Richard H F Jackson

Methodology and analysis for comparing discrete linear l1 approximation codes

This is the first of a projected series of papers dealing with computational experimentation in mathematical programming. This paper provides early results of a test case using four discrete linear L1 approximation codes. Variables influencing code behavior are identified and measures of performance are specified. More importantly, an experimental design is developed for assessing code performance and is illustrated using the variable “problem size”.

Documentation for a model: a hierarchical approach

A set of documents and their organization according to functional requirements in order to produce information that will facilitate the use of models are described. The authors discuss the role of models in the policy process and of documentation in the assessment of such models.

Second-order sensitivity analysis in factorable programming: theory and applications

Second-order sensitivity analysis methods are developed for analyzing the behavior of a local solution to a constrained nonlinear optimization problem when the problem functions are perturbed slightly. Specifically, formulas involving third-order tensors are given to compute second derivatives of components of the local solution with respect to the problem parameters. When in addition, the problem functions are factorable, it is shown that the resulting tensors are polyadic in nature.

Real-Time Optimization in the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility

A major manufacturing researchfacility has been established at the National Institute of Standards and Technology1. The Automated Manufacturing Research Facility has been designed to address the standards and measurement needs for the factory of the future. A five-layer hierarchical planning/control architecture is under development to manage production and support activities. A three layer architecture is being developed to manage the data requirements of the modules within that hierarchy. Each of these architectures contain functions that require the solution to one or more optimization problems. This chapter describes the production planning/control and the data management architectures, the optimization problems contained within those architectures, and the work underway to address some of those problems.

Comparison of mathematical programming software: a case study using discrete L 1

Abstract This paper presents the methodology and results of a computational experiment which compares the performance of four computer codes which determine the best discrete L1 approximation to a continuous nonlinear function. The experiment utilizes 320 test problems created by a test problem generator. Several performance measures describe solution quality as well as computational effort.

The internal revenue service post-of-duty location modeling system - final report

This report documents a project undertaken by the National Bureau of Standards to develop a mathematical model which identifies optimal locations of Internal Revenue Service Posts-of-Duty . The mathematical model used for this problem is the uncapacitated, fixed charge, location-allocation model which minimizes travel and facility costs, given a specified level of activity. The report includes a discussion of the location problem and the mathematical model developed. Data sources identified and used are also described. Brief descriptions of the mathematical techniques used and the interactive, user-friendly computer system built to solve the problem are also provided. The system is microcomputer -based and uses menus and graphically displayed maps of tax districts for interactive inputs and solution outputs .

Whither Manufacturing and Operations Research

This paper is based on opening remarks made at the First Joint US/German Conference on New Directions for OR in Manufacturing. It was an honor to be invited to make those opening remarks, and an additional honor to have the opportunity to include them in these proceedings. In this paper, we explore the current status of manufacturing technology in the United States, describe a vision of next-generation manufacturing systems, and discuss ongoing research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in support of U.S. industry’s efforts to achieve that vision. In addition, we discuss some of the history of the operations research (OR) profession, make some observations concerning its present state of health, and comment on the important role OR professionals can play in this national effort to help U.S. industry survive and thrive in the next century.