Discusses some mathematical games concerning the packing of squares. (HM)

Presents a typical cost-allocation problem with possible solutions, including geometric and combinatoric ones. Provides students with a real-life application of the mathematics that they know. (KHR)

This document dates from 1966 and is thought to be primarily useful in allowing the reader to trace the evolution of this model from its earlier stages to completion. M.E.T.R.O. is a gaming simulation which uses techniques of war gaming as a tool for coping with current and anticipated urban problems. At this stage in its conception, M.E.T.R.O.…

The use of games and gaming, which are simulated decision making, is examined in a paper addressed to the manager and administrator in higher education. Focus is on the use of games in situations of resource allocation for budgeting and long-range planning. Basic definitions and concepts are presented, followed by a discussion of the scope and…

The mathematical exercise of the the Prisoner's Dilemma is used to explore the issue of whether present models or paradigms of policy analysis cover the complete range of rational decision making. A review of the competing paradigms of the cybernetic concept, the analytic probability concept, and the cognitive categorization concept reveals…

With the rapid increase in number and size of junior colleges, administrators must take advantage of the decision-making tools already used in business and industry. This study investigated how these quantitative techniques could be applied to junior college problems. A survey of 195 California junior college administrators found that the problems…

Strategy games are used to expose teachers and their students to the techniques and strategies involved in true problem solving. (JT)

Two units make up this material. They focus on applications of second-order difference equations to American politics. The goals of the first module include helping the user understand: 1) the difference between a theoretical construct and an observable; 2) the nature of choices which exist in modeling any particular empirical phenomenon; and 3)…

Progress is reported on four research tasks. An experiment tested the effectiveness of a computer-based phonology instructional system for second-language learning. In research on models of human-computer interactions, experiments were performed demonstrating that the provision of certain incentives to the users of a time-sharing system can have…

This document consists of two modules. The first studies a variety of multicandidate voting systems, including approval, Borda, and cumulative voting, using a model which takes account of a voter's intensity of preference for candidates. The voter's optimal strategy is investigated for each voting system using decision criteria under uncertainty…

This paper introduces a note of caution about oversubscribing to rational game theory models of analysis at the expense of humanistic inquiry. Although game theory provides a useful tool for the explanation of rational alternatives in given social situations, it should not replace humanistic inquiry. "Good" decision-making in game theory usually…

Uses the various strategies involved in baseball to illustrate basic concepts in game theory. Specifically discusses Willie Mays' base-stealing strategy and how it relates to probability and risk. Reminds students that expected results depend on adopted assumptions. (MJP)