Performance optimization is vital in the design and operation of modern engineering systems, including communications, manufacturing, robotics, and logistics. Most engineering systems are too complicated to model, or the system parameters cannot be easily identified, so learning techniques have to be applied. This book provides a unified framework based on a sensitivity point of view. It also introduces new approaches and proposes new research topics within this sensitivity-based framework. This new perspective on a popular topic is presented by a well respected expert in the field.

Performance optimization is vital in the design and operation of modern engineering systems, including communications, manufacturing, robotics, and logistics. Most engineering systems are too complicated to model, or the system parameters cannot be easily identified, so learning techniques have to be applied. This book provides a unified framework based on a sensitivity point of view. It also introduces new approaches and proposes new research topics within this sensitivity-based framework. This new perspective on a popular topic is presented by a well respected expert in the field.

The theory of the operation of many modern man-made discrete event systems such as manufacturing systems, computer and communications networks largely belongs in the domain of queuing theory and operations research. However, some recent research indicates that the evolution of these man-made systems demonstrates dynamic features that are similar to those of natural physical systems. This monograph presents a multidisciplinary approach to the study of discrete event systems, and is complementary to textbooks in queuing and control systems theories.