bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quadratic Programming Model for Farm Planning of a Region in Central Macedonia
Authors: Manos Basil D. , Kitsopanidis George I.
Published: October 2008

Quadratic programming models are used in farm planning because risk and uncertainty are involved in the technical and economic coefficients used and the quantities and prices of resources. A special quadratic programming model (the E-V model) was used to plan a Greek farm region, the former Lake of Giannitsa. The resulting plan is preferred by farmers to those resulting from the linear and mixed-integer programming models and to the previously used plan because it includes crops expected to give the highest minimum total gross margin with the same total fixed costs. The farmers want plans that achieve not only the highest but also the most stable economic results.
Management Science and Productivity Improvement in Irish Milk Cooperatives
Authors: Harrison H.
Published: October 2008

Ballyclough Cooperative Creamery, one of Ireland’s largest agribusiness organizations, with an annual turnover approaching IR£130 million, wanted to improve operations in its two major divisions. The milk division’s two key operating parameters, gallons per mile and tanker volumetric efficiency, were both improved using management science procedures. The stores trading division (fertilizer, animal foods, cement) was investigated using large-scale interactive transshipment models. In addition, a new approach to the depot location and sizing problem, employing computer graphics, was used to develop solutions satisfactory to the cooperative’s supplying farmers. The operating performance of the cooperative is expected to improve by about IR£1.5 million annually, once all of the recommendations have been implemented.
A Computer-Based Strategic Planning System for Steel Production
Authors: Bielefeld Friedrich Wilhelm , Walter Klaus-Dieter , Wartmann Rolf
Published: October 2008

Hoesch Siegerlandwerke AG developed a computer-based strategic planning system to replace the manual planning system and enable the company to consider alternative plans easily, to perform mass calculations and cost accounting operations quickly, and to maximize efficiency.
Optimal Ship Routing and Personnel Assignment for Naval Recruitment in Thailand
Authors: Choypeng Paiboon , Puakpong Pojana , Rosenthal Richard E.
Published: October 2008

Two problems related to the Royal Thai Navy’s recruitment effort are the optimal assignment of draftees to branch naval bases and the optimal routing of ships for transporting draftees from the branch bases to the main base. The first problem was solved as a transportation model and the second with an exact integer programming formulation.
Operations Research and Its Practice in Finland
Authors: Kivijärvi Hannu , Korhonen Pekka , Wallenius Jyrki
Published: October 2008

A survey of 64 private and government organizations in Finland revealed that they used over 150 different operations research models. Academic operations research was reviewed on the basis of published reports, interviews with representatives of university departments, and personal observations. Considerable activity exists to promote the theory and practice of management science/operations research in industry, in the public sector, and in several universities.
Karmarkar’s Linear Programming Algorithm
Authors: Hooker J. N.
Published: October 2008

N. Karmarkar’s new projective scaling algorithm for linear programming has caused quite a stir in the press, mainly because of reports that it is 50 times faster than the simplex method on large problems. It also has a polynomial bound on worst-case running time that is better than the ellipsoid algorithm’s. Radically different from the simplex method, it moves through the interior of the polytope, transforming the space at each step to place the current point at the polytope’s center. The algorithm is described in enough detail to enable one to write one’s own computer code and to understand why it has polynomial running time. Some recent attempts to make the algorithm live up to its promise are also reviewed.
Estimating Start-up Resource Utilization in a Newly Formed Organization
Authors: Schniederjans Marc J. , Markland Robert E.
Published: October 2008

When a business is acquired, important operational aspects of the business are not always conveyed to the acquiring organization. Determining adequate levels of resources (materials, labor, supplies, and machine time) depends on many variables other than the demand for finished product. Some production systems absorb and reclaim resources in such intricate ways that the best managers cannot estimate the resources necessary. One approach to determining the start-up levels of resources for a new business involves combining two quantitative techniques, input-output analysis and goal programming, to generate realistic estimates. These combined techniques were used in a division of the North American Youth Ministries Distribution Center, a large distributor of specialized felt products, to reveal excess inventory, to identify future inventory item shortages, to plan production, and to reduce management planning time.
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. Following articles are reviewed: —Hoskins, James A. 1985, “From the wasterland of experts—Back through the gateway of the competitive examination,” Air Force Journal of Logistics, Vol. 9, No. 4 (Fall), pp. 14–17; —Sholes, William A. 1986, “Expert system package troubleshoots snags at Australian lead, zinc smelting facility,” Management Information Systems Week, Vol. 7, No. 1 (January 6), p. 58; —Dunphy, Joseph F. and Wolfe, Paris 1985, “A new technique for risk assessment” Chemical Week, Vol. 137, No. 10 (September 4), pp. 15–16.
MS/OR Academic and Practitioner Interactions: A Promising New Approach
Authors: Smith Robert D. , Culhan Robert H.
Published: October 2008

The College on Practice of Management Science (CPMS) of TIMS has listed the objective of “more effective relationships between MS/OR academics and practitioners.” This objective has been stated for a number of years, and in 1985 a creative approach to implementing the idea was proposed. A planning committee consisting of academics and practitioners developed the concept for a new type of interface, and a smaller steering committee was charged with organizing the first practitioner-academic-liaison symposium (PALS). The first symposium was held at Kent State University in October 1985, and post-symposium activities which indicate positive results have been initiated.
20/30 Hindsight: Cash Management in Local Banks
Authors: Peffer Ron A. , Telgen Jan
Published: October 2008

Who would ever expect that a bank would complain about the number of calculations required to do anything, let alone cut down costs? Mr. Peffer and Dr. Telgen describe their experiences in implementing a cash management system for use by independent local banks; when they got that response—perhaps because a square root calculation was required?—they made the system even easier to use. It seems that the savings in this case should be obvious to the prospective users. Why is it so hard to get people to save money especially if they are bank employees? Peffer and Telgen offer some suggestions.
Logic Programming: A Tool for MS/OR?
Authors: Bharath Ramachandran
Published: October 2008

Japan’s fifth generation computer systems for the 1990s and the associated subjects of logic programming, expert systems, and the programming language Prolog have received much publicity lately. The background to these subjects is summarized, followed by a minitutorial in Prolog, a language relevant and potentially useful for MS/OR.
Strategic Planning for Bank Operations with Multiple Check-Processing Locations
Authors: Davis Samuel G. , Kleindorfer George B. , Kochenberger Gary A. , Reutzel Edward T. , Brown Emmitt W.
Published: October 2008

Partially due to the relaxation of branch banking restraints, US banks are increasing their branch networks. The wider geographical dispersion of bank branches can complicate the check-processing function resulting in the need to determine (1) How many operations centers should be used and where should they be located? (2) Which branches should be served by each center? and (3) What resources should be taken into consideration in evaluating the alternatives? BancOhio National Bank has recently analyzed these issues through the application of CHECKSIM, a check-processing simulation model, and reduced annual direct operating costs by over $1.6 million by relocating their processing facilities.
An Evaluation of Rules for Selecting an Extrapolation Model on Yearly Sales Forecasts
Authors: Schnaars Steven P.
Published: October 2008

Six rules are used to select among seven exponential smoothing models (to pick the model that yields the lowest error on a fit to historical data). Comparisons of accuracy are made among forecasts generated by the selection rules and the individual smoothing models. The results indicate that the use of rules leads to increases in accuracy. A combination of selection rules led to the most accurate forecasts. The rules also led to lower variances in the accuracy of forecasts, that is, they help to avoid large errors.
Comparative Site Evaluations for Locating a High-Energy Physics Lab in Texas
Authors: Thompson Russell G. , Singleton F. D. , Thrall Robert M. , Smith Barton A.
Published: October 2008

In 1984, the Texas Legislature funded a four-university, interdisciplinary effort to identify feasible sites for location of a very high-energy physics lab in Texas and to evaluate the comparative advantages of one site versus another. Six feasible sites were identified and a comparative site analysis was made by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), incorporating project cost, user time delay, and environmental impact data. In addition, for the efficient sites, the price weights for user time delay and environmental impact, given normalization on project cost, were analyzed and arguments were developed to bracket these pairs of price weights into an “assurance region” for the preferred site(s). The South Dallas site was found to be preferred for a wide range of conditions, while the North Houston site was sensitive to the method of indexing the impact of the environment. The method appears to be applicable to a wide range of siting problems faced by not only government, but also industry.
The Fifth Column: The Case of the Unused Forecast or When Trying to Forecast What’s to Be, First Try Y = MX + B
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

Once upon a time, a young MS/OR analyst for an airline received an unusual request for assistance—he was to review the volume-rate-forecasting model for the airline's reservation system. This state-of-the-art model was used for analyzing and forecasting univariate-time-series and transfer-function data based on an autoregressive integrated moving average technique. The request was unusual because its two originators had, between them, a combined total of five advanced degrees in mathematics. Our hero was, naturally, a bit curious about why such a pair were requesting help from a person holding an OR degree from an institution of the quick and dirty persuasion. After they explained that they wanted him to “fine tune” their model by looking at the white noise, degrees of differencing, residual normality, and perturbation values, he was even more curious. His curiosity disappeared when they admitted, through clenched teeth, that they had been ordered to seek his help.
Modeling and Analysis of a Large Wire and Cable Plant Operation
Authors: Garg Udai , Tsai Chin-Yang
Published: October 2008

A study of production in a cable plant divides the production-operations situation into four states and derives from them production-scheduling techniques and inventory-minimization techniques. The sole customer controls demand, contract quantity, and the order details and thus the plant situation. Because the method has been demonstrated to reduce layoffs, setups, and costs, management has adopted the method to manage production and operations.
The Fact-Net Model: A Problem Diagnosis Procedure
Authors: Ramakrishna Hindupur V. , Brightman Harvey J.
Published: October 2008

Solving the wrong problem, or type 3 error, is often what separates the effective from the ineffective management scientist. Management scientists commit type 3 errors because they lack formal training in problem identification techniques. There are logical and rational problem identification approaches for diagnosing operational, managerial, and strategic problems. The fact-net model, a diagnostic procedure developed by the authors, is applied to a real-world, unstructured operational problem along with two other currently used methods, and the three methods are compared.
Forecasting for Inventory Control: An Example of When “Simple” Means “Better”
Authors: Cohen Rochelle , Dunford Fraser
Published: October 2008

The Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) wanted to forecast demand for telephones in order to control the inventory in their phone centers. Although this appears to be a very straightforward problem, data difficulties made it impossible to use most of the common forecasting models. Nevertheless, the use of a very simple forecasting model resulted in an inventory reduction of 45 percent.
Real-Time, Wide Area Dispatch of Mobil Tank Trucks
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , Ellis Carol J. , Graves Glenn W. , Ronen David
Published: October 2008

Mobil Oil Corporation has adopted a completely integrated, highly automated, real-time computer system for centralized control of distribution to customers in the continental United States of light petroleum products—gasolines, diesel, heating oil, and so forth. This system manages all aspects of marketing and distribution, from order entry via an audio response computer through credit checking, delivery, and billing—operations that annually generate $4 billion in sales on 600,000 customer orders and that use 120 bulk terminals and a fleet of more than 430 vehicles. The heart of this system is computer assisted dispatch (CAD), a collection of integer programming methods used within a real-time, transaction-driven information management system, which allots about one second, on average, per dispatch for optimization. CAD exploits the experience and knowledge of the human dispatchers it assists. Using CAD, Mobil has substantially reduced costs and staff while improving customer service.
Is the Quest for Objectivity a Trivial Pursuit?
Authors: Say Jean-Baptiste Leon
Published: October 2008

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

An essay about considerations of a company committee formed to decide on purchasing of an office automation system.
Reducing Logistics Costs at General Motors
Authors: Blumenfeld Dennis E. , Burns Lawrence D. , Daganzo Carlos F. , Frick Michael C. , Hall Randolph W.
Published: October 2008

Automobile and truck production at General Motors involves shipping a broad variety of materials, parts, and components from 20,000 supplier plants to over 160 GM plants. To help reduce logistics costs at GM, the decision tool TRANSPART was developed. In its initial application for GM's Delco Electronics Division, TRANSPART identified a 26 percent logistics cost savings opportunity ($2.9 million per year). Today, TRANSPART II—a commercial version of the tool—is being used in more than 40 GM plants.
PLANETS: A Modeling System for Business Planning
Authors: Breitman Robert L. , Lucas John M.
Published: October 2008

The Production Location Analysis NETwork System (PLANETS) was developed to provide General Motors with the capability to evaluate complex quantifiable business decisions. Originally implemented in 1974, PLANETS has evolved into a flexible framework for scenario description and analysis. It is now supported by Electronic Data Systems Corporation. Individuals with no prior computer or mathematical programming background use PLANETS to decide what products to produce; when, where, and how to make these products; which markets to pursue; and which resources to use. PLANETS also provides detailed shipping allocations and capital spending schedules. PLANETS' worldwide use throughout General Motors has contributed to the understanding of business problems. Usage of PLANETS in-site selection and tooling allocation studies has resulted in substantial cost avoidance.
Travel-Time Analysis of New York City Police Patrol Cars
Authors: Larson Richard C. , Rich Thomas F.
Published: October 2008

Radio-monitored patrol (RMP) cars in the New York City Police Department patrol and respond to calls for service (CFS) throughout the city. The initial phase of an on-going attempt to improve productivity in the department consisted of a comprehensive quantitatively based study of RMP car practices. One aspect focused on the effect on travel times to CFS of alternative RMP patrol and response strategies. The hypercube queueing model, a public domain patrol car allocation model, was used to predict the consequences of these new strategies for particular neighborhoods in Eastern Queens and Lower Manhattan. A somewhat surprising finding from the analysis is that increasing the potential service areas of RMP cars need not result in an increase in travel times.
Misapplications Reviews: Lightning Strikes Twice
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

Although the “Misapplications Reviews” section is nearly five years old, I have never before felt an urge to discuss the reaction to one of my columns. This is largely because the written response to such pieces has typically ranged from sparse to nonexistent. (When Steve Pollock asked “is anyone out there?” he was articulating a question that had been twitching on my lips.) But there has been one deviation from this pattern that was so altogether striking that I've decided to use this column to describe it. That doing so might seem subtly boastful troubled me at first, but then I concluded that life would be terribly bland if we all suppressed interesting stories out of an obsession with appearing modest. The column in question (March–April 1986) proposed that airport operations be suspended whenever a thunderstorm cell exists within (say) five miles of the control tower.
MS/OR: A Mid-Life Crisis
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

Has MS/OR lost its way? Does top management know who we are? Do they care about us? Does it matter? Two sessions at a recent TIMS/ORSA conference shed some light on these questions.
The Fifth Column: Scheduling Without Reservations or Ad Astra per Simplicimus
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

There was once a large international airline that decided to have a hard look at their shift-scheduling problems worldwide. A project group was duly chosen, which wrote up a detailed set of specifications for the tool they required, including a sample problem that was actually a real problem. This project group flew all over their major marketing area for six months visiting professors and software vendors seeking their answer.
Vehicle Routing at Quality Stores
Authors: Yano Candace Arai , Chan Thomas J. , Richter Lori Kaplan , Cutler Theodore , Murty Katta G. , McGettigan David
Published: October 2008

Vehicle routing optimization software has been implemented on a personal computer for Quality Stores, a chain of retail stores. Customized route generation procedures are combined with an efficient branch-and-bound procedure to obtain optimal routings and assignment of routes to trucks. Both the data base maintenance routines and optimization runs are completely menu-driven, enabling personnel with no prior exposure to computers or optimization to operate the software unaided.
Review of Expert Systems for the Management Science Practitioner
Authors: Fordyce Kenneth , Norden Peter , Sullivan Gerald
Published: October 2008

In defining some of the most common terms and topics associated with expert or knowledge-based systems, we include knowledge base, knowledge representation, inference engine, forward chaining, backward chaining, logic programming, and frames. We intend in this introduction to provide MS/OR practitioners with a starting point for investigating the applicability of knowledge-based techniques to their work.
Successful Implementation of End-User Computing
Authors: Rivard Suzanne
Published: October 2008

A study of 10 large business firms indicates that the success of end-user computing includes two sometimes conflicting dimensions: user satisfaction and the ability of information systems (IS) management to show that end-user computing is profitable. User satisfaction was found to be related to software, environmental, and personnel characteristics. To ensure user satisfaction, IS management often has to invest heavily in computing tools and facilities, and such investments have to be justified to top management. Stricter control on end-user computing is a common response to top management's concerns; such controls may negatively affect user satisfaction. The conflict may be avoided by better planning the evaluation of end-user computing and by making users responsible for demonstrating tangible benefits.
Chargeback as an Implementation Tactic for Office Communication Systems
Authors: Markus M. Lynne
Published: October 2008

Chargeback policies and practices are an important factor in the success or failure of computer-based information systems and services and are, therefore, a useful implementation tactic. Unfortunately, office communication systems like electronic mail and voice messaging do not fit the assumptions on which chargeback schemes are usually based. Implementors of office communication systems can avoid potential implementation problems related to chargeback schemes by avoiding usage-sensitive charging, by modifying charges for substitute products, and by altering users' awareness of charges.
Implementation and the Organizational Impacts of Information Systems
Authors: Robey Daniel
Published: October 2008

A model that links the organizational effects of information systems to the process used to implement those systems calls for the identification of operating problems and opportunities, the formulation of objectives, simultaneous processes of organizational design and of system design, and implementation. This orderly approach to implementing information systems in an organization achieves planned rather than accidental impacts. Use of the model is illustrated with several recent cases.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Hall John R. , Millen Roger N. , Winer Russell S. , Dale Charles , Martinich Joseph S.
Published: October 2008

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

For a military distribution system with a fixed investment budget, I developed trade-off curves between two aggregate variables: reordering work load and customer service. The curves showed that reallocating investment funds from safety stocks to cycle stocks would cut reordering work load by 20 percent, with no impact on customer service. Implementation of this idea yielded annual cost savings of $2 million.
RRSP Flood: LP to the Rescue
Authors: Haehling von Lanzenauer Christoph , Harbauer Erwin , Johnston Brian , Shuttleworth David H.
Published: October 2008

During the early part of 1985, the Financial Services Group, a division of Canada Systems Group, Incorporated, began to plan its manpower needs for the upcoming surge in transaction processing demand of the popular and growing registered retirement savings program. The development of a model and its careful implementation produced—in spite of a 25 percent increase in volume—savings of over $300,000 over a short six-week period relative to the previous year.
Macro Production Planning: An Applied Research Project
Authors: Nebol Erdal
Published: October 2008

An applied research project on corporate production budget planning for a chain of cotton textile factories was conducted for Sümerbank, one of the major public enterprises in Turkey. Linear programming was used to determine the optimal plant-production mix, but the results failed to be implemented.
Composite Earnings Forecasting Efficiency
Authors: Guerard John B. , Beidleman Carl R.
Published: October 2008

Composite earnings-per-share models were estimated for 35 chemical, food, and utility firms during the 1979–1980 period. It is generally held that financial analysts produce earnings forecasts superior to time series model forecasts; however, the results of this study indicate that the average mean square forecasting error of analyst forecasts may be reduced by combining analyst and univariate time-series model forecasts. Despite the high degree of correlation existing among analyst and time-series forecasts, the ordinary least-squares model estimation of the composite-earnings model is a better forecasting model than the composite-earnings models estimated with ridge regression techniques.
A Note on “Management Science/Operations Research in Greece” by John C. Papageorgiou
Authors: Papoulias Demetrios B.
Published: October 2008

The recent paper by Professor J. Papageorgiou [Papageorgiou, J. C. 1986. Management science/operations research in Greece. Interfaces 16(4, July–August) 24–30.] entitled “Management science/operations research in Greece” has impressed me with its thorough analysis and clear argument. I am also impressed with the author's knowledge of the evolution of MS/OR in Greece.

I want to discuss some other factors that influence MS/OR in Greece and my slightly different opinion of the condition of MS/OR in Greece today.
Ranking Outstanding Sports Records
Authors: Golden Bruce L. , Wasil Edward A.
Published: October 2008

In considering the problem of ranking some of the greatest active sports records, we examine three categories of sports records—season records, career or multiple-year records, and daily or single game records. Within each category, we compare a number of outstanding records using the analytic hierarchy process. We discuss the hierarchies, data requirements, and evaluation results in detail along with a host of interesting comparison issues.
Misapplications Reviews: High Road to Glory
Authors: Barnett Arnold
Published: October 2008

The talk these days at TIMS/ORSA is of outreach, of devising a way to inform the world how central we are to its functioning. TIMS has backed its commitment to reaching out with a large financial investment. Trying as always to be helpful, let me propose a simple project that might measurably advance this cause.

It concerns frequent-flyer programs. We should not underrate the obsessions these programs have created among those we would most like to influence.
Decision Support for Aircraft and Munitions Procurement
Authors: Might Robert J.
Published: October 2008

The annual decision on how much of the Air Force procurement budget should be spent on the many different aircraft and how much on the many different munitions is of great interest to many people. How the Air Force staff develops information to support the decision has changed over the years. Currently, a linear program is being used by the Air Force Center for Studies and Analyses and is being tested by the Munitions Division of the Plans and Operations Directorate (AF/XOXFM) for munitions trade-off analyses. The LP uses existing data and estimates on (1) aircraft and munition effectiveness, (2) target value, (3) attrition, (4) Aircraft and munition costs, and (5) existing inventories of aircraft and munitions. Other factors considered are weather and the length of the conflict. Enhancements currently being implemented include attrition changes as a function of time and the distance the aircraft must fly.
Sustaining Networks
Authors: Jarillo J. Carlos , Ricart Joan Enric
Published: October 2008

As we accept the importance of the laws of competition in formulating strategy, we are realizing that cooperation among firms is at the root of many management success stories. Networking arrangements entail cooperation, and both business policy and microeconomics are much better prepared to deal with competition. Cooperation is indeed possible for profit-maximizing business enterprises. It may be an efficient arrangement and can be sustained over the long run. Some basic models from game and agency theory shed light on real-life cooperative arrangements. A long-term outlook and the ability to elicit trust are seen as key ingredients of a successful network.
Implementing New Manufacturing Technologies: Managerial Lessons over the FMS Life Cycle
Authors: Meredith Jack R.
Published: October 2008

Research in manufacturing technology and its implementation is still largely in the developmental stage with the major contributions coming from surveys and case studies. Most of the case studies are cross-sectional and identify the major issues that a majority of manufacturers experience. The case situations described here constitute a vertical section instead, reporting on the managerial lessons learned from operating three flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) at different stages in their life cycles.
An International Comparison of Flexible Manufacturing Systems Technology
Authors: Darrow William P.
Published: October 2008

A survey of 253 manufacturing facilities using flexible manufacturing system (FMS) technology compares four geographic regions: Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Japan, and the United States. A rapid exponential growth rate for FMS technology was found in all regions except Eastern Europe. This aggregate view suggests that factory-of-the-future concepts will become widespread soon. This will pose a challenge to MS scholars and practitioners who must develop and implement techniques to deal with this rapidly emerging technology.
Maximizing Profits for North American Van Lines' Truckload Division: A New Framework for Pricing and Operations
Authors: Powell Warren B. , Sheffi Yosef , Nickerson Kenneth S. , Butterbaugh Kevin , Atherton Susan
Published: October 2008

The Commercial Transport Division of North American Van Lines dispatches thousands of trucks from customer origin to customer destination each week under high levels of demand uncertainty. Working closely with upper management, the project team developed a new type of network model for assigning drivers to loads. The model, LOADMAP, combines real-time information about drivers and loads with an elaborate forecast of future loads and truck activities to maximize profits and service. It provided management with a new understanding of the economics of truckload operations; integrated load evaluation, pricing, marketing, and load solicitation with truck and load assignment; and increased profits by an estimated $2.5 million annually, while providing a higher level of service.
Sales Force Sizing and Deployment Using a Decision Calculus Model at Syntex Laboratories
Authors: Lodish Leonard M. , Curtis Ellen , Ness Michael , Simpson M. Kerry
Published: October 2008

A series of subjectively parameterized models was developed and implemented, beginning in 1982, to aid Syntex Laboratories in deciding how large their sales force should be, and how it should be deployed. The response functions of the models were estimated by a team of knowledgeable managers and salespeople using a modified Delphi technique. The model structure and parameter estimation techniques were developed in response to constraints unique to Syntex Laboratories and its available data. The original response functions were significantly better predictors of the sales of each Syntex product for two years in the future than were the existing forecasts. Use of the models helped the corporation to decide to significantly increase its sales force size and to try to change its deployment. This decision resulted in a documented continuing $25,000,000, eight percent annual sales increase. The model had important impacts on the strategic direction of the firm, helping to change its focus to product markets with better future potential.
20/30 Hindsight: The Automatic Zipper
Authors: Ulvila Jacob W.
Published: October 2008

The lead article in the March–April 1987 issue of Interfaces (Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 1–12) describes Jake Ulvila's Edelman Prize finalist analysis. Now for the story behind the story. What really happened?—Robert G. Chamberlain
What MS/OR Groups Do: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Authors: Siems Thomas F. , Urban Timothy L.
Published: October 2008

Everyone is, or should be, interested in the Federal Reserve Bank, which influences all our daily lives. While we tremulously await the next prime rate adjustment, this article provides a fascinating insight into the origins, structure, and contributions of MS/OR within the “11th District” of this famous institution.

This paper has been written jointly by Thomas F. Siems, currently project leader in the Operations Analysis Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and Timothy L. Urban, who formerly held a similar post in the same group but is now at the University of Tulsa—Alan Kitchener.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Hall John R. , Millen Roger N. , Dale Charles , Martinich Joseph S. , Kamakura Wagner A.
Published: October 2008

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

If an issue of one of our regularly covered journals contains no applications articles, we give the one-line citation for the issue with no articles shown under it. Readers who know of applications articles we may have missed or improperly slighted are invited to let us know.

“Applications Reviews” is cosponsored by the TIMS College on Public Programs and Processes, the TIMS College on Marketing, and the ORSA Military Applications Section.
Note: Some Remarks on the Paper by J. Telgen, “How to Schedule Meetings with a Traveling Salesman Q & D, and Why We Didn't”
Authors: Sierksma Gerard
Published: October 2008

It was a pity for the manager Mr. Jenson that the young management trainee Tom did not offer him the optimal solution for the meetings scheduling problem that bothered Mr. Jensen so much. Below, three possible optimal solutions are offered using Apex, the cheapest insertion rule, and the three-Opt heuristic.

Response from J. Telgen, author of the original paper, follows.
Note: On the Pooling of Services
Authors: Drezner Zvi
Published: October 2008

It is customary for study books on management science/operations research to present in the chapter on queuing theory the formulas for one service station (M/M/1). The simple formulas for the two-servers case (M/M/2) that are presented here are not included in those books. I found that presenting the students with the two-servers case as a separate set of simple formulas was very helpful.
What MS/OR Groups Do: Management Science Pays Off at International Paper Company
Authors: Falk Patrick G.
Published: October 2008

International Paper Company (IPCo.) is one of the largest industrial enterprises in North America, with sales of about $5 billion. The company is the world's largest manufacturer of pulp, paper, and paper products and a major producer of lumber and plywood.

The nation's largest industrial owner of timberland, IPCo. owns over 8.4 million acres of timberland and has rights over another 11.6 million acres. To generate higher future returns from these renewable assets, the company is consolidating its land base through sales, acquisitions, swaps, and donations and growing genetically superior trees, which produce more wood fiber per acre more quickly. The company relies heavily on the quantitative techniques of management science and biometrics to evaluate timberland sites and to plan and budget forest prescriptions to be used in planting, managing, harvesting, and regenerating the timberlands.
A Management Information System to Plan and Monitor the Distribution of Essential Commodities in India
Authors: Ramani K. V. , Bhatnagar S. C.
Published: October 2008

A management information system was designed and developed for the state governments in India to help them plan and monitor the distribution of essential commodities. The system was pilot tested in the field, and reports were generated on a PDP 11/70 computer system. We discuss one such report in detail to illustrate its usefulness. Essential to the acceptance of the system were several training sessions for administrators at various levels. Interestingly, some state governments have already begun to change their existing reporting system to incorporate major ideas in the proposed MIS.
The Role of the Chief Executive Officer in Articulating the Vision
Authors: Stata Ray
Published: October 2008

A CEO describes his role as leadership, strategic planning as a tool to facilitate the exercise of that role, and the importance of the firm's vision and values.
The State of the Art of Linear Programming on Personal Computers
Authors: Sharda Ramesh
Published: October 2008

The phenomenal growth of microcomputers in both market size and technology has resulted in a proliferation of management science/operations research science software, including linear programming (LP) software. An earlier survey of LP software was published three years ago. This broad summary of LP software highlights recent advances, such as spreadsheet-based software and model generation systems, and discusses its enhanced capability to handle larger problems, greater speed, and better user interfaces.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Hall John R. , Millen Roger N. , Dale Charles , Martinich Joseph S. , Kamakura Wagner A.
Published: October 2008

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

Some power utilities depend for survival on the use of very large volumes of natural gas. Securing future supplies of gas at a good price therefore assumes great importance in the minds of the heavyweights of such organizations. So critical is it, that all contract negotiations for natural gas supply are usually conducted “at the highest level,” that is, by the heavyweights in person. This story relates how one heavyweight nearly lost the bout on a knockout to an extra nimble heavyweight of a gas supply corporation.
A Framework for a Grounded Theory of Corporate Policy
Authors: Segev Eli
Published: October 2008

A framework is presented for developing a theory of corporate policy, based on a fairly exhaustive survey of case studies used in capstone courses in strategy and policy in AACSB accredited master's programs in schools of business administration in the US.

The main variables relevant to corporate policy were identified and grouped into eight meta-variables: strategy, strategic actions, organizational characteristics, environment, strategic process, organizational design, strategic actors, and organizational performance. I propose a framework for strategic theory: A strategy is the actions taken to match an organization with its environment. The strategy is formulated and implemented by a process and an organizational design in which various actors take part. Strategic match results in high performance.

This is the first step in generating a theory from data, to be followed by generating propositions.
An Economic Evaluation Model of Investment Alternatives in Water Supply Systems
Authors: Rabinowitz G. , Mehrez A. , Ravivi M.
Published: October 2008

To compare enlargement alternatives in the Hazbani-Dan water supply system, we developed an evaluation process that considers organizational, technological, and economical factors. The suggested alternatives are intended to improve system utilization by combining additional water resources and users. We used the criterion of expected annual return to compare the alternatives and a linear programming model to allocate water for different users according to policy priorities. Based on the results, we used a nonlinear programming model to allocate water for hydroelectric energy production. An annual return of about one million dollars is predicted for the most economical alternative versus a return of one hundred thousand dollars prior to enlargement. However, due to managerial factors and lack of reliable data, only two of the four possible physical enlargements were implemented as recommended, with an expected annual return of $422,000.
An Application of Knowledge-Based Systems to Navy Budget Analysis
Authors: Tonn Bruce , Kunz Don , Hosack Glen
Published: October 2008

Knowledge-based systems employ expert knowledge and problem-solving strategies to provide interactive decision support. They can significantly improve productivity in large public organizations by overcoming limitations in employees' knowledge, attention, and cognitive processing. We designed a prototype system to analyze Navy budget submissions for the US Naval Sea Systems Command.
Comment on the Paper by Borsting et al., “A Model for a First MBA Course in Management Science/Operations Research”
Authors: Samson Danny
Published: October 2008

The suggested change in philosophy for a first MBA course in MS/OR from a model-based structure to a “problem first” focus is very welcome. Further development work is required before the “problem first” philosophy can be achieved, because despite the suggested change in philosophy, the course structures suggested by Borsting et al. are still model-oriented, as are virtually all the major MS/OR texts. Further work is also required in developing the goals and objectives of MS/OR courses, the breadth vs. depth issue, the use of computers, and the choices of specific topics. The first MBA course in MS/OR is the medium through which the biggest impact on the development of the field can be achieved, and further research aimed at producing insights for instructors is warranted.
A Microcomputer-Based Decision Support System for Scheduling Umpires in the American Baseball League
Authors: Evans James R.
Published: October 2008

Umpire scheduling in the American Baseball League is a complex, multicriteria optimization problem. It is ideally suited for an interactive decision support system that incorporates optimization techniques, heuristic rules, and human judgment. A microcomputer-based system with these characteristics has significantly reduced the time needed to create good schedules and has improved their quality.
An Application of Frontier Analysis: Handicapping Running Races
Authors: Camm Jeffrey D. , Grogan Thomas J.
Published: October 2008

Economists have used frontier analysis for some time now to measure the efficiency of the firm. Recently, particularly since the development of data envelopment analysis, management scientists have applied efficient frontier analysis to a variety of problems. We used linear programming to estimate a frontier function that describes where the age records for a particular running race should be, given the current records. The frontier function is used to handicap running races based on age and sex. The frontier method is an improvement over current methods in that it avoids the problem of soft records for some ages.
Courtyard by Marriott: Designing a Hotel Facility with Consumer-Based Marketing Models
Authors: Wind Jerry , Green Paul E. , Shifflet Douglas , Scarbrough Marsha
Published: October 2008

Marriott used conjoint analysis to design a new hotel chain. The study provided specific guidelines for selecting target market segments, positioning services, and designing an improved facility in terms of physical layout and services. Based on these strategy and design recommendations, Marriott developed the Courtyard by Marriott concept, which it has successfully test marketed and subsequently introduced nationally. The effectiveness of the study and associated processes also changed Marriott's approach to new product development. Marriott has since developed additional lodging and related products successfully using similar procedures.
Selecting Optimal Ingot Sizes for Bethlehem Steel
Authors: Vasko Francis J. , Wolf Floyd E. , Stott Kenneth L. , Scheirer James W.
Published: October 2008

To take maximum advantage of a new ingot mold stripping facility, which was installed in 1984 at the Bethlehem Plant, we developed a two-phase, computer-based procedure for selecting optimal ingot dimensions and internal ingot mold dimensions. Phase 1 generated feasible ingot and internal ingot mold dimensions consistent with the new stripper's capability and with foundry, steelmaking, metallurgical, mill, and shipping yard constraints. Phase 2 then used a set-covering approach to select the optimal ingot and internal ingot mold sizes from among the feasible sizes. Based on model results and following trial mill tests, full production use of new mold sizes has affected the entire plant operation, resulting in over $8 million annual realized savings.
Editorial: Old Politics in New Haven
Authors: Murphy Frederic H.
Published: October 2008

I have written this editorial at the request of some of my colleagues. This editorial represents my views and does not necessarily represent the views of TIMS or ORSA. An editorial on more of my plans for Interfaces that was scheduled to appear in this issue will appear in the next.
Restricting Patients' Choices of Physicians: A Decision Analytic Evaluation of Costs
Authors: Alemi Farrokh , Agliato John
Published: October 2008

In return for a 15 percent discount on clinic and a six percent discount on hospitalization charges, a bank considered lowering by 10 percent the copayments of employees who chose to use the discounted health services. Using decision analysis, we projected that the arrangement would lead to more frequent clinic visits and hospitalizations; but lower hospitalization charges. The analysis helped a benefit manager negotiate appropriate contract terms, present his recommendation to the board of directors, and eventually to offer a preferred provider to the employees.
The Computer Runs the Bolder Boulder: A Simulation of a Major Running Race
Authors: Farina Ron , Kochenberger Gary A. , Obremski Tom
Published: October 2008

The annual Bolder Boulder, one of America's top 10k races, attracts world-class runners as well as casual joggers. In recent years the race has grown to approximately 20,000 runners. As the race grew, problems arose (in particular, crowdedness at the finish line). We constructed a simulation model of the race and used it to evaluate various proposed solutions. Based on the results, race management identified solutions to the problems. The race has since accommodated record numbers of runners with no problems at all, and it is thought of as one of the best managed races in the country.