bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimization-Based Decision Support System for a Product Mix Problem
Authors: Roy Asim , De Falomir Emma E. , Lasdon Leon
Published: October 2008

This paper describes the development and implementation of a plywood product mix model for Ponderosa Industrial, a medium-sized company that supplies 25% of the plywood in Mexico. A unique modeling and optimization system has been used that has resulted in more active participation of management in the modeling process. The paper focuses on the benefits of using optimization as well as the role of the optimization system.
National Risk Assessment for Carbon Fibers Released from Aircraft Fires
Authors: Rosenfield Donald B. , Fiksel Joseph
Published: October 2008

Carbon fibers released from accidental aircraft fires may present a hazard in electronic equipment within u large radius. Two separate methodologies to quantify the associated economic risks were developed and applied, each providing a useful general approach to probabilistic risk assessment. For the case of commercial air carrier accidents, which are infrequent but may release large amounts of carbon fiber. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed for 26 major airports and then the results were aggregated into a national risk profile. For the case of general aviation accidents, which are frequent but release only small amounts, an analytic approach based on the Poisson process was used to estimate the risk profile. The results indicated that the potential economic losses due to carbon fiber usage in civilian aircraft were relatively low.
What Happened to Me in the Police Department or Which Shell is the Pea Under?
Authors: Wissbaum Richard J.
Published: October 2008

This will be undoubtedly one of the strangest term papers ever written in this class. It contains no algorithms, no fancy techniques relating to OR, no problems (of the ordinary sort), and no solutions. For the OR student, its only value lies in demonstrating the fact that, in this field, the problem is usually not machines, but rather people. It is especially recommended for those students who are certain that the world is pantingly eager to be optimized.
A Decision Support System for Fleet Management: A Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Avramovich Dan , Cook Thomas M. , Langston Gary D. , Sutherland Frank
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a successful implementation of a decision support system that is used by the fleet management division at North American Van Lines to plan fleet configuration. At the heart of the system is a large linear programming (LP) model that helps management decide what type of tractors to sell to owner/operators or to trade in each week. The system is used to answer a wide variety of “What if” questions, many of which have significant financial impact.
On The Teaching of Business in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Alper Paul
Published: October 2008

The teaching of business in a less developed country (LDC) is looked upon from the viewpoint of the practice of business and the problems and the challenges faced by the American instructor seeking to transfer his experience, knowledge, and expertise.
The ORSA Guidelines Report—A Retrospective
Authors: Machol Robert E.
Published: October 2008

In 1969 there was a lengthy debate in the US senate and before its committees on the ABM (or AntiBallistic Missile) which was designed to shoot down the ICBM (or InterContinental Ballistic Missile). The ABM had been developed over many years at a cost of a few billions of dollars, and it was now proposed to manufacture and install this weapons system for the defense of the continental United States at a cost of many billions of dollars. This debate was salutary because, among other things, it was the first time that the technological arguments, which should be one of the important considerations in such a political decision as whether to deploy an ABM, were fully explored before the public.
Comments on OR/MS Education
Authors: Greenberg Irwin
Published: October 2008

Today, thanks in great part to advances in Operations Research and Management Science, the mathematical coverage in an Industrial Engineering program matches or exceeds that of just about any other engineering discipline; I no longer have an inferiority complex. Rather than trying to pass off all of my work as OR/MS. I take pride that much of it is Industrial Engineering but still of interest to Operations Research and Management Science practitioners. If the educational institutions and the journals would recognize the complementary nature of theory and practice and the importance of both, maybe the fighting over turf and titles can be stopped and the common goals pursued.
Walking Through a Columnar Approach to Linear Programming of a Business
Authors: Kahan Gerald
Published: October 2008

Most Management Science students have been taught In formulate a linear programming model by writing a set of (row) equations. While this technique is suitable for the vast majority of problems usually encountered in industry, it falls short when an entire company must be modeled. In this article, a methodology for formulating linear programming models is presented which, though not new, has been largely ignored by authors of textbooks and the academic community. The author maintains that this approach could substantially improve interest in and comprehension of mathematical programming and provide a useful supplement to the Management Science curriculum.
Project Cost Control: Dynamic Risk Analysis of Randomly Ordered Sequential Decisions Under Uncertainty
Authors: Hoffman Gerald M.
Published: October 2008

Management of a major construction project involves a sequence of decisions under uncertainty; the order in which the decisions must be made is unknown in advance and largely beyond the control of the decision maker. A method called Dynamic Risk Analysis (DRA) has been developed which analyses the cost implications of the decisions as they are made, using repeated application of classical (static, single point) risk analysis and appropriate data displays. The method is applicable in a wide variety of other contexts.
Simulation: An Operational Planning Device for the Bell System
Authors: Fillmer James L. , Mellichamp Joseph M.
Published: October 2008

One of the many important tasks facing Bell System planners in setting up the fully separated Bell subsidiary involves determining efficient configurations for regional trouble-reporting operations. This paper describes a user-friendly, interactive (GPSS) simulation model developed to assist operational planners and discusses some of the current and anticipated applications of the model.
Management Science Roundup—IFORS IX Meeting, Hamburg, July 1981
Authors: Dunford Fraser
Published: October 2008

IFORS IX was convened in Hamburg, West Germany, from 20–24 July 1981. There were almost 500 attendees from nearly 50 different countries.

Only the opening and closing sessions were plenary, and there was only one technical paper in each of these. All other papers were presented at simultaneous sessions. The opening plenary session was addressed by Richard M. Cyert, President of Carnegie-Mellon University, who spoke on “The Future of Operations Research.”

The closing plenary session heard Jacques Lesourne, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, who spoke on Operations Research and Systems Analysis.
Management Science Roundup
Authors: Dunford Fraser
Published: October 2008

General introductory editorial by Fraser Dunford, University of Manitoba, Canada, and “The Operational Research Executive at the Coal Board (UK)” by Robert E. Machol, Northwestern University.
Systems Development: Technology-Push, User-Pull, or Producer-Motivated?
Authors: Raisbeck Gordon
Published: October 2008

There are many models of the flow of ideas in the development of a high-technology system. One of the simplest models is shown in Figure 1. This one ignores other essential functions such as flow of material, management of people, and supply of money, and it does not address motivation. It starts with the generation of new ideas in science and technology through research, discovery, and invention. Some of these ideas and knowledge are the basis for exploratory development, whose goal is to discover useful properties of new technology and combinations of new with old. Combinations with attractive properties are subjected to advanced development, whose goal is a particular, specific design. After necessary detail and refinement have been added, this design is embodied in a system or piece of equipment which is manufactured, tested, and evaluated. If its performance and usefulness are in accord with expectations, it will be purchased, deployed, and used. The stages are strung together in a line like beads on a string. But it takes at least two dimensions, with information flow in both directions and around a loop, to do justice to the process.
The Fifth Column—An Essay on the Set-Up, Tear-Down Problem or On Being Clean, Being Profitable, or Both
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

An essay about optimization in the food industry discussing cases where algorithms for optimization, however splendid, may be unnecessary.
Queueing Theory Applied to Data Processing Networks
Authors: Krell Bruce E. , Arminlo Maria
Published: October 2008

Wyle Data Services is a California-based company which operates a computer communications network for several clients. Using transaction count and message size data provided by Wyle, a cost-effectiveness exercise is performed to investigate alternative network architectures and capabilities. The foundation of the network analysis uses the steady slate queueing delay formulas for a single-server queue. A cost/delay analysis shows that considerable savings may be accrued with minimal damage to delay times from changing network processing speeds across the communications links.
A Computerized Vehicle Routing Application
Authors: Fisher Marshall L. , Greenfield Arnold J. , Jaikumar R. , Lester Joseph T.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a Management Science project at E. I. Du Pont, Inc., which utilized state-of-the-art computerized vehicle routing methods to reduce delivery costs for a major product by over 15%. The problem involved the assignment of over 1,500 customers to about 50 routes. The project illustrates him an Operations Research consulting team, working closely with line management can install a decision support system that provides major benefits.
OR/MS Education
Authors: Greenberg Irwin
Published: October 2008

A couple of the reactions that I've received regarding my first two columns imply that OR/MS education (and by extension, the OR/MS profession) has become too preoccupied with optimization and too disinterested in modeling. Both of the individuals making the criticisms hark back (as I do) to the early OR/MS texts and conclude that these “golden oldies” have it all over the newer texts.
Decision Support Systems or Whatever Happened to M.I.S.?
Authors: Naylor Thomas H.
Published: October 2008

There are four major points I would like to make about Decision Support Systems (DSS). First, DSS is a redundant term currently being used to describe a subset of Management Science that predates the DSS movement. Second, DSS is not based on any formal conceptual framework, and this lack casts serious doubts on its substantive underpinnings. Third, very few chief executive officers will opt to become computer programmers, with or without DSS. And, finally, the office of the future is a myth.
Empirical Research: The Burdens and the Benefits
Authors: Gagnon Roger J.
Published: October 2008

The business world has long encouraged OR/MS academics to engage in more real-world problems and solutions. A recent empirical study has led to some enlightening possibilities as to how academics perceive the advantages and disadvantages of empirical versus conceptual research, and what strategy the business community can follow to promote more empirical research.
Marketing: Policy Statement
Authors: Wilson R. Dale
Published: October 2008

The area of marketing offers a wide range of potential applications of MS/OR methods. Literally hundreds (perhaps even thousands!) of real-world, managerially-relevant problems in contemporary marketing beg for attention from properly applied technology. My task as Functional Editor in Marketing will be to identify and, in some cases, seek out the most interesting, high quality, and useful MS/OR applications for publication in Interfaces.
MS/OR Education
Authors: Greenberg Irwin
Published: October 2008

In my earlier columns I have discussed required management science courses for nonmajors, usually business students, most of whom do not become scientists or operations researchers. Our role in their education is to help create well-rounded managers who are as cognizant of benefits to be realized from management science as they are of the benefits to be realized from cost accounting or industrial relations. Little has been said about training our own professionals; how well are we doing?

I have no comments from industry or the public sector on this question. I hope that employers can and will tell us what was right and what was wrong with our graduates' academic training. However, when I was hiring operations research analysts, I don't think I ever attributed their strengths or weaknesses to their academic backgrounds. The qualities that I was seeking in analysts went beyond what they had studied.
Finding the Right Spot for a Church Camp in Spain
Authors: Huxley Stephen J.
Published: October 2008

In an unusual application of management science techniques a facilities location project was undertaken in Spain to determine where to build a church camp. This represented a multicriteria problem involving population, numbers of churches, and distance. A simulation approach was used to evaluate various regions throughout the country as to their suitability for the camp, taking into consideration the location of other camps already started.
Do High Grades, Top Schools, or an Advanced Degree Lead to Job Security and Extraordinary Salary Progression: A Comment
Authors: Gulledge Thomas R. , Peters Michael H.
Published: October 2008

In the February, 1982 issue of Interfaces, Schick and Kunnecke infer that academic grades and quality of institution are poor indicators of employment retention. Although the analysis is qualified by “limitations and reflections,” the general hypothesis is that these characteristics may not be indicators of employee retention, that is, graduates of prestigious institutions with high grades can be expected to change jobs early in their careers. We believe that the authors have not appropriately tested this hypothesis, and it is our contention that there is at least a possibility for an alternative interpretation of the data.
Organizational Analysis, Performance, and Design
Authors: Graham Robert J.
Published: October 2008

Papers on the analysis, performance, and design of organizations should concentrate on the realities of organizational life, especially peoples' responses to newly introduced management science models, management information systems, or management control systems. Instead of generalizations, papers should attempt to explain what the changes really mean to the people involved. Initially, we should not be concerned with scientifically rigorous and generalizable “truths” about organizations. In time, after we have examined many cases, general themes should begin to emerge. Thus the emphasis will be on concrete reality rather than abstract generalizations.
Editorial: Shared Information and the Zero-Sum Mentality
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

In a slightly different context, Lester Thurow (Thurow, Lester. 1980. The Zero-Sum Society. Basic Books, New York.) developed a view of America as a zero-sum society. His thesis (oversimplified) is that since political decisions produce losers along with winners, the expected losers, endowed with specific lobbying powers, can forestall decisions that might be for the general good of society. His prescription, redistribution of income, need not concern us here (and I will not discuss it further, wishing only to stimulate controversy and not open rebellion among readers).

The zero-sum concept, while perhaps new to macroeconomists, has long been gospel among business strategists. Whole batallions of those most productive members of our society, attorneys, are employed to protect our corporations from releasing any bit of knowledge that might benefit a competitor.
Finance Topics
Authors: Farrell James L.
Published: October 2008

Over the years we have developed many analytical techniques that have enormous potential for improving the general practice of finance. These techniques are described extensively in the academic literature, but for many they remain an abstruse body of knowledge with little practical relevance. Other techniques that are more directly applicable are available only from obscure and scattered sources. I believe that Interfaces provides an excellent forum for defining and emphasizing those techniques that can be applied in investments and corporate finance and encouraging more extensive application in the broad area of finance.
The Ombudsman: Is Review By Peers As Fair As It Appears?
Authors: Armstrong J. Scott
Published: October 2008

Recent research shows that journal reviewing practices are neither objective nor fair. I propose a procedure to increase the likelihood of publishing important papers. This will be tested by Interfaces for a year.
From the Shadows
Authors: Hirshfeld David S.
Published: October 2008

This is a new column in Interfaces. Its subject is the practical application of linear programming (LP) in what we rather wistfully call “the real world”: industry, commerce, finance, government, and other institutions.

The column will focus on the practice of LP for the analysis of live problems and issues; on how it's done in “the real world.” Its primary audience will be MS/OR practitioners, and (I hope) their clients. I will be treating such topics as model formulation, model management, LP-related software, solution interpretation, specific applications, and sometimes nonapplications.
A Model Based Approach to Decision Support System Flexibility
Authors: Farwell David C.
Published: October 2008

For a Decision Support System (DSS) to be process independent, it must be flexible. That is, it must be possible to enter and use it at any point in the decision process. Process flexibility can be obtained by reversing (inverting) model functions. Using a DSS for ski area design, we implement functional reversal and deal with further operational issues such as model choice and decision intent. A trade-off among logic design, model code, and dialog code is faced in building this flexible DSS for ski area design.
Implementation Exchange: Implementing Implementation Research
Authors: Schultz Randall L. , Slevin Dennis P.
Published: October 2008

For some time we have been concerned with the problems of putting management science into practice and how this can best be done. We and others have looked at the meaning of implementation and sought for the factors and methods which make it successful. Two conferences at the University of Pittsburgh resulted in our editing books about implementation research, and many studies have been published in management science literature, including Interfaces. Still, we question whether implementation research has itself been implemented. In editing and contributing to this column we hope to establish connections between the creators of theories about implementation and the practitioners who will use them, to give and receive information reciprocally. That is why we call this column the “Implementation Exchange.”
The Fifth Column: Production Scheduling As It Really Is
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

An essay about rules and “rules” in scheduling problems.
Book Reviews
Authors: Sobol Marion G.
Published: October 2008

Rosenmüller, J., The Theory of Games and Markets, North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1981, $73.25—reviewed by Kalyan Chatterjee

Goldberg, Harold, Extending the Limits of Reliability Theory, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981, 263 pp., $30.00—reviewed by D. H. Withers
The Development, Testing, and Execution of a New Marketing Strategy at AT&T Long Lines
Authors: Kuritsky Alan P. , Little John D. C. , Silk Alvin J. , Bassman Emily S.
Published: October 2008

AT&T has developed a new marketing strategy for its residence long distance marketplace, the result of five years of research starting with overall market segmentation, continuing with concept testing, and culminating with a large scale field experiment testing the new ad campaign. This experiment demonstrated, with a unique level of precision, that (1) the ad copy changed purchase behavior and, (2) that AT&T should generate an additional $100 million by implementing the new campaign.
A Lease Portfolio Planning Model
Authors: Smith Bruce D.
Published: October 2008

Full payout leasing, including leveraged leasing, is widely used to finance major capital investments. This is the type of leasing engaged in by banks and other financial institutions. From the lessor's perspective the profitability of a lease investment derives largely from the fact that the lease generates substantial tax shelter during the early years of the lease term. A given lease will be both a source as well as a use of tax shelter at different stages during the lease term, so careful planning is required to maximize profitability in a tax-constrained environment.

New England Merchants Leasing Corporation, a subsidiary of a bank holding company, recently completed developing a computer-based planning model to aid in the management of its overall portfolio, and to support the evaluation of specific investment proposals. The model has been successfully implemented and integrated into the management decision process, and is now the basis for all long range planning for a total portfolio in excess of $200 million.
Site Energy Optimization, A Math Programming Approach
Authors: McMahan W. L. , Roach P. A.
Published: October 2008

At Exxon's refinery and chemical plant complex at Baton Rouge, a math programming model was developed to evaluate and select energy improvement projects and determine the general configuration of the required utility distribution systems. Formulated as a multitime period mixed integer program, the model considered over 600 energy improvement projects from which approximately 200 at 74 different processing units were selected. It is expected to yield an incremental savings of approximately $100 million, and the technique is now used at many of Exxon's other major complexes.
Can MS/OR Evolve Fast Enough?
Authors: Geoffrion A. M.
Published: October 2008

There have been many discussions in recent years on the proper conduct of MS/OR and how it can best achieve its full potential in the years ahead. Some think that the present state of affairs is satisfactory. Others feel that, unless there is a major reorientation, our field has had its day, and that the future belongs to other more recently developed approaches to the problems of management. My view is that the destiny of our field depends on the rate at which it evolves within its competitive and rapidly changing environment. If the pace of evolution is fast enough, then—but only then—am I confident that MS/OR will flourish and reach its full potential. Accelerating the rate of evolution therefore is a task of vital importance. This is the main topic that I have chosen to address on this occasion.
Editorial: Interfaces: An International Journal
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

Beginning with the October 1982 issue, a number of changes were made in Interfaces. One of those changes is in the cover: Interfaces is now called an International TIMS/ORSA Journal. Another change is the addition of contents and abstracts in French and German, as well as in English.

These changes in style will, we hope, soon be reflected in substantive changes. MS/OR is international and we hope this journal reflects that international character more and more in the issues ahead. Several recent actions should help bring this about.
Management Science in the Long Run
Authors: Maltz Michael D.
Published: October 2008

Time and motion studies of yore are invoked to lend assistance to our present-day harriers, as management science is applied to matters of race.
The Use of the Growth-Share Matrix in Strategic Planning
Authors: Hax Arnoldo C. , Majluf Nicolas S.
Published: October 2008

In the second of a series of three tutorials, the methodology and strategic implications of the portfolio business matrix are analyzed and illustrations given of the use of the growth-share matrix. Further refinements as well as warnings to prevent misleading conclusions are offered, and the new matrix advanced by BCG for the 1980's is outlined.
Misapplications Reviews: The Linear Model and Some of its Friends
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

Most university courses in mathematical programming and multivariate statistics start with a treatment of the linear model. This makes pedagogical sense, for the underlying theory is both conceptually easier and more fully developed in the linear than the nonlinear case. Moreover, linear relationships abound in nature (for example, the gravitational attraction of an object is proportional to its mass).

We MS/OR types know that the world can be cruel, and that an error in functional form can both reverse the sign and distort the magnitude of the effect one is trying to estimate. Thus I have sometimes asked researchers, both verbally and in writing, why they thought it appropriate to proceed with a linear model. Rarely has the answer been a theoretical defense of an assumption of proportionality; the more typical response is a withering stare, a dose of content-free jargon, or an all-purpose argument that, while thought-provoking, is ultimately dissatisfying. Often I get a (er … linear) combination of these things.
Decision Analysis Used to Evaluate Air Quality Control Equipment for Ohio Edison Company
Authors: Madden Thomas J. , Hyrnick Michael S. , Hodde James A.
Published: October 2008

In 1979 decision analysis techniques were used to evaluate and select particulate emission control equipment for three units of Ohio Edison's W. H. Sammis coal-fired power plant. Based on this analysis, electrostatic precipitators were chosen over fabric filters. A review of the evaluation shows the value of decision analysis in making a sound decision.
The Fifth Column: The Dispatch Model that Was Too Simple, or What the Feds Don't Know Can't Hurt 'Em
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

An essay about a small suburban highly industrialized city close to a great metropolitan center. As the city and the crime began to grow, there was an increased responsibility of the police force. It was soon realized that the number of police cars on patrol demands an optimized computerized system that would put the squad cars where they should be most of the time to minimize their response time getting to where they have to be at once.
Bells and Whistles
Authors: Say Jean-Baptiste Leon
Published: October 2008

The real author wrote this paper under the pseudonym Jean-Baptiste Leon Say.

At times, the language used to present an argument can be as much of an obstacle to the success of a presentation as the substance of what is being said. Our clients and client organizations all have their own reserved “code words.” By inadvertently using them, we can set off reactions that we did not anticipate. Described here is an incident where the consultants added the wrong bells and whistles to their project report.
Implementation Exchange: The Implementation Profile
Authors: Schultz Randall L. , Slevin Dennis P.
Published: October 2008

It all started ten years ago. First, there was a perceived need. MS/OR researchers had discovered by the early 70's that, in spite of the technical sophistication and instrinsic beauty of many of their models, a relatively small percentage were being used by practicing managers. Better understanding of the implementation process was needed. We became interested in the problem as an aspect of behavioral science. And finally, a research site emerged. A major US corporation was implementing a computerized sales forecasting model.

Great care was taken to make sure that the research was rigorous and “correctly done.” The research questions were straightforward: 1. What basic attitudes affect implementation success? 2. How can these attitudes be measured? 3. How do these attitudes affect implementation success?
20/30 Hindsight
Authors: Chamberlain Robert G.
Published: October 2008

This column is new with this issue. It will appear occasionally and will contain neither theory, nor applications, nor implementation, but will show what it is like to do MS/OR. We will be seeking the insight that can be gained from hindsight. To begin, the danger of believing everything you read—even in OR literature—is illustrated with “The Case of the Mathematical Manager.”
On Kissing Toads
Authors: Say Jean-Baptiste Leon
Published: October 2008

The real author wrote this paper under the pseudonym Jean-Baptiste Leon Say.

“Turnaround managers” specialize in re-organizing faltering companies. Sometimes, consultants are asked to do a “turn-around” job on projects that are in trouble. The trick is to improve the situation as much as possible while upsetting as few people as possible. It requires the faith of the princess in the old fable who kissed a toad and turned it into a prince.
The Use of the Industry Attractiveness-Business Strength Matrix in Strategic Planning
Authors: Hax Arnoldo C. , Majluf Nicolas S.
Published: October 2008

In the third and final paper in a series of tutorials on strategic planning, the industry attractiveness-business strength matrix is presented with a detailed procedure for its application, variety of examples and a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses.
Decision Making in the Year 2000
Authors: Papageorgiou John C.
Published: October 2008

The Electronic Revolution will have drastic impact on the factory, the office, communications, and information processing. By the year 2000, the managerial environment and decision making will be transformed with computers doing more and more routine work.
Growing MS/OR Groups for Fun and Profit
Authors: Price Wilson , Bernard Christian
Published: October 2008

Among factors that influence the success of MS/OR groups are: an orientation towards project work, a generalist outlook, accountability within the organization, open career patterns, and support from middle and senior managers. These and other factors could be integrated into a coherent plan for improving the potential of success of such groups.
20/30 Hindsight: If the President Likes a New Product Program a Model Won't Kill It
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

A product champion can be a prime factor in the success of a new product. He can gum up the works, too, especially if the champion is a senior officer of the firm. Here, a model-based new product analysis suggested that the proposed advertising program be reformulated before introduction. And, with 20/30 hindsight ….

Consultants like to believe that their status gives them special credibility. Implementation, however, (as well as analysis) must be planned, as the following true story shows. Names have been changed to protect the author, even if he is not innocent.
The Importance of Being Trivial
Authors: Gratwick John
Published: October 2008

Originally the opening address to the Canadian Operational Research Society meeting in May 1982, this article criticizes the OR profession for ignoring intractable pieces of problems in their solutions. Tracing OR's problems to its acceptance as “applied mathematics,” the author recommends “triviality” as the solution.
Developing an Industrial-Grade Heuristic Problem-Solving Procedure
Authors: Haessler Robert W.
Published: October 2008

An approach for developing heuristic problem-solving procedures for solving the types of operational problems with significant combinatorial components that commonly occur in production and distribution systems is demonstrated with a variation of the well-known one-dimensional cutting stock problem. The primary elements of the approach are identifying important solution characteristics, developing a sequential solution procedure, selecting the program control parameters, and developing a multiple-pass feature to obtain improved solutions.
The Fifth Column: On the Proper Scheduling of the Vampires, or Phlebotomy Follies
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

An essay about introducing technological innovation and new management principles in scheduling blood collection and analysis in a large three-hospital complex.
The Ombudsman: Cheating in Management Science
Authors: Armstrong J. Scott
Published: October 2008

Honesty is vital to scientific work and, clearly, most scientists are honest. However, recent publicity about cases involving cheating, including cases of falsification of data and plagiarism, raises some questions: Is cheating a problem? Does it affect management science? Should anything be done?
Teaching Linear Programming on a Microcomputer
Authors: Deininger Rolf A.
Published: October 2008

In teaching linear programming in a classroom the instructor often makes numerical errors, which distract both students and instructor. Inexpensive and portable microcomputers allow real-time and error-free demonstrations of algorithms. One such system solves linear programming problems with up to 20 variables and nine constraints in an interactive conversation with a microcomputer. The continuous transformations of the linear programming tableaus can be viewed as the iterations proceed to find the optimal solution. The program is intended mainly as a teaching aid.
Parkinson's Law Revisited
Authors: Say Jean-Baptiste Leon
Published: October 2008

The real author wrote this paper under the pseudonym Jean-Baptiste Leon Say.

The industrial engineer (IE) was going to carry out a work study in a company that provided services to the transportation industry. The company was happy with its employees, but expected an increase in business over the next few years, and wanted to know the extent to which this would require an increase in personnel.
Applications of Time Series Analysis to Texas Financial Forecasting
Authors: Ashley Richard , Guerard John
Published: October 2008

In the first of two applications, time series analysis is used to forecast Texas electricity sales, nonagricultural employment, and total tax revenues for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. In the second, a forecast of the growth in Texas personal income over the 1982–83 biennium is made for the Legislative Budget Board. This forecast became the constitutional limit on appropriations growth for the Texas Legislature in this biennium.
Editorial
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

Editorial about the journal's policy of publishing both refereed and nonrefereed as well as about its international exchange.
Organizational Physics and the Black Hole Data Base Theory
Authors: Courtney James F.
Published: October 2008

Since the discovery of organizational atoms in 1958 by the late Emma I. Ess, many organizational particles have been isolated and studied, especially various types of humanoid particles including beanoids, decisionoids, and various types of staffoids.

The structure of conventional organizational atoms, basic laws of organizational physics (Emma's Lemmas) and recent discoveries by Emma's cousins, Dee S. Ess and Dee Bea M. Ess are discussed. The recent laboratory creation of organizational atoms with integrated data base nuclei has led to the discovery of other types of organizational nuclei which form under special conditions.
Editorial: A Progress Report
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

This is not really an editorial. It is a progress report to Interfaces readers. Our mail has indicated that many of you do notice the difference in the journal. We have tried to increase readability while at the same time increasing quality. Those who write feel we have had some success.

What has happened in the last year? From April 1, 1982 to March 31, 1983, we received 206 articles. Of those, we accepted 83 for publication, for an acceptance rate of 40%. An easy publication journal, right? Wrong. Those figures are distorted because they include six CPMS prize papers, 15 solicited papers on strategic management, and about 20 papers that were in a state of revision from the previous editor. A more telling ratio is that, since February, we have accepted seven articles and rejected 28, for an acceptance rate of 7/35 or 20%. Authors should expect that acceptance rate to be closer to the norm.
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.

Digest presented: —Von Dobschütz, L., Müller-Merbach, H., and Weber, H. (eds.), Modellgestützte Planung im Unternehmen (Model-Supported Planning within the Corporation), German Society for Operations Research (DGOR), Henstedt-Ulzburg, Federal Republic of Germany, 1982, 102 pp.
Maximizing Restitution for Erroneous Medical Payments When Auditing Samples from More Than One Provider
Authors: Heiner Karl W. , Kupferschmid Michael , Ecker J. G.
Published: October 2008

When auditing payments for medical services by a third party, estimates of payments erroneously made are frequently based on statistical samples. When such procedures are used by government agencies to audit Medicaid payments, hearing officers often base provider restitution on the lower end of an interval estimate, which is a function of sample size. Several methods are tested for maximizing the total restitution obtained from multiple audits subject to a constraint on the total cost of the auditing.
Misapplications Reviews: The Capital Punishment Controversy: Part II
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

In the first installment of this two-part series, I discussed some studies on the deterrent effect of the death penalty that I view as clearly unreliable. Here I will consider some other analyses that seem worthy of greater attention. That done, I'll move on to some general musings (broodings?) on what the capital punishment controversy tells us about the conduct of social science research.

A whole host of social, demographic, and economic factors can cause homicide rates to differ over time and across regions. And given the historical rarity of executions, variations in their use would at most seem among the lesser causes of any differences observed. Thus, careful researchers on capital punishment have recognized that, unless the major influences on murder levels have been accurately identified and measured, there is little hope for any trustworthy answer to a question about deterrence.
Implementation Exchange: Reconciling Science and Affairs
Authors: Emanuel David
Published: October 2008

The June “Implementation Exchange” identified five classifications arrayed along a spectrum ranging from Pure Science to Pure Affairs. (1) pure science, (2) pseudoscience, (3) management science, (4) pseudoaffairs, (5) pure affairs.

I am quite happy with this nominal representation. However, I think it is inappropriate to view the five areas as being on an ordinal scale, with pure science and pure affairs as the polar extremes.

Where does management science fit in this picture? Why, in the intersection between pure science and pure affairs, of course.
The Fifth Column: An Algorithm for the Optimum Placement of Competent Management
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

The literature of management is replete with discussions of how to dispose of incompetent managers. The methods range from blatant Theory X: (“You're FIRED!!!!!!!!”) to the softest of Theory Y: (“No doubt, you would be much happier in some place that would give a greater scope to your abilities.”) The exact method used is seldom a province for even the most behaviorist troops among the ranks of MS/OR. However, an area that, I believe, is of interest to our more psychologically oriented brethren is the problem of how to remove an outstandingly competent person who also happens to be less than a delight to work for.
Decision Support Systems or What Didn't Happen with MIS
Authors: Watson Hugh J. , Hill Marianne M.
Published: October 2008

Tom Naylor in the August 1982 issue of Interfaces asks the question: “Decision support systems or whatever happened to MIS?” In his article, Naylor makes several claims that are intended to discredit DSS as a separate area from MS/OR and MIS. This article addresses Naylor's claims with the purpose of showing that DSS is unique and deserves the attention it is receiving.
It's the Process Not the Product (Most of the Time)
Authors: Grum Allen F. , Hesse Rick
Published: October 2008

The process of problem formulation, analysis, and implementation may have more far-reaching effects than the specific solution or product for the particular case. Management science has been valued for the final number or answer rather than for its true strength, a method of gaining insight and understanding of the whole situation.
Model Choice in Production—Optimization?
Authors: Lockett Geoff , Polding Eileen
Published: October 2008

MS/OR models have a chequered history, and the literature and applications only partially overlap. Reasons for this may be the lack of preparation for choosing a model and an inability to manage organizational change, rather than the model development. In the production scheduling case presented here, four separate divisions within one company make similar products, but the models they developed were radically different. The major influences were their differing payment systems.
Implementation Exchange: Roots
Authors: Schultz Randall L. , Slevin Dennis P.
Published: October 2008

An essay about relations of an operations research scientist in a corporation and the executive departments.
Operations Management Literature: Publications on Real-World Applications
Authors: Lingaraj B. P. , Raiszadeh Farhad M. E.
Published: October 2008

A framework for classifying real-world applications of operations management is presented. Based on a survey of eight periodicals, the nature of and lacunae in field-based research are pointed out. The paper also discusses the politics of publishing and some measures for enhancing the number of articles related to actual applications.
The ASSESSOR Pre-Test Market Evaluation System
Authors: Urban Glen L. , Katz Gerald M. , Hatch Thomas E. , Silk Alvin J.
Published: October 2008

An integrated modeling and measurement system, ASSESSOR provides management with forecasts and diagnostic information about the sales potential of new packaged goods before they are test marketed. Over the past decade, Management Decision Systems has applied the methodology to 450 new products. A study indicates that ASSESSOR has helped reduce the failure rate of new products in test market by almost a half and saved the 100 client firms an estimated $120 million.
20/30 Hindsight: What the General Really Wanted
Authors: Beswick Charles A.
Published: October 2008

Some time ago, I was asked by the head of a military OR group to apply an allocation technique developed for sales force management to the problems of the Air Force recruiting service. The all-volunteer force had placed stringent demands on the military recruiting process and the size and scope of Air Force recruiting operations (1,700 recruiters, 1,000 offices) made quantitative aids for decision making essential for the effective management of recruiting resources. Specifically the recruiting service was concerned with the following decision problems: (1) recruiter allocation, (2) determination of total recruiter strength, (3) office location and boundaries, (4) assignment of recruiting goals and (5) forecasts and performance evaluation.
Conflict Resolution and the Falkland Islands Invasions
Authors: Saaty Thomas L.
Published: October 2008

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is compared with game and metagame theories for analyzing conflicts. The AHP helps to structure the problem, generate and synthesize judgments, and carry out a benefit/cost analysis of various policies. The Falkland Islands crisis is examined using the judgments of a group of international business people convening prior to the arrival of the fleet at the islands.
Constituencies, Conflict, and Cost-Benefit Analysis as Factors in Acquisition Strategy
Authors: Bradley James W. , Korn Donald H.
Published: October 2008

The 1981–1982 acquisitions by mammoth corporations, mostly to diversify, raise questions as to whether such moves benefit the surviving stockholders or the economy. Do such transactions at premium prices reflect only management's eagerness to seize available opportunities? Shouldn't the affected constituencies of these corporations, that is, the stockholders, employees, retirement fund beneficiaries, consumers, and taxpayers, be recognized in a benefit/cost analysis framework to ensure that acquisition transactions are sound? The recent rash of acquisitions of banks and savings and loan associations by both financial and nonfinancial interests, and the acquisition of major insurance operations by firms remote from that industry raise further questions.
The Corporate Strategic Planning Process
Authors: Hax Arnoldo C. , Majluf Nicolas S.
Published: October 2008

Described below is an approach to develop a formal corporate strategic planning process in a business firm. Three levels of planning are recognized: corporate, business, and functional. A methodology is presented suggesting the tasks that have to be performed at each level leading toward the formulation of strategies, programs, and budgets. Examples are offered to illustrate the applicability of this methodology.
Strategies for Productivity
Authors: Zannetos Zenon S.
Published: October 2008

The “Japanese miracle” may be nothing more than a series of adept strategic moves during the early stages of the evolution of Japanese firms and industries. The incessant cycle of evolution, dominance and decline continues, and the conquerors of yesterday become the conquered of today.
Management Science in New York's Department of Sanitation
Authors: Riccio Lucius J.
Published: October 2008

New York City's Department of Sanitation has used MS/OR techniques to solve many of its refuse collection and street cleaning problems. Four applications are discussed—a manpower forecasting model, a truck-sizing model, production functions for street cleaning, and a model to allocate truckloads to dump sites.
Of Pigs and Pearls
Authors: Say Jean-Baptiste Leon
Published: October 2008

The real author wrote this paper under the pseudonym Jean-Baptiste Leon Say.

The author summarized this essay as “There's more than one way to bring home the bacon.”
Bidding for the S.S. Kuniang
Authors: Bell David E.
Published: October 2008

New England Electric was pondering whether to bid for the salvage rights to a grounded ship, the S.S. Kuniang. The ship could be repaired and used to haul coal for the utility's power stations, recently converted from oil. A bid was determined using a decision tree, a simulation, and net present value calculations.
Misapplications Reviews: Mea Culpa
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

An essay in authors' “mea culpa” style about airline safety and about marketing in a grocery by using coupons.
Managing the Response to Disasters Using Microcomputers
Authors: Belardo Salvatore , Karwan Kirk R. , Wallace William A.
Published: October 2008

We have helped develop microcomputer-based decision aids that assist four different disaster management organizations: the American Red Cross, the United States Coast Guard, a regional emergency medical organization, and the New York State Office of Disaster Preparedness. The four systems emphasize different components of a “typical” disaster response DSS. The microcomputer itself, because of its portability and low cost, has helped to bring computer technology into this important area where it has been traditionally shunned.