Introduction to the Theory of Operational Research
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Introduction to the theory of operational research
INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
B.
VAN DER
VEEN
SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN HEIDELBERG GMBH
Translated from Dutch by W.D. Hoeksma, O.R. Leader, Inveresk Paper Co. Ltd., London, England This book contains viii
+ 204
pages and 36 ilJustrations.
U.D.C. No. 65.012.122 Library of Congres Catalog Card Number : 67-16125
ISBN 978-3-662-42157-4 ISBN 978-3-662-42424-7 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-662-42424-7
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1967 Originally published by N.V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken, Eindhoven (The Netherlands) in 1967 Softcover reprint ofthe hardcover Ist edition 1967 AH rights reserved
~ PHILIPS Trademarks of N.V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken
No representation or warranty is given that the matter treated in this book is free from patent rights; nothing herein should be interpreted as granting, by implication or otherwise, a Jicence under any patent rights.
PREFACE The scientist makes many abstractions. For example in physics, matter is sometimes considered to be continuous (elasticity theory), then again as a collection of perfectly elastic colliding marbles (kinetic gas theory), or as a wave phenomenon (quantum mechanics). The physicist creates an image or model of reality which is simple enough to be manageable yet detailed enough to describe the studied phenomenon with reasonable accuracy. Finding an appropriate model, or the approach to a given problem, is learnt by experience and intuition, and as a rule very little is said or written about this aspect of a science; practice makes perfect. This is where O.R. appears to differ: many writings on O.R. include, long philosophical dissertations about "What is a problem?", "What is the relationship between the model and reality?", "The building of models", etc. Perhaps this is due to the fact that O.R. is still a comparatively new science and that its practitioners come from many different disciplines: philosophers, physicists, economists, mathematicians, psychologists and engineers; these disciplines could be divided into a "verbal" group and an "algebraic" group. As the author counts himself with the second group this introduction to O.R. is devoid of philosophical discourses which would only be useful to readers who are already acquainted with the subject. When one considers O.R. as the research into the quantitative aspects of operations (transactions, projects, undertakings) then it comes as no surprise, considering the quantitative nature, that mathematics plays an important role in this science. For this reason it is assumed that the reader is acquainted with the rudiments of mathematical analysis. Because we are concerned with operations, the mathematical calculations must also be operationally interpreted and formulated. I hope that this book does justice to both aspects. The book is intended for everyone who wishes to acquire knowledge of O.R. and is prepared to exert the necessary concentration. To give the r
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