13.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modelling
13.5.1 Advantages
The paragraphs above have already outlined and explained the power and advantages of the techniques available from Operations Research, in particular in the
application to problems that may be encountered with infrastructure planning and
implementation.
Section 13.6 gives an example to show the simulation of a water reservoir
operation.
However, there are some potential difficulties, outlined below.
13.5.2 Difficulties in Operations Research
Operations Research may have advantages, but the methods may be accompanied by
some subtle and hidden pitfalls, requiring some care to locate. They include:
1. it is essential that the correct problem be selected, completely and accurately
defined. Otherwise, it would impossible to obtain the right answer to a “wrong or
incorrect” problem.
2. data collection often consumes a huge portion of time and money devoted to the
study.
3. do the same (previous) principles and technical laws apply in the future when the
results will be applied?
4. the accuracy of previous records may be doubtful.
5. an approximately good solution to the problem at the right time might be
preferable to the perfect solution much later.
6. twisting the problem to fit a standard or well-known model, tool or technique,
7. failing to test the model results and implementation of the solution
8. failing to set up proper controls.
Sometimes, the study raises more questions than it answers, but this may ultimately result in a deeper understanding of the system, and providing additional
benefits and improvements.
13.5.3 Limitations of Operations Research
Apart from advantages and the difficulties, there are also some limitations, given
below.
1. Mathematical models do not consider qualitative factors or emotional factors
which are, however, quite real. All these influencing factors which cannot be
quantified cannot be input in mathematical models,
13.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modelling
373
13.5.1 Advantages
The paragraphs above have already outlined and explained the power and advantages of the techniques available from Operations Research, in particular in the
application to problems that may be encountered with infrastructure planning and
implementation.
Section 13.6 gives an example to show the simulation of a water reservoir
operation.
However, there are some potential difficulties, outlined below.
13.5.2 Difficulties in Operations Research
Operations Research may have advantages, but the methods may be accompanied by
some subtle and hidden pitfalls, requiring some care to locate. They include:
1. it is essential that the correct problem be selected, completely and accurately
defined. Otherwise, it would impossible to obtain the right answer to a “wrong or
incorrect” problem.
2. data collection often consumes a huge portion of time and money devoted to the
study.
3. do the same (previous) principles and technical laws apply in the future when the
results will be applied?
4. the accuracy of previous records may be doubtful.
5. an approximately good solution to the problem at the right time might be
preferable to the perfect solution much later.
6. twisting the problem to fit a standard or well-known model, tool or technique,
7. failing to test the model results and implementation of the solution
8. failing to set up proper controls.
Sometimes, the study raises more questions than it answers, but this may ultimately result in a deeper understanding of the system, and providing additional
benefits and improvements.
13.5.3 Limitations of Operations Research
Apart from advantages and the difficulties, there are also some limitations, given
below.
1. Mathematical models do not consider qualitative factors or emotional factors
which are, however, quite real. All these influencing factors which cannot be
quantified cannot be input in mathematical models,
13.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modelling
373