A preliminary study of the current U.S. flue-cured tobacco marketing system was performed to determine the need for a new system. Computer simulation models of thirteen alternative handling and marketing methods were developed. The throughput, pounds of tobacco processed in a 40 hour period, was measured. Maximum throughput predicted by the thirteen models varied from 42,933 to 2,971,311 pounds per 40 hour period. Design of experiments was used to select a fractional factorial design which allowed determining significant model factors. Statistical models were employed to isolate important factors and differences between alternative marketing systems. Two marketing systems are recommended to the U.S. flue-cured tobacco industry for further study and analysis.
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