Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Authors

Edward M. Norin

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1-1-1972

Abstract

It was desired to estimate the time required and probability of success in the development of a new biocide, DS. Since many alternate paths would be considered but not developed, the normal deterministic activity networks—such as CPM or PERT—could not handle this problem. Instead, an extended decision box network coupled with PERT was used to create an algorithm with two degrees of freedom: probability of success and time distribution. The results of the algorithm indicate a 96% probability that at least one path to commercial DS will be developed. The expected time for development is 111 workdays, with a 90% probability of completion within 122 days. The most probable process is predicted to be the one currently in pilot plant use.

Keywords

Operations research, PERT (Network analysis), Decision making--Mathematical models, Probabilities

Publication Title

Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

Issue

Technical memorandum no. 252

Rights

This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use

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