Search

This work offers a critique of the methodology used by Scriabin and Vergin [Scriabin, Michael, Roger C. Vergin. 1975. Comparison of computer algorithms and visual based methods for plant layout. Management Sci. 22 (2, October) 172–181] in their study of computer algorithms versus humans in designing plant layouts. It attempts to show that Scriabin's and Vergin's experiments do not provide a useful comparison of computers and humans, and to point out several experimental procedures that would make comparisons of heuristic computer algorithms and humans more valid.

This article combines a tutorial on Monte Carlo simulation with a description of eight steps, from problem definition to model maintenance, that are essential to successful simulation projects. The theory is illustrated by examples from a case study of a simulation used to evaluate alternative queueing systems for customs inspections. The authors set forth the objectives, advantages, and limitations of Monte Carlo simulation for management problem solving.

This note describes a method of simulating a time series of lognormally distributed observations with prescribed mean, variance, and serial correlation as well as pointing out an error in this procedure described in “A Simulating Model for the Evaluation of Fishing Trawler Designs” by Nickerson et al. [Nickerson, T. B., T. G. O'Flaherty, D. W. Rice. 1973. A simulation model for the evaluation of fishing Trawler designs. Management Sci. 20 (4, Part II) 699–707].