bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fifth Column—Rules for Consulting Survival: A Biased View
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

In a previous article in this series, some of the common problems of being an internal consultant were discussed. It now seems only appropriate to lay out some pithy rules for survival as an external consultant. Of course, the rules proffered for consumption stem, in good part, from the author's own experiences and should be recognized as the extremely biased opinions that they are.
Perspectives on MS Applications—All Around the Model
Authors: Shycon Harvey N. , Schuldenfrei Robert L.
Published: October 2008

A continuing theme in this series of articles has been the need to involve management with the management scientist in order to achieve a twofold objective: (1) input from management concerning its problems, thus assuring that we understand and address problems of importance to them, and (2) to develop involvement and understanding by management which will in turn aid implementation and success of the work. The experience of several dozen projects, many described in these pages, continues to demonstrate the validity of these principles.

In talking with Robert L. Schuldenfrei of the professorial staff of the College of Business, University of Rhode Island (who collaborated with me in the column devoted to the subject of “Management Science in a Period of Uncertainty” Interfaces, February, 1975, p. 79), he suggests another form of human interaction which can make our work more effective. It is a technique of model building interactively with the computer. It involves the time share computer, a data base, graphics display and some powerful software. He calls it Information Cyberdynamics.
What is the Systems Approach?
Authors: Chen Gordon K. C.
Published: October 2008

The term “Systems Approach” has appeared frequently in management and systems literature recently. In spite of its popular use, its meaning is seldom clearly defined. Even when and where a definition is given, there is little agreement as to exactly what it means. The confusion seems to stem from the fact that a “system” often means different things to different people. To an engineer it may mean a physical object. To an economist it may be a mode of operation such as the free enterprise system or an inventory system. To a computer scientist it may mean either the hardware system of the computer or the software programs or information systems. Thus, the term has become so generic that it is almost meaningless. The purpose of this paper is to develop a concept and definition of the systems approach as a methodology for solving problems.
Information Systems in Management Science—Graduate Professional Programs in Information Systems: A Survey
Authors: Dickson Gary W. , Dock V. Thomas
Published: October 2008

In his recent article regarding curriculum in information systems (IS), Vazsonyi [Vazsonyi, A. 1974. The information systems option in master of business administration degree programs. Interfaces 4 (4, August) 12–17.] references the “lack of consensus on what to do and wide disparity in status among schools”. Unfortunately, neither Vazsonyi or anyone else has much idea of what the “consensus” is or, for that matter, what the status is in this new academic area. Since the authors' institutions are engaged in graduate educational programs in information systems and we are frequently questioned about what others are doing, we set out to obtain a better understanding of what IS programs various schools have and the level of resources being devoted to graduate programs in information systems. Our findings should provide some interesting background on many of the assertions Vazsonyi makes concerning educational programs and the assumptions upon which they are based.
The Application of Linear Programming to the Determination of Transmission Fees in an Electrical Power Network
Authors: Aarvik Oddmund , Randolph Paul
Published: October 2008

This article demonstrates how the transportation method of linear programming was used to solve a practical accounting problem in the electrical power industry of Norway, namely, the determination of transmission costs as a function of the product of megawatts times the distance in kilometers for each subscriber in the electrical network. It a subscriber has several points where power is fed into the system or taken out of the system, contract requirements specify that he shall pay for a transmission configuration which gives the lowest sum of the transmission quantities. The transportation algorithm is used to solve this minimization problem.
Behavioral Science—Psychologists and Management Theory: Getting Them All Together
Authors: Braunstein Daniel N.
Published: October 2008

One possible trend in the development of behavioral science areas which are truly applied is a closer alliance with fields of application. Engineering psychologists are working on systems design teams in industry and publishing in systems design research journals (see, for example, the journal of the Human Factors Society). Consumer research psychologists and sociologists are beginning to provide more relevant models to the marketing researchers and publishing in their journals. Studies of our physical environment have incorporated the work of behaviorists, architects and engineers and have used the Environmental Design Research Association as a forum for meetings and publication. In this vein, an event occurred during the past national meeting of the industrial and organizational psychologists (Division 14 of the American Psychological Association) which is of significance to Management Science.
Perspectives on MS Applications—All Around the Model
Authors: Shycon Harvey N.
Published: October 2008

Recently, I was asked for my opinion on whether, since the management sciences have applied to industrial problems since the early 1950s, more than twenty years, I perceived any substantial tangible effect of the management sciences in our current economy. This question seems particularly pertinent in view of the recession we have just been through, its depth, its duration and the speed with which we climb out of it. Obviously it is difficult to answer any such question since one must ask the companion question, “Compared to what?” In other words, we can't really know what might have been had the management sciences not been around at all. Nevertheless some observations may be possible, and, in this column, I shall select one small area for examination to determine whether management science has truly had its effect, and determine what we can do to make ourselves more effective.
A Mathematical Programming System for Food Management Applications
Authors: Balintfy Joseph L.
Published: October 2008

A multistage multiple choice programming system was developed to reduce the food cost of institutional feeding programs by computer assisted menu planning and data control. Food management objectives were formulated as finding combinations of menu items for a sequence of days which satisfy desired nutritional, structural, compatibility and variety constraints at least cost, problems routinely faced by all volume feeding organizations and individuals. Solution was achieved by sequential solution of large integer programs with a specially developed truncated block enumeration algorithm. Programmed dialog made on-line postoptimal adjustments possible. A complete computerized food management information subsystem was also developed to support the matrix generator and provide a uniform file organization and data coding system applicable to any institution. System documentation, called S/360 CAMP, is available through the IBM Contributed Program Library.

After initial implementation in four hospitals proved that mathematical optimization had indeed reduced the food service cost by 10–15 percent while maintaining prescribed nutritional and acceptability levels, two companies were formed to serve institutions in the application of CAMP and its derivatives. Published reports indicate successful applications in numerous hospitals, colleges, schools, and mental and penal institutions, realizing 5–34 percent cost savings. The number of applications in the United States and abroad has been increasing over the years with beneficial impact on food management and nutritional health. The results motivated a new approach to food price index theory since the applications provide a practical mechanism to optimally readjust food consumption in the face of price fluctuation.
An Application of MS/OR in Strip Mined Land Reclamation
Authors: Beene Douglas L.
Published: October 2008

The Kansas Legistlature in 1968 provided for the reclamation of land strip-mined for coal after January 1, 1969, but there was no provision for the reclamation of the approximately 50,000 acres strip-mined in Southeast Kansas prior to that date.

Concern of the residents of the area to return the land to productive use and concern of the Kansas Geological Survey with the conflict between mineral production and other social and economic activities in rural areas resulted in the formation of an “Action Group” with the purpose of: (1) determining strip-mined land ownership and availability for redevelopment; (2) determining and demonstrating productive use of strip-mined land; and (3) determining sources of funds for redevelopment projects.

Initial contact with land owners indicated a reluctance to reclaim their land; essentially, there were no funds available for reclamation.

Several means for overcoming the lack of money and reluctance of landowners to participate in reclamation were tried, but with no success. Finally, basic data gathered from agriculture agencies were computerized. Linear programming and modeling of one rancher's operation indicated cattle grazing to be profitable on reclaimed land. An interactive computer program was developed to allow landowners to evaluate their own expectations. Output from the model and the linear program were used to convince a governmental agency to share the cost of demonstration projects totaling 1,300 acres.

Five thousand acres have been reclaimed in Kansas, as of July 1, 1974, with an economic impact of $2,000,000 on the region. This once unproductive land generates $1,000,000 annually. Most significantly, the tax base has been increased for many school districts and political divisions located in heavily strip-mined areas.
Management Science in Energy Policy: The Trans Canada-Great Lakes Transmission Case
Authors: Debanné Joseph G.
Published: October 2008

This case heard before the National Energy Board (NEB) in 1966 and the decision of Lester B. Pearson's government to reject the Trans Canada Pipe Lines - Great Lakes Gas Transmission project in its original form, marks the first occasion where management science had a determining impact on Canadian public policy. It also marked a psychological breakthrough within the NEB's organization as it provided its newly created Operations Research Branch with the essential credibility base in order to effectively influence NEB's decision-making process.

This paper describes TCPL's application of 1966 to expand East/West flow of natural gas by construction of a new, larger diameter pipeline, passing in the United States, south of the Great Lakes rather than expanding the TCPL system north of the Great Lakes. In support of its application, Trans Canada filed an extensive study to demonstrate that the Great Lakes proposal would result in lower costs of natural gas transportation than the expansion of its existing system and would open up new markets for Canadian natural gas in the north central region of the U. S.

This paper shows how Operations Research Branch dissented with Trans Canada's position and managed to convince NEB's chairman and key branch heads that a number of staff studies had to be performed before arriving at a conclusion. These O-R studies ranged from the assessment of new pipeline technology to the use of various O-R techniques. These O-R studies met with varying degrees of acceptance; however, the contribution that had the most significant impact was a new methodology for comparison of transportation costs via two alternative routes serving different markets. Furthermore, the O-R branch performed differential economic impact studies to take into account the multiplier effects on the Canadian economy of the two projects which indicated an estimated advantage of a billion dollars in favour of expanding the Northern route. In the end a compromise solution which maintained the Northern loop as the main gas transmission system of TCPL was adopted.
Information Systems in Management Science—The Use of Mathematics for Management Information Systems. I
Authors: Vazsonyi Andrew
Published: October 2008

In my last column I stated the need, aims and nature of potential theories of management information systems (MIS). In still earlier columns I described how MIS fits into the framework of the systems approach and how the management scientist can contribute. In this and future columns I propose to examine how mathematics can be applied to MIS. But first, what type of mathematics is required? I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that classical mathematics cannot deal with MIS and we must incur the cost of introducing the much more powerful techniques of contemporary mathematics.
Management Science Roundup
Authors: Bucatinsky Julio
Published: October 2008

—“From Germany: Simulation of a Machine Shop with GPSS”;

—“From Ireland: Milk Collection”;

—“Truck Scheduling at Anderson-Clayton Foods”;

—“What is “PIMS”?”;

—“Seen Elsewhere: (1) Computer Simulation Models: Applications to the Study of Ecological Systems by Lloyd E. Peppard, (2) A Functional Approach to Modelling of Manufacturing Processes by L. H. Lees, R. Vilenchich, and M. C. de Malherbe, (3) Information Seeking with Limitations on Available Information and Resources by Jerrold M. Levine, Michael G. Samet, and Rae E. Brahlek, (4) Stochastic Models for an Educational System by N. K. Sinha and C. D. diCenzo, (5) Multiple-Criteria Optimization of Pollution Control Model by Masatoshi Sakawa and Yoshikazu Swaragi, (6) Non-Zero-Sum Differential Games for the Balance-of-Payments Adjustments in an Open Economy by H. Myoken, (7) A Comparative Monte Carlo Study of the Properties of Econometric Estimators by W. M. Mikhail, (8) Cognitive Processes and the Assessment of Subjective Probability Distributions by Robin M. Hogarth, (9) Analyzing the Decision-Making Process of the American Jury by Alan E. Gelfand and Herbert Solomon, (10) The Retail Price of Heroin: Estimation and Applications by George F. Brown, Jr. and Lester P. Silverman, (11) Estimating the Parameters of a Distributed Lag Model from Cross-Section Data: The Case of Hospital Admissions and Discharges by Charles R. Nelson and G. William Schwert, (12) A Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Burglary Resistance by W. Krieger and A. L. Sweet, (13) Some Aspects of Science-Based Technological Promotion by Yalin Tuncer, (14) A Progress Report: The ‘Quality of Life’ in a Method of Integrated Planning by Franco Archibugi, (15) The Welfare of the Elderly: A Systems Analysis Viewpoint by Sol Fanshel, (16) “Squishy” Problems and Quantitative Methods by Ralph E. Strauch, (17) Mathematical Analysis of Emergency Ambulance Location by Geoffrey N. Berlin and Jon C. Liebman, (18) A Cardinal Utility Approach for Project Evaluation by J. K. Stanley, (19) An Application of Linear Programming Methodology for Regional Strategy Making by P. M. Jenkins and Alan Robson, (20) Constructing Housing Condition Indicators by Moshe Hartman, (21) Markov Analysis of Land Use Change—An Application of Stochastic Processes to Remotely Sensed Data by Earl J. Bell, (22) A Theoretical Model of Pedestrian Flow by Allen J. Scott, (23) Maintenance Policy of Aircraft According to Multiple Criteria by Shaul P. Ladany and Matityahu Aharoni, (24) Computer Simulation Models: Applications to the Study of Ecological Systems by Lloyd E. Peppard, and (25) On Approximate Computer System Models by Erol Gelenbe”.
The Fifth Column—Reflections on the Past of Scientific Management and the Future of Management Science
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

It seems only appropriate to begin my tenure as Editor of this journal by reprinting the foregoing article. All of the glittering future predicted by Frederick Taylor for Scientific Management has been equally well predicted for Management Science. Scientific Management now has been consigned by many to the ash-heap of “another ‘Theory X’ ” approach to management. I contend that if Scientific Management had been used as it should have been, that it would have been able to satisfy the most ardent advocate of “Theory Y”. I further wish to make the point that the same thing which spelled the doom of Scientific Management is present within Management Science.
Management Information Systems for Management Sciences
Authors: Schneyman Arthur H.
Published: October 2008

This paper covers some of the basic concepts applicable to any management information system (MIS); and suggests a framework for fitting these concepts to the management sciences (MS) function.

General MIS concepts are reviewed and adapted to the management sciences function. MS objectives are presented as the basis for measuring MS effectiveness—both in terms of the host organization and the MS unit involved. The basic systems structure of MIS for the management sciences function is also presented.
Great Ferrets are Hard to Find (How to Hire the Compleat OR/MS Professional)
Authors: Halbrecht Herbert
Published: October 2008

An essay about difficulties to find an OR/MS manager with both proper experience and sound theoretical background.
Behavioral Science—Some Contributed Views on Eels and Laboratory Managers
Authors: Braunstein Daniel N.
Published: October 2008

Starting with this issue, as an experiment, this column will become a sort of behavioural science department, with contributions welcomed from all sources: academia, industry, consulting and government. Along with the above, I will author a continuing series of critiques on the state of research in the various subfields of behavioural science with implications for management science. The guest contributions may be submitted in the form of short essays (1500–2500 words), or as letters reacting to something said in a previous issue. As deadlines for Interfaces are only three months ahead of actual publication, and only three months apart, it is hoped that the Behavioural Science part of this journal will become a useful medium for exchange of ideas. The emphasis of this exchange, of course, will be discussion and controversy regarding the behavioural side of management science implementation.
How to Skin an Eel with too Sharp a Knife and Without Proper Sand on Hand (Or Personal Experiences in Applying the Results of Organizational Research)
Authors: Heiskanen Ilkka
Published: October 2008

Although my concern was social science research as a whole, I tried to prove my points by analyzing the existing theoretical approaches in organizational research. My major conclusion was that in social science research in general and in organizational research in particular, one should try to decrease the emphasis on application so that the theoretical frameworks would not automatically include the ideas of common goals/utility functions/welfare functions and assumptions of the actors trying to achieve/ maximize/satisfy them.
Problem Solving Models and Laboratory Management
Authors: Klein Gary
Published: October 2008

An important goal of the laboratory manager is to promote effective problem solving performance by the scientists and engineers working for him. Whether research is contracted out or conducted in-house, there will always be a wide variety of problems concerning experimental design, relevant variables, and approach adopted. These and other types of problems will arise in the evaluation of proposals, projects, and requests for assistance. The laboratory manager will typically be in a position of having less technical competence in a given area than the researchers he is directing. Despite this, he is responsible for creating an environment which maintains their problem solving behavior at a level high enough to ensure that there is satisfactory progress on the activities that fall within the mission of the laboratory.
Practical Applications of Linear Programming to Shell's Distribution Problems
Authors: Zierer T. K. , Mitchell W. A. , White T. R.
Published: October 2008

Improved capabilities and sophistication of mathematical programming systems (model builders, report generators, and mixed integer codes) have considerably expanded the size and scope of real life applications that can be handled. This paper is restricted to applications in the distribution of petroleum products. A linear programming formulation of Shell's distribution network with three products handled by three transportation systems between four sources of product and a large number of transshipment points and terminals is discussed, with emphasis on cost logistics, ranking of various alternatives, and some applications of mixed integer formulations.
Experiments in a Credit Card Center
Authors: Klingel A. R. , Press M. W.
Published: October 2008

In this article the authors discuss and illustrate the use of experiments which have been successful in guiding management of a credit card center of a large company. In the paper, technical jargon regarding statistical designs and analyses is kept to a minimum, as the major interest here lies in the use of designed experiments to study management policies and their effect on customer behavior.
Alimentos Latinoamérica, C. A.—A Case Study
Authors: Burnham John M.
Published: October 2008

ALCA, a U. S. subsidiary in Latin America, has been importing, processing, packaging and distributing a “name” food product for 15 years. Large contribution margins and an expanding market have not resulted in profits. A consultant spent 40 days on-site, with a team of student analysts, to offer corrective recommendations based on an integration of organizational, informational and quantitative systems work. Here is what they found and did. And what happened after.
Management Science Roundup
Authors: Bucatinsky Julio
Published: October 2008

—“The high cost of consulting for free”;

—“Why are organizations reluctant to use MS/OR? An empirical approach”;

—“From Germany: Applications of risk analysis in bank planning under uncertainty”;

—“News: Simulation for studying airport landside capacity”;

—“News: Simulation for studying crop physiology”.
Practice of Management Science—GYMJAC: One Company's Solution to a Classical Problem in Group Planning and Decision-Making
Authors: Williamsen James S. , Wagner G. R.
Published: October 2008

GYMJAC is a family of computer simulation models, devised by Schreiber technical staff, with the active participation of the managers, who now use the models to aid in planning and decision-making. The models are used to evolve basic profiles of the production facilities required to meet variable sales volumes under a wide variety of possible operational conditions. The name “GYMJAC” is Schreiber's. It points to the genesis of, and original motivation behind the models. Quite simply, the models were intended to serve as a gymnasium (GYM) in which the Schreiber plant manager referred to in this article, Jack (JAC), could exercise, test, and improve his thinking about facilities requirements. The system employed for model building was the Interactive Financial Planning System, IFPS.

The models are stored by, and accessed through a contract time-sharing service. They are used on-line in an interactive or conversational mode, and the format of each model is designed so that a manager can work with it directly with little or no assistance. He converses with one or more of the models until he is confident that the information obtained suits his needs.

Although this article describes the overall structure and workings of the system as a whole, its main purpose is to report the GYMJAC experience at Schreiber. The authors feel that the ingredients which made this experience possible—problem situation, management attitudes, design philosophy—are of general interest, and that they may well help others with a similar problem situation to see new light at the end of the tunnel.
Profit Planning Under Price Controls
Authors: Jaikumar Ramichandran
Published: October 2008

In September 1973, the Cost of Living Council (CLC) introduced price controls with a view of controlling profit margins of corporations. Under Phase IV-B as the rulings were called, Booth Fisheries was required to monitor profit margins within defined product groups. The size and composition of these groups were at the discretion of Booth Fisheries as long as they had some reasonable basis, but the profit margins of each group for each fiscal quarter was fixed, based on the previous year's margin.

Initially, the relationship between product group structure and the total gross profit was not apparent. The task as perceived by management was one of merely modifying the Sales reporting system to help monitor and control the margins within existing product groups. However, the operations research group realized that total gross profit could in fact be increased by restructuring the groups.

The operations research group studied the problem, mathematically formulated it, and developed a unique algorithm to obtain optimum product groups. The suggested groupings had a substantial impact on the earnings performance of the company. The benefits were directly measurable and amounted to an increase of 12% in gross profit over the traditional group structure. The groupings also provided Marketing with the desired price flexibiity in certain products.

Due to the time constraint imposed by CLC requirements, the entire project was completed in three weeks.
Principles of Operations Research—1. The Sutton Effect
Authors: Machol Robert
Published: October 2008

This is the first of a set of articles on Principles of Operations Research. As the reader will note, these are somewhat different from similarly titled subjects in the usual textbooks. The Sutton Effect was named for the distinguished scholar Willie Sutton, who became famous because he was outstanding in his chosen profession, namely that of robbing banks. He became available for an interview when his career was eventually brought to a close, and he was then asked, “Why do you rob banks?” And his immortal answer was: “Because that's where the money is.” The relevance of the Sutton Effect to OR is that it constitutes a directive to examine the possible pay-off before undertaking an extensive effort on a problem.
Break Up the Programming Groups?
Authors: Pritzker Leon
Published: October 2008

As one who has general direction over an “in-house programming group” as well a Management Science department in a large corporation, I have come to the conclusion that there is no one best organization of programming activity—even for Engineering, Research or Management Science.

Let us restrict our consideration to programming support for Management Science. There are two types of extreme environments, among countless others, that one can visualize: (1) The Management Scientists use no real data, request programming assistance for “one-time programs” and solve particular problems with no attempt to build problem-solving systems, (2) The Management Scientists make extensive use of real data and attempt to develop, perhaps in a modular fashion, problem-solving systems.

I doubt that there is any Management Science department that corresponds to either of the extremes listed above. My experience tells me, however, that there are tendencies on the part of Management Science departments to move in one or the other of the above directions.
“Acceptimization”: A Problem of Translation for Management
Authors: Millen Roger N.
Published: October 2008

A machine shop falls victim to the exacting analysis of an “operations researcher”; the results of the research indicate that the small company must drop several of the items currently being produced and sold. “There are more catalog items than constraints”, the O.R. type explains, “If you only had more constraints on your production!” The manager's response to the thought of seeking to identify more constraints than already existed is omitted in the interests of good taste.

A manufacturer of injection-molded dinnerware allowed a group of graduate students in industrial engineering to do a study of their production-inventory system. One of the results was a series of recommendations relating to economic lot size production runs for the various items being produced.
Incentive Systems and The Implementation of Management Science: A Spare Parts Application
Authors: Shapiro Alan C.
Published: October 2008

The application of operations research models to solve a variety of management problems has enjoyed striking success over the past three decades. However, a disconcerting note has long been apparent to most practitioners. While the mathematical techniques of management scientists have been expanding rapidly, their influence on corporate decision-making has not kept pace.

This paper will illustrate an often overlooked reason for the lack of acceptance of operations research models using a case study application of inventory theory. The overlooked reason is that, quite often, the model and the manager have different (and possibly conflicting) goals. In such a situation, the model is likely to be either rejected or misused.
Management Science Roundup
Authors: Bucatinsky Julio
Published: October 2008

—“MS training in government”;

—“O.R. at a state prison”;

—“Managerial forecasting by ‘Super-sophisticated naive’ models: Some comments on dent and Swanson's contribution”;

—“News”;

—“Seen Elsewhere: (1) A Cafeteria of Techniques and Critiques by Judy B. Rosener (University of California), (2) Planning Product Line Strategy: A Matrix Approach by Yoram Wind (University of Pennsylvania) and Henry J. Claycamp (International Harvesier Co.), (3) Industrial Advertising Effects and Budgeting Practices by Gary L. Lilien, Alvin J. Silk, Jean-Marie Choffray and Murlidhar Rao (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), (4) Risk- and Personality-Related Dimensions of Store Choice by Joseph F. Dash (CBS Inc.), and Leon G. Schiffman and Conrad Berenson (City University of New York), (5) Sales Force Participation in Quota Setting and Sales Forecasting by Thomas R. Wotruba (San Diego State University) and Michael L. Thurlow (Del Monte Corp.), (6) Funds Flow Analysis During Inflation by Richard F. Vancil (Harvard Business School), (7) Design for Communication in the Research and Development Lab by Thomas J. Allen and Alan R. Fusfeld (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), (8) On Modeling by Edward B. Roberts (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), (9) The Nature of a Computer Simulation Model by Marvin Kornbluh and Dennis Little (The Library of Congress), (10) The System Dynamics National Model: Understanding Socio-Economic Behavior and Policy Alternatives by Jay W. Forrester, Nathaniel J. Mass (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Charles J. Ryan”.
Practice of Mangement Science—A Test of an Interactive Community Development Impacts Model in a Rural Environment
Authors: Cohen R. , Awerbuch S. , Wallace W. A.
Published: October 2008

This article describes how computer technology assisted the residents of a rural, poor borough in the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania in their attempt to revitalize their community. The computer model and how it was used are presented. The results of this test show that computer technology of this type can help in the participatory process of community goal-setting.
The Use of “Solutions” for Problem Identification
Authors: Graham Robert J.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a method which can be used to identify internal organizational type problems. The systems approach is assumed, necessitating a process designed to identify as many problem areas as possible before solutions are formulated. The argument presented here is that a solutions orientation is more natural than a systems orientation, such that people find it much easier to suggest solutions than to identify problems. Thus the task of the problem identifier is to collect the solutions offered and attempt to derive from the solutions a statement of the problem being addressed. In doing this it becomes necessary to have a problem area classification scheme as an aid. Such a scheme is presented as derived from an actual example; however, this scheme is not proported to be universally applicable. The process is quick, straightforward and the results should be of value to many organizations.
Swallow W. Busher's “Colonial Dynamics”
Authors: Erikson Warren J.
Published: October 2008

A humorous essay about alleged operations research studies done during the revolutionary war.
The Readability of Operations Research and Operations Management Textbooks
Authors: Render Barry , Stair Ralph M. , Stearns G. Kent , Villere Maurice
Published: October 2008

An important concern to any educator in the Decision Sciences field is the improvement of the teaching of his courses. One factor influencing the effectiveness of the learning process is the textbook chosen and its ability to convey to the student the principles of the subject. The purpose of this paper is to present a survey of the readability of Operations Research and Operations Management books currently widely used at universities throughout the country. The Flesch Reading Ease Score is employed to rank tests based on their authors' writing style. It is suggested that the readability index be considered as one factor in the textbook selection process.
On the Successful Practice of Management Science
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

The papers found in this volume are a continuing contribution to the evidence that Management Science is a viable, useful profession having considerable impact on modern managerial decision making. It is my firm opinion that the foremost requirement of this profession, at this point in time, is a growing bibliography of successful applications of Management Science. By publishing here the award-winners of the annual prize competition held by the College on the Practice of Management Science, I feel that Interfaces is satisfying the single most important function of this journal.
An On-Line Integrated Materials Management System
Authors: Jaikumar R. , Rau U. R.
Published: October 2008

With multiple production facilities and with a number of distribution centers and warehouses throughout the country, Booth Fisheries developed a network-based management information system with on-line order entry. In the four years since it was first put into operation, different optimising modules to integrate production, distribution, and inventory control have been developed and implemented. The results have been quite dramatic and include: reduction of the number of outside warehouses from 44 to 8; reduction of total finished goods inventory, at all distribution centers and warehouses, from 8.6 weeks to 4 weeks of supply; reduction of ‘out-of-stock’ items from 11% to under 3% of sales; with improved transportation policies, an annual reduction of over 9% in transportation costs; and larger production run sizes with better control amounted to an 8% reduction in production costs.

The entire materials management system has evolved around the concept of a dynamic shadow price for all resources. Every resource has an imputed price, and trade-offs are evaluated on the basis of a simple linear equation. This concept is operationally simple, understandable and robust, and yet uses extensive analysis to develop optimal shadow prices. It also has the advantage that it can be manually updated on the ‘floor’ with changing operating conditions.

The success of the system has been in its effectiveness in changing the operating policies of the company and its use as a control rather than information system.
What Management Says and What Managers Do
Authors: Shapero Albert
Published: October 2008

Of the existing literature on management, 95 percent is American, and most of the rest is paraphrased or lifted from the American literature. Leading the field in prestige and circulation (160,000) is Harvard Business Review. Like the school from which it issues, H. B. R. is a major fount of MANAGEMENT, as distinguished from management. Management is what managers do. MANAGEMENT is a view of what managers do at major corporations—a view shared by business schools, management consultants, and many business and management journals.

Accordingly, the appearance of On Management (Harper & Row, $17.95), articles selected from twenty-five years of H. B. R., is an event of some importance. The book should be considered not only in terms of its contents (which are undated to emphasize their timelessness), but also in terms of the opportunity it affords us to examine MANAGEMENT, its relevance to real-life management, and its profound influence upon the way we work and live.
Why is Man-Computer Interaction Important for Decision Support Systems?
Authors: Alter Steven
Published: October 2008

This paper attempts to shed some light on the whole issue of man-computer interaction. The basic point of this paper is that we should not allow our traditional jargon to shape our current thoughts about the on-line tools we use now and the interactive tools we may use in the future.

Ever since it became feasible to provide computing environments which could support on-line terminals, management scientists have enjoyed extolling the virtues of their latest interactive decision support systems. In this climate of opinion, I set out to write a Ph.D. thesis [Alter, Steven. 1975. A study of computer aided decision making in organizations. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, MIT.] on the development and use of such systems in current business organizations. Early on, it became clear that something was drastically wrong. The ill-defined, but somehow anticipated “synergy” of man and machine just didn't seem to pan out in a sufficiently dramatic way to justify all the attention and anticipation. Although a substantial number of systems did deliver computing power in an online environment, the impact of man-computer interaction on the end result was almost always extremely difficult for users to define.
The Fifth Column—Two Digressions on Systems Analysis: Optimum Warehousing & Disappearing Orange Juice
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

Two essays on systems analysis: (1) The over-automated warehouse, or boredom, a union & the Canadian Legion, (2) The case of the missing orange juice, or the Gator Aid solution.
An Application of Mixed Integer Programming in a Swedish Steel Mill
Authors: Westerberg Carl-Henrik , Bjorklund Bengt , Hultman Eskil
Published: October 2008

The object is to make a tool for a Swedish steel company (Fagersta AB) to select appropriate ingredients for charges of high-grade steel, specified with regard to weight and percentage of certain chemical elements.

The problem is modelled as a traditional blending problem, with additional constraints expressing that some of the variables must be integer valued. The algorithm used was designed at the Contract Research Group for Applied Mathematics, Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The implemented system is available from the time-sharing terminal of the company and has completely replaced the former manual calculations. About two runs are made every day and the results are directly used in the production process. A substantial improvement in profitability has been demonstrated. The cost for raw materials has been decreased by roughly 6%, which corresponds to $200,000 per year, and the planning work has been considerably simplified.
Probable Damage from Explosions
Authors: Traver W. B.
Published: October 2008

This problem had its genesis in the August, 1955, Whiting Fluid Hydroformer explosion and fire. The large loss resulting from this event demonstrated that fire losses in current refineries could be much larger than had previously been experienced. This circumstance gave rise to active discussions with the insurance companies as to whether future insurance should be issued and, if so, at what premium. The key question in regard to the future may be stated as: “If another major pressure vessel explodes, is a loss of the magnitude that resulted from the hydroformer explosion to be reasonably expected again; or was that loss a highly unusual extreme?” This question can also be phrased as: “What are the likely, and extreme, losses that might be expected from an explosion of another major unit?”
Is Management Science Arcane?
Authors: Graham Robert J.
Published: October 2008

As has been previously noted by Klein and Butkovich [Klein, D., P. Butkovich. 1976. Can the professions of operations research/management science change and survive? Interfaces 6 (3, May) 47–51.], “the regular reader of Interfaces has been confronted with constant prophesies of trouble for the profession.” Anyone reading the May 1976 issue of Interfaces would certainly come away with the idea that OR/MS is arcane [Grayson, C. J. 1973. Management science and business practice. Harvard Bus. Rev. 51 (4, July–August).] and rapidly disintegrating. I propose to argue, however, that the opposite could be true and that subtle changes have been occurring in the profession which could result in a revitalization in the next decade. The following is a review of the articles in the May 1976 Interfaces discussing some of the causes of the lack of faith in MS/OR. Following this, some trends in the profession will be shown that may alleviate many of the previous ills, and further suggestions for progress are presented.
The Busch Center: An Organization Designed to Insure Quality Academic Research on Real World Problems
Authors: Emshoff James R.
Published: October 2008

Recently Interfaces has published numerous discussions about the readability and relevance of the articles typically published in Management Science. Since members of the academic community are responsible for the vast majority of the Management Science publication, there is a more fundamental question raised by the content of these articles: are universities doing the appropriate types of research in the management sciences? If universities are not addressing the right problems, then the long term growth of the entire profession is seriously threatened.

I believe the answer to the problem lies in a redesign of academic programs to insure a real world context in research efforts. I base this belief on the experience of two management science-oriented programs in the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where a real-world focus to research has always been an explicit part of both programs. The programs, Operations Research and Social Systems Science, were designed by Russell Ackoff and reflect the applications-oriented philosophy he has maintained throughout his association with the management science profession.
Applications Reviews
Authors: Millen Roger N. , Hall John
Published: October 2008

Review of the latest contributions from Management Science, Policy Analysis, and Operations Research.
Analysis of Revenue Collection Operations in the Washington Metro Rail System
Authors: Wyman F. Paul , Helfand Harold J.
Published: October 2008

This paper reports a computer model to project utilization of Automatic Fare Collection equipment for varying assumptions of fare structure, patronage, and fare card purchase behavior. The model was used to evaluate equipment design and service requirements. This study illustrates how significant savings can be predicted with the use of straightforward techniques.
Subsidizing Urban Growth: A Colorado Chronicle
Authors: Gulley David A.
Published: October 2008

Urban modeling is a field that can provoke both a sense of solid satisfaction and tremendous frustration. The satisfaction arises from continuing theoretical development and increasingly sophisticated modeling efforts. The frustration arises from the seeming lack of any real impact on decision making. Savas [Savas, E. S. 1975. New directions for urban analysis. Interfaces 6 (1, November) 1–9.] has noted that when an analyst does manage an implementation, it will most likely be in the less glamorous and ultimately less critical area of operations, rather than a broader policy question. This state of things is not without its champions [Fein, L. J. 1969. Proximate planning and urban theory. Jim Chard, Jon York, eds. Urban America: Crisis and opportunity. Dickenson Publishing Co., Belmont, California, 62–73.], who envision with horror an analyst's cost-effective city. However, this is small comfort to the professional who sees the same mistakes repeatedly made, and who seeks a cure. Is it simply that similar vested interests are always at play, overwhelming the dispassionate view of the planner and social scientist? Here is the tale, an illustration of the rare happy marriage of rational analysis and political pressure.
Crime Does Pay: An Analysis of the Burglary Profession
Authors: Gleason John M. , Barnum Darold T.
Published: October 2008

A recent paper [Gleason, J., D. Barnum. 1976. Effectiveness of OSHA penalties: Myth or reality. Interfaces 7 (1, Part I, November) 1–13.] examined the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) from a decision theory point of view, in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of the penalty provisions of the Act. That paper may be classified in the general area of the economics of crime, although violators of OSHA standards usually would not be considered criminals. This paper examines a group of people who consider themselves criminals—professional burglars. Those who have chosen crime as their profession are herein defined as rational economic criminals. The high rate of recidivism, especially among burglars (76 percent in 1974 [U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. 1975. Uniform Crime Report, 1974. Washington, p. 51.]), supports the concept of the rational economic criminal, as does other recent work [Becker, G. 1968. Crime and punishment: An economic approach. The J. Political Econom. 76 (2, March–April) 169–217; Sjoquist, D. 1973. Property crime and economic behavior: Some empirical results. The Amer. Econom. Rev. LXIII (3, June) 439–446.].
Practice of Management Science—Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Territorial Corridors: A Case Study
Authors: Economides Spyros
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that with appropriate assessment and quantification of environmental data and the subsequent utilization of a dynamic optimization process, the impact of territorial corridors on the environment—an issue of controversy between environmentalists and advocates of technological progress—can be minimized.

The discussion deals with the data assessment process, the data management and the quantitative model that was used. A case study dealing with the determination of an optimal corridor for a high voltage transmission line is presented, and some of the management aspects relative to this case study are discussed.
Some Practical Guidelines for the Corporate Forecaster
Authors: Mohn N. Carroll , Reid John C.
Published: October 2008

This paper brings to light several of the implementation issues discussed by a group of forecasters at their monthly meetings. The major subsection headings indicate a potpourri of topical interest areas considered, followed by several concluding remarks.
Behavioral Science—On Radical Organization Workshops
Authors: Wynne Bye
Published: October 2008

Late in 1976 about three dozen of us were participants in the “Second Annual Workshop of Radical Approaches to Organization Design”. Originating from within the TIMS College on Organization, this special interest group has evolved into a network of its own. At this point the only tie with existing professional societies is an economically dictated link. The large scale, scheduled, face-to-face workshops are defined in both time and place by the semiannual TIMS/ORSA convocations.

What such a resource-rich group does and/or produces could be of interest as a phenomenon per se regardless of the substantive content produced. That is to say, both their process and product may be of interest to the Interfaces readership. For my own part, there is today only one other group—The Circle of Human Systems Management—which is as stimulating.