Experiences in applying a general modelling methodology

During a four month consultancy project for a company with a complex multi-functional decision making problem different methodologies were used. The systems audit methodology and a five stage mathematical modelling methodology were considered. The company problem was initially tackled using the systems audit approach but difficulties arose because of the compiled nature of the knowledge. The five stages of the modelling approach were then found helpful in developing a computer model for the quantitative aspects of the problem, but an approach based on expert systems ideas was found more useful for the qualitative aspects. Reviews with the company confirmed that the approaches had been successful in structuring the problem and developing a consistent approach to the decisions, indicating that the methodologies may be beneficial in other practical situations, as well as in teaching.