Q2 Z2,(Q2) Z2(Q2) - Institute for Water Resources - U.S. Army

CHAPTER VI
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a method for de-
veloping process functions for the linehaul operations of transport
modes and to apply that method to two modes. An introductory chapter
, distinguishes between a production, function and a process function,
the latter being used throughout the dissertation to describe a pro-
duction function for one process out of several that comprise the
production activities of a transport mode. The derivation of cost
functions from production functions is discussed in the introduction
with an eye on the future use to be made of this discussion in Chapter
V. A distinction is made between the statistical approach to esti-
mating production and cost functions and the engineering approach.
It is argued the latter possesses several advantages over the former.
The engineering approach is followed in the dissertation.
Chapter II contains a rather detailed and complete survey of the
previous research in cost and production relationships for inland
waterway and rail transportation. Emphasis is on method but results
are thoroughly discussed. Criticisms are made where they seem appro-
priate, but the review is a survey rather than a critique.
The method of analysis to be used throughout the remainder of
the study is contained in Chapter III. This chapter details the
form of the transportation linehaul process function which in its
most general form makes provision for acceleration, deceleration, •
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