Special Issue: Advancing Operational Research with Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Modelling and Simulation with Data driven Learning

Annals of Operations Research invites submissions for the special issue on Advancing Operational Research with Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Modelling and Simulation with Data driven Learning. The issue aims to showcase the methodological advancements in combining Modelling and Simulation (M&S) techniques, such as discrete event and agent based simulation, with data driven approaches from Machine Learning (ML), Data Science (DS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and related fields of study. Conceptual and case study papers are also welcome. Papers for the special issue must demonstrate the added value of combining approaches.

Operations Research (OR) has long been at the forefront of decision making. With the advent of data driven techniques, there are unprecedented opportunities to enrich classical OR approaches through mixing methods. The integrated approach holds the promise of offering new perspectives for understanding complex systems' phenomena, enhancing model accuracy, optimising processes, and reducing computational costs whilst improving decision support capabilities. The OR approach that we focus on is modelling and computer simulation.

We seek high quality contributions that explore the synergies between M&S and AI/ML/DS, particularly the application of AI and ML in enhancing modelling accuracy and efficiency and informing decision making in manufacturing and service sectors. We encourage contributions demonstrating the potential of combining M&S ML/AI/DS in solving complex problems. We welcome submissions that review the literature to identify the current state of the art and the opportunities for future research in this rapidly evolving field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Reviews and meta analyses that map the current landscape and future directions of combining M&S with ML/AI/DS

- Theoretical advancements

- Conceptual modelling approaches, for example, using Soft Operations Research techniques such as problem structuring, SSM, and QSD for the development of hybrid AI/ML/DS M&S models

- Contributions related to framework development, for example, studies that aim to combine AI/ML/DS into existing OR and M&S frameworks

- Methodological innovations in integrating AI/ML/DS with traditional M&S techniques, such as discrete event simulation, agent based modelling, system dynamics, and hybrid simulation

- Industry case studies using primary data

- Optimisation and risk analysis using the hybrid M&S AI/ML/DS approaches

- Novel approaches in M&S that leverage AI/ML/DS for enhanced accuracy and efficiency of operations

- Case studies demonstrating the successful application of AI/ML/DS enhanced OR solutions in logistics, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, supply chain management, and other domains

Instructions for authors can be found at:

https://springerlink.bibliotecabuap.elogim.com/journal/10479/submission-guidelines

Authors should submit a cover letter and a manuscript by March 31, 2025, via the Journal's online submission site. Please see the Author Instructions on the website if you have not yet submitted a paper through Springer's web based system, Editorial Manager (EM). When prompted for the article type, please select Original Research. On the Additional Information screen, you will then be asked if the manuscript belongs to a special issue, please select the special issue's title, Advancing Operational Research with Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Modelling and Simulation with Data driven Learning, to ensure that it will be reviewed for this special issue. Manuscripts submitted after the deadline may not be considered for the special issue and may be transferred, if accepted, to a regular issue.

Papers will be subject to a strict review process under the supervision of the Guest Editors, and accepted papers will be published online individually, before print publication.

In case of any questions, please contact by email one of the Guest Editors

For more information, see the Advancing Operational Research with Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Modelling and Simulation with Data driven Learningflyer.