Tinbergen's Hierarchy Hypothesis Revisited

In this study, Tinbergen's hierarchy hypothesis is extended to include Dokmeci's optimization of the hierarchical production model. The optimal location of hierarchically coordinated plants is determined on a non-homogenous plane by taking into consideration price-elastic demand, production cost and transportation cost. The objective is to determine the maximum-profit location while satisfying the income constraint of the region. A stepwise heuristic approach is used for the solution. In the region, the markets are divided into optimum subsets according to a chosen number of plants in each level. Market demand is calculated with respect to a selected uniform price. The optimum location of plants is calculated iteratively by the use of Dökmeci's model in each level of the hierarchy. Then, the same procedure is repeated for different numbers of plants in each level of the hierarchy by taking into consideration the interdependence among the levels. The alternative which produces the maximum profits within the limits of regional income is determined as the best system.