---
id: "prereq-scenario-modeling"
type: "prerequisite"
source_timestamps: ["§ 3. Align AI investments with business priorities."]
tags: ["mathematical-modeling", "operations-research"]
related: ["concept-smart-allocation-system"]
reason: "To build a system that allocates scarce resources based on complex variables (revenue, strategic accounts, contracts), one must understand how to mathematically model business constraints."
sources: ["tail1"]
sourceVaultSlug: "hbr-seg-tail1"
originDay: 1
articleStem: "hbr-tail-107-lenovo-ai-supply-chain"
sourceUrl: "https://hbr.org/2026/05/how-lenovo-built-an-ai-powered-supply-chain"
sourceTitle: "How Lenovo Built an AI-Powered Supply Chain"
---
# Scenario Modeling and Operations Research

**Prerequisite:** Scenario Modeling and Operations Research.

The text mentions that Lenovo's [[concept-smart-allocation-system]] uses 'scenario modeling' to translate executive preferences into specific manufacturing and fulfillment decisions. This implies an underlying capability in operations research, linear programming, or constraint-based optimization.

**Why it's required:** To build a system that allocates scarce resources based on complex variables (revenue, strategic accounts, contracts), one must understand how to mathematically model business constraints.

> **Enrichment note:** The relevant body of knowledge is classical OR (Hillier & Lieberman-style linear/constraint programming) and revenue-management/capacity-allocation literature from airlines and retail — exactly the mathematics behind allocating limited stock to maximize revenue or protect strategic segments.