Optimization via simulation for logistic systems planning and control

This text summarizes the author’s PhD thesis, presented in February 2007 at the University of Calabria and supervised by Roberto Musmanno and Pasquale Legato. The work deals with the field of optimization via simulation. A special emphasis is put on problems with discrete decision variables because they are especially relevant in engineering applications (e.g., in the design of logistic systems). In particular, the thesis focuses on a critical decision problem at marine container terminals. For tackling the problem, an optimization via simulation procedure is presented. Computational results are obtained by using high performance computing systems. The thesis is written in Italian and is available from the author upon request.