Practical optimization by OR and simulation

This paper aims to promote and illustrate that the combination of classical operations research (queueing, linear and stochastic dynamic programming) and simulation (techniques and tools) can be most beneficial.First, an instructive example of parallel queues will be studied to address the question whether these queues should be pooled or not. This simple example already shows the necessary and fruitful combination of queueing and simulation. Next, the combined approach will be applied to and illustrated for:
• pooling (or not) of call centers,
• pooling (or not) in hospitals,
• checking-in at airports,
• flight catering, and
• assembly lines.The applications show that “to pool or not” is not the only question for which further research and application of a combined OR-Simulation approach can be most fruitful for ‘practical optimization’.