bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin cancer prevention: a link between primary prevention and early detection?
Authors: Anderson Peter J. , Lowe John B. , Stanton Warren R. , Balanda Kevin P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to determine if there is any link between primary prevention and early detection for skin cancer. Results from a study of a large random sample of Gold Coast residents (N = 995) identified an association (P < 0.01) between individual primary prevention and early detection activities. People were also more likely to use both prevention methods if they had personal experience with skin cancer (P = 0.01) or if they were male (P = 0.05). Future primary prevention and early detection skin cancer programs might be most effective if they are combined.
Social inequality in the use and comprehensiveness of dental services
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson Kaye , Brennan David S. , Spencer A. John
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Fair access is a value enshrined through universal insurance for health care in Australia. However, dentistry is not included in this system. As a consequence, there is a strong likelihood of inequalities in access to dental services among adults. Data from the 1989–90 National Health Survey were analysed to determine sociodemographic factors related to use and comprehensiveness of dental services. Age, income, age of leaving school and occupation were independently associated with the use of dental services, and occupation was associated with an indicator of comprehensiveness of care: self‐reported extraction at the last visit. In different adult age groups these sociodemographic factors had different effects, with the disparities in use of dental services greater in older age groups. Planning of dental services in the 1990s and beyond should include not only the removal of financial barriers to dental services among adults but also attention to the specific barriers experienced by the elderly.
Predictors of unprotected male‐to‐male anal intercourse with casual partners in a national sample
Authors: Kippax Susan , Crawford June , Rodden Pam , Noble Jason
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The focus of the paper is the predictors of unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners among a national Australian sample of homosexually active men. We interviewed by telephone 2583 homosexually active men (sex with a man within the last five years) about their sexual practice, type of sexual partners, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test status, attachment to the gay community, knowledge of HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a range of demographic variables. Logistic regression analyses were used to distinguish men who practised unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners from those who practised safe sex with casual partners. Men who practised unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners were less likely to have a regular male sexual partner than men who practised safe sex with their casual partners. They were less likely to be tertiary educated, more likely to be employed in trade and manual occupations and to live in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. They were less likely to be culturally or politically attached to the gay community. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS also distinguished the men: men with an accurate knowledge of HIV transmission were less likely to engage in unprotected anal intercourse with their casual partners. Several other variables, including age and HIV test status, did not distinguish those who practised safe sex with casual partners from those who practised unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners.
Psychological impairment following motor vehicle accidents
Authors: Bryant Richard A. , Harvey Allison G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: This study investigated the rate of psychological impairment and stressful life events in survivors of motor vehicle accidents. Fifty‐six patients who had been hospitalised because of motor‐vehicle‐accident‐related injuries were reviewed twelve months after the accident. In this sample, 41 per cent of patients reported significant levels of psychological impairment. Patients reporting psychological disturbance were characterised by having more pain, unemployment, substance abuse, avoidance of road transport and compensation claims. Only 44 per cent of patients reporting significant psychological impairment had sought professional help for their conditions. Psychological dysfunction following motor vehicle accidents appears to be a common occurrence, and education of medical personnel and survivors is required to enhance identification and management of this problem.
Mental health services in Sydney nursing homes
Authors: Snowdon John , Vaughan Rosemary , Miller Robert
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Senior nursing staff of the 58 nursing homes in one health area of Sydney were interviewed concerning mental health services and staff education. One or more psychiatrically trained staff were employed in 45 per cent of the nursing homes. Most nursing homes received services from a psychiatrist or another mental health professional, but the average time per month provided by them to see residents was less than one hour in 18 (31 per cent), one to two hours in 16 (28 per cent), and three hours or more in only 11 (19 per cent). Forty‐four (76 per cent) wanted more mental health services to be provided, especially for advice on management of disturbed behaviour. A substantial number of the nursing homes (at least 28 per cent) provided no ongoing education to their staff about dementia or other psychiatric problems. There is good reason to encourage greater use of mental health professionals in Sydney nursing homes; enhanced funding of area psychiatric services for elderly people is desirable to allow these services to be more readily available.
A population‐based survey of immunisation coverage in two‐year‐old children
Authors: Herceg Ana , Daley Caroline , Schubert Paul , Hall Robert , Longbottom Helen
Published: August 2010

Abstract: A cross‐sectional, population‐based, cluster‐sample survey of 187 children was conducted in the Newcastle area to assess the proportion of two‐year‐old children who were fully immunised, to ascertain whether administration of these vaccines was age‐appropriate and to look for factors predicting incomplete immunisation. Parents or guardians were interviewed at their homes and the immunisation status of the children was verified either by the parent‐held record or by the immunisation‐provider‐held record. Levels of full immunisation were 77 per cent at the time of interview and 72 per cent at the second birthday if Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was excluded. If it was included, the full immunisation level was 51 per cent. Coverage was highest for oral polio vaccine and lowest for Hib vaccine. Twenty‐nine per cent of all immunisations were given early, 44 per cent were given on time and 20 per cent were given late. Doses of vaccines due at older ages were more likely to be given late or not at all. Factors predicting incomplete immunisation were: the principal caregiver being aged under 25 years, being born outside Australia, having post‐secondary qualifications, being female and having more than one child in the household. Immunisation coverage levels were not high enough to protect against outbreaks of pertussis and measles and cases of Haemophilus influenzae type b. Immunisation providers should aim to increase coverage to protect the population against all vaccine preventable diseases, and aiming at high‐risk groups could more effectively do this.
Aborigines and tuberculosis: why they are at risk
Authors: Plant Aileen J. , Krause Victoria L. , Condon John R. , Kerr Charles
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Aborigines have higher rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis than the rest of the community. There are insufficient contemporary data to assess how much risk tuberculosis poses to the Aboriginal community. Tuberculosis is of particular concern because of its interaction with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We aimed to ascertain the available data about tuberculosis in Australian Aborigines: to determine morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis in Australian Aborigines, to ascertain the extent of known risk factors for tuberculosis in Australian Aborigines and to consider the public health implications of our findings. Sparse evidence suggests that Aborigines have higher rates of infection and of clinical tuberculosis than non‐Aboriginal Australians, along with a high prevalence of known risk factors for tuberculosis. However, there is a paucity of data about specific risk factors and tuberculosis in Aborigines. In addition, Aborigines have a high prevalence of risk factors for HIV infection. The existence of concurrent risk factors for tuberculosis and HIV, in a population that already has a high rate of infection with tuberculosis is cause for grave concern. Tuberculosis control is centred on correct and rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as well as efficient contact tracing. These are the most important strategies for control of tuberculosis among Aborigines, and are especially important when there is concurrence of other risk factors. Appropriate preventive therapy for infected people should also be considered.
Medical and health stories on the Sydney Morning Herald's front page
Authors: Lupton Deborah
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Front‐page coverage of medical and health stories in the Sydney Morning Herald over the one‐year period, April 1992 to March 1993, was analysed. Features of the front‐page stories, such as major topics, geographic location, visual imagery, use of news actors and news sources, the representation of medicine and health, the use of language in headlines, and dominant and recurring discourses were examined. Although front‐page coverage was often contradictory and paradoxical, allowing space for alternative views on the value or otherwise of medical treatment and preventive health measures, it was predominantly conservative, giving greater voice to elite groups than less powerful groups, such as advocacy, activist and community groups, and to men rather than women. It tended to individualise illness rather than place it in its broader socioeconomic and political contexts.
Malignant mesothelioma in Pilbara Aborigines
Authors: Musk A. William , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Eccles Jan L. , Hansen Janice , Shilkin Keith B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Malignant mesothelioma occurred in a female Aborigine after environmental exposure to asbestos. All known cases of the disease in Aborigines in Western Australia were reviewed; all occurred in Pilbara residents. Most were exposed while involved in the transport of asbestos from the Wittenoom crocidolite operation. Based on recent estimates of the size of the Aboriginal population in the Pilbara region, their incidence of this disease (250 per million for ages 15 and over) is one of the highest population‐based rates recorded.
Australian dietary targets in 1995: their feasibility and pertinence to dietary goals for 2000
Authors: Jamison Jennifer R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: To ascertain whether the diet of young students in health‐related courses conformed to Australian dietary targets for 1995 and to identify nutritional needs in view of dietary targets for 2000, 246 undergraduate students analysed their weighed diet for three or five days. Eight often male participants were meeting the dietary goals for 1995 for fibre and fat intake and six of ten were meeting the goals for 2000. More female participants were meeting the goals for fat, but less than half of the females were meeting the 1995 goals for fibre. Some 84 per cent of females, but only 29 per cent of males, were meeting the 1995 dietary goals for sodium. Few participants derived 10 per cent or less of their energy from saturated fat or 10 per cent of their energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids. Substantial numbers of participants failed to meet the recommended daily intakes of zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron (females). Education of specific subgroups and modifications to food production and processing are proposed.
Record linkage in Australian epidemiological research: health benefits, privacy safeguards and future potential
Authors: Sibthorpe Beverly , Kliewer Erich , Smith Len
Published: August 2010

Epidemiologists arc increasingly concerned with the health effects of interventions and of exposure to noninfectious agents, but there may be long periods between exposure and outcome. Collecting information from respondents is a costly and often inefficient way of obtaining the longitudinal data necessary to study these effects. Linking existing data can be an effective and efficient alternative. However, it is often not practicable to obtain informed consent from the individuals whose records are to be linked. This raises important issues relating to protection of privacy. This paper examines the health benefits and privacy issues of epidemiological and health services research involving record linkage in Australia. The future potential for studies based on record linkage is discussed in the context of recent national and international developments in data protection. In the interests of public health and the rational use of health resources a balance must be struck between protecting individual privacy and conducting such health research for the common good. (Aust J Public Health 1995; 19: 250–6)
Prevalence of dementia among patients referred to an aged care assessment team and associated stress in their carers
Authors: LoGiudice Dina , Waltrowicz Wendy , McKenzie Steve , Ames David , Flicker Leon
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dementia among patients referred to an aged care assessment team and to compare levels of burden and psychological morbidity between carers of cognitively normal persons and carers of people with dementia, in this population. Validated cognitive tests were administered to participants drawn from a random sample of all persons referred to the North West Hospital Aged Care Assessment Team, and diagnoses of dementia were made according to ICD‐10 criteria. Available carers were assessed for psychological morbidity and burden with the General Health Questionnaire and the Zarit Family Burden Interview. Of 100 patients selected, 78 were assessed, of whom 34 (44 per cent) were cognitively normal and 34 (44 per cent) fulfilled ICD‐10 criteria for dementia. A further 8 (10 per cent) had cognitive impairment not meeting the criteria for dementia. There was a high level of psychological morbidity and burden among the carers of both the cognitively normal patients and the dementia sufferers, which was largely accounted for by the patients' physical disability. This has implications for the adequate provision of health care and services to both patients and carers of this population. Adequate education of members of aged care assessment teams in the identification of dementia and their ability to refer to appropriate dementia‐specific services and provide counselling for carers requires future planning. (Aust J Public Health 1995; 19: 275–80)
Domestic violence experienced by women attending an accident and emergency department
Authors: Bates Lucy , Redman Selina , Brown Wendy , Hancock Lynne
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish the extent and severity of domestic violence experienced by women attending the accident and emergency department of a large teaching hospital in Newcastle. The data were collected over a five‐week period in 1992. All women between 17 and 80 years, attending the emergency or ambulatory areas between 8 a.m. and midnight, were asked to complete a confidential structured interview. A total of 401 women participated in the study, representing 82 per cent of eligible women approached. Each participant was asked if she had ever been physically hurt by someone close to her. Questions were asked to determine the relationship to the perpetrator, the type and cause of injury, treatment necessary and help sought Seven (1.7 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 3.02) of the women surveyed were attending the hospital as a direct result of an incident of domestic violence, and 100 women (25 per cent, CI 21 to 29) had experienced domestic violence at some time. Bruising, fractures and cuts were the most common forms of injury, with the most common locations being the head, face and chest. Weapons, such as guns and knives, were used in 20 per cent of the incidents. A considerable number of the women (68 per cent) did not seek help at the time of their injuries. As a substantial proportion of women have experienced domestic violence in their lives, accident and emergency workers should receive training in recognising and assisting victims of domestic violence.
The traditional humoral food habits of pregnant Vietnamese–Australian women and their effect on birth weight
Authors: Mitchell Jo , Mackerras Dorothy
Published: August 2010

Vietnamese‐Australian women have infants with lower birth weight than Australian‐born women. Traditional humoral food habits, based on ancient Chinese medicine, are more likely to be followed during life changes like pregnancy. These food habits may influence maternal energy intake, weight gain and therefore infant birth weight. This study determined the proportion of pregnant Vietnamese women in southwestern Sydney who practise traditional humoral food habits, and their effect on birth weight. A cohort of 113 pregnant Vietnamese‐born women were questioned on smoking status, height, weight, parity, food practices and demographics. Dietary intake was measured in each trimester. Known risk factors and infant birth weights were collected from medical records for participants and nonresponders. Fifty‐seven per cent practised the traditional food habits. There were no differences in energy intake or weight gain between the two groups. After adjusting for confounders, birth weight was estimated to be 3257 g (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 3205 to 3309) and 3272 g (CI 3211 to 3333) for the infants of traditional and nontraditional women respectively. Following humoral food habits does not appear to affect birth weight. Women who choose to follow these traditions should not be discouraged from doing so.
EXPLORING THE LIMITS OF THE TECHNOLOGY S‐CURVE. PART I: COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: CHRISTENSEN CLAYTON M.
Published: August 2010

The technology S‐curve is a useful framework describing the substitution of new for old technologies at the industry level. In this paper I use information from the technological history of the disk drive industry to examine the usefulness of the S‐curve framework for managers at the firm level in planning for new technology development. Because improvements in over‐all disk drive product performance result from the interaction of improved component technologies and new architectural technologies, each of these must be monitored and managed. This paper focuses on component technology S‐curves, and a subsequent paper, also published in this issue of the journal, examines architectural technology Scurves. Improvement in individual components followed S‐curve patterns, but I show that the flattening of S‐curves is a firm‐specific, rather than uniform industry phenomenon. Lack of progress in conventional technologies may be the result, rather than the stimulus, of a forecast that the conventional technology is maturing, and some firms demonstrated the ability to wring far greater levels of performance from existing component technologies than other firms. Attacking entrant firms evidenced a distinct disadvantage versus incumbent firms in developing and using new component technologies. Firms pursuing aggressive Scurve switching strategies in component technology development gained no strategic advantage over firms whose strategies focused on extending the life of established component technologies.
A REVIEW OF THE KANBAN PRODUCTION CONTROL RESEARCH LITERATURE
Authors: BERKLEY BLAIR J.
Published: August 2010

Station interdependence, blocking caused by finite buffer capacities, and periodic material handling make modeling and analysis of kanban‐controlled lines challenging. Also, one must consider flows of material as well as flows of kanbans. The many models given in the literature contribute to the confusion and debate that often characterize kanban research. The only element common to all kanban systems appears to be finite buffer capacities. I describe blocking by total queue size, blocking by part type, and the single‐card and twocard systems. I review the kanban literature and organize it by type of system and decision area. First, I discuss elements of system design, including setting kanban numbers, performance measures, material‐handling frequencies, and container sizes. Then I cover the production control topics of sequencing and batch‐sizing. I conclude with a comparison of kanban and conventional methods of production control and with suggestions for future research.
THE QUALITY REVOLUTION
Authors: COLE ROBERT E.
Published: August 2010

Our understanding of quality has undergone great changes over the last decade, propelled forward by the quality paradigm that has evolved in Japan. This paradigm has rendered obsolete the traditional quality‐cost trade off model. I outline the key elements responsible for forcing a new understanding of quality‐cost relationships.
AN ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF THE OPTIMIZED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE AND ITS USE
Authors: FRY TIMOTHY D. , COX JAMES F. , BLACKSTONE JOHN H.
Published: August 2010

During the 19805 much attention, both pro and con, was directed toward optimized production technology (OPT). Criticism was directed at the proprietary nature of the scheduling algorithms within the software. Despite these criticisms, many large companies installed OPT. Little has been written on how the software is constructed and operates. This article introduces the software, provides a discussion of how it interfaces with management, and how various algorithms are imbedded in the software function. Last, a survey of companies that had implemented the software revealed that the major users are in the automotive industry.
THE ECONOMICS OF CAPACITY AND MARKETING MEASURES IN A SIMPLE MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: DONOHUE KAREN L.
Published: August 2010

As manufacturing firms push to achieve shorter lead times and higher levels of customer service, the basic capability of underlying manufacturing processes must be reexamined. The capacity and operational variability of a process dictate a certain set of realistic performance goals. In this paper, we examine this fundamental relationship from an economic perspective using two levels of analysis. At the aggregate level, we model the manufacturing process as a single server queue and compare the traditional roles of marketing and manufacturing in setting performance and process design parameters. Insights gained at this level are incorporated into the analysis of a realistic multiserver, multistation manufacturing line. We develop an interaction decision tool to guide the selection of process and performance parameters in this more complex environment.
SCHEDULING FLEXIBILITY IN THE SERVICE SECTOR: A POSTAL CASE STUDY
Authors: MALHOTRA MANOJ K. , RITZMAN LARRY P.
Published: August 2010

This is a case study of workforce scheduling in the U.S. postal system. We use it to analyze the benefits of scheduling flexibility at postal distribution systems, which can come from several sources. We focus on the additional flexibility deriving from increasing the proportion of part‐time employees, as well as from increasing the cross‐training of part‐time employees. These two dimensions of scheduling flexibility are decision points of particular interest to the postal management.

We used a large‐scale simulation model of the dynamic functioning of the postal distribution system in conjunction with a staff‐scheduling model to obtain insights into policy issues of interest. Our results show that the operating environment at a distribution station affects cost and customer service performance, and that gains from greater scheduling flexibility are situationally dependent. The benefit of cross‐training part‐time workers is modest over the range of levels considered realistic for distribution stations.

Our overall recommendation is for postal managers to increase the proportion of part‐time employees, allowing more efficient matching of resources with the varying demands for mail delivery on different routes. For the range of conditions we modeled, cost reductions from more part‐time workers average over six percent when capacity utilization is low. Customer service improvements are even larger, and range between 20 and 43% when capacity utilization is high. Improvements at the upper end of the range are achieved when demand variability is also at its highest.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE INDIRECT PRODUCTIVITY GAINS FROM QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Authors: ITTNER CHRISTOPHER D.
Published: August 2010

Recent theoretical work suggests that quality‐improvement activities can yield significant indirect effects through process improvements and reduced factory congestion and confusion, benefits that are overlooked or hidden in most management accounting or cost of quality systems. Using time series data from two consumer durables manufacturing plants, I estimate the indirect productivity gains from quality improvement. The evidence from the plants indicates that the indirect effects from improved quality are at least two to three times the direct benefits attributable to lower scrap, rework, and inventory holding costs. An important implication of these findings is that companies that justify investments and measure performance based only on the direct costs of poor quality will motivate managers to make suboptimal decisions regarding quality‐improvement activities.
USING RUN‐LENGTH DISTRIBUTIONS OF CONTROL CHARTS TO DETECT FALSE ALARMS
Authors: MOSKOWITZ HERBERT , PLANTE ROBERT D. , WARDELL DON G.
Published: August 2010

Run‐length distributions for various statistical process‐control charts and techniques for computing them recently have been reported in the literature. The real advantages of knowing the run‐length distribution for a process‐control chart versus knowing only the associated average‐run length of the chart have not been exploited. Our purpose is to use knowledge of the run‐length distribution as an aid in deciding if an out‐of‐control signal is a true signal or merely a false alarm. The ability to distinguish between true and false signals is important, especially in operations where it is costly to investigate the causes of out‐of‐control conditions. Knowledge of the run‐length distribution allows us to compute likelihood ratios, which are simple to calculate and to interpret and which are used to determine the odds of obtaining an out‐of‐control signal at a particular run length when a shift in the process mean actually has occurred vis‐a‐vis no such shift. We extend our analysis in a Bayesian sense by incorporating prior information on the distribution of the shift size of the process mean, combined with the likelihood ratio obtained from the run‐length distribution, to determine if a shift larger than a critical size has occurred. We give examples for the Shewhart chart, the exponentially weighted moving‐average chart, and the special‐cause control chart for processes with autocorrelated observations. The examples show that the current recommended usage of the average‐run length alone as a guide for determining whether a signal is a false alarm or otherwise can be misleading. We also show that the performance of the traditional charts, in terms of their average‐run length, can be enhanced in many instances by using the likelihood‐ratio procedure.
SETUP REDUCTION AND MACHINE AVAILABILITY
Authors: KIM SEUNG LAE , HAYYA JACK C. , HONG JAE‐DONG
Published: August 2010

This paper is an extension of Billington, who used the framework of the economic production quantity (EPQ) to model setup cost reduction. In the present paper, we use the EPQ model as a starting point to investigate the nature of setup costs and the effect of setup time reduction on the increase in available capacity. Reducing setup is vital to a company's success because a lengthy changeover of machinery is expensive: it demands long production runs to justify its cost, and these, in turn, lead to excessive inventory and to a slow response to customer needs. As in Billington, setup reduction is modeled as a function of an annual amortized investment. The paper examines the behavior of the setup time, the inventory cost, the lot size, and the freeing up of machine time in the face of a capacity constraint. A solution algorithm is provided to find setup times that minimize the sum of setup and holding cost, subject to a constraint on machine availability. The analysis sheds light on the true nature of setup cost and on the opportunity cost of not reducing setups. In the constrained optimization, the Lagrangian multiplier gives an estimate of the marginal value of adding one time unit of machine capacity, or, alternatively, of reducing one unit of setup time.
PRODUCTION CONTROL OF CYCLIC SCHEDULES WITH DEMAND AND PROCESS VARIABILITY
Authors: BOWMAN R. A. , MUCKSTADT J. A.
Published: August 2010

Cyclic scheduling has been primarily studied under deterministic assumptions. In practice, stochastic variability exists and must be taken into account. In this paper, the descriptive Markov chain model of Bowman and Muckstadt is extended to cover demand variability. A production control algorithm is developed using cyclic time and task criticality estimates from the model. Application of the algorithm to a case study shows that material release and anticipatory inventory buildup decisions can be effective in reducing inventory holding and overtime costs when significant demand variability is present.
A NEW LEARNING APPROACH TO PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
Authors: COX TONY , BELL GEORGE , GLOVER FRED
Published: August 2010

Redesigning and improving business processes to better serve customer needs has become a priority in service industries as they scramble to become more competitive. We describe an approach to process improvement that is being developed collaboratively by applied researchers at US WEST, a major telecommunications company, and the University of Colorado. Motivated by the need to streamline and to add more quantitative power to traditional quality improvement processes, the new approach uses an artificial intelligence (AI) statistical tree growing method using customer survey data to identify operations areas where improvements are expected to affect customers most. This AI/statistical method also identifies realistic quantitative targets for improvement and suggests specific strategies predicted to have high impart. This research, funded in part by the Colorado Advanced Software Institute (CASI) to stimulate profitable innovations, has resulted in a practical methodology used successfully at US WEST to help set process improvement priorities and guide resource allocation decisions throughout the company.
OPTIMUM SCHEDULE FOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: A GENERAL SOLUTION FOR A PARTIALLY SPECIFIED TIME‐TO‐FAILURE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Shore Haim
Published: August 2010

The classic problem of determining an optimum schedule for preventive maintenance when the time‐to‐failure (TTF) is random has been previously addressed in the literature under various distributional assumptions. However, no general solution that requires only partial distributional information (in the form of the first few moments) has been suggested. In this paper we develop solution procedures characterized by four features: (1) The solutions are general in the sense that only the first few moments of the TTF distribution need to be specified. (2) The optimal solution is given explicitly in terms of the decision variables, thus allowing simple sensitivity analysis. (3) When the TTF moments are unknown, a new two‐moment (partial and complete) distributional fitting procedure, used in the solution routine, ensures a better representation for the underlying TTF distribution relative to three‐moment or four‐moment distributional fitting. (4) When the TTF observations are truncated, simple routines to calculate maximum likelihood estimates are developed. We demonstrate that the partiál distributional specification, required for the new solution procedures, does not detract meaningfully from the optimality of the solution.
MEASURING FACTORY FOCUS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Pesch Michael J. , Schroeder Roger G.
Published: August 2010

Focus in the manufacturing plant is generally deemed to be an important element of success in manufacturing strategy. Yet, little work has been completed in the measurement of plant focus and a dearth of empirical evidence exists to support the broad popularity of this concept. This paper presents a plant focus measurement approach and reports the results of a field study that uses a site visit research design to apply the focus measure to a multi‐industry sample of manufacturing plants. Regression analysis is used to study the relationships between the plant focus variable and the environmental variables of plant size, number of product lines, plant age, number of processes, and type of processes. Although highly intuitive, these relationships have undergone very little empirical study in the literature. Our study provides evidence of a strong logarithmic relationship between our plant focus measure and the number of product lines. Support is also demonstrated in that our measure of plant focus is linked to the number and type of manufacturing processes. However, the variables of plant age and plant size do not appear related to the plant focus measure. The literature‐based multicriteria focus measure can be used by managers and researchers as an objective, formal, and generalizable approach for assessing plant focus, for identifying areas in the plant that detract from focus, and for tracking focus improvement efforts over time.
A PROFIT‐MAXIMIZATION MODEL FOR A RETAILER'S STOCKING DECISIONS ON PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO SUDDEN OBSOLESCENCE
Authors: Joglekar Prafulla , Lee Patrick
Published: August 2010

A product has been formally denned as being subject to sudden obsolescence if its lifetime is negative exponentially distributed. Using an approximate model, Masters suggested that the traditional method of incorporating obsolescence cost as a component of inventory holding costs in the economic order quantity (EOQ) model was appropriate‐for products subject to sudden obsolescence, provided that the obsolescence cost component was computed properly. Unfortunately, current practice of the EOQ model seriously underestimates the costs of sudden obsolescence. An exact model demonstrating that Masters' model also underestimated true lifetime costs and overestimated the optimal order quantity has been presented. Neither of these models addressed quantity discounts. Furthermore, with their cost‐minimization focus, these models fail to identify situations when minimized costs exceed expected revenues. We extend Joglekar and Lee's model to focus on maximizing profits, rather than minimizing costs. This model answers such questions as whether to stock the product at all, whether to accept a quantity discount offer, and what order quantity to use. Numerical examples and sensitivity analyses suggest that Masters' model provides a significant improvement over the traditional model in moving toward true optimality. However, they also illustrate situations where both the traditional and the Masters' model accept a quantity discount that deserves to be rejected and stock a product that should not be stocked. In such situations, it seems important that a retailer uses the profit‐maximization model presented here.
THE MALL IS MY FACTORY: REFLECTIONS OF A SERVICE JUNKIE
Authors: Chase Richard B.
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a personal perspective on the history, current research, and emerging topics in the field of Service Operations Management. I see research in the field evolving from a focus on classifications and operations research models in the 1970s and 1980s, to a current focus on laboratory studies, and survey‐ and case‐based research. Selected current research is presented under the following headings: Service encounter design, service quality, drivers of service competitiveness, yield management, and the information revolution and the globalization of services. Examples of creativity in service delivery and some whimsical characteristics of service junkies are also presented.
INVESTMENT IN SETUP COST, LEAD TIME, AND DEMAND PREDICTABILITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE EOQ MODEL
Authors: LI CHUNG‐LUN , ERLEBACHER STEVEN J. , KROPP DEAN H.
Published: August 2010

We study an economic order quantity/reorder point (EOQ/ROP) model with stochastic demand and backorders where options of investing in reducing setup cost, lead time, and variance of demand forecast errors are available. The model is quite comprehensive relative to previous models since it simultaneously addresses the strategic decisions associated with these three investment opportunities as well as the tactical decisions of determining both the lot size and the safety stock. We develop a simple search procedure to obtain the optimal values of setup cost, lead time, variance of demand forecast errors, order quantity, and safety stock multiplier. Computational studies are performed to determine the sensitivity of the optimal solution of the model to changes in the model's parameters.
A MODEL FOR SWITCHING DISPATCHING RULES IN REAL TIME IN A FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING CELL
Authors: CHAKRAVARTY AMIYA K.
Published: August 2010

We model choice of dispatching rules in real time (system state dependent) as a pattern recognition problem, using a modified version of Data Envelopment Analysis. A data base of system state and performance values is created from extensive simulation, and this data base is used to train the pattern‐recognition model. Our results show that the model is very effective in choosing a mix of dispatching rules over a period of time, varying the mix with system objectives, and performing better than the strategy of using fixed rules. We show how “If‐Then” decision rules can be created from the model and portrayed in a decision‐tree‐like diagram. Since such decision rules are based on rigorous mathematical foundations, optimization will be ensured in our approach.
SOLUTION PROCEDURES WITH LIMITED SAMPLE DATA FOR THE OPTIMAL REPLACEMENT PROBLEM
Authors: SHORE HAIM
Published: August 2010

Recently we have developed solution procedures for the optimal replacement problem when the distribution of the time‐to‐failure (ttf) is partially specified by the first two moments, partial and complete. However, we have later learned, using Monte‐Carlo simulation, that when moments are unknown and have to be estimated from sample data, the most accurate procedure developed therein is in practice extremely sensitive to sampling fluctuations.

In this paper we modify the procedure to render it less susceptible to sampling variation. In addition, we introduce a new solution procedure that requires specification of only the median and the partial means of the ttf distribution. For both procedures, it is demonstrated that when the moments required for the distribution fitting are known, highly accurate optimal solutions are obtained. Conversely, when the moments are unknown and sample estimates based on small samples are used, both procedures result in stable solutions (low mean‐squared‐errors).
DEVELOPING POM FACULTIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: HAYES ROBERT H.
Published: August 2010

Having added total quality management (tqm), operations strategy, new product development, and many other topics to its repertoire over the past two decades, operations management is being pushed‐by practitioners and students alike‐to extend its reach both horizontally (to encompass the whole supply chain and the interface with other functions) and internationally. Moreover, the increasing sophistication of computer technology and the growth of the intemet are expanding the teaching and research methodologies that can be used to address these complex issues. Meeting the challenges posed by this ever‐broadening conceptualization of our mission and the new tools available to us will require more than simply new knowledge and new courses. It also will require an influx of new people having very different backgrounds than in the past. We have to learn how to attract such people, how to prepare them to be effective teachers and researchers in production and operations management (pom), and how to work effectively with them. The locations of faculty, students, and potential partners in the learning experience also will be transformed, forcing us to reconsider how we organize to do our work and when and where we do it.
TEACHING THE PRODUCTION/OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT CORE COURSE: INTEGRATING LOGISTICS PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Authors: JULIEN FRANCOIS , DOUTRIAUX JéRöME , COUILLARD JEAN
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses the benefits of restructuring the introductory undergraduate production and operations management (pom) course to improve its pedagogical effectiveness and to better convey the importance of integrating logistics planning activities. The introduction of a dynamic integrative semester‐long case study which involves students in applying pom concepts and tools through a simulation game is reported.
MOTIVATING STUDENTS IN THE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT CLASS: CHALLENGES FOR THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY
Authors: KRAJEWSKI LEE
Published: August 2010

Motivating students to learn and apply operations management concepts is an important aspect of the learning process in an operations management class. While an emphasis on techniques and pedagogical technology has some motivational benefits, this paper proposes an emphasis on student/teacher interaction and a deeper understanding of complex situations. To support this approach, publishers should provide the materials to effectively use the new classroom technologies and the tools to support a wide variety of teaching styles. In addition, publishers should provide creative cross‐functional simulations so that students can understand the role of operations management in the context of the firm. Finally, rich decision‐making environments are needed to put the students in more realistic situations.
THE MARKET SHARE IMPACT OF SERVICE FAILURES
Authors: Hays Julie M. , Hill Arthur V.
Published: August 2010

This paper develops a simple but powerful model that relates service satisfaction/dissatisfaction to market share. The model is based on an intuitive service satisfaction framework that relates three service system parameters (service success rate, complaint rate, and service recovery rate) to the percent of satisfied customers. A dynamic model is then posited that relates the defection rate and the addition rate to market share changes. The service satisfaction/market share model yields useful insights into how market share is influenced by these service system parameters. The surprisingly simple model predicts changes in market share due to changes in customer satisfaction.
THROUGHPUT TIME REDUCTION: TAKING ONE'S MEDICINE
Authors: Blocher James D. , Garrett Richard W. , Schmenner Roger W.
Published: August 2010

Managing throughput time and its relation to work‐in‐process (wip) inventory and customer service is the focus of this paper. This research combines theory, simulation results, and the analysis of corporate data in an effort to address the issues associated with how one company (Eli Lilly) managed a reduction in their throughput times and an improvement in their delivery reliability. The results for this company suggest that production control decisions—expediting and de‐expediting—can lead to a vicious circle of decisions, which in turn can lead to increased levels of WIP inventory and higher and more unpredictable throughput times.
SIMULTANEOUS BATCHING AND SCHEDULING FOR CHEMICAL PROCESSING WITH EARLINESS AND TARDINESS PENALTIES
Authors: Dessouky Maged , Kijowski Brian , Verma Sushil
Published: August 2010

We consider the problem of determining the allocation of demand from different customer orders to production batches and the schedule of resulting batches to minimize the total weighted earliness and tardiness penalties in context of batch chemical processing. The problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model. An iterative heuristic procedure that makes use of the network nature of the problem formulation is presented to approximate an optimal solution. An algorithm polynomial in the number of batches to produce is also presented that optimally solves the problem under special cost structures.
DEMAND MANAGEMENT: THE EVALUATION OF PRICE AND DUE DATE NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES USING SIMULATION
Authors: Moodie Douglas R.
Published: August 2010

The research considers the problem of demand management in a firm where the firm's historical delivery service level reputation influences the number of quotation requests from its potential customers. Customers have a maximum and the firm has a minimum net price to due date tradeoff curve for each job. The demand management function bargains with the customer over price and promised due date. Bargaining finishes either with an agreed price and delivery date or with the customer refusing the firm's bid and placing the order elsewhere. The firm's objective is to maximize its long‐term net revenue. The firm's demand management negotiation strategy guides this bidding process. The research demonstrates the use of simulation to test different demand management bidding and negotiation strategies for different market and firm scenarios.

The demonstration uses 16 scenarios to test the different demand management negotiation strategies with a model of a classical job shop in a classical market. The investigation examines finite scheduling‐based due date estimation methods, as well as the more traditional parameter‐based methods. This demonstration shows that it is possible to test different bidding policies, using a simulation model of a firm and its customers, and to obtain usable results.
CLOCKSPEED‐BASED STRATEGIES FOR SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN
Authors: FINE CHARLES H.
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses a framework for strategic supply chain design that rests on an assortment of conceptual approaches. These approaches include benchmarking fast‐evolving industries to posit principles of supply chain dynamics and integrating supply chain design into the concurrent processes of product and manufacturing system design. These approaches yield insights into sourcing strategy as well as implementation of concurrent engineering.
A FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Johnson M. Eric , Pyke David F.
Published: August 2010

The rise of global markets and increasingly virtual companies has focused management attention on competition between supply chains. Many schools of management and engineering are adopting integrated curricula that prepare students to design and manage the resulting complex global web of material and information flows. In this paper, we examine the curricula used by many top engineering and graduate business schools for courses in supply chain management. We present a framework for supply chain management and highlight supporting material and pedagogy. We also classify popular supply chain case studies within our framework and provide useful References to recent business press treatment of these issues.
EXPERIENCES WITH THE USE OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE IN EDUCATION
Authors: Campbell Ann , Goentzel Jarrod , Savelsbergh Martin
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses four experiments and experiences with the use of supply chain management software, in this case the CAPS Logistics software, at different levels of undergraduate and graduate education at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. We hope that the readers will get an idea of the commitment and resources necessary to integrate supply chain software into the classroom as well as the potential rewards.