Research Reports from the Department of Operations
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
1-1-1974
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the development of optimal solutions to manpower planning problems. The dynamic flow model of the higher educational system as proposed by Reisman and Taft was modified for more tractable computer simulation. The model considered, treats people as the only flow variable. The model follows the flow of people from one educational level to the next and within one level it follows the flow from one sector to the next, (the three sectors considered are students, professionals and faculty sectors). Real population data for the period 1957 through 1968 was used in the simulation. The results of the testing proved the model's ability to reproduce history. The simulation model was reformulated as a Linear Programming model. L.P. model's function was to minimize the absolute value of the difference between the demand and the supply of educated people on a sector by sector and level by level basis over some planning horizon. The demand values used in the calculations represent the historical population values for the years 1957 through 1968. The results of the Linear Program were then transformed to become compatible with the input requirements of the simulation program. The simulation then adjusted specific optimal variables, and the sensitivity of the optimal solution was tested. The model developed provides a flexible tool for manpower planners to use for testing and/or developing various planning policies.
Keywords
Manpower planning, Educational planning, Linear programming, Simulation methods, Education--United States--Statistics, Operations research
Publication Title
Dissertation, Department of Operations Research, Case Western Reserve University
Issue
Technical memorandum no. 366 ; Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Rights
This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use
Recommended Citation
Michenzi, Alfred R., "Analysis of Feedback Models of Higher Education Degree Production" (1974). Research Reports from the Department of Operations. 24.
https://commons.case.edu/wsom-ops-reports/24