Title: The role of discrete-event simulation in emergency management during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Abdessalem Jerbi

Addresses: Laboratoire 'Optimisation, Logistique et Informatique Décisionnelle' (OLID), LR19ES21, Institut Supérieur de Gestion Industrielle de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1164, 3021, Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract: Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly evolved into a global health crisis. Despite efforts to contain it, deaths have continued to rise, resulting in profound impacts across all sectors of society. Discrete-event simulation (DES) is a critical tool that helps managing the crisis. This study examines the impact of DES in addressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic through bibliometric analysis. The findings show that DES has been widely used to simulate the effective implementation of public health measures, virus spread, and mass vaccination in addressing COVID-19 related issues. However, publications have shown variations over time. Highlighting the importance of DES in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study also identifies key areas where this method can be effectively applied. These results provide valuable insights to guide future efforts in managing this global health crisis.

Keywords: discrete event simulation; DES; performance bibliometric evaluation; COVID-19; global health pandemic.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2025.148298

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2025 Vol.22 No.1/2, pp.93 - 107

Received: 23 May 2024
Accepted: 08 Oct 2024
Published online: 01 Sep 2025 *

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