Food Security Network Modeling

Authors

  • Kenneth McDonald Department of Systems Engineering United States Military Academy West Point, NY
  • Joshua Akers Department of Systems Engineering United States Military Academy West Point, NY
  • Forrest Bartz Department of Systems Engineering United States Military Academy West Point, NY
  • Daniel Beck Department of Systems Engineering United States Military Academy West Point, NY
  • Israel Castro Department of Systems Engineering United States Military Academy West Point, NY
  • LTC Robert Prins Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center United States Military Academy West Point, NY

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37266/ISER.2016v4i2.pp114-130

Abstract

Food security creates a complex issue for American interests. Within a constantly expanding operational environment, food security remains a vital lifeline both domestically and abroad.  Current methods of mapping an area’s food system rely on ad-hoc assessments that produce skewed results and minimal metric analysis. Previous assessments methodologies failed to incorporate components of a food system that influences the overall stability of an area. The research conducted utilized the Systems Decision Process (SDP) to create a value hierarchy and model that provide an assessment for an areas food system. The findings from the research showcase that a food system relies on several variables such as infrastructure, dietary needs, and the national stability of a region. A more enhanced assessment model was developed that placed an overarching value to a food network that allows ground commanders to gain a holistic overview of the condition of an areas food system.

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Published

2016-11-12

How to Cite

McDonald, K., Akers, J., Bartz, F., Beck, D., Castro, I., & Prins, L. R. (2016). Food Security Network Modeling. Industrial and Systems Engineering Review, 4(2), 114-130. https://doi.org/10.37266/ISER.2016v4i2.pp114-130