Speaker: Sameela Wijesundara – Monash University

Abstract:

Even when fully adopted and deployed, optimisation systems still face significant challenges. In particular, most optimisation systems suffer from one or more forms of drift over time, in which changes to the requirements of the associated optimisation problem – such as modifications to input or output data, constraints, or objective function – occur over the lifetime of the system. Currently, updating the constraint model to address problem drift requires an iterative modify-and-test process that is largely dependent on modelling experts.

In this talk, I first introduce the concept of problem drift and discuss the effects of problem drift using a real-world case study that we tackled for the UNHCR. I then present a new approach based on Modelling Domain-Specific Languages (MDSLs) to address problem drift by giving domain experts the flexibility to perform controlled modifications of parameters, constraints, and objective functions. This allows modelling experts and domain experts to collaboratively maintain constraint models. Further, I discuss how MDSLs developed for broader domains can enable code reuse and support rapid prototyping, allowing modelling and domain experts to co-develop models more quickly using pre-defined MDSLs. In doing so, I also establish an extended model development phase to mitigate the challenges that hinder the adoption of optimisation systems and to enhance their maintainability once adopted through the combined use of CERDs and MDSLs.

This event is Hybrid:
JOIN VIA ZOOM – MEETING ID: 873 1557 5255; PASSWORD: 778635
20 Exhibition Wlk, Clayton-2-279-Meeting Room

SEMINAR: WED 22 JULY 2026 4.00PM-5.00PM (AEST, Melbourne Time)