bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Dimensional Management Science: The Making of a Technocratic Consciousness
Authors: Tinker Tony , Lowe Tony
Published: October 2008

Management science has lost much of the vitality and vision it had a decade ago. It languishes in a morass of technical specialization; it lacks overall coherence, and direction. The departmental structure of Management Science and the college structure of TIMS reflect a one-dimensional view: the literature elevates a “technocratic rationality” and neglects “social rationality.” A revitalized two-dimensional management science is proposed.
20/30 Hindsight: Unscrambling an Egg
Authors: Machol Robert E.
Published: October 2008

Several years ago I was asked by a consortium of railroads to help them in a rate case. The problem was inspection of freight cars loaded with grain. The carload of grain is put on a siding (or, sometimes, a grain train is held at a station), a representative from the Department of Agriculture comes down and takes a sample from the car (they have their own methods of ensuring a simple random sample), and this sample is then tested and graded by them. The ultimate price of the grain depends upon the grade which the Agriculture Department assigns. In the opinion of the railroads, the shippers were abusing this procedure. They would typically ship a carload of grain from an elevator somewhere out west to Chicago, without having sold it, hoping to get an order on the way. If such an order were not received, they would order an inspection, which would hold up the carload for a few days. The railroads were asking for a charge for each in-transit inspection, and the grain exchanges and commission merchants were objecting. For reasons which can't be gone into here, the charge was going to be either about $15, or exactly nothing. My task was to help justify the former number. There were to be hearings before the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), and we had a year.
Earthmoving on Construction Projects: A Postscript
Authors: Lawrence Mervyn , Perry Chad
Published: October 2008

Most construction projects require the movement of enormous quantities of earth materials. In the February 1983 issue of Interfaces Perry and Iliff described a pilot study using the transportation model to decide on these earth movements during the construction of a major international airport. The out-of-kilter algorithm was used to find precise sand rehandling contract packages. Cost savings approached a million dollars for about three man-weeks of consulting time.
The Fifth Column: Modeling the Modeling Process: Models, Dreams, and Realities, an Essay in Honor of Patrick Rivett
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

Some people use models, some use common sense. Those of us who use common sense quickly discover that we are an acute pain to those people who have to use models, as we bypass a step that is often the be-all and end-all of their very modus operandi. In a recent conversation with an able gentleman of the modeling variety, it struck me that perhaps I could make a contribution to greater understanding by modeling the modeling (problem-solving) process in my own inimitable way. I shall not list as references any of the numerous approaches that grace the archival (that is, unread) journals of our profession, not because I don't read them—I do—but because none of these people would survive the embarrassment of being referenced by me. Why, they might even be refused tenure.
Warehouse Relocation or Modernization: Modeling the Managerial Dilemma
Authors: Economides Spyros , Fok Edwin
Published: October 2008

At Lockheed Missiles and Space Company's complex in Sunnyvale, California, where approximately 24,000 employees and hundreds of data processing machines consume paper and other types of stationery goods around the clock, storing and distribution costs of these products were evaluated for potential savings using a small-scale mixed integer programming model which selected the most cost-effective location and operational mode.
Using MS for the Practice of MS
Authors: Jones Sue , Smithin Tim
Published: October 2008

Although management scientists employ a range of techniques to assist their clients, they rarely take the same explicit “scientific” interest in their own problems of carrying out management science consultancy. Yet managing internal political pressures, personal relationships with clients, and power structures is complex and crucial to success. We explore when and why reflection and analysis can improve MS practice and offer some ideas about appropriate techniques.
The Electronic Digital Computer and Melopsittacus Undulatus
Authors: Harrison H. , Doyle A.
Published: October 2008

A unique computer program aids in producing superior specimens of Melopsittacus Undulatus—a parakeet native to Australia. The activity of breeding and exhibiting livestock has a worldwide following, but before this program the mating decision was largely intuitive. The program formalizes that decision for one category of small livestock, the budgerigar. It has been working successfully for over three years and has attracted worldwide attention from those interested in breeding and exhibiting this extraordinary member of the parrot family.
Editorial: Practitioners Wha Hae
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

What practice the practitioners? They don't practice writing articles for this journal. They do complain, though, that we don't print enough articles by practitioners.

We all know why academics write and practitioners don't. For our profession (and this journal) to remain healthy we must redress this imbalance. But I don't know how to encourage practitioners to write more applications articles for this journal. The annual TIMS/CPMS awards competition is the best vehicle we have so far and a number of our other applications articles are from entrants in that competition.
The CPMS Assessment Study, a Proto-Type
Authors: Abendroth W. W.
Published: October 2008

The results of the College for the Practice of Management Science study assessing the value of MS/OR to business and the positions, compensation, and responsibilities of professionals in MS/OR.
The Fifth Column: On Oil and Gas Property Acquisitions Models, or Approaching Optimality by Inflexible Means
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

A few short years ago there was a typically nameless small oil company that operated entirely in one nameless western state. The owner of this company was the archetypical wildcatter who got lucky. By his midfifties his income was equal to the combined GNPs of some UN microcountries. At that point in his life he decided that he would like to spend less time wheeling and dealing and more time with his (present) wife, family, and friends. Also, by that time he had with him a closely knit team of geologists and landmen, well paid in their work. It was clear that some organization or system needed to be set up to give this team general, but firm, guidance to keep on doing good even though he might not be in the office that much anymore on a day-to-day basis. After considerable thought he enunciated an operating rule for his troops that had amazingly successful results. Within five years his company had an enviable reputation in the business. It began to seem to any rational observer that when they finally did drill a property, they just couldn't seem to miss.
Acquisitions: Do They Really Work Out?
Authors: Souder William E. , Chakrabarti Alok K.
Published: October 2008

Using structured interviews with corporate presidents and surrogates, we obtained data on eight firms and their 16 acquisitions. Their postacquisition performance was analyzed with regard to the original motives behind the acquisitions. Factors which affected performance are explored and policy suggestions for successful acquisitions are presented.
MS/OR Utilization in Public Policy Making
Authors: Nagel Stuart S.
Published: October 2008

MS/OR-related public policy evaluations are more likely to be used when they are valid and well-communicated, when they have good support, when they are brought to the attention of the right decision makers, and when they are directed to the right goals and produce higher benefits than cost.
Using Utilization Research
Authors: Chaiken Jan M. , Yin Robert K. , Moore Gwendolyn B.
Published: October 2008

A reply to the article by Stuart Nagel emphasizes that if utilization is a goal, how one conducts the research is as important as what the research says or as the policy environment within which the research must fall.
MS/OR Education: Quality of an Operations Management Course: An Examination of the Effects of Prerequisites and Their Transfer
Authors: Sauter Vicki L.
Published: October 2008

Increasingly the value of educating students in quantitative methods has been questioned [Business Week 1982; Greenberg 1982]. Discussions have centered on whether current quantitative methods courses are appropriate and whether “business sense” can be taught. Another side of the question has not been addressed, however: whether the students in these courses are prepared to learn what we have to offer. We have not considered whether the business curriculum equips students to appreciate fully what quantitative techniques are and how they can be used. Do students miss the forest (that is, how can they use this) for the trees (that is, what are the specific computations of the techniques) because the courses in operations research and operations management are not appropriate or because they can't cope with what is taught?
Seen Elsewhere
Authors: Morgan J. I.
Published: October 2008

“Seen Elsewhere” consists of digests of articles on the application and implementation of management science seen in other publications.

—“Achieving the potential of decision support systems” (Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 3, No. 3, Winter 1983, pp. 84–90) by William R. King (University of Pittsburgh).
MS/OR and the Forest Products Industry: New Directions
Authors: Harrison Terry P. , de Kluyver Cornelis A.
Published: October 2008

Since the early days of MS/OR, the forest products industry has been a fertile area for research and applications. In the introduction to this special issue, we trace the major trends MS/OR theory and practice have taken over the past 30 years, assess the current state of the art, and identify promising new areas of research and practice.
Editorial: Special Issue on the Forestry Products Industry
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

This issue is the first under this editorship that focuses on a specific industry. The forest products industry has a long history of MS/OR applications. The traditional applications have focused on using linear programming in areas like production scheduling and timber stand management. This issue reviews recent trends toward the use of larger scale integrated models on the one hand and the application of personal computing and distributed data processing on the other. Terry Harrison and Cornelis de Kluyver, the editors of this special issue, begin by presenting a perspective and overview of the contributions.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Hall John R. , Millen Roger N. , Sauter Vicki L. , Winer Russell S. , Dale Charles
Published: October 2008

“Applications Reviews” is a guide to accomplished or partial MS/OR applications, cited in articles appearing in many of the major journals of the field. We cover only applications—except for the occasional brief mention of a survey article or special issue—and so do not claim to cover all the best articles in MS/OR. The abstracts are purposely kept short to emphasize breadth of coverage over depth; we try to tell you what modeling approach has been applied to what problem and if possible the size and character of the improvements achieved as a result.
Strategic and Midterm Planning of Forest-to-Product Flows
Authors: Hay Douglas A. , Dahl Paul N.
Published: October 2008

Two intertwined models used at Weyerhaeuser Company allow strategic and midterm planning of timberlands' harvests, flows to mills, and production of end products. These models combine dynamic programming and linear programming in a novel way. They have been used across the southern United States for several years, are currently applied to two million acres of pine forests, and have been instrumental in numerous changes in strategic and operational plans.
The Veneer Mill Improvement Program
Authors: Danielson Jeanne D.
Published: October 2008

At each step of veneer manufacture, from the forest through the veneer mill, mechanical and human errors reduce the amount of veneer recovered. The Veneer Mill Improvement Program (VIP), developed at the Forest Products Laboratory, is a procedure to measure raw material conversion efficiency in softwood veneer mills and a computer model to predict the effect of processing improvements. Three areas are analyzed in a VIP study: log bucking, block centering in the lathe, and veneer peeling and clipping. VIP is used to identify sources of veneer losses and its results are used to troubleshoot in the mill.
An Artificial Intelligence Application to Timber Harvest Schedule Implementation
Authors: Hokans Rickard H.
Published: October 2008

Artificial intelligence can be used to select timber stands in the implementation of linear programming solutions to harvest planning problems. A discriminant function is estimated using spatial data observed when a forester selects stands. This system can be used to provide specific information needed to reformulate linear programming constraints which previously resulted in unacceptable solutions.
An Interregional Analysis of the North American Newsprint Industry
Authors: Guder Faruk , Buongiorno Joseph
Published: October 2008

An economic model of the North American newsprint industry forecasts, over long time periods and by regions, the amount of newsprint produced, consumed, its price, and the quantities transported between regions. The model forecasts the same data for the main raw materials, pulpwood and wastepaper. The core of the model is a recursive quadratic programming system that simulates the behavior of a competitive industry. The model has been used to make 10-year forecasts of key variables describing the industry, based on specific scenarios on economic and demographic growth in the various regions of North America.
A Tree Breeding Strategy Based on Multiple Objective Linear Programming
Authors: Mattheiss T. H. , Land Samuel B.
Published: October 2008

Multiple objective seed orchards have been proposed for some time, but techniques for their management have not been forthcoming. The concept developed here facilitates genetic diversity in the breeding population, changes in breeding objectives without going back to earlier generations of selection, and the provision for genetic improvement in any selected direction. Problems with inbreeding are considered and application of the concept to current tree improvement programs is discussed.
Stalking the Endangered CAT: A Queueing Analysis of Congestion at Automatic Teller Machines
Authors: Kolesar Peter
Published: October 2008

A study to determine customer service standards for the automatic teller machines (ATM's) of a large retail bank led to the formulation and calibration of a finite waiting room M/M/c/K queueing model. The model suggested that the percentage of lost customers be adopted as the service standard instead of line wait. The new standard was applied against existing transaction reports to identify those congested ATM facilities that could best profit from additional machines and lobby space. The magnitude of the increased business at the upgraded facilities partly confirmed the model's hypothesis that substantial numbers of customers had indeed been balking.
Multivariate Analysis of the Navy's Project UPGRADE
Authors: Kettner George
Published: October 2008

The US Navy implemented Project UPGRADE as a mechanism for discharging marginal performers from the Navy. It was demonstrated to be a viable personnel program for affecting both the quality and quantity of the Navy's first-term enlisted population.
The Evolution of Financial Planning Models at a Commercial Bank
Authors: Balbirer Sheldon D. , Shaw David
Published: October 2008

What happened since the original Interfaces article may be the most interesting story. Here is the first of what we hope will become a regular feature.
A Joint Industry-Labor-University Cost Saving Venture
Authors: Mason J. Barry , Mellichamp Joseph M. , Miller David M. , Gilligan Thomas P. , Cook Grady
Published: October 2008

A unique partnership involving General Motors management, UAW personnel, and faculty and students at the University of Alabama was initiated to apply management science and engineering methods to manufacturing operations in a GM carburetor assembly plant in order to effect cost savings needed to make the operation profitable. GM executives expect that the research conducted in achieving the cost savings will give rise to designs for “the factory of the future” that would have application throughout General Motors. This kind of industry-university partnership could play a major role in the rejuvenation of American industry.
A Simulation Model for Analytical Laboratory Planning
Authors: Jones Lawrence
Published: October 2008

A digital computer model that simulates laboratory operations and production scheduling at the Center for Drug Analysis was developed. The model is based on established empirical relationships between laboratory personnel, the number of laboratory samples awaiting analysis, and the number of samples that will be completed during ensuing time periods. Scheduling heuristics determine allocation of resources to laboratory activities.
Reconfiguration of an Insurance Company's Sales Regions
Authors: Gelb Betsy D. , Khumawala Basheer M.
Published: October 2008

The branch and bound method was used to find the “best” number of sales regions and to reconfigure regional boundaries for the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC). The solution specified (1) an increase in sales regions from 16 to 25, and (2) the geographic customer base to be served by each region. Savings were estimated to be $8,833,000.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Hall John R. , Millen Roger N. , Sauter Vicki L. , Winer Russell S. , Dale Charles
Published: October 2008

“Applications Reviews” is a guide to accomplished or partial MS/OR applications, cited in articles appeared in many of the major journals of the field. We cover only applications — except for the occasional brief mention of a survey article or special issue — and so do not claim to cover all the best articles in MS/OR. The abstracts are purposely kept short to emphasize breadth of coverage over depth; we try to tell you what modeling approach has been applied to what problem, and if possible the size and character of the improvements achieved as a result.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Shutler Maurice
Published: October 2008

Comment about the article Zahedi, Fatemeh. 1985. A survey of issues in the MS/OR field. Interfaces 14(2, March–April) 57–68.
Blue Bell Trims its Inventory
Authors: Edwards Jerry R. , Wagner Harvey M. , Wood William P.
Published: October 2008

Within 21 months Blue Bell reduced its inventory by more than 31 percent, from 371 to 256 million dollars, with no decrease in sales or services by applying management science models. A combination of innovative problem solving and enthusiastic management support ensured success. Many of the models are standard, but a new marker design and selection model makes the systems approach practical. Management paid close attention to systems development and provided resources that enhanced the effectiveness of the project.
Large-Scale Optimization Modeling at the US Treasury Department: An Update
Authors: Mulvey John M.
Published: October 2008

The US Treasury Department (Office of Tax Analysis) estimates the impact of proposed changes to the US tax code. Their forecasted distribution of potential benefits and losses on various subpopulations plays a significant role in Congressional tax policy debate. Three large-scale optimization models are essential in estimating revenue; one—optimal cluster analysis—was described in a previous Interfaces article, October 1980, and is brought up to date here.
Factor Analysis of Portfolio Styles
Authors: Dietz Peter O. , Fogler H. Russell , Smith Madelyn
Published: October 2008

Frank Russell Company finds that managers can be grouped into several investment style categories and uses a qualitative approach to categorize them. Factor analysis and cluster analysis can be applied to this problem. An analysis of quarterly mutual fund returns from July 1970 through December 1978 shows that return data groups itself according to manager investment styles. While there were some differences between the style groups developed by looking only at rate of return data using these quantitative techniques and using company qualitative analysts, the differences were surprisingly small.
Gambling on Vacation
Authors: Strevell Michael W. , Chong Philip S.
Published: October 2008

A quantitative method of assigning leave to crew members in an operational military flying squadron has the objective of maximizing crew preferences. Manning constraints limit the number of crews on leave at one time. The assignment process is based on a point system which allows each crew to bid for the periods it prefers, with the highest bidder “winning.”
20/30 Hindsight: OR in Public Policy in India—Who Cares?
Authors: Patkar Vivek N.
Published: October 2008

OR applications in India have been mostly confined to large manufacturing industries and to a limited class of problems. OR has rarely had a role in the formulation of government policy.

Indifference, aversion to change, and lack of will to experiment or to make an effort characterize Indian public life. The decision-making process is so diffuse that no one in particular can be found to be responsible, with the result that situations drift until solutions emerge on their own. These factors make implementing OR study results difficult, especially through the decision-making apparatus of the government. I describe here a study on staggering office hours in Bombay; all our efforts to implement the results were nullified by a combination of these factors.
MS/OR Education: Meeting the New Demands on MS Education
Authors: Zahedi Fatemeh
Published: October 2008

The evolution of the field of management science and the new demands on it call for a new look at the MS curriculum. Courses that offer greater contact with real-world problems are needed, and curriculums that reflect the widespread use of computers and softwares must be offered, not, however, at the expense of theory. The MS curriculum should be designed to incorporate all these components in an appropriate sequence of courses.

Management sciences (MS) consists of both scientific detail and real-world applicability. Thus, there are two opposite domains in MS that Geoffroin calls “the world of action and affairs and the world of ideas and study”. The opposition of the two is vividly demonstrated in the controversy over approaches to MS education.
Meet Our New Vice-President
Authors: Lear Robert W.
Published: October 2008

When I wrote this article in 1981, corporate interest in productivity was just beginning to perk. I felt confident that it would grow and enlarge, so I predicted that there would be lots more vice-presidents of productivity.

This didn't happen. Why?

The reason is, I believe, that corporations became so intensely and broadly interested in the whole subject of efficient management of their operations that it became a corporate-wide surge and not a staff fetish. Most companies I know are now greatly concerned with the cost effectiveness of their plants and the measures needed to bring them up to competitive equality or superiority. So, productivity is becoming an integrated part of the management function — and I'm glad to see it happen.
Seen Elsewhere
Authors: Morgan J. I.
Published: October 2008

“Seen Elsewhere” consists of digests of articles on the application and implementation of management science seen in other publications. The following articles are reviewed: —“An assessment of critical success factors” (Sloan Management Review, Vol. 25, No. 4 Summer 1984) by Andrew C. Boynton (University of North Carolina) and Robert W. Zmud (University of North Caroline). —“Engaging top management in information technology” (Sloan Management Review, Vol. 25, No. 4 Summer 1984) by John F. Rockart (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Adam D. Crescenzi (Index Systems, Inc.).
A Framework for Profitability and Productivity Measures
Authors: Eilon Samuel
Published: October 2008

Performance of an enterprise is often measured as a ratio of output to input. It is possible to define a variety of ratios, depending on whether measurements of variables are made in physical or financial terms and depending on which resource inputs are selected for performance evaluation. In addition, ratios may relate current outputs to current inputs, or current outputs to the maximum possible outputs for a given set of inputs, or current inputs to the minimum possible inputs for a given level of output, thereby giving rise to definitions of four production efficiencies. Also, several productivity ratios may be defined, and the network of relationships between them demonstrates how one productivity ratio can improve at the expense of another. The effect of productivity ratios on unit cost can then be explored and the effect of input factor prices (such as wage rates) ascertained.
Unions, Productivity, and the New Industrial Relations: Strategic Considerations
Authors: Hanlon Martin D.
Published: October 2008

Attempts to improve productivity in unionized workplaces are more likely to be successful if the union is formally involved. Union-management collaborative efforts, such as quality-of-work-life (QWL) programs, can improve productivity by promoting greater flexibility in the deployment of human resources and creating a climate favorable to shop-floor innovation. Union involvement is conditional upon assurances that productivity gains will not lead to loss of jobs.
Managerial Productivity: Who Is Fat and What Is Lean?
Authors: Sayles Leonard R.
Published: October 2008

Efforts to increase productivity need to focus more on managerial work in contrast to worker work. Not only have organizations been careless about multiplying levels and staff, but they have not sought means of measuring managerial work loads. Instead they have added managers and technical specialists when operations got out of control. This both ignored the source of the problem and the tendency for increased numbers of specialists to make work to justify their existence.
Consumer Participation and Productivity in Service Operations
Authors: Fitzsimmons James A.
Published: October 2008

Operations managers have traditionally increased productivity by substituting machines for labor, simplifying work, and devising employee incentive plans. For services, the consumer represents an untapped productive resource. A service delivery system can be designed to permit greater consumer involvement in the production process thereby achieving productivity gains and revising the concept of employment.
Editorial: MS/OR on Thin Ice
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

I recently attended a meeting of the Management Science Roundtable on the impact of new technologies on the MS/OR professions. The details and action plan of that meeting will be the subject of a further article or editorial; I would like to speculate on what I learned from conversations during coffee breaks and cocktails.

The MS/OR environment is changing rapidly. MS/OR users are everywhere, calling what they are doing everything but MS/OR. Perhaps these two suggestions—certification and selling the profession at high levels—may help prevent a major decline in the credibility and the value of what MS/OR offers management practice.
Micro Versus Mainframe Performance for a Selected Class of Mathematical Programming Problems
Authors: Harrison Terry P.
Published: October 2008

The performance of microcomputers in solving a collection of well-known nonlinear programming test problems is compared with that of a mainframe computer.
Discovering and Correcting Problems in a Naval Stock Control System
Authors: Alexander Suraj M.
Published: October 2008

An analysis aimed at evaluating the shop stores control system formulae at the Naval Ordnance Station in Louisville revealed inherent operational problems. Simple analysis procedures led to the discovery and evaluation of these problems. These procedures also aided in explaining the problems and suggesting corrective measures to management.
Breaching the Great Salt Lake Causeway: An Addendum
Authors: Chesteen Susan A. , Baird Bruce F.
Published: October 2008

An analysis (Interfaces, Vol. 10, No. 2) led to a recommendation that the state of Utah not pay for breaching the causeway across the Great Salt Lake because the estimate of maximum benefits to the state was significantly less than the minimum cost. However, between 1982 and late 1984, the lake level increased an unprecedented 9.45 feet, and lakeside mineral industries, transportation, wildlife areas, recreation, and public utilities were severely affected. On August 3, 1984, the causeway was breached by a 300-foot cut; unfortunately, the full benefits of the breach were not realized because the water level had already reached 4,209.25 feet. The only savings will be the incremental difference between losses already incurred and those of future year's if the lake continues to rise.
Multiple Perspectives: Overcoming the Weaknesses of MS/OR
Authors: Linstone Harold A.
Published: October 2008

The paradigms of science deal with well-structured systems successfully. However, they are quite inadequate for complex sociotechnical systems. The multiple perspective concept, originally suggested by Allison, effectively bridges the gap between analysis and the real world of ill-structured systems. Three types of perspective are used: technical/analytical; organizational/societal; and personal/individual. Each provides important insights not obtainable with the others.
Note: Seppuku in the Stockroom
Authors: Koenigsberg Ernest
Published: October 2008

The problems of US industry are not those of inventory levels but those of “a failure of managerial competence (in production)” (to use the words of E. S. Buffa). It is the superior production systems that allow inventory reductions, and not the other way around.
How to Schedule Meetings with a Traveling Salesman Q & D, and Why We Didn't
Authors: Telgen Jan
Published: October 2008

Periodically scheduled meetings between managers and their employees are often used to monitor progress. Unfortunately, people attending two or more of these meetings in one day may find their time cut up into pieces too small to be useful. This problem can be solved as a traveling salesman problem. The efficient solution found by this method was not implemented because of factors not incorporated into the objective function.
Improving Efficiency in a Forest Pest Control Spray Program
Authors: Rumpf David L. , Melachrinoudis Emanuel , Rumpf Thomas
Published: October 2008

The Maine Forest Service limits the destruction of Maine spruce-fir forests by spruce budworms through a large aerial spray program. They use several types of aircraft flying from six airfields to spray 250 to 300 infested areas. A mathematical programming model which determines the lowest cost set of flight plans and provides “what if” analyses for changes in operating conditions is improving management decisions.
Multiproduct Production Scheduling at Owens-Corning Fiberglas
Authors: Oliff Michael D. , Burch E. Earl
Published: October 2008

To address production-scheduling decisions at Owens-Corning Fiberglas at three distinct levels—aggregate planning, disaggregate planning, and job scheduling—a three-phase hierarchical model was developed. A production-switching rule is used to determine aggregate inventory levels, production levels, and work-force levels. Lot sizes, line assignments, and inventory levels are determined for individual products via linear programming. Final job sequencing is accomplished by use of an efficient heuristic. Implementation of the model has resulted in annual savings of over $100,000 during the first two years of operation.
Note: A Microcomputer Revolution in the School of Business
Authors: Render Barry , Stair Ralph M.
Published: October 2008

The five-year-old microcomputer revolution is changing the way business school professors, and especially management scientists, are doing business. The revolution has affected course outlines, classroom cases, and homework assignments and is affecting entire curricula in statistics, data processing, management sciences, and operations management. Likewise affected are finance, business policy, marketing, and accounting curricula. It may very well be that the microcomputer revolution will have even more impact on schools of business than the 1959 report by the Ford Foundation which criticized the overall approach taken in early business education.
Managing Inventories Through Difficult Economic Times: A Simple Model
Authors: Bell Peter C. , Noori Hamid
Published: October 2008

When the economy changes direction, the inventory manager must manage the firm's inventory levels as several important variables change. A simple model provides an easily computed target level for aggregate inventory during a period when demand, price, and interest rates are unusually volatile. Comparing the actual inventory experience of a firm during the 1981–1983 recession with results predicted from the model suggests that the model has value.
Note: Further Notes on Lagging Forecasts
Authors: Gardner Everette S.
Published: October 2008

In Gardner [Gardner, E. S. 1984. The strange case of the lagging forecasts. Interfaces 14(3) 47–50.], I pointed out that erroneous versions of exponential smoothing models have been repeated in the literature for the last 20 years. Some 23 errors were cited in journal articles and textbooks. All of the errors were in linear-trend models and caused the forecasts to lag the data.

Since Gardner [Gardner, E. S. 1984. The strange case of the lagging forecasts. Interfaces 14(3) 47–50.] appeared, I have received a number of letters requesting information on other model formulations for exponential smoothing. Gardner [Gardner, E. S. 1985. Exponential smoothing: The state of the art. J. Forecasting 4(1) 1–38.] is my attempt to provide a complete reference on the subject. This paper includes 29 models along with details on starting values, parameter choice, and forecast monitoring.
Testing Times: Dilemmas in an Action Research Project
Authors: Cropper Stephen , Bennett Peter
Published: October 2008

Getting new methods tested is not a trivial problem, particularly where the process of application is considered as important as the product of analysis. Action research provides a useful alternative to straightforward consultancy as a way of examining the worth of a method. It seeks to contribute to both problem solving and research, and this requires careful management of the process of inquiry. It also allows expectations about results to be reduced in recognition that new methods are being tested. A six-month action research project was undertaken to develop and test ways of linking hyper-game analysis to cognitive mapping and the strategic choice methodology. The pitfalls encountered in managing roles, images, and expectations may provide lessons for project management in OR generally and for testing new decision-aiding strategies.
A Delphi Forecast for Alaska
Authors: Eschenbach Ted G. , Geistauts George A.
Published: October 2008

Alaska is undergoing rapid economic change as it seeks to diversify away from its petroleum-based economy. State government is trying to influence this development through long-range planning. A major Delphi study, where a 91-member panel was used to forecast policies, trends, and events, was found to be generally suitable for forecasting in this highly dynamic context. But the generic Delphi approach had to be modified to fit the Alaska case: the panel was designed around the categories of decision makers, technical experts, and advocates; parallel interviews were conducted to obtain input from Alaska natives; and the last round was designed to produce scenarios and a limited implicit cross-impact analysis.
A Strategic Approach to Evaluating Manufacturing Performance
Authors: Richardson P. R. , Taylor A. J. , Gordon J. R. M.
Published: October 2008

Traditionally, manufacturing performance in a firm has been evaluated with static input-output measures such as factor efficiency. However, other measures relating to the corporate competitive stance and the corresponding variables in the manufacturing task are important in determining success. We suggest a set of potential profiles for different types of corporate mission and manufacturing tasks. These profiles are validated with survey data, and measures of both strategic focus and congruence are derived and evaluated.
Optimization Modeling for Business Planning at Trumbull Asphalt
Authors: Martin Clarence H. , Lubin Sanford L.
Published: October 2008

Trumbull Asphalt, the world's largest producer of industrial asphalt products, uses an integer programming model in its business planning. The model assists planning efforts in several areas including sourcing of raw materials, distribution of raw materials and finished products, blending analysis, and facility configuration to save more than $1,000,000 annually.
The Ombudsman: Research on Forecasting: A Quarter-Century Review, 1960–1984
Authors: Armstrong J. Scott
Published: October 2008

Before 1960, little empirical research was done on forecasting methods. Since then, the literature has grown rapidly, especially in the area of judgmental forecasting. This research supports and adds to the forecasting guidelines proposed before 1960, such as the value of combining forecasts. New findings have led to significant gains in our ability to forecast and to help people to use forecasts.
Introduction to Operations Research in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Bartholdi John
Published: October 2008

Introductory editorial to the issue about operations research in China. These papers describe experiences that took place at least two years ago; since then the changes within China have been enormous. What is a problem and what is an acceptable solution might look rather different by now! We look forward to hearing of the experiences of the new generation of Chinese who contribute their MS/OR skills to the modernization of their country.
Reflections on Operations Management in Shanghai
Authors: Graves Stephen C.
Published: October 2008

In supervising student projects with local enterprises in Shanghai, the author found that the foci of the projects were, for the most part, to study an operation and to determine how to improve it. In this respect the projects were no different from those in the West. But the projects did differ in terms of objectives and constraints, and because computing technology was less available. Three projects illustrate the types of studies conducted.
Operations Research in China
Authors: Bartholdi John J.
Published: October 2008

Apparently the leaders of China intend to use management science and operations research to help modernize the country. However, the traditions of China, as well as its recent past, make the effective application of MS/OR problematical.
Is the Fact that the Emperor Wears No Clothes a Subject Worthy of Publication?
Authors: Grassmann W. K.
Published: October 2008

This paper gives a rigorous proof of Joe’s theorem. It also provides a novel presentation of Andersen’s conjecture, and it shows why some operations research specialists are like car-repairmen who rebuild the engine when a tune-up would do.
Misapplications Reviews: Speed Kills?
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

If there is anything more irritating than an analysis that belabors the obvious, it is one that denies the obvious. After the national speed limit was cut to 55 miles per hour in the early 1970s, the vehicular fatality rate dropped substantially in the US. Both common sense and the laws of physics suggest that at least some of the decline can be attributed to slower driving. And yet, I have in front of me an article [55: The first decade. 1985 Road and Trace, Vol. 36, (June) pp. 68–77.] that, focusing almost exclusively on the 55 mph policy, summarizes its conclusions as follows: Do reduced speeds reduce accidents? No. Do reduced speeds reduce fatalities? No.

Anyone who would advance statements so conspicuously lacking in nuance has a bit of explaining to do. In 1974, the first year covered by the lower speed limits, there were 46,600 US road deaths; the corresponding number for the previous year was 55,700. If the policy change had nothing to do with the 16 percent fall in fatalities, then what did?
Note: Further Gymnastics
Authors: Eilon Samuel , Land Ailsa
Published: October 2008

The problem of choosing a lineup to maximize the potential team score in intercollegiate women’s gymnastics is tackled by Ellis and Corn [1984], using a bivalent integer programming formulation. The authors argue that as it is not uncommon for each of the competing teams to score approximately 180 points, and as the winning margin can be less than half a point, the selection of athletes becomes a crucial decision, so that the proposed model could be an invaluable aid to the coach, who has to make the final selection.
Health Planning in Massachusetts: Revisited After Four Years
Authors: Pliskin Joseph S. , Tell Eileen J.
Published: October 2008

The successful implementation of a forecasting model for determining the need for dialysis in Massachusetts was reported in the December 1981 issue of Interfaces. Providers of dialysis in the state and users of the model wanted to update and revise the model to reflect changing trends in incidence, survival, and technologies. The revised model, which is being updated specifically for use by individual health systems agencies in planning their dialysis bed needs, seems to be as accurate in prediction as the previous versions.
Confessions of an Optimist
Authors: Zipkin Paul
Published: October 2008

Things are not all bad with MS/OR. In fact things are pretty good: There is a widely shared consensus on the basic goals of the profession. We have made substantial progress towards these goals. And the future holds great promise, partly because of several favorable external developments.
The Challenges and Success Factors in Implementing an Integrated Products Planning System for Citgo
Authors: Klingman Darwin , Phillips Nancy , Steiger David , Wirth Ross , Young Warren
Published: October 2008

Citgo Petroleum Corporation has recently realized a reduction in petroleum products inventory of $116 million (based on historical inventory-to-sales ratios), resulting in annual interest savings of $14 million, as well as improvements in coordination, pricing, and purchasing decisions estimated at $2.5 million annually. An optimization-based decision support system coupled with a state-of-the-art, on-line corporate data base provides management with the information which resulted in these benefits. These profit improvements are the documented benefits of an approach which combines management science and top management skills to achieve a comprehensive program for controlling working capital and planning operations.
The Impact of Technology on the Information Systems and Operations Research Professions
Authors: Kitchener Alan
Published: October 2008

Management access to personal computers should not reduce the role of information professionals from active problem solving to user education as often speculated. The role of technology has been, and always will be, to facilitate the creative application of the basic methods of science, which are themselves unchanging. The particular roles played by systems analysts, management scientists, decision engineers, and the like may evolve under the influence of new technology, but the example set by the original operations researchers of the World War II era will remain relevant in any technological scenario. A reminder may help information professionals to avoid throwing technology at problems for its own sake and stop fearing for the future of their professions. However, the OR profession would do well to improve the marketing and public relations aspects of its own achievements and activities.
Simulation of a CD Portfolio
Authors: Russell Robert A. , Hickle Regina
Published: October 2008

A bank needs to effectively manage the spread between the interest it pays out on CDs and the interest it earns on loans. A simulation model developed to assess the impact of future interest rate scenarios is useful in managing the corporate CD portfolio yield of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Fifth Column: On System Acceptance
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

Common folklore among members of our profession holds that the only absolute requirement for system acceptance is “top management commitment.” May I respectfully suggest that, in my experience, another requirement is equally absolute: user (bottom-level management) acceptance. I have now seen the spectacle, in a number of cultures, of splendid systems going down to defeat and taking the committed top management right along with them. The hard facts are these: if the people at the bottom of the managerial heap who will have the joy of facing the green screens every day don't see the new system as a help, they will slowly, and with malice, ignore it to death.
Multi-Item Inventory Control for Fluctuating Reorder Intervals
Authors: Holt Albert C.
Published: October 2008

Multi-item inventories with strongly fluctuating demand rates are difficult to manage, particularly in cases where the interval between orders is subject to management considerations outside of those which can be reasonably modeled mathematically. I have developed a system for a small building supply which has improved the customer service level, while permitting a 15 percent reduction in the total investment in four inventory categories.
Optimal Management of Tax-Sheltered Employee Reimbursement Programs
Authors: Rosenfield Donald B.
Published: October 2008

Flexible reimbursement programs for medical and dependent care expenses offer significant tax advantages to employees. Since amounts sheltered must be designated at the start of each year, the employee must estimate expenses subject to uncertainty. The correct amount to be sheltered is similar to the solution of a newsboy problem and is solved in this paper.
Establishing the Value of Information Systems
Authors: Schell George P.
Published: October 2008

Information systems (ISs) are used by high-level management to support the decision-making process. The decision to proceed from an initial IS evaluation to a costly, in-depth analysis must be based upon the value of using the IS. Management tends to avoid objective evaluation of an IS because many of the benefits (and costs) are intangible and difficult to quantify with precision. However, imprecise data can be used to provide an objective evaluation of the benefits of an IS. Such an evaluation may serve as a “gate keeper” to screen out unjustifiable ISs before a costly analysis is performed.
The Efficient Drilling of Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Magirou Vangelis F.
Published: October 2008

A Greek manufacturer of printed circuit boards achieved a significant improvement in the performance of a programmable drilling machine by using a traveling salesman heuristic. Most of the development work was carried out on the company’s small personal computer using BASIC. In order to tackle larger drilling tasks and to facilitate the input process, the BASIC program was translated into machine code and a drilling machine-computer interface was designed, leading finally to the manufacture of a drilling optimization device.