The Purpose of Mathematical Programming is Insight, Not Numbers

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA030006 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The ostensible purpose of a mathematical programming model is to optimize a stipulated objective function subject to stipulated constraints. But its true purpose, at least in strategic applications as every experienced practitioner should know, is to help develop insights into system behavior which in turn can be used to guide the development of effective plans and decisions. Such insights are seldom evident from the output of an optimization run. One must know not only what the optimal solution is for a given set of input data, but also why. This paper advocates the use of highly simplified analytic models to help explain the whys behind the solutions of conventional mathematical programming models. This approach is illustrated with reference to a facility location study carried out recently for a consumer products manufacturer.

Author(s):
Geoffrion, Arthur M.
Author Organization(s):
CALIFORNIA UNIV LOS ANGELES WESTERN MANAGEMENT SCIENCE INST
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA030006
Pagination:
0026

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
WMSI-WORKING PAPER-249
Contract/Grant Number(s):
N00014-75-C-0570
Monitor Series:
ONR
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING, *OPERATIONS RESEARCH, ALGORITHMS, CONSUMER PROBLEMS, INTEGER PROGRAMMING, LOGISTICS PLANNING, MANUFACTURING, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, NUMERICAL METHODS AND PROCEDURES, WAREHOUSES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Operations Research
Keyword(s):
CONSUMER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURER
Report Date:
1976 Jun 01