Essay 1
There are five phases to the management science process: observation, problem definition, model
construction, solution, and implementation. Modeling techniques are developed after the problem
definition phase. In other words, after a “problem statement” has been given, a model may then be
constructed and a solution may be obtained. There several modeling techniques that one may utilized:
linear mathematical programming, probabilistic techniques, network techniques, and other techniques
that cannot be grouped into any one technique category.
Linear mathematical programming technique is commonly used in management science. It is useful
when a manager needs a solution given a set of constraints, e.g., determining how many products to
produce given limitation in material, labor, cost, etc. It is also used in figuring out the best transportation
route to take to minimize cost and be within set constraints.
Probabilistic techniques are slightly di)erent in that the results are “probabilistic.” In the previous
technique, constraints are known with certainty. However, in this technique, there are uncertainties and
the existence of alternative solutions. This technique is not deterministic and is used in decision analysis
in which one wants to choose a certain decision given several uncertain conditions. It may be used in a
complex decision such as whether to build a shopping mall, a condominium, or nothing at all. It is also
