Discrete vs. continuous (or aggregated) representation
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:34 pm
It seems to me that much of the discussion of discrete vs. continuous
(or perhaps described as aggregated) representation in a model has
been carried on in the abstract without defining the essential
context and purpose of the representation.
Regarding whether or not detailed information must accompany at item,
that will depend on the situation. For the purpose of filling a
customer order, the order must include many pieces of information--
what is ordered, where to ship, order number, price, etc.
On the other hand, if the objective is to set a policy about the
aggregate inventory that is to be financed to meet a desired average
delay in filling orders, then one has backed away from the details of
an order and a continuous representation of average delay in filling
orders, and the inventory may be appropriate.
So, it appears that the debate about discrete vs. continuous has no
answer except in the context of what is needed for the task at hand.
--
---------------------------------------------------------
Jay W. Forrester
Professor of Management
Sloan School
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room E60-156
Cambridge, MA 02139
From: "Jay W. Forrester" <jforestr@MIT.EDU>
(or perhaps described as aggregated) representation in a model has
been carried on in the abstract without defining the essential
context and purpose of the representation.
Regarding whether or not detailed information must accompany at item,
that will depend on the situation. For the purpose of filling a
customer order, the order must include many pieces of information--
what is ordered, where to ship, order number, price, etc.
On the other hand, if the objective is to set a policy about the
aggregate inventory that is to be financed to meet a desired average
delay in filling orders, then one has backed away from the details of
an order and a continuous representation of average delay in filling
orders, and the inventory may be appropriate.
So, it appears that the debate about discrete vs. continuous has no
answer except in the context of what is needed for the task at hand.
--
---------------------------------------------------------
Jay W. Forrester
Professor of Management
Sloan School
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room E60-156
Cambridge, MA 02139
From: "Jay W. Forrester" <jforestr@MIT.EDU>