaluation (T&E) tools for SoS engineering
Complexity in Heterogeneity: Hardware/Software Co-design, Hardware in the Loop, Cyber Physical Systems, the Internet of Things
Metrics for Complexity design and evaluation
Verification, validation and accreditation of Complexity in SoS
Application of Complexity aspects in domain engineering: Financial, Power, Robotics, Swarm, Economic, Policy, etc.
SoS Failure due to Complexity

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Cyber-Physical Systems

Track Coordinators: M. Teresa Higuera-Toledano, Complutense University of Madrid (SP), Nikos Arechiga, Toyota Research Institute, and Gabor Karsai, Vanderbilt University

Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) are complex engineered systems whose operations are controlled, coordinated, monitored, and integrated by computer-based algorithms. Examples of CPS include smart grids, autonomous automotive and avionics systems, medical monitoring and control, process control systems, robotic systems, and automatic pilot avionics. This computing power is embedded in the physical environment of a wide variety of objects and structures, and is interconnected using networks. Such tightly coupled computations and communication capabilities allow CPS to augment with physical processes with new capabilities. With the advent of low-cost programmable internet-ready hardware, CPS are rapidly becoming internet-connected. Such an Internet of Things (IoT) opens new possibilities for collecting, managing and processing large data sets to manage and control such systems at different temporal, physical, and geographical scales. Advances in the CPS and IoT domains are having great economic, social and technical impacts. Therefore, there is an emerging consensus that new methodologies and tools are needed for developing such systems.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Modeling and simulation of CPS
Multi-domain and multi-formalism modeling and analysis of CPS
Distributed and cloud computing for the design and analysis of complex CPS
Design automation tools and tool chains for model-based design of CPS
Design of networking systems for CPS
Control of (networked) CPS
Simulation-guided formal verification of safety-critical CPS
Resilient and robust system design of CPS and IoT
Security and privacy of CPS and IoT
Ubiquitous and pervasive computing for enhanced user interactions with CPS and IoT
Wearable and biomedical CPS

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Environment and Sustainability Applications

Track Coordinators: Sigríður Sigurðardóttir, Arion Bank, and Jonathan Gilligan, Vanderbilt University

The Environmental and Sustainability Applications track focuses on the use of modeling and simulation for the analysis of the environment, of coupled natural-human systems, and of resilient and sustainable solutions to environmental and natural resource challenges. Application areas include ecological systems, natural disasters, renewable resources, sustainable manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, urban planning, and human-environment interaction. We solicit papers presenting new ideas, concepts, models, methods, tools, standards, and applications pertaining to the evaluation and preservation of the natural environment and its resources.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the modeling, simulation, and analysis of:

Human-environment interaction
Ecological systems
Resilience in coupled natural-human systems
Natural disasters and their impact on society
Renewable resources and related processes
Human adaptation to climate
Sustainable power grids/smart grids
Energy efficient and sustainable urban planning and design
Sustainable infrastructure
Energy/resource efficient manufacturing
Environmental modeling, visualization, and optimization
Decision support and analytics for sustainability
Information modeling and interoperability for sustainability applications

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Gaming

Track Coordinator: Sebastiaan Arno Meijer, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

The Gaming track deals with the intersection of games and simulation in application domains such as education, business, management, entertainment, training, military, and medical sciences. The track focuses on the use of simulation techniques in game design and development. The natural tension between rigor in modelling and the free and playful interaction with a simulated system through gaming will be addressed. Gaming in combination with simulation has applications in entertainment, learning, training, policy making, decision support and design. The track also focuses on the use of gaming techniques and technologies to enhance the usability of simulations, for example with innovative visualization and interactive techniques.

This track invites papers that demonstrate the application of gaming approaches and technologies, supported by simulation for learning, training, design, planning and decision making. The track also encourages papers that address the use of modeling and simulation techniques in game design and development. In particular focus is the use of interactive techniques and visualization approaches in simulation, such as Augmented and Virtual Reality.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Gaming as a method in simulation projects
Game design approaches, methodologies, and techniques (prototyping, playtesting, evaluation, risk analysis)
Game architectures and environments for learning, training and decision support
Assessment and evaluation of games
Games with simulation content for Design, Policy Making and Decision Support
Validation of simulation with gaming methods.
AI in Games
VR/AR based interaction and visualization for simulations
Multi-agent or behavioral simulation in game environments (Intelligent agents, Agent
Technologies, ABMs in game engines and game development)

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Healthcare Applications

Track Coordinators: Xiaolan Xie, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne and Maria Mayorga, NC State University

The Healthcare Applications track addresses an important area in which simulation can provide critical decision support for operational and strategic planning and decision making that individual providers (doctors/nurses, clinics, urgent care centers, hospitals) face, as well as for policy issues that must be addressed by administering systems (e.g., hospitals, insurance companies and governments). Traditionally, this track has been broad in focus, incorporating Discrete Event Simulation, System Dynamics, Agent-Based Simulation, and/or Monte Carlo simulations, with a variety of applications. A common thread is the use of simulation tools to provide insight into or to inform decisions for improved healthcare outcomes. New modelling tools that address challenges with the conceptualization or implementation of healthcare systems, and general healthcare simulations are welcome.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Admissions and control
Ancillary services
Appointment scheduling
Emergency room access
Epidemic modelling
General healthcare simulation
Global Health
Healthcare optimization
Healthcare systems
Medical decision making
Outpatient access
Outpatient capacity analysis
Payment/Payer models
Performance improvement models
Pricing models
Resource scheduling (e.g., nurse, doctor, anesthesiologist, residents, equipment, etc.)

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Homeland Security Enterprise

Track Coordinator: Jalal Mapar, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Fredrik Bynander, Swedish Defense University

The Homeland Security and Emergency Response track includes papers reporting methods and applications of simulation to Homeland Security and Emergency Response. Applications may be in any area related to homeland security such as critical infrastructure, transportation security, bio-defense, and/or may address any phase of the emergency response lifecycle, i.e., preparation/training, response, recovery and mitigation.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aviation security
Distribution of relief goods
Evacuation
GIS applications
Planning, training, and resource allocation
Preparedness and response to the needs of at-risk or injured populations
Terrorism and counter terrorism
Transportation network resiliency and reliability

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Hybrid Simulation

Track Coordinator: Navonil Mustafee, Exeter University (UK), Tillal Eldabi, Brunel University (UK), and Anatoli Djanatliev, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

The Hybrid Simulation track welcomes submission from authors that have used a combination of analytical approaches, including simulation, with the objective of overcoming the limitations associated with individual methods and techniques. Unlike the conventional M&S approach, where particular techniques have often been applied in isolation, the submissions we wish to attract will have conducted original research in the combined application of multiple methods, with the objective of achieving synergies across individual approaches and, thereby, providing greater insights to problem-solving. More specifically, our track is interested in attracting submissions that have used either:

Hybrid Simulation (HS), which is the combined application of different simulation techniques, e.g., Discrete-Event Simulation, Monte Carlo simulation, System Dynamics, Agent-Based Simulation.
Hybrid Systems Modelling (HSM), which is the combined application of M&S with methods and techniques from disciplines such as Computer Science/Applied Computing, Business Analytics, Data Science, Operations Research, Systems Engineering, Economics, Humanities and Psychology. Examples include the combined application of qualitative system dynamics, problem structuring methods, forecasting, classical optimization techniques, process mining, data mining, machine learning, game-theoretic modelling, etc. with computer simulation. The mixed method approach could be applied to different stages of an M&S study (problem formulation, model implementation, V&V, experimentation, etc.).

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Synthesis of existing literature in HS and HSM
Taxonomy of HS and HSM
Comparing HS and HSM
Methodology, e.g., papers presenting the conceptualization of HS or HSM through use of frameworks and modelling formalisms
Studies focusing on case studies that have applied HS and HSM in various domains
Technical papers on the development of software artefacts for facilitating HS or HSM
Conceptual modelling for HS and HSM
Papers on validation and verification of HS and HSM
The combined application of ABS-SD- DES
The combined use of Simulation with methods and techniques from other disciplines, e.g., ABS and metaheuristics, predictive analytics and simulation, DES and game theory.
Combined application of simulation with behavioral studies (commonly referred to as Behavioral Operations Research)

The track will be organized into specific themes, for example:

Hybrid Systems Modelling
Methodological aspects of HS and HSM
Modelling human behavior using HS
HS for healthcare planning
HS for planning and scheduling
HS for sustainable operations management

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Introductory Tutorials

Track Coordinator: Anastasia Anagnostou, Brunel University London, and Jeff Joines, North Carolina State University

The Introductory Tutorials track is oriented toward professionals in modeling and simulation interested in broadening or refreshing their knowledge of the field. Tutorials cover all areas including mathematical and statistical foundations, methods, application areas and software tools.

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Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Track Coordinators: Markus Rabe, Technical University of Dortmund, and David Goldsman, Georgia Institute of Technology

The nature of highly dynamic and complex networks of supply, intralogistics, and distribution leads to decreasing transparency at increasing risk. Therefore, managers who are responsible for supply chain management and logistics require effective tools to provide credible analysis in this dynamic environment. In order to facilitate the discussion of the best applications of simulation in this area, this track includes papers in logistics simulation, supply chain simulation, and simulation for planning, analyzing, and improving logistics from the intralogistics view to global supply chains.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supply chain design
Supply chain responsiveness
Supply chain risk analysis
Statistical analysis of supply chains
Simulation-based optimization of supply chains
Lean supply chains
Green supply chains
Supply chain operations
Demand and order fulfillment
Inventory policies
Multi-modal logistics systems
Port operations
Rail operations
Traffic and routing
Intralogistics
Advanced material flow systems
Big data analytics for supply chains
Efficient transportation for supply chains

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Manufacturing Applications

Track Coordinator: Christoph Laroque, WH Zwickau, and Leon McGinnis, Georgia Institute of Technology

Simulation is a well-established model-based methodology for analyzing dynamics and inter-dependencies in manufacturing systems. The Manufacturing Applications track is interested in research using simulation in industrial applications such as automotive, aircraft, shipbuilding, and consumer products manufacturing. Manufacturing applications relate to the model-based analysis of (i) all production and logistics processes within a manufacturing enterprise, (ii) across the hierarchical levels of factory, line, cell, workstation, machine and process, and (iii) across all phases of a system life cycle, such as system acquisition, system design and planning, implementation, start of operation, ramp-up, as well as the operation itself. A contribution shall describe the aims of investigation, the investigated system, the simulation model and its verification and validation, the experimental plan, the findings and any implementation results.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Manufacturing system design and operations
Applications of simulation-based optimization in production
Cyber-physical systems, Industrial Internet, Industry 4.0
Virtual Factory, Digital Factory
Production planning and scheduling
Lean manufacturing, Total quality management
Maintenance and Lifecycle-Assessment
Integration of energy and carbon footprint considerations

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Military Applications

Track Coordinator: Robert Siegfried, aditerna GmbH, and Mariusz A. Balaban, US Army

The Military Applications track is interested in papers that describe the application of modeling and simulation methods to challenges in the military. Applications may be in any area relevant to military such as battlefield simulation, military logistics/transport, LVC federation and multi-architecture integration, LVC performance measures, VV&A, interoperability, composability, relevant standards, visualization, man power planning, unmanned systems, scenario generation, exercise execution and data management, etc. Submissions are encouraged for all military application areas like training, analysis, acquisition, testing, and experimentation.

Topics of special interest include, but are not limited to, challenges and innovations for representation and implementation of robotic swarms, cybersecurity operations and cyber threats, social media, hardware-in-the-loop simulations, future human-robot operations, future platforms and weapons prototyping, synthetic environments, instrumentation and sensors, complex behaviors of semi-automated forces, electronic warfare, mass casualty triage, medical operations, behaviors related to human body and wounds, range systems, automatic scenario planning and exercise data management, and multi-resolution models.

Papers investigating an innovative use of cloud technologies and services, gaming technology, mixed reality (MR) technology, artificial intelligence technology, big data technologies, and networking technology for military and homeland security applications are also welcome!

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Modeling and Analysis of Semiconductor Manufacturing (MASM)

Track Coordinators: John W. Fowler, Arizona State University, Cathal Heavey, University of Limerick, and Jei-Zheng Wu, Soochow University, Taiwan

Click here for more information about MASM.

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Modeling Methodology

Track Coordinators: Andreas Tolk, MITRE Corporation, and Andrea D’Ambrogio, University of Rome

The Modeling Methodology track is interested in methodological advances with respect to the theory and practice of modeling and simulation. These may include approaches to formal model development, data capture, model building, verification, validation, experimentation, and optimization. New modeling and simulation formalisms and extensions to current formalisms are welcome. We are also interested in contributions to the advancement of the technology, methods, and software used to support modeling. As such, our main topics of interest are:

Modeling and simulation formalisms
Metamodeling and model transformations
Automated model building
Data driven modeling

The Modeling Methodology Track overlaps with several other tracks that are addressing the application of the modeling methods of interest to this track. In this respect, the track is interested in contributions that specifically focus on methodological issues as applied to the following topics:

Modeling and simulation as a service
Modeling of and for Cyber Physical Systems
Modeling for multi-level approaches
Modeling for multi-resolution approaches
Modeling for multi-paradigm approaches
Modeling supporting parallel simulation
Modeling supporting data mining
Modeling supporting validation

Of special interest for the Modeling Methodology track at the WSC 2018 is the communication of modeling and simulation approaches and its results towards other disciplines, in particular the humanities and arts contributing to the noble course. Therefore, papers are called for that address methodological issues in the following areas:

Modeling for Communication of Challenges, Models, Simulations, and Results
Modeling for Social Science and the Humanities

If you have a proposal for a special session or a panel discussion of particular interest to the WSC participants, please send an email with a short description and references to related work to track chairs.

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Networks and Communications

Track Coordinator: Bruno Tuffin, INRIA

The Networks and Communications track focuses on technologies for modeling and simulating computer and communication networks, networked systems and applications, wireless and mobile communications, and social networks.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Network design and analysis
Network dependability
Distributed and networked applications and systems
Future internet architecture, clean-slate network design, software-defined networking
Wireless and mobile networks
Data center networking
Social networking
Network security, cyber defense applications
Traffic modeling and analysis
High-performance network modeling techniques
Large-scale network simulation
Network simulation tools and software
Network emulation, real-time simulation, online simulation, symbiotic simulation
Training and education

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Poster

Track Coordinators: Masoud Fakhimi, University of Surrey and Giulia Pedrielli, Arizona State University

We are seeking outstanding extended abstracts (2 pages) submissions to be presented in a poster format at the conference. Competitive contributions will present interesting recent results, novel ideas or works-in-progress that are not quite ready for a regular full-length paper. Contributions from Ph.D. students are particularly welcome. To be considered, submitted manuscripts should follow the standard template, and should not exceed the 2 pages limit. Paper submissions are encouraged in all areas of modeling and simulation as mentioned in the Call for Papers. In particular, we are seeking contributions within, but not restricted to, the following areas:

Simulation Methodology, Theory and Philosophy
Hybrid Simulation and Hybrid System Modeling
Simulation-based Optimization
Environment and Sustainability Applications
Simulation for logistics, Supply chain Management and Transportation
Simulation Education
Simulation Languages, Tools, and Environments
Numerical Simulation and Optimization as Applied to Business and Industry
Use of Modeling and Simulation in the Area of Computer Security
Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Image/Video Compression/Processing and Robotic Vision, real time and embedded systems, and Multimedia Applications and Systems
Any Aspect of Modeling and Simulation related to the Military
Modeling, Analysis and Simulation of Telecommunication Systems
Web-based Modeling and Simulation
High-performance Computing and Simulation
Network/Internet Traffic Modeling and Workload Characterization
Simulation of Clusters, Grids and Wireless Systems
Modeling and Simulation of Real-Time and Embedded Systems
Parallel and Distributed Simulators and Simulation Techniques
Modeling and Simulation in the area of Neural Networks

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Project Management and Construction

Track Coordinator: Markus König, Ruhr University Bochum

The Project Management and Construction track includes innovative research as well as practical application papers that apply computer simulation to complex project and construction management problems. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Applications and case studies such as:
- Managing off-site production and modularization
- Construction layout planning
- Human behavior and organization in construction
- Sustainable built environment
- Net zero energy, water and carbon
- Project planning and control
- Simulation as a project management education tool
- Lean production management systems
- Sensed environments for simulation
- Project portfolio management
- System optimization and control
- Construction safety
Combining simulation with
- Building Information Modeling
- Real-time monitoring
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Interactive planning environments
- Construction robotics

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Simulation Education

Track Coordinator: Saikou Diallo, Old Dominion University, and Antuela Tako, Loughborough University

Simulation Education: Training and Educating the Next Generation of Scientists, Engineers, Artists, Humanists and Social Scientists

The motto of this year’s Winter Simulation Conference is “Simulation for Noble Causes”. Simulation is indeed a staple of scientific inquiry and its applications are wide-ranging. However, in order to make simulation truly ubiquitous, the challenge is to not only train and educate simulation professionals to engage and apply their knowledge to various domains but most importantly to train students and professionals in every domain to incorporate simulation in their daily activities.

The Simulation Education track is seeking papers and panels from professionals in all disciplines including but not limited to engineering, sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences to share experiments, lessons learned, projects, methods, tools and case studies on how to train and educate students, scientists, and scholars at all levels and of all kinds to adopt and incorporate simulation in their work.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Simulation initiatives in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Special Education
Simulation educational initiatives in professional societies (e.g., NMSC, ACM SIGSIM, INFORMS)
Simulation curriculums in K-12, professional education, trade schools and academic education
The use of blended learning approaches in Simulation education
Approaches and tools for teaching conceptual model development and Simulation
Game-based learning
Concepts for design and improvement of simulation courses

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Simulation Optimization

Track Coordinators: Angel A. Juan, Open University of Catalonia, and Jie Xu, George Mason University

The Simulation Optimization track focuses on algorithms that can be coupled with computer simulations to locate specific input parameter values for the simulation that maximize or minimize a simulation performance measure of interest. This track is interested in papers on both theoretical aspects of algorithm development and applied aspects of simulation optimization pertaining to computational performance and algorithm evaluation. New real-world applications of simulation optimization are also of interest with more desired areas including healthcare, military and homeland security, critical infrastructure systems, cybersecurity, network applications, communications, financial engineering, and energy systems.

In regard to the methodological topic areas of interest, some of the more notable areas are listed below, although this track will not be strictly limited to this list.

Global and black-box optimization
Discrete optimization via simulation
Random search methods
Sample average approximation
Stochastic approximation methods
Model-based methods
Metaheuristics and Simheuristics
Population-based methods
Response surface methodology
Ranking & selection
Stochastic programming
Approximate dynamic programming
Optimal learning
Stochastic gradient estimation
Metamodels
Robust simulation and optimization
Data-driven decision making
Multi-objective optimization

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Simulation for a Noble Cause

Track Coordinators: David Poza, University of Valladolid (SP) and George Miller, MOSIMTEC LLC

Computer simulation has increasingly been adopted as a technique for achieving results in the social sciences. Formalized models provide Science with a generative approach that allows identifying what kinds of micro-level interactions are sufficient to produce the known macro-level patterns observed in real societies. Computer simulation has also been employed to help noble causes over the recent past but such efforts have received limited attention. We invite innovative and state-of-the-art contributions that feature the application of simulation for noble causes by analyzing and addressing issues facing humanity. Applications submitted to this track may be from various domains, including but not limited to: reducing poverty and world hunger, social causes, social problems, improving natural environment, and disaster response.

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Simulation Standards and Reproducibility

Track Coordinators: Simon J E Taylor, Brunel University London, and Gordon Shao, U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology

Simulation Standards are not only important in the advancement of M&S techniques and methods but also in the way we document and report our research. The Simulation Standards and Reproducibility track is interested in standardized approaches to development and implementation relevant to M&S. Contributions to the track are not limited to published standards and approaches to reproducibility, but also to defacto approaches adopted by areas of M&S such as manufacturing, healthcare, business, engineering, environment, and social behavior. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Simulation standards
Standards used in simulation applications
Standard approaches for input data modeling
Standard approaches for model transfer
Standard approaches for output data analysis
Modular simulation design
Reusable simulation components library
New ideas, concepts, and methods on reproducibility
Open access data
Open source software
Open Science approaches to M&S
Generic simulation development methodology and prototypes
Information modeling and interoperability for simulation systems
Model reuse, repositories and retrieval
Standardization challenges
Reproducibility of simulation experiments

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Vendor

Track Coordinator: Miguel Mujica Mota, HVA – Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (NL), and Edward Williams, University of Michigan

The Vendor Track provides an opportunity for companies that market modeling and simulation technology and services to present their innovations and successful applications. The track is open only to companies that have paid for exhibit space at the conference. For each reserved booth, vendors get a 45-minute time slot in the track.

For each slot, you have two options: submit a complete paper; or submit just an abstract. Papers are subject to the standard WSC submission timeline and review process and appear in the archival proceedings. Vendor track papers should use the abstract template for submission. Abstracts are not peer reviewed and appear online and in the final program, but not the archival proceedings.

The links for submitting papers and abstracts will be provided when you make your commitment to exhibit.

The submission process is as below:

– September 1, 2018 – Submission deadline for extended abstracts
– September 14, 2018 – Reviews provided to authors.
– September 21, 2018 – Revised abstracts due. Submissions earlier than due date appreciated.
– Early October 2018 – Editing changes required to meet the formatting guidelines provided to authors
– Early October 2018 – Final version due by the date specified by the editor-in-charge of the abstract[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Track Information Coming Soon