Discrete Network Location Models

Abstract

The ubiquity of locational decision-making has led to a strong interest in location analysis and modeling within the operations research and management science community. The long and voluminous history of location research results from several factors. First, location decisions are frequently made at all levels of human organization from individuals and households to firms, government agencies and even international agencies. Second, such decisions are often strategic in nature. That is, they involve large sums of captial resources and their economic effects are long term. in the private sector they have a major influence on the ability of a firm to compete in the market place. In the public sector they influence the efficiency by which jurisdictions provide public services and the ability of these jurisdictions to attract households and other economic activity. Third, they frequently impose economic externalities. Such externalities include pollution, congestion, and economic development, among others.