The score function approach for sensitivity analysis of computer simulation models

Some theoretical and practical aspect of the score function (SF) approach for estimating the sensitivities of computer simulation models and solving the so-called “what if” problem (performance extrapolation) are considered. It is shown that both the sensitivities (gradients, Hessians, etc.) and the performance extrapolation can be derived simultaneously by simulating only a single sample path from the nominal system. It is also shown that the SF approach can be efficiently applied for DESS (discrete event static systems, example: reliability models and stochastic networks) and for DEDS (discrete events dynamic systems, example: queuing networks) under light traffics. Control variates procedure for variance reduction is presented as well