bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMIC LOT SIZING FOR A SINGLE‐FACILITY MULTIPRODUCT PROBLEM IN A ROLLING‐HORIZON ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sung C. S. , Park Y. S.
Published: June 2007

This paper considers a production planning model for a single‐facility multiproduct problem where backlogging is not allowed. A planning‐horizon theorem is derived. From that theorem, a forward algorithm for finding an optimal solution over a finite horizon and a procedure for selecting the first‐period production in a rolling‐horizon environment are developed. Computational results from a set of simulation experiments designed to investigate the cost effectiveness of the procedure demonstrate its effectiveness.
FINDING SYNERGY BETWEEN DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND EXPERT SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Authors: Henderson John C.
Published: June 2007

This article examines the potential for synergy between decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems research. Three predominant research traditions in DSS (applications, design, and technology) are examined and used as a basis to identify ways in which expert systems and DSS research interrelate. A range of emerging trends in DSS research that focus on these commonalities is discussed.
PREDICTING STOCK MARKET BEHAVIOR THROUGH RULE INDUCTION: AN APPLICATION OF THE LEARNING‐FROM‐EXAMPLE APPROACH*
Authors: Braun Helmut , Chandler John S.
Published: June 2007

An artificial intelligence‐based rule‐induction approach to the analysis of stock market prediction is presented. A single investment analyst was used as the expert for this study. Predicting intermediate fluctuations in the movement of the market for nonconservative investors was selected as the decision to analyze. Commercially available rule‐induction software was used to generate rules that predicted the market calls of the market analyst and the actual movements of the market. Rules predicting actual market movement performed better than rules predicting the analyst's calls and better than the analyst himself. Such an approach may prove useful in designing a decision support system for market analysts or in improving the decision‐making processes of such analysts. The dynamic nature of the stock market represents a substantially different decision environment than those previously analyzed by learning‐from‐example (LFE) techniques. This study provides insights into the limits and applications of LFE approaches.
PROJECT IPMA: APPLYING DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO BUILDING EXPERT‐BASED SYSTEMS*
Authors: Goul Michael , Tonge Fred
Published: June 2007

There currently is no widely accepted design framework for building expert systems. Knowledge engineers describe the process in terms of a set of heuristics or as a series of phases. Most paradigms are based on post‐development reflections. This paper explores an expert‐based system constructed using decision support system design techniques. An actual system in experimental use at the Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, was designed using the approach presented. The system, Integrated Pest Management Assistant (IPMA), will be used by extension agents to help orchard owners make decisions regarding pear tree pest infestations and to offer remedial strategies for eradicating potentially destructive insects.
VALIDATION OF EXPERT SYSTEMS‐ WITH APPLICATIONS TO AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING EXPERT SYSTEMS*
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E.
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes a set of definitions for the concepts “validation” and “assessment” applied to expert systems (ESs). It develops a framework for this validation and demonstrates the framework on existing accounting and auditing ESs to elicit some of the research issues involved in ES validation.

Validation is critical to the design and implementation of decision‐making ESs. In a setting where objectivity is sought and variance is avoided, validation ascertains what a system knows, knows incorrectly, or does not know. Validation ascertains the system's level of expertise and investigates the theoretical basis on which the system is based. It evaluates the reliability of decisions made by the system.

The validation framework developed in this paper is research methods. It is designed to reflect the unique aspects of ESs (in contrast to other types of computer programs) and can be used by ES developers as a basis from which to perform validation and by researchers as a framework to elicit research issues in validation.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO SELECTION WITH UPPER BOUNDS FOR INDIVIDUAL SECURITIES*
Authors: Kwan Clarence C. Y. , Yip Patrick C. Y.
Published: June 2007

In this paper, we consider optimal portfolio selection with no short sales and with upper bounds for individual securities. The solution is reached by directy revising the optimal portfolio without upper bounds. Specifically, our analysis is based on the single‐index model, as well as the general multi‐index model that provides the return generating process for securities in the arbitrage pricing theory. As demonstrated in a simulation study, the proposed algorithm for optimal portfolio selection usually requires very few iterations. Also, since our approach is developed using intuitive reasoning and simple linear algebra, we are able to provide direct and intuitive justifications for the resulting portfolio choice. Therefore this paper should be of interest to both finance academics and practitioners in portfolio management.
INCORPORATING SALES FORCE PREFERENCES IN A GOAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR THE SALES RESOURCE ALLOCATION PROBLEM
Authors: McClure Richard H. , Wells Charles E.
Published: June 2007

This note presents a model for the sales territory assignment and resource allocation problem. The integer‐goal‐programming model includes input from the sales representatives in the form of preference values along with organizational goal values from management. The approach integrates the multiple objectiive inputs both for individual sales reprresentatives and for the organization into a single model by employing the approaches of multiattribute utility theory and multicriteria decision making. The purpose of the model is to provide a vehicle for testing various strategies and assessing the impact of those strategies on the sales representatives’utilities and the organization's goals.
UNCERTAINTY AND THE LOT‐SIZE REORDER‐POINT MODEL
Authors: Horowitz Ann R. , Horowitz Ira
Published: June 2007

Noori and Keller [1] recently proposed a lot‐size reorder‐point model in which the quantity received is a random variable. The authors failed, however, to explore the full implications of their initial definitions. This oversight leads to some misleading inferences that we try to correct in this note.
META‐DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN DEVELOPING MODEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS*
Authors: Liang Ting‐peng , Jones Christopher V.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines cognitive considerations in developing model management systems (MMSs). First, two approaches to MMS design are reviewed briefly: one based on database theory and one based on knowledge‐representation techniques. Then three major cognitive issues—human limitations, information storage and retrieval, and problem‐solving strategies—and their implications for MMS design are discussed. Evidence indicates that automatic modeling, which generates more complicated models by integrating existing models automatically, is a critical function of model management systems.

In order to discuss issues pertinent to automatic modeling, a graph‐based framework for integrating models is introduced. The framework captures some aspects of the processes by which human beings develop models as route selections on a network of all possible alternatives. Based on this framework, three issues are investigated: (1) What are proper criteria for evaluating a model formulated by an MMS? (2) If more than one criterion is chosen for evaluation, how can evaluations on each of the criteria be combined to get an overall evaluation of the model? (3) When should a model be evaluated? Finally, examples are presented to illustrate various modeling strategies.
A STEPWISE PROCEDURE FOR CONSTRAINED UTILITY MAXIMIZATION*
Authors: Taj Shahram , Willis Cleve
Published: June 2007

Constrained utility maximization underlies much consumer behavior in economics. Opportunities for solving important problems are ever present. However, most potential applications remain potential because existing software packages are not able to estimate the systems of equations necessary to identify the utility function. At least three features often conspire to make these problems intractable: the size of the system of equations that must be estimated, the lack of any theory for imposing zero restrictions on many of the parameters of the nonadditive utility functions, and the necessity to insure negative definiteness consistent with the axioms of consumer behavior. This paper develops an approach and illustrates the stepwise least squares estimator of a group of equations by application to the demand for food items.
SCHEDULING PARALLEL PROCESSORS WITH SETUP COSTS AND RESOURCE LIMITATIONS
Authors: Frendewey James O. , Sumichrast Robert T.
Published: June 2007

An integer linear programming model is presented for the scheduling of n products on m identical machines. The particular problem studied is one that occurs frequently in the fiberglass and textile industries. The model incorporates setup costs, lost production costs, and overtime costs. Due to the structure of the model, integer solutions can be obtained by explicitly restricting only a small number of the integer variables. This allows those responsible for scheduling to solve realistically sized problems in an efficient manner. Computational results are provided for a set of generated test problems.
MULTIPLE‐CRITERIA DECISION MAKING INCLUDING QUALITATIVE FACTORS: THE POST‐MODEL ANALYSIS APPROACH
Authors: Lee Jae Kyu , Hurst E. Gerald
Published: June 2007

As a method of solving multiple‐criteria decision making problems with a single quantitative objective and multiple qualitative objectives, the post‐model analysis (PMA) approach is proposed. The essence of PMA is to support the trade‐offs between a quantitative objective and multiple qualitative objectives so that the decision maker can find a perceived most preferred nondominated solution. To this end, the optimal solution of a quantitative model is found first, without regard for qualitative factors. The solution is then evaluated in terms of qualitative objectives. When the initial quantitatively optimal solution is adjusted to allow improvement of qualitative goals, opportunity costs of achieving qualitative goals are incurred. In this process, an expert system and/or graphical display can be used. PMA therefore provides a way to incorporate quantitative models into knowledge‐based expert systems.
Replenishment Analysis in Distribution Requirements Planning*
Authors: Bookbinder James H. , Heath Donald B.
Published: June 2007

Most research on lot sizing has been for the case of a manufacturing system. In this paper, analogous issues are studied for a distribution network. Specifically, we consider the choice of shipment quantities within distribution requirements planning (DRP). A simulation model of DRP in a multi‐echelon, rolling‐schedule environment is used to examine, in conditions of both certain and uncertain demand, the performance of five lot‐sizing rules.

We conducted a full‐factorial experiment in which four additional parameters were varied: distribution network structure (two options), demand distribution (three options), forecast error distribution (three options), and ordering cost (three values), as suggested by the consulting study which motivated our research.

We found that for DRP, contrary to the “shop floor” wisdom on MRP, the choice of lot‐sizing method can be important. Generally the Silver‐Meal and Bookbinder‐Tan heuristics were significantly better than the other methods.
An Empirical Study of Inbound Consolidation Opportunities
Authors: Buffa Frank P.
Published: June 2007

The current deregulated transportation environment has fostered wider freight rate differentials based on shipping weight. As a result, grouping inventory items for the purpose of consolidating inbound replenishment orders can be cost‐effective. The pressure in some industries for just‐in‐time delivery of small lots has also created new opportunities for consolidation of orders. The objective of this research is to identify inventory‐transport conditions where a consolidation strategy has cost‐reduction potential. Logistics cost generated by ordering an ensemble of items consolidated into groups is compared to those generated by two independent, item reorder strategies. Using data from 150 ensembles, the cost‐reduction potential of consolidating was correlated with characteristics of the individual inventory items in an ensemble, a dominant group of items in the ensemble, and the ensemble itself. Finally, response functions were derived and used to test the external validity of the results. For this purpose we used 25 randomly selected inventory ensembles obtained from a retail merchandising firm.
A Note on Input Consistency in the Application of AHP
Authors: Zahedi Fatemeh
Published: June 2007

This is a response to the points raised by Wu [3] concerning my paper on the quantitative evaluation of data bases [4].
Computer‐Aided Process Structuring Via Mixed Integer Programming
Authors: Klein Gary , Beck Philip O. , Konsynski Benn
Published: June 2007

Systems development managers today are working with increasingly complex systems, revealing a need for computer‐aided techniques in software system definition, design, and construction. The ultimate task of the software engineer is the development of tools and procedures which reduce the effort involved in production of effective software. To be effective, software must possess characteristics of correctness, reliability, efficiency, documentation, and flexibility. This paper develops a measure for software effectiveness and a computer aid for determining process structure in program module specification. The proposed method uses various criteria and a mixed integer program to decompose a system graph into program modules.
Identifying the Coarse and Fine Structures of Market Segments
Authors: Dowling Grahame R. , Midgley David F.
Published: June 2007

Numerical taxonomy methods have been used to represent marketing data in one of four ways: as discrete groups, dendograms, overlapping groups, or fuzzy classification schemes. This paper introduces a fifth representation—a nested relationship between groups at two (or more) discontinuous levels of aggregation. In the context of a market segmentation application, we call these groups the coarse and fine structures of the market. This paper discusses why this fifth representation is needed and how it differs from existing approaches. The method is illustrated by using it to recover the coarse/fine structures of artificial and actual survey data. The results obtained with the survey data demonstrate the theoretical and practical power of the proposed approach, which provides useful insight into certain marketing decisions. Steps to further validate and extend this new approach to market segmentation are outlined.
Order Promising and the Master Production Schedule*
Authors: McClelland Marilyn K.
Published: June 2007

Previous research on material requirements planning (MRP) systems has rarely considered the impact of the master production scheduling method used to promise customer orders and to allocate production capacity. Based on a simulation study of an MRP environment, we show that the correct selection of a master production schedule (MPS) method depends on the variance of end‐item demand. In addition, we find evidence that the effectiveness of a particular MPS method can be enhanced by holding buffer inventory at the same level in the product structure as in the MPS.
Capacity Management in Health Care Services: Review and Future Research Directions*
Authors: Smith‐Daniels Vicki L. , Schweikhart Sharon B. , Smith‐Daniels Dwight E.
Published: June 2007

Health care has undergone a number of radical changes during the past five years. These include increased competition, fixed‐rate reimbursement systems, declining hospital occupancy rates, and growth in health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations. Given these changes in the manner in which health care is provided, contracted, and paid for, it is appropriate to review the past research on capacity management and to determine its relevance to the changing industry. This paper provides a review, classification, and analysis of the literature on this topic. In addition, future research needs are discussed and specific problem areas not dealt with in the previous literature are targeted.
Minimizing Misclassifications in Linear Discriminant Analysis*
Authors: Koehler Gary J. , Erenguc S. Selcuk
Published: June 2007

A procedure is developed for determining two‐group linear discriminant classifiers that misclassify the fewest number of observations in the training sample. An experimental study confirms the value of this approach.
Compensation Schemes, Skill Level, and Task Performance: An Experimental Examination*
Authors: Dillard Jesse F. , Fisher Joseph G.
Published: June 2007

The effect of budget‐based incentive compensation schemes is a fundamental issue in developing and implementing organizational control systems. This study investigates the effect of alternative compensation schemes on performance and satisfaction. A theoretical model outlining the primary relationships is formulated and related hypotheses specified. The hypotheses reflect an integration of agency theory and organization behavior research. Across‐group and within‐group effects are investigated using both single‐period and multiperiod analyses. A laboratory study involving 40 subjects is undertaken and the findings provide insights into the individual and group effects of alternative compensation schemes and the dynamics of changing Compensation schemes on productivity and satisfaction. Specifically, a relationship is found between compensation schemes and performance. The effect on performance is independent of the compensation scheme's perceived fairness. Satisfaction is a function of the congruence between the preferred scheme and the implemented scheme.
Some Extensions of Domain Criteria in Decision Making under Uncertainty*
Authors: Eiselt Horst A. , Langley Ann
Published: June 2007

This paper examines some approaches to decision problems under uncertainty. Starr's [29] domain criterion is presented and modified to take into account different philosophies concerning the desirability of winning versus the importance of avoiding losses. The concept of expected value of distribution information is defined and its computation is illustrated with a numerical example. Target values are then introduced into the model and a parametric procedure is used to maximize the chances of achieving a certain level of the given objective. Finally, we show how the concepts developed in this paper might provide further insight into some decision situations reported in the literature.
A Multiperiod Audit Staff Planning Model Using Multiple Objectives: Development and Evaluation*
Authors: Gardner John C. , Huefner Ronald J. , Lotfi Vahid
Published: June 2007

The audit staff planning problem, a specific type of manpower planning problem, has been modeled using goal programming and, more recently, multiple objective linear programming. Prior studies developed single‐period models and did not go beyond the model building stage. This study develops a multiperiod audit staff planning model and evaluates the model using a test application involving actual decision makers (partners in public accounting firms).

The multiperiod model includes seven objectives to be optimized: profit (to be maximized), late completion of work, work declined, staff augmentation, staff reduction, underutilization of the work force, and shortfall in meeting professional development targets (all to be minimized). Over a four‐quarter planning horizon with one “busy season,” the model is subject to constraints with respect to the projected audit work load, ability to substitute personnel and to perform interim audit work, available staff hours (including overtime limitations), supervisory requirements, and professional development targets.

Results of the test application showed that the model was capable of producing a range of values for each objective. The participants were exposed to much of that range when making their decisions. The results also showed that all objectives were important and that participants were consistent in choosing their preferred level of each objective over several runs of the model. These results and the reactions of the participants demonstrate that the model is usable by actual decision makers and has potential for a number of specific applications.
Note on Second‐Order Polynomial Regression Models
Authors: Chatterjee Sangit , Greenwood Allen G.
Published: June 2007

Polynomial regression models have applications in the social sciences and in business research. Unfortunately, such models have a high degree of multicollinearity that creates problems with the statistical assessment of the model. In fact, the collinearity may be so severe that it could lead to an incorrect conclusion that some of the terms in the model are not statistically significant and should therefore be omitted from the model. This note provides a simple transformation to achieve orthogonality in polynomial models between the linear and quadratic terms, thereby eliminating the collinearity problem. It also shows that the same procedure does not achieve orthogonality for higher‐order terms. An example data set is analyzed to show the benefits of such a procedure.
Solution Procedures for the Lot‐Streaming Problem
Authors: R. Baker Kenneth , F. Pyke David
Published: June 2007

Lot streaming is the process of splitting a job into sublots so its operations can be overlapped and its progress accelerated. We present a computationally efficient procedure for solving the m‐machine, two‐sublot problem, and we discuss the bottleneck insights that emerge from the analysis. We also examine heuristic approaches for more than two sublots and discuss computational results for these procedures.
Optimal Portfolio Selection Using the General Multi‐Index Model: A Stable Paretian Framework*
Authors: Chamberlain Trevor W. , Cheung C. Sherman , Kwan Clarence C.Y.
Published: June 2007

The problem of selecting optimal portfolios is examined using the general multi‐index model. This model is useful because it allows investors to diversify across different types of assets and thereby exploit or hedge against a wide variety of economic conditions. The analysis is carried out in a stable Paretian framework with and without short sales. As such, it not only encompasses the mean‐variance results for a variety of index models as special cases, but also provides a broad framework for applying the arbitrage pricing theory to portfolio decision making.
On Sampling Error in Market Share Estimates*
Authors: Coopersmith Lewis , Klein Steven W.
Published: June 2007

The relative error in the usual estimator of a brand's market share is reformulated in terms of marketing parameters. Such error is shown to be influenced in an important way by market penetration, as well as by variation in brand and product category volume. Of particular interest is the result that the relative error does not depend on the actual share level. Using data from a marketing research firm that supplies share estimates to the health products industry, we find that the relative error may be substantial even when a large sample is available. An upper bound on this relative error is obtained using marketing parameters that can frequently be measured using industry data and a company's internal records, thus reducing the level of judgmental input required in the planning of sample surveys.
Analysis and Approximation of a JIT Production Line: A Comment
Authors: Berkley Blair J.
Published: June 2007

A recent Decision Sciences article by Jordan [9] presented a Markov‐chain model of a just‐in‐time (JIT) production line. This model was used to estimate average inventories and production rates to find the optimal number of kanbans. Results for expected production rate were found to be consistently lower than those obtained by Huang, Rees, and Taylor [8] in a previous Decision Sciences article. Jordan attributed this unexpected outcome to some procedural problems in Huang et al.'s simulation methodology. In this paper, Markov‐numerical analysis is used to compare the performance of Jordan's and Huang et al.'s methods of production control. Simulation analysis is then used to determine the effects of finite withdrawal cycle times. Results show that, for equal numbers of kanbans, Huang et al.'s two‐card method of production control provides substantially greater expected production rates than Jordan's method. These results suggest that the Jordan model should not be applied to the problem of setting kanban numbers on manual JIT lines. Finally, we comment on the efficiency of Jordan's iterative method to obtain performance measures of tandem queues.
AHP Is Intended for More Than Expected Value Calculations
Authors: Forman Ernest H.
Published: June 2007

In a previous paper, Schoner and Wedley [9] presented a way to automatically compute the importance of criteria from the values of alternatives. The following discussion illustrates that the approach of [9] can only be applied if the alternatives under the criteria are measured with a single absolute scale. However, when this does occur, in part or in all of a decision problem, the approach is extraneous. The measurements can (and should) first be combined with the appropriate arithmetic of that scale which reduces that part of the problem to a single dimension and the result can be taken up with the remaining dimensions for consideration with AHP.
Resource Flexibility Issues in Multistage Manufacturing
Authors: Malhotra Manoj K. , Ritzman Larry P.
Published: June 2007

We test the situational impact of two types of resource flexibility, machine flexibility and labor flexibility, in a material requirements planning (MRP)‐driven production system. Machine flexibility has not been treated in prior multistage research, only labor flexibility. Machine flexibility is closely related to a plant's positioning strategy. A process‐focused plant opts for considerable machine flexibility by choosing general‐purpose equipment. Resource flexibility, if effective, can be an attractive alternative to two other types of buffers, inflated inventories and costly capacity cushions.

Our simulation results, using factor settings established earlier by a panel of managers, show that resource flexibility is indeed an effective buffer against uncertainties such as end‐item demand variability, capacity bottlenecks, equipment failures, and yield losses. Machine flexibility is especially helpful in environments characterized by high uncertainties, tight capacities, and large lot sizes. Worker flexibility has a similar, but less dramatic, impact. Benefits are most striking with customer service, rather than with inventory or labor productivity. Finally, we show that simultaneous introduction of both machine and labor flexibility yields only marginal improvements over either kind of flexibility alone.
Relative Objective Functions in Multiobjective Decision Support Models*
Authors: Schenkerman Stan
Published: June 2007

This paper considers the importance of using the nondominated minimum in forming relative objective functions. Other minima can prevent the decision maker from reaching a preferred decision. They disturb the zero and distort the scale, thereby misguiding the decision maker by falsifying trade‐off possibilities. Worse, some of these other minima can inadvertently hide whole regions of preferred solutions. Zeleny's multiple criteria simplex method is used to find the nondominated minimum for the linear case.
A Framework for the Analysis of Error in Conjunctive, Multi‐Criteria, Satisficing Decision Processes*
Authors: Ballou Donald P. , Pazer Harold L.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the impact of certain types of error on ad hoc, unstructured decision making that incorporates a satisficing strategy in a multi‐criteria context using the conjunctive rule. The impacts of error in evaluation and of error in minimal or satisficing levels are systematically modelled for each of the decision criteria. Error functions, analytical expressions, and procedures are developed to obtain information such as the likelihood of correct decision making in the presence of evaluation and minimal criteria level error. These are applied to a specific research design, which is then analyzed. This highlights certain features of decision making in a satisficing context, such as the importance of keeping the number of decision criteria to a minimum. The results yield various insights, some of which confirm information obtained from previous analyses. A major advantage of the framework presented is that it can provide quantitative measurements which support ideas previously couched in qualitative terms only. Although the framework is applied in the context of decision making that uses the conjunctive rule in the case of multiple criteria, other satisficing strategies can be accommodated as well.
An Investigation of Equity as a Determinant of User Information Satisfaction
Authors: Joshi Kailash
Published: June 2007

This paper reviews equity theory and proposes that perceived inequity in the allocation of management information systems (MIS) resources is likely to influence overall user information satisfaction (UIS). Therefore, in addition to currently identified factors such as quality of information products (QIP), user's knowledge and involvement level (KIL), and EDP staff and services (ESS), equity is also likely to be a relevant factor in determining overall UIS. The paper reports on a cross‐sectional survey to obtain data for testing the relevance of equity related issues in the MIS context. Responses from 226 users showed a strong correlation (.67, p > .001) between equity and overall UIS. Further, the addition of equity to the previously identified factors that influence overall UIS (i.e., QIP, KIL, and ESS) significantly increased the explained variance (from .48 to .56). The results support the relevance of equity related issues in determining user attitudes. It is recommended that MIS researchers and professionals take into account the likely influence of equity perceptions on user attitudes and behavior, and strive to develop and implement equitable resource allocation mechanisms. Implications of the findings for future research in the areas of MIS, UIS construct, systems implementation, and management of MIS are also discussed.
Planning Implications of the Information Systems Strategic Grid: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Raghunathan Bhanu , Raghunathan T. S.
Published: June 2007

In recent years, information systems (IS) planning has come to represent a key IS management tool to practitioners and researchers. Concurrently, there has been increasing recognition by organizations that their IS can be viewed as a strategic resource. This research is an attempt to explore the relationship between these two aspects of IS. It analyzes, in an empirical setting, the contingent nature of some IS planning‐related variables in the context of the strategic relevance of an organization's IS. The basis for the empirical test is the IS strategic grid framework developed by Cash, McFarlan, McKenney, and Vitale [6]. A questionnaire survey method is employed to elicit information on the strategic orientation of IS and IS planning issues within respondent organizations. The difference in emphasis on various planning aspects in organizations with different IS environments is analyzed. Results of the analysis indicate that there is empirical support for the strategic grid framework and that there are differences in planning aspects among organizations, depending on their location in the grid. The implications of these findings for IS and IS planning are then discussed.
Conceptualizing Effects of Office Information Systems: A Methodology and Application for the Study of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Changes*
Authors: Rice Ronald E. , Contractor Noshir S.
Published: June 2007

This article applies the concepts of alpha, beta, and gamma changes to test whether the implementation of a new office information system with networking capabilities changes the way organizational members conceptualize office work. The traditional approach (t‐test) was used to measure alpha change and indicated little change in how effectively the respondents felt they performed eight generic office activities before implementation (T1) and nine months after implementation (T2). However, considerable change was detected between effectiveness reported at T1 and a retrospective assessment of T1 effectiveness reported at T2 (called “then” assessments). Strong change was also detected between “then” assessments and T2 effectiveness reported at T2, indicating beta change. Multiple hierarchical tests showed that most of the change was actually gamma change; the T2 and the “then” factor structures and covariances differed significantly. This study supports propositions that using computers to accomplish organizational work may be associated with different conceptualizations of work, which may create ambiguity and uncertainty if training and management policies do not respond appropriately. Finally, this study provides an expanded version of a prior solution to detecting alpha, beta, and gamma changes.
Multiple Attribute Decision Making with Inexact Value‐Function Assessment
Authors: Badinelli Ralph D. , Baker Joanna R.
Published: June 2007

A major issue in value‐function assessment is the possibility of receiving an indefinite response from a decision maker to a question about preferences. The conventional treatment requires a single, definite response from the decision maker. This approach either assumes that response error is zero or accepts the final solution as only approximate, without knowing how approximate it might be. In this paper we examine the issue of indefinite responses, define it more precisely, and present a method for incorporating it into decision making. The method is adaptive in that it is iterative and interactive with the decision maker who, at each iteration, is provided with information regarding the potential advantage of answering more trade‐off questions and/or answering questions more carefully to reduce response error. In contrast to other approaches that “force” rationality and decisiveness, we work with irrationality and indecisiveness on the part of the decision maker. The method is demonstrated for the case of concave, increasing value functions.
A Comparison of Due Date Setting, Resource Assignment, and Job Preemption Heuristics for the Multiproject Scheduling Problem*
Authors: Bock Douglas B. , Patterson James H.
Published: June 2007

This research examines a heuristic, rule‐based approach for setting due dates in a multiproject, multijob, or assembly shop. Due date estimation is a challenging problem because the operating environment is capacitated, involves the allocation of multiple resources, and allows for the preemption of resources from one project or job to another. The dynamic, continuous arrival of new jobs or orders frequently results in the preemption of resources through the application of managerially determined priority policies. These preemption policies have a significant impact on the ultimate completion time of a job or a project.

A three‐factor, full‐factorial computer simulation experiment is used to assess the relative effectiveness of combinations of four due date setting heuristics, five resource assignment heuristics, and three resource preemption heuristics. Recommendations are made for the selection of due date and resource assignment heuristic combinations under the three preemption policies examined.
Combining Judgmental and Statistical Forecasts: An Application to Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Lobo Gerald J. , Nair R. D.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated the accuracy of combinations of statistical and judgmental forecasts of annual accounting earnings. Combined forecasts were generated as equally weighted (i.e., simple averages) and unequally weighted combinations of individual forecasts from time‐series models of quarterly and annual earnings (statistical forecasts) and security analysts' forecasts of quarterly and annual earnings (judgmental forecasts). The effect of the number of individual forecasts combined on the accuracy of the combined forecasts was also examined. The empirical results indicated that, on the average, combined forecasts were more accurate than individual forecasts. The results also indicated that although analysts' forecasts are based on a wider information set, the accuracy of their forecasts could be improved by combining them with forecasts generated from statistical models. Even if the best individual forecast could be identified in advance, gains in accuracy could be achieved by using combinations of two other forecasting methods. Several of the combined forecasts were superior to the most accurate individual forecast. Forecasts combined by using unequal weights derived from a regression model proved more accurate than equally weighted combinations. Forecasting accuracy improved and the variability of accuracy across different combinations decreased as the number of forecasts in the combination increased.
A Decision‐Theoretic Valuation of Information in Sealed‐Bid Auctions for Items of Known Value
Authors: Pfeifer Phillip E. , Schmidt Robert
Published: June 2007

This paper considers the question of how much time and effort should be spent in preparing a bid for a single item of known value sold at a first‐price sealed‐bid auction. A decision‐theoretic approach to this bid decision summarizes the decision maker's knowledge of the competitive environment through his or her subjective probability distribution of the highest competing bid. Research activities such as collecting and analyzing bid histories are efforts to obtain additional information that reduces the uncertainty in the highest competing bid. The decision‐theoretic concepts of expected value of perfect and imperfect information are used to place an economic value on such research activities. The results presented allow the decision maker to quantify the expected value of imperfect information when the uncertainty is normally distributed. The results show that additional research is most valuable prior to auctions the bidder expects to win.
Optimal Acquisition of FMS Technology Subject to Technological Progress*
Authors: Roth Aleda V. , Gaimon Cheryl , Krajewski Lee
Published: June 2007

In order to gain competitive advantage, a firm must link its technology choice to its total manufacturing strategy and business unit's goals. A dynamic model is presented to examine the strategic decision concerning the acquisition of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) technology. A major contribution of this model is its ability to capture the strategic benefits of FMS with respect to economies of scope and technological progress. Decisions such as the timing and size of new technology acquisition and the scrapping of conventional capacity are explored as a firm plans for the upgrading of its facility to meet future dynamic strategic goals. This model may be used to assist with strategic planning because it identifies the critical relationships and trade‐offs between various exogenous forces (such as market growth or decay, the cost of acquiring flexible manufacturing systems, and the rate of technological progress) and the decision variables considered.
Use and Abuse of Weights in Multiple Objective Decision Support Models*
Authors: Schenkerman Stan
Published: June 2007

This paper examines difficulties with the use of weights to solve multiple objective decision support models: misunderstanding of the meaning of weights, issues of commensurability and, most important, the likely inability of weights alone to isolate the decision maker's most‐preferred point. The constraint method is shown to be an attractive alternative.
Optimal Delivery Time Quotation and Order Sequencing
Authors: De Prabuddha , Ghosh Jay B. , Wells Charles E.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the problem of quoting a common delivery time for several orders. The decision maker responsible for the quote must trade off the cost associated with a long delivery time against the cost of tardy orders that might be induced by a short delivery time. First, an aggregate cost model is investigated where it is assumed that some cost is incurred if the quoted delivery time exceeds a given threshold and the cost of order tardiness is dependent on the order. Both exact and heuristic solution procedures are proposed for this model. Finally, for the situation where the costs cannot be quantified, a bicriteria formulation of the problem is pursued and the set of nondominated solutions is identified.
A Congruence Construct of User Involvement
Authors: Doll William J. , Torkzadeh Gholamreza
Published: June 2007

The MIS literature has devoted considerable attention to the relationship between user involvement and MIS success; unfortunately, this research has produced conflicting results. Recent research on a discrepancy model of user involvement has provided a framework for reconciling studies showing positive, negative, or no impact of involvement on user satisfaction. In this discrepancy model, individual differences between perceived and desired levels of involvement define three conditional states or frames of reference that govern the relationship between involvement and end‐user satisfaction. The discrepancy model indicates that studies of user involvement need to control for individual differences by dividing respondents into three groups corresponding to these conditional states.

Building upon the discrepancy concept, this paper presents a congruence construct of user involvement (i.e., a measure of involvement “relative” to an individual's desire to get involved) as an alternative way of modeling this contingency relationship. The reliability and validity of the involvement congruence construct are assessed. Perceived and congruence constructs of involvement are compared as predictors of end‐user computing satisfaction. The results suggest that involvement congruence is a better predictor than perceived involvement and may offer theoretical as well as empirical advantages over the use of component measures. Furthermore, the congruence method of modeling the discrepancy effect has research design advantages (i.e., it does not require dividing respondents by frame of reference).
Producer's and Consumer's Risk When Proportion Defective Is a Random Variable
Authors: Graves Samuel B. , Ringuest Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2007

In acceptance sampling, producer's and consumer's risk are traditionally based on assumed fixed values of p, the proportion of the lot which is defective. A more useful definition of producer's risk would be the probability of rejecting a lot in which the proportion defective falls within some range of acceptable values. Similarly, a more useful definition of consumer's risk would be the probability of accepting a lot in which the proportion defective falls within some range of unacceptable values. In this paper, we construct measures of these more useful definitions of risk by assuming that p follows either a uniform or triangular probability distribution. The proposed measure yields consumer's risk values, β', which are smaller than the traditionally computed values by a factor of up to twenty times. The proposed measure of producer's risk, α', gives values smaller than traditional values by a factor of two to four times. Decision makers who adopt the proposed measures may be able to reduce sample sizes substantially while maintaining given risk levels.
Partitioning Work Centers for Group Technology: Insights from an Analytical Model*
Authors: Suresh Nallan C.
Published: June 2007

This paper develops analytical approximations based on an M/M/c queuing model, for the operating characteristics of job shop work centers. The model is used to analyze the effects of partitioning a work center and introducing setup reduction into the cell components. The results using this model are shown to be consistent with the results of prior simulation‐based studies of group technology under certain parameter ranges. A simulation experiment was conducted to verify the effects with multi‐item, non‐Markovian assumptions, and the general effects predicted by the model were found to apply.
The Interaction Effects Between General Thinking Skills and an Interactive Graphics‐Based DSS to Support Problem Structuring*
Authors: Loy Stephen L.
Published: June 2007

An interactive graphics‐based problem‐structuring aid, GISMO, based on concepts from structural modeling and motivated by research in imagery theory and cognitive psychology was incorporated into a decision support system. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the relationships between three individual general thinking skills (GTS) and the effectiveness of the problem‐structuring tool. A theoretical model of the roles of GTS and GISMO in problem formulation and a methodology for testing the model are presented. The model posits that the effectiveness of visual problem‐structuring aids in formulating or understanding complex problems is influenced by specific cognitive skills (i.e., visual‐thinking, verbal, and logical‐reasoning skills).

The results indicate GISMO use is related to higher levels of problem‐structure understanding, regardless of verbal and logical‐reasoning skills. Also, the results indicate a strong interaction effect between GISMO use and visual‐thinking skill. Subjects classified as high visual thinkers benefited more from the use of GISMO than the low visual‐thinking subjects. The results of the experiment lend support for the findings of a previous study of GISMO reported in the literature, and the image theorist view that the ability to create and use visual, mental images is related to better problem‐solving performance.
A Mathematical Programming Approach to Production Decisions in the Emerging Aquaculture Industry
Authors: Wilson Beverley M. , Shaftel Timothy L. , Barefield Russell M.
Published: June 2007

The creation of new food sources is an important advancement in the search for solutions to food shortages in both developing and underdeveloped countries. Aquaculture, the production of aquatic animals under controlled conditions, offers exciting new possibilities for alternative protein sources in a wide variety of locales. This paper presents a mathematical programming model designed to aid the manager of an aquaculture facility in production scheduling and the evaluation of new technologies in this rapidly changing environment.
Plots of Conditional Wait‐Time Intervals Provide Better Information to Queueing System Arrivals
Authors: Greenwood Allen G.
Published: June 2007

The management of queues is a very important aspect of service operations management. One way to enhance the queueing experience is to provide customers with the most informative and certain estimate of anticipated wait time. This paper develops such a measure—referred to as the conditional wait‐time interval (CWTI)—for queueing systems with exponentially distributed service times. It is especially applicable at the operational level of an organization since it utilizes the most current information on the status of the system (number of customers in the queue at arrival). CWTI is also based on two risk factors that consider the chance a customer's actual wait time is outside of the estimated range. This paper also provides a graphical means to display multiple CWTIs.