Characterization of constraint in successively inclusive locational hierarchies

Within the context of multilevel siting models, location analysts have long known the problems associated with providing access to a hierarchy of services. Numerous studies, for example, have documented the fact that locational goals at any level of an organization can be constrained by previous decisions made at other levels and, thus, by the <i>direction</i> in which information flows. In this paper, it is shown that both the direction and <i>type</i> of information flow affect the amount of constraint imposed upon a hierarchical location problem. Further, the formal characterization of this constraint for successively inclusive facility systems suggests the need for a broadened conceptualization of such hierarchical structures. An illustrative siting example is provided.