Interactive modeling systems for managers—Semantic models should underlie quantitative models

Abstract

This paper is concerned with helping managers build and use quantitative models in problem-solving, especially models that are built and used on on-line, interactive computer systems. Quantitative models play a large part in many of the activities of managers of a wide variety of organizations. Indeed, several companies currently find it profitable to provide managers with the service of access to models and modeling systems which have increasing levels of sophistication. 2 , 8 However, such models are not used as widely as they could be. 6 Certain concepts are beginning to emerge which will hasten the development and deployment of more sophisticated interactive modeling systems which may improve this situation. Here we define one such concept—that of a semantic model —and discuss its place in an advanced interactive modeling system.