ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses a fundamental problem of simulation-based optimization: The technique is well established but is restricted to the optimization of system parameters. It focuses on the description of a methodology for a simulation-based parameter and structure optimization for modular, hierarchical discrete-event systems. The chapter briefly summarizes the fundamental aspects of simulation-based optimization. It introduces a novel approach for structure optimization of modular, hierarchical discrete event systems. The chapter also introduces a complete framework for combined parameter and structure optimization experiments. It demonstrates the application of the introduced framework with a project from an industry. The chapter provides a short preview of conventional simulation-based optimization aspects and introduces the fundamentals of a combined structure and parameter optimization approach. It describes the applied System Entity Structure/Model Base approach as a model set organization and a model generating meta-modeling method with necessary changes of the original approach.
