Analysis of M&S Literature Published in the Proceeding of the Winter Simulation Conference from 1981 to 2016

Abstract

In the era of big data, data science and data analytics, it is logical to address the impact of the Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) by treating the papers (and metadata associated with publications) as raw data. This data then serves as a treasure trove from which to answer questions and pose new ones about modelling and simulation as a field to the extent that WSC, its associated authors, serves as a proxy for the field. Since the goal was to pick the years 1981 and 2016 as beginning and end values demarcating a year band, there were challenges. One challenge was that one data set ISI/CPCI-S begins in 1989 and so does not offer complete coverage. However, we address this by fusing this data set with Scopus, which begins in 1981. Unless there is a single authoritative source, some type of fusion process is necessary. We gathered the data, validated the data, merged or fused data where necessary and then delineated specific objectives. We then produced the results along with analysis. In any good data analysis, we find curious patterns in the data or other places where we should look further. In summary, formal data analysis gives us a 50,000 foot view of WSC but also points to new questions and pathways for further exploration in Modeling and Simulation (M&S).