Scribd
Upload
55 views

Classification of Models

The document discusses different types of models used in operations research. It describes models as simplified representations that focus on key aspects and relationships. A good model should be adaptable, use few assumptions and variables, and not take much time to construct. Models are then classified based on their degree of abstraction, function, structure, environment, and generality. Descriptive models observe relationships while normative models optimize solutions. Iconic models visually represent systems, analog models use analogous properties, and mathematical models use symbols and equations. Deterministic models assume certainty while probabilistic models allow for randomness. Specific models consider single time periods and general models explore alternative strategies.

Uploaded by

Cheerladinne Srinivasa Chakravarthy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
55 views

Classification of Models

The document discusses different types of models used in operations research. It describes models as simplified representations that focus on key aspects and relationships. A good model should be adaptable, use few assumptions and variables, and not take much time to construct. Models are then classified based on their degree of abstraction, function, structure, environment, and generality. Descriptive models observe relationships while normative models optimize solutions. Iconic models visually represent systems, analog models use analogous properties, and mathematical models use symbols and equations. Deterministic models assume certainty while probabilistic models allow for randomness. Specific models consider single time periods and general models explore alternative strategies.

Uploaded by

Cheerladinne Srinivasa Chakravarthy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

MODELS AND MODELLING IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH

A model in OR is a simplified representation of an operation, or is a process in which only


the basic aspects or the most important features of a typical problem under investigation are
considered. The objective of a model is to identify significant factors and interrelationships.
The reliability of the solution obtained from a model depends on the validity of the model
representing the real system. A good model must possess the following characteristics: (i) It
should be capable of taking into account, new formulation without having any changes in its
frame. (ii) Assumptions made in the model should be as small as possible. (iii) Variables used
in the model must be less in number ensuring that it is simple and coherent. (iv) It should be
open to parametric type of treatment. (v) It should not take much time in its construction for
any problem.

Advantages of a Model

There are certain significant advantages in using a model. These are:

1. Problems under consideration become controllable.


2. It provides a logical and systematic approach to the problem.
3. It provides the limitations and scope of an activity.
4. It helps in finding useful tools that eliminate duplication of methods applied to solve
problems.
5. It helps in finding solutions for research and improvements in a system.
6. It provides an economic description and explanation of either the operation, or the
systems it represents.

Classification of Models The classification of models is a subjective problem. They may


be distinguished as follows:

(1) Models by degree of abstraction


(2) Models by function
(3) Models by structure
(4) Models by nature of an environment
(5) Models by the extent of generality

Models by function

These models consist of (a) Descriptive models (b) Predictive models and (c) Normative
models.

Descriptive models: They describe and predict facts and relationships among the various
activities of the problem. These models do not have an objective function as part of the model
to evaluate decision alternatives. In these models, it is possible to get information as to how
one or more factors change as a result of changes in other factors.

Normative or optimization models: They are prescriptive in nature and develop objective
decision-rule for optimum solutions.
Models by structure

These models are represented by

(a) Iconic models (b) Analogue models, and (c) Mathematical or symbolic models.

Iconic or physical models: They are pictorial representations of real systems and have the
appearance of the real thing. An iconic model is said to be scaled down or scaled up
according to the dimensions of the model which may be smaller or greater than that of the
real item, e.g., city maps, houses blueprints, globe, and so on. These models are easy to
observe and describe, but are difficult to manipulate and are not very useful for the purpose
of prediction.

Analog models: These are more abstract than the iconic ones for there is no look alike
correspondence between these models and real life items. The models in which one set of
properties is used to represent another set of properties are called analog models. After the
problem is solved, the solution is reinterpreted in terms of the original system. These models
are less specific, less concrete, but easier to manipulate than iconic models.

Mathematic or symbolic models: They are most abstract in nature. They employ a set of
mathematical symbols to represent the components of the real system. These variables are
related together by means of mathematical equations to describe the behaviour of the system.
The solution of the problem is then obtained by applying well developed mathematical
techniques to the model. The symbolic model is usually the easiest to manipulate
experimentally and it is the most general and abstract. Its function is more explanatory than
descriptive.

Models by nature of an environment

These models can be further classified into (a) Deterministic models and (b) Probabilistic
models.

Deterministic models: They are those in which all parameters and functional relationships
are assumed to be known with certainty when the decision is to be made. Linear
programming and break-even models are the examples of deterministic models.

Probabilistic or stochastic models: These models are those in which atleast one parameter
or decision variable is a random variable. These models reflect to some extent the complexity
of the real world and the uncertainty surrounding it.

Models by the extent of generality

These models can be further categorized into (a) Specific models (b) General models

When a model presents a system at some specific time, it is known as a specific model. In
these models, if the time factor is not considered, they are termed as static models. An
inventory problem of determining economic order quantity for the next period assuming that
the demand in planning period would remain same as that of today is an example of static
model. Dynamic programming may be considered as an example of dynamic model.

Simulation and Heuristic models fall under the category of general models. These models are
used to explore alternative strategies which have been overlooked previously.

FLOW CHART SHOWING OR APPROACH

OR approach can also be illustrated through the following flow chart:

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy