Football scores, the Poisson distribution and 30 years of final year projects in mathematics, statistics and operational research

Scarf, PA

Abstract

The development of the Poisson match as a model used in the prediction of the outcome of football matches is described. In this context, many interesting modelling projects arise that are suitable for undergraduate, final year students. In a narrative that discusses the author’s engagement with this model and other related models, the paper presents a number of these projects, their attractions and their pitfalls, and poses a number of questions that are suitable for investigation. The answers to some of these questions would be worthy of the attention of the administrators of their respective sports.

Citation

Scarf, P. (in press). Football scores, the Poisson distribution and 30 years of final year projects in mathematics, statistics and operational research. MSOR Connections, 15(3), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v15i3.491

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 10, 2017
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2017
• Journal: MSOR Connections
• Print ISSN: 1473-4869
• Publisher: Higher Education Academy
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 61-66
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v15i3.491
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21100/msor.v15i3.491
• Related Public URLs: https://journals.gre.ac.uk/index.php/msor