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Debugging Mathematical Programming Models: Principles and Practical Strategies

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  • Pannell, David
  • Kingwell, Ross
  • Schilizzi, Steven

Abstract

Bugs are an unavoidable aspect of mathematical programming (MP) modelling. In this paper we discuss the prevention and diagnosis of bugs in MP models. The topic is rarely addressed in the literature but is crucial to the success of modelling projects, especially for large models. We argue that finding a bug and understanding unexpected results (whether or not due to a bug) are very closely related activities. We identify different types of bugs and suggest practical strategies for dealing with each. Adopting procedures for prevention of bugs is essential, especially for large models. We outline the prevention strategies we have adopted and found successful for the MIDAS and MUDAS models.
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Suggested Citation

  • Pannell, David & Kingwell, Ross & Schilizzi, Steven, 1992. "Debugging Mathematical Programming Models: Principles and Practical Strategies," Discussion Papers 232267, University of Western Australia, School of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:uwapdp:232267
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.232267
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    1. McCarl, Bruce A. & Apland, Jeffrey, 1986. "Validation Of Linear Programming Models," Southern Journal of Agricultural Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 18(2), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Kingwell, R. S. & Morrison, D. A. & Bathgate, A. D., 1992. "The effect of climatic risk on dryland farm management," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 39(2), pages 153-175.
    3. Morrison, David A. & Kingwell, Ross S. & Pannell, David J. & Ewing, Michael A., 1986. "A mathematical programming model of a crop-livestock farm system," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 243-268.
    4. Harvey J. Greenberg, 1994. "How to Analyze the Results of Linear Programs—Part 4: Forcing Substructures," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 24(1), pages 121-130, February.
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    6. Harvey J. Greenberg, 1993. "How to Analyze the Results of Linear Programs—Part 3: Infeasibility Diagnosis," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 23(6), pages 120-139, December.
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    8. John W. Chinneck, 1992. "Viability analysis: A formulation aid for all classes of network models," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 39(4), pages 531-543, June.
    9. Unknown, 1992. "Papers Delivered to the 36th Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural Economics Society, Canberra, 1992," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 36(1), pages 1-5.
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    Cited by:

    1. Doole, Graeme J. & Pannell, David J., 2013. "A process for the development and application of simulation models in applied economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 57(1), pages 1-25.
    2. Bathgate, Andrew D. & Kingwell, Ross S. & O'Connell, Michael, 1999. "WOOL’S FUTURE in WESTERN AUSTRALIA and the R&D IMPLICATIONS: A Discussion Paper," 1999 Conference (43th), January 20-22, 1999, Christchurch, New Zealand 123761, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    3. Kingwell, Ross & Thomas, Quenten & Feldman, David & Farre, Imma & Plunkett, Brad, 2018. "Traditional farm expansion versus joint venture remote partnerships," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 62(1), January.
    4. Addisu H. Addis & Hugh T. Blair & Paul R. Kenyon & Stephen T. Morris & Nicola M. Schreurs, 2021. "Optimization of Profit for Pasture-Based Beef Cattle and Sheep Farming Using Linear Programming: Model Development and Evaluation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, June.

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