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When is model complexity too much? Illustrating the benefits of simple models with Hughes' salvo equations

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  • Thomas W. Lucas
  • John E. McGunnigle

Abstract

The simulations that many defense analysts rely upon in their studies continue to grow in size and complexity. This paper contrasts the guidance that the authors have received—from some of the giants of military operations research—with the current practice. In particular, the analytic utility of Hughes' simple salvo equations is compared with that of the complex Joint Warfighting System (JWARS), with respect to JWARS' key performance parameters. The comparison suggests that a family of analytic tools supports the best analyses. It follows that smaller, more agile, and transparent models, such as Hughes' salvo equations, are underutilized in defense analyses. We believe that these models should receive more attention, use, and funding. To illustrate this point, this paper uses two very simple models (by modern standards) to rapidly generate insights on the value of information relative to force strength. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2003

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas W. Lucas & John E. McGunnigle, 2003. "When is model complexity too much? Illustrating the benefits of simple models with Hughes' salvo equations," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 50(3), pages 197-217, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:navres:v:50:y:2003:i:3:p:197-217
    DOI: 10.1002/nav.10062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wayne P. Hughes, 1995. "A salvo model of warships in missile combat used to evaluate their staying power," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(2), pages 267-289, March.
    2. Seth Bonder, 2002. "Army Operations Research---Historical Perspectives and Lessons Learned," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 50(1), pages 25-34, February.
    3. C. J. Ancker, 1995. "A proposed foundation for a theory of combat," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(3), pages 311-343, April.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Michael J. Armstrong, 2005. "A Stochastic Salvo Model for Naval Surface Combat," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 53(5), pages 830-841, October.
    3. Michael J. Armstrong, 2004. "Effects of lethality in naval combat models," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 51(1), pages 28-43, February.
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    6. Thomas W. Lucas & W. David Kelton & Paul J. Sánchez & Susan M. Sanchez & Ben L. Anderson, 2015. "Changing the paradigm: Simulation, now a method of first resort," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 62(4), pages 293-303, June.

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