Quality in Policy Modeling

Abstract

The environment in which mathematical modeling and policy analysis takes place examines increasingly broader, more complex issues with scarcer resources: namely, time, money, and people. These and other developments have often led to diminishing quality in modeling and analysis. We recommend that a thorough, conscious effort be expended to deal with the full breadth of tasks impacted by modeling and the related interactions of the staff. Improvements at all levels will provide greater opportunities for the staff and enhance overall quality.

Computer‐based Environments for Operations Research: Classification and a Pioneer System

“…The process diagram of Fig. 1 is obtained by modifying the V-structured paradigm of policy studies proposed by Allen et al (1992). This paradigm is convenient to our study, because it explicitly includes the steps related to IT applications and because a relatively large emphasis is given to the preparatory steps for analysis of models and solutions.…”

“…However, when OR specialists write their own software, the product typically does not meet state-of-the-art standards in software engineering. Similarly, when IT specialists try to design and validate models and algorithms, they often compromise the integrity of the results (Allen et al, 1992).…”

“…A process view of OR projects that is a modification of the V-structured paradigm of Allen et al (1992) is introduced in the next section. Then, a classification scheme is proposed and various OR-related programs and information systems are positioned in it.…”

Recent Accomplishments in Applied Forest Economics Research

“…A shift from top-down government planning to increased participation of various interest groups has led to a change in the focus of forestry issues. Faced with these issues, policy makers are asking for greater detail in international forecasts in terms of regions, commodities and subsectors (Allen et al, 1992;Reichelderfer, 1993). Forest sector issues have also taken on a global perspective, due to stronger links between nations through trade liberalization, and international treaties.…”

DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS: A CRITIQUE AND A CHALLENGE1

“…The growth in DSS development and use has been substantial (e.g., Eom and Lee, 1990;Hodges, 1991;Walker, 1993;Loucks, 1992;and others). This is especially so within the environmental and water resources fields (e.g., Allen et al, 1992;Labadie, 1989;Loucks and da Costa, 1991;Santos, 1991). In spite of this impressive growth, and in spite of some very polished DSSs [e.g., those reported by Fedra and his colleagues (1992a) and Diersch and Gründler (1993)1, computer-aided decision support systems can still be improved and made more useful for those they are intended to support.…”