How to optimize discrete-event systems from a single sample path by the score function method

We present a method for deriving theoptimal solution of a class of mathematical programming problems, associated with discrete-event systems and in particular with queueing models, while using asingle sample path (single simulation experiment) from the underlying process. Our method, called thescore function method, is based on probability measure transformation derived from the efficient score process and generating statistical counterparts to the conventional deterministic optimization procedures (e.g. Lagrange multipliers, penalty functions, etc.). Applications of our method to optimization of various discrete-event systems are presented, and numerical results are given.Research supported by the L. Edelstein Research Fund at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.