Optimization of Systems with many
Inter-Dependent Subsystems Functioning Independently
by
Sant R.Arora
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Wednesday, February 10, 1999
1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
Room 102 ME
Broadcast on UNITE Channel B
Coffee will be available in 152 ME following the seminar
An overview of the ÒDesign ProblemÓ
and the ÒGeneralized Decision ProblemÓ will be presented.
These problems will be compared for their differences and similarities.
Greater emphasis will be placed on the ÒDecision Problem.Ó
What distinguishes the ÒDecision ProblemÓ at a global
level are the difficulties in achieving system goals because of
the problemÕs broader context, such as more dynamic operating
environments, higher degree of uncertainty, higher inter- dependence
among subsystems, and lack of coordination and integration among
them. It is the total performance that matters and not just the
performance of individual activities. There are two opposing objectives
working: to ÒdemocratizeÓ organization systems and
to integrate them. The more general challenge of designing organization
systems where units work independently but are seamless will be
addressed.
Dr. Sant Arora received his Ph.D. from the Johns
Hopkins University in 1962. His research over the years has focused
on modeling and optimization in diverse areas which include production,
logistics, water resources design and management, computer memory
and file management. He has worked on issues of integration, data
base applications and information sharing. Currently, he is interested
in the development of support systems to improve managerial qualitative
reasoning and judgment in macro decisions.
Informal Faculty Luncheon: Wednesday,
February 10, 1999, 11:45 am, Room 404, Campus Club. Prof. Arora
will be able to attend.
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