Intuition and models in transport management. Transpn. Res.-A.

Willumsen, Luis G.. Ortuzar, Juan de Dios.

1985

SEPARATA
77

This paper is concerned with the interface between the decision maker, the transport system and mental and mathematical models devised to assist the first in managing the second. It is postulated that the mental models of the decision maker play a key role in the use made of the output from formal models. From this background the paper discusses GUTS, a gaming simulation developed by the authors to improve transport system management skills. Gaming simulation exercises are powerful instruments in helping to understand how a many parts of a complex system interact without getting to involved in the detailed workings of each. This type of understanding is essential for an effective application of transport system management techniques. GUTS is based on a computer model of an idealised city incorporating the most important variables and policy instruments encountered in reality. It enables players to test traffic management and public transport policies in a dynamic context and to learn from the outcome of these decisions. The game has already been used by a large number of students, academic and practitioners as a training tool. Indeed , its current version incorporates several improvements suggested by these users. In this paper it is further argued that games like GUTS could play a benefical role in helping to bridge the gap between politicians (decision makers) and analysts, and between decision making bodies and the public at large.

Presenta diagrs. y gráfs.

GENERAL; TRANSPORTE; ADMINISTRACION; SIMULACION; INGENIERIA DEL TRANSPORTE; GUTS; PROGRAMAS DE COMPUTADORA;