Research Reports from the Department of Operations
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
8-1-1973
Abstract
This paper examines two key decision problems in the countdown process: determining which tests and operations should be performed, and establishing their optimal sequence and duration. The authors posit that while potential actions can be enumerated at the start of the countdown, the actual sequence will depend on the system's state during the process. The paper aims to develop a methodology for solving these decision problems, viewing them as an adaptive process. Various modeling approaches are discussed, including game-theoretic models using "trees" to illustrate different countdown strategies, and search theory to find optimal action sequences. The authors also mention considering the countdown process in a quality control context, where engineers develop procedures and take exceptional actions only when the process deviates from the norm.
Keywords
Operations research, Decision making--Mathematical models, Systems engineering, Game theory, Search theory, Quality control, Strategic planning, Process control, Adaptive control systems
Publication Title
Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Issue
Technical memorandum no. 314
Rights
This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use
Recommended Citation
Dean, Burton V., "A Decision Model of the Countdown Process" (1973). Research Reports from the Department of Operations. 124.
https://commons.case.edu/wsom-ops-reports/124