An intelligent modeling system for generalized network flow problems: With application to planning for multinational firms

This paper presents a discussion of the Generalized Network System (GNS), a system that captures knowledge about generalized network flow problems, in order to help users formulate, solve and interpret generalized network flow problems. Although previous researchers have built intelligent systems that incorporate knowledge about linear programming, this system includes more specific knowledge about generalized network flow problems. GNS is illustrated using it in a setting that requires international financial and production planning. In particular, these multinational planners need to be able to plan and replan rapidly. In addition, they need to be able to model complex events and organization structures. For example, multinational planners need to be able to plan for production in multiple countries and repatriatization of funds. GNS allows users to meet these needs.