A network flow model is a representation of various actions or a series of events and the correlation among the characters in a group. The flow model is used to coordinate complex elements in a structure and reveals their interaction. It works similarly to a flowchart. The model can be used to represent the flow of data in which objects have to move back and forth from one point to another in a given distribution.
A good example of a network diagram notation is the transportation problem in a company. In a scenario where a large organization is faced with a transportation challenge due to massive pick up and drop points, the manager will have to come up with a network diagram which connects an optimum and efficient combination of factors in the problem case.
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Network diagram notations
The arcs of the network diagram represent the route and direction of a particular action state. The path of the arc arrow links the source to the destination, that is, the movement of a factor from its point of supply to the point of its utility ( Paraskevopoulos, Gürel & Bektaş, 2016). Quantities represented by the arcs are variables such as the distance, cost and time. A well-drawn network diagram will maximize the efficiency potential of an activity. The arcs will connect the most viable items in the flowchart.
The nodes, on the other hand, represent the uninterruptible state of an activity. In a typical flow diagram, the nodes would be symbolized by a circle shape and of an arrow key (Knoop, Hoogendoorn & Van, 2012) . The variances of the node are aesthetic points from where objects move along the path to destinations. In the case of a transportation problem model, the node represents the staff central collection point, a designated area for pick-ups. The nodes identify a common location where data is grouped and processed in line with a common characteristic forthwith.
References
Knoop, V., Hoogendoorn, S., & Van Lint, J. (2012). Routing strategies based on macroscopic fundamental diagram. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board , (2315), 1-10.
Paraskevopoulos, D. C., Gürel, S., & Bektaş, T. (2016). The congested multicommodity network design problem. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review , 85 , 166-187.
