Available online
Description
Professor Mike Pengelly of the Open University gets up a highly simplified problem in stock holding. The purpose of this is to develop an algorithm for solving the problem which can then be turned ...into a computer program. Jim Burrows, Manager of the Student Computer Service of the Open University, develops a formula for a minimum cost of holding one item in store in sufficient quantity to meet customer demand. The programme is closely linked to the student practical work requiring him to work through, himself, the trisection algorithm for finding the minimum, and, at the end of the programme turns the flow chart obtained into a computer program.
Professor Mike Pengelly of the Open University gets up a highly simplified problem in stock holding. The purpose of this is to develop an algorithm for solving the problem which can then be turned ...into a computer program. Jim Burrows, Manager of the Student Computer Service of the Open University, develops a formula for a minimum cost of holding one item in store in sufficient quantity to meet customer demand. The programme is closely linked to the student practical work requiring him to work through, himself, the trisection algorithm for finding the minimum, and, at the end of the programme turns the flow chart obtained into a computer program.
| Module code and title: | PM951, Computing and computers |
|---|---|
| Item code: | PM951; 04 |
| Recording date: | 29-08-1972 |
| First transmission date: | 19-05-1973 |
| Published: | 1973 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:27 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Robert Clamp |
| Contributors: | Jim Burrows; Mike Pengelly |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Algorithm; Computer program; Customer demand; Flow chart; Stock holding; Trisection algorithm |
| Footage description: | Mike Pengelly introduces the broadcast, which considers the algorithmic aspects of solving a problem. He explains that students will be asked to complete the translation of the finished algorithm into a computer program, as part of their assignment. Pengelly introduces the problem: to construct an algorithm to minimise the cost of keeping one item in stock while meeting customer demand: a stock control problem. Six factors are involved, which he explains with the aid of a chart. Using these factors, Jim Burrows derives an equation enabling the calculation of the total annual cost involved, in mathematical terms. Pengelly shows a table containing some typical values for the constants in this equation. Burrows draws a graph of the equation and shows how the point of minimum cost can be deducted. Using film animation, he explains the process in numerical terms, to arrive at an algorithm suitable for conversion to a computer program. He draws the basic algorithm including a method of stopping the process when the final value has been found. Pengelly shows what the algorithm looks like when formally presented, using standard shaped boxes the meaning of which he explains. As the final stage in the problem-solving process. Burrows shows how to check the algorithm using the flow chart with a trace table. He begins the checking process and suggests the student completes it. Pengelly sums up the three stages in construction an algorithm: modelling the problem, attempting an algorithm to solve it, and checking the attempt. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70782 |
| Production number: | 00525_4071 |
| Videofinder number: | 659 |
| Available to public: | no |
