An Interactive Optimization Game for Examining Tradeoffs between Economic and Ecological Values

Abstract

An interactive optimization model for training resource managers is described. The model is presented in the form of a game in which the user plays the role of an environmental consultant to an electric utility company. The objective is to purchase land for a proposed power plant such that ecological damage is minimized, subject to a minimum acreage requirement and a maximum budget. After one or more attempts to minimize ecological damage, the user may invoke a linear programming model to find an optimal solution. The game introduces students to the complexities and uncertainties of assigning ecological value and the utility of linear programming as a management tool. The model is programmed in BASIC and will run on Tektronix 4052 (64K) or similar computer (when modified appropriately).