Cycling in a linear program?

The first link below uses the example of a part of a TV remote control (which has four planes intersecting at a single corner) to show a degenerate intersection of planes (a prerequisite for cycling).

According to this first link: "...degenerate bases are necessary to have degenerate pivots, and degenerate pivots are necessary to cycle."

The second link below points out that, since real-life examples have non-random coefficients, they frequently involve degeneracy. It offers the example of Cost Flow Analysis as one where degeneracy is common (though degeneracy does not always cause cycling).

Depending on the exact situation, Bland's Rule could conceivably be used to prevent cycling (though a Google search will turn up some arguments against its effectiveness).

Hope this helps!