L1 - Introduction To Decision Science
L1 - Introduction To Decision Science
Graduate School
Department of Chemical Engineering
LECTURE 1
Introduction to Decision Science
PROBLEM
People complaining about long queues in a fast
food restaurant.
ACTUAL SOLUTION
Addition of additional Counters during peek
hours.
COMPUTER MODEL
A set of mathematical relationships and
logical assumptions implemented in a
computer as a representation of real-world
object of phenomenon.
Example is Spreadsheets which provide the
most convenient way for Engineers to build
computer model.
THE MODELING APPROACH TO
PROBLEM SOLVING
Use of models to make decisions.
Types of models:
Mental (i.e. arranging furnitures)
Visual (i.e. blueprints, road maps)
Physical/Scale (i.e. aerodynamics,
buildings)
Mathematical (focus of Decision Science)
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODELS
Models are usually simplified versions of the
things they represent.
A valid model accurately represents the
relevant characteristics of the object or
decision being studied.
Modeling – use of mathematical language to
describe a system
Economical
Timeliness
Feasibility
Improves the understanding and insights on
decision making.
EXAMPLE OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL
𝐘 = 𝐟 (𝐗 𝟏 , 𝐗 𝟐 )
GENERIC MATH MODEL
unsatisfactory
results
CATEGORIES OF MATHEMATICAL
MODELS
Known or
LP, Networks,
Known, well- under decision
Prescriptive IP, CPM, EOQ,
defined maker’s
NLP
control
Known or Regression
Unknown, ill- under decision Analysis, Time
Predictive
defined maker’s Series,
control Analysis
Simulation,
PERT,
Known, well- Unknown or
Descriptive Inventory
defined uncertain
Models,
Queueing
PSYCHOLOGY OF DECISION MAKING
PAYOFFS
$ 7 Million
Alternative A
Initial State
Heads (50%)
$ 10 Million
Alternative B
Tails (50%)
$ 5 Million
GOOD DECISIONS VS GOOD OUTCOME