OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

Operation research is essentially a collection of mathematical technique and tools which in

conjunction with a system approach and applied to solve practical decision problems of an
economic or engineering nature.

Operation research aim at achieving the best feasible solution to problems by using proper
scientific and logical approaches.

MODELS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

Based on Function

Descriptive

Predictive

Normative

Based on Structure

Ionic

Analog

Symbolic

Dimensionality

Two Dimensional

Multi-Dimensional

Based on Degree of certainty

Certainty

Conflict

Risk

Uncertainty

Based on Time Reference

Static

Dynamic

Based on Degree of Generality

Specialized

General
 Based on Degree of Closure

Open
Closed
Based on Degree of Quantification

Qualitative

Mental

Verbal

Quantitative

Statistical

Heuristic

Simulation

DESCRIPTIVE

Investigate the outcomes or consequences of various alternatives course of action.

Check the consequence of given condition.

PREDICTIVE

This model indicate the consequences , if this occur what will follow

It does not have any objective function as it evaluate the decision alternatives

NORMATIVE

The best or optimal solution to the problems subject to certain limitations.

Recommended course of action.

ICONIC MODEL

It is primarily images of objects or system represented on a smaller scale

This model can stimulate the actual performance

ANALOG MODEL

This model represents a system by set of properties of the original

SYMBOLIC MODEL

Describe a situation in written or spoken language.

Example - Written sentences, book etc...

CERTAINTY MODEL

Assume complete knowledge

All potential outcomes know

Easy to develop

Resolution determined easily

Can be very complex

UNCERTAINTY MODEL

Several outcomes for each decision

Probability of occurrence of each outcome unknown

Insufficient information

Optimistic approaches

RISK MODEL

Decision under risk

Probability of each several possible outcomes occurring

Risk analysis

STATIC MODEL

A system at a particular point of time and do not account for changes over time.

DYNAMIC

Time is considered as one of the variables and it accommodates the impact of changes that take
place due to change in time.

Thus assure of inter related decisions over a period of time are mode to select optimal course of
action in order to action the given objective.

DEGREE OF GENERALITY

Generality analysis is a general method of determine the form of solution to physical problems. The
state or quality of being general. An observation or principle having general application. A
generalization an imprecise or vague statement or idea.

VERBAL MODEL

Describe a situation in written or spoken language.

Example - Written sentences, book etc...

HEURISTIC MODEL

Employ some sets of rules which though perhaps not optimal, do facilitate solutions of problems
when applied in a consistent manner.

SIMULATION

It have a mathematical structure but are not solved by applying mathematical techniques to
arrive at solution instead a simulation model is essentially computer assisted experimentation
on mathematical structure of real life problems in order to describe and evaluate its behavior
under certain assumptions over a period of time

Simulation models are more flexible than mathematical ones and can, therefore, be used to
represent a complex system that otherwise cannot be represented mathematically.

These models do not provide general solution like those of mathematical models