STRUCTURED MODELING: SURVEY AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Arthur M. Geoffrion

May 20, 1996 Revised June 1, 1999

Abstract

This is an updated version of an article by the same name that appeared in ORSA CSTS Newsletter, 15:1 (Spring 1994). It surveys recent research and research opportunities in structured modeling. After first reviewing the basics of structured modeling, we discuss improved modeling languages, approaches to model integration, extensions designed for simulation modeling, and three topics falling under implementation strategies and technologies, namely host software, language-directed editors, and language-based customization of specialized application packages. In addition to describing completed work and work in progress in these areas, we highlight numerous attractive research opportunities.

CONTENTS

1. REVIEW OF STRUCTURED MODELING
2. MODELING LANGUAGES
3. MODEL INTEGRATION
4. SIMULATION
5. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND TECHNOLOGIES
6. CONCLUSION

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The references in the body of this article are hyperlinks to the on-line, companion paper "An Informal Annotated Bibliography on Structured Modeling" (also published in ITORMS). Once you click on a reference, you will go to that other paper and there will be no on-screen link back to the present paper except on the title page; normally you must use your browser's "Back" function to return to the present paper.

Acknowledgments

I am indebted to many people for valuable comments, most especially to Chris Jones, Melanie Lenard, Waleed Muhanna, Laurel Neustadter, Richard Ramirez, and Fernando Vicuña.

Email and Web Addresses

Comments are most welcome; please send them to ageoffri@agsm.ucla.edu.

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