2.

Data Preparation
Data :- refer to the values of the uncontrollable inputs to the model.
- If the required data are few and available, model development and data preparation will be
combined in just only one step.
- If the required data are not available the management scientist will use general notation for
the model.

The importance of this step :-

If we consider a model with 50 decision variables and 25 constraints, this could
have 1300 data elements.
The time required to prepare these data and the possibility of data collection errors will make
this step a critical part of the quantitative analysis process.
So, a fairly large database is needed to support mathematical model, and information systems
specialists may become involved in the data preparation step.

3. Model Solution
In this step, the analyst will attempt to find the Optimal Solution which is the values of the
decision variables that provide the best output for the model.

How ?!
- One solution approach is trial-and-error.
One approach in which the model is used to test and evaluate various decision alternatives.

But it has the drawbacks of :-

* Not necessarily provide the best solution.
* Being inefficient in terms of requiring numerous calculations if many decision alternatives
are tried.

- Special solution procedures have been developed for specific mathematical

models.
Its much more efficient than the trial and error approach. Some small models or problems can
be solved by hand calculations, But Most practical applications require using a computer.
- A variety of software packages are available for solving mathematical models.
Such as (Microsoft Excel, The Management Scientist and LINGO )

Note :-

If the alternative does not satisfy all of the model constraints, it is rejected as being
infeasible, regardless of the objective function value.

If the alternative satisfies all of the model constraints, it is feasible and a candidate for the
best solution.

Model Testing and Validation

After the model solution is obtained, we need to know how good the solution really is . The
goodness or the accuracy of a model cannot be assessed until solutions are generated.

Model testing and validation are frequently conducted with relatively small test problems
that have known or expected solutions.

If the model generates expected solutions, use the model on the full-scale problem.