ABSTRACT

A partial definition of management science is: a discipline which provides techniques of optimization in the field of management. Computers are expanding the applicability of these techniques from the tactical to the strategic level. A problem can be defined in mathematical terms and its solution derived in a relatively short time by a mathematician working in a small back-room. A business manager can hardly be expected to acquire a computer to play games with, but the ability to maximize the probability of achieving something surely warrants his consideration. In its original form of linear programming it has established itself as a valuable tool for management on a tactical level, used, for example, to provide least-cost mix prescriptions for alloys and feeding-stuffs, and in general for short-term planning. Computers in their role of mathematical machines increase both the decision-making power and the control efficiency of the manager.