Track Description
Simulation based optimization is an integrated methodology developed around the problem of optimizing a cost/performance function over a finite or countably infinite set of alternative system configurations/parameters, whenever the function has to be estimated via stochastic simulation. Modern system design and management ask for the generation of alternative system configurations followed by the choice of what alternative to simulate as well as how to evaluate and compare simulation results. Hence, the track is centered on new developments in simulation optimization techniques and tools as well as on their practical applications and implementation on classical and innovative platforms. In particular, reports on discrete-event simulation combined with structured search methods for solving real problems in system organization and management are welcome. Topics of interest include:

· Discrete-event simulation optimization tools and innovative computational platforms
· Modeling languages and simulation world views
· Selecting the best system
· Local and global search methods
· Combining search algorithms with ranking and selection techniques
· Applications of simulation based optimization techniques

Nevertheless, different discrete-event simulation-centered topics are welcome. Authors are kindly invited to include in their papers and presentations all the research works, case studies and application both theoretical and applied.

Key Dates
Submissions of Extended Abstracts:April 12, 2012
Notification of acceptance:May 12, 2012
Final Camera-Ready Submission:June 12, 2012
Early Registration:July 1, 2012

Authors' Guidelines (further information author’s instruction section)
FIRST SUBMISSION
Extended abstracts (minimum 2 pages), full draft papers or other proposals should be submitted for the review process through the submission section by April 12, 2012
The extended abstract or the full draft paper must contain title, authors, affiliations, addresses, main body and references.
Each extended abstract or full draft paper will be reviewed by at least two members of the International Program Committee taking into consideration scientific quality, originality and relevance. Only original papers, written in English will be accepted.
The extended abstract or the full draft paper should be prepared by following the final paper formatting. However any type of paper formatting can be accepted for the first submission.

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Notification of acceptance will be sent by May 12, 2012.

CAMERA READY PAPER SUBMISSION
The International Program Committee will accept two types of camera ready papers: extended paper (10 pages, 2 columns); regular paper (6 pages, 2 columns) both for regular and special sessions.
The camera ready paper must adhere to the conference template. The .dot file contains the complete instructions for preparing a camera ready copy for the Proceedings. The final version of the paper must be a PDF file.
Your camera ready paper (extended paper or regular paper) in PDF format must be submitted by using the submission section before the June 12, 2012
The page limit for manuscripts is ten (10) pages (included in the author registration fee). Additional pages will require an additional fee.
If your work must be cleared or approved before publication by your institution, company, or governmental agency, please be sure that process will be completed by the due date above or we will not be able to include it in the CD Conference Proceedings.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For furthr information plesase contact Pasquale Legato (legato@deis.unical.it), Rina Mary Mazza (rmazza@deis.unical.it) or mas@msc-les.org