INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  Monte Carlo Simulations and Industry Applications

    Posted 11-01-2023 17:44

    Hey Open Forum members!

      I'm currently reading "Modern Statistical Methods for Complex Systems" and one of the chapters delves into Monte Carlo simulations. We practiced using this method to calculate the area of a circle in class, which was a fascinating introduction to its capabilities.

    Table Topics Response:

      Monte Carlo methods, as I understand, are stochastic techniques that utilize randomness to solve problems which might be deterministic in nature. While we used it in a rather simple setting with the circle's area, it's made me curious about its broader implications and applications.

    Question:

      Has anyone used Monte Carlo simulations in real-world scenarios or in industry applications? I'd love to learn how these techniques are applied beyond academic exercises.

      On a side note, I noticed Robin Lougee mentioned an upcoming workshop on "Advanced Stochastic Models" and was inviting suggestions for resources. After a bit of digging, I found a fantastic course on Coursera titled "Stochastic Processes & Applications" which covers not just the basics but dives deep into practical examples. It might be a beneficial resource for anyone attending the workshop or just wanting to expand their knowledge in the area. Here's the link for anyone interested (Çok değişkenli Fonksiyon II: Uygulamalar / Multivariable Calculus II: Applications

    Coursera remove preview
    Çok değişkenli Fonksiyon II: Uygulamalar / Multivariable Calculus II: Applications
    Offered by Koç University. Ders çok değişkenli fonksiyonlardaki iki derslik dizinin ikincisidir. Birinci ders türev ve entegral kavramlarını ... Enroll for free.
    View this on Coursera >

    )!

    Looking forward to your insights and shared experiences!

    Cheers,

    Eva



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    1
    San Francisco CA
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  • 2.  RE: Monte Carlo Simulations and Industry Applications

    Posted 11-02-2023 03:33
      |   view attached

    Hi,

    Nice to see your message indicating your interest in MC applications.

    I am attaching my research paper presented in a conference in the US in 2015.

    Hope it will help you in developing your interest in this area.

    Please give your feedback by emailing me - nilakantan2001@gmail.com.

    Best.



    ------------------------------
    Nilakantan Narasinganallur
    Associate Professor - Quantitative Methods
    Consultancy
    MumbaiIndia
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  • 3.  RE: Monte Carlo Simulations and Industry Applications

    Posted 11-02-2023 11:21

    Doing back 30 years, decision trees were the applications of choice to make decisions.  However, computers have become much faster and new techniques have developed to make Monte Carlo a choice for many companies and consultants to evaluate opportunities under uncertainty.   There are many different ways to do Monte Carlo, but the SIPmath add-in from Probability Management is a good one to utilize, particularly for those just getting started.   

    On my YouTube Channel I have a number of example applications utilizing SIPmath.   There is a version of SIPmath that is free that can do a lot, and it is not a trial copy.   It is yours forever.   I have one video that explains how to use the basic features.   Links to this video and my YouTube channel with a 100 other applications and techniques are given below.   Happy to start a conversation on Linked-In  -----   Brian Putt

    Decisions considering Uncertainty on Brian Putt YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQe6h4QIHvQ1Yje0SolEZCQ

    SIPmath Tool Bar training

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYsmf-r_NvI&t=753s



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    BRIAN PUTT
    Decision Scientist Consultant
    retired
    Fremont CA
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  • 4.  RE: Monte Carlo Simulations and Industry Applications

    Posted 11-06-2023 22:12
    Edited by Peter Haas 11-06-2023 22:12

    One rich source of real-world examples of Monte Carlo simulation is the archive of the annual Winter Simulation Conference at https://www.informs-sim.org/ Each year, there are many industrial tracks and case studies the describe a wide range of applications, ranging from guiding merchant vessels past Somali pirates to planning vaccination campaigns. The archive is Google-searchable, which is convenient.



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    Peter Haas
    Professor of Information and Computer Sciences
    UMass Amherst
    Amherst MA
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  • 5.  RE: Monte Carlo Simulations and Industry Applications

    Posted 11-06-2023 22:53
    Thanks Peter. You are right. I have reviewed some papers two years ago for the WSC. Truly a rich source.
    Best.