The Management Science Approach

1. TheManagement Science Approach Communication of Results Report Writing

2. Post-Solution Phase • Once a model has been solved to the modeler’s satisfaction: • Generate business memos/reports/(PowerPoint) presentation • Monitor progress of implementation

3. Steps in Preparing Presentations • Introduction • State exactly what the problem is that is addressed in the report/presentation; briefly give an overview of decision variables, objective and constraints. • Assumptions/Approximations • All models are replete with numerous assumptions and approximations; briefly state the most important or relevant ones. • Solution Approach/Software • Indicate the general model form and the software used; this indicates the amount of “computer programming” done by the user. All of the above should take 1- 2 pages.

4. Preparing Presentations (cont’d) • Analysis of Model Results • This is the meat of the report; it should be well-written with no grammatical errors or misspellings. • Write if for your audience • Make liberal use of charts, graphs, and tables. • Be clear and concise. • Avoid using • Technical terms • Mathematical notation • Using x’s and y’s in the body of the report • Writing in the first person • If you must use first person, use “we” not “I”

5. Preparing Presentations (cont’d) • “What-If” Analyses • Picture yourself as the recipient of the report and try to anticipate what questions would be asked and address them in the report. • Analyze possible scenarios that could occur and be prepared to discuss why they might happen and what the recommendation would be if they did. • Overall Recommendation • Consider the direct the analysis of the basic problem (Step 4) and the “what-if” analyses (Step 5) and make and justify an overall recommendation. • Suggest opportunities for future research or analyses. • Appendices • Include any relevant, appropriate supporting material for recommendations – models, printouts, etc.

6. Monitoring of Results • After a form of the model has been implemented, if you continue to be involved with the problem: • Constantly check that the assumptions upon which the model is based continue to hold. • Experiment with “extreme values” if possible to check if model gives expected results. • Do not let the model override “common sense”. • Do not feel you must “stay the course” – make model changes as needed.

7. Review • After a model has been solved results must be prepared for the next “person up the chain”. • Prepare a report that makes liberal use of graphics that is clear and concise with little technical jargon • Anticipate and address “what-if” questions in the presentation • If you are involved in the implementation stage, monitor assumptions and change model based on additional experience.