bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Appellate Court Case Assignment Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jiaqin , Deane Richard H.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a case assignment (calendaring) algorithm for a multi‐judge appellate court system. In the algorithm, cases of unequal work content are selected for assignment to one of m panels (or clusters) from a set of N available cases. Each panel of cases is heard by a team of three judges. Each appellate case has an estimated work load and a priority ranking based on the type of appeal and filing date with the court. The algorithm balances both the total work load and the number of cases assigned to each panel while insuring that the highest priority cases are assigned to those available. The assignment problem is normally capacity constrained in that not all of the N cases can be assigned to one of the m panels on the monthly calendar. The algorithm is based on a neighborhood search and bounding principle that continually improves upon an initial feasible solution. Empirical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm.
Predicting the Winner's Curse
Authors: Lederer Phillip J.
Published: June 2007

If quantity uncertainty exists in a first price auction that specifies a fixed bid, a participant must answer two questions when evaluating a candidate bid: “What are my chances of winning?” and “What is the effect of the winner's curse on my quantity estimate?” The winner's curse is the tendency of the winner of a first‐price sealed‐bid auction to be the bidder that most overvalues the items being offered. When value uncertainty is due to quantity uncertainty, the winner's curse implies that the bidder that most overestimates the quantity tends to win. Thus, if there is quantity uncertainty, a participant must adjust its bid for this tendency to overestimate quantities.

This paper presents an empirical method to answer the above questions by estimating a predictive distribution of the highest competing bid and the quantity bias caused by the winner's curse. The method is developed for timber auctions but is general to auctions where a fixed bid is called for and there is uncertainty in the mix and quantities of items being offered. An example that uses data from timber auctions is used to demonstrate the method.
A Quantal Choice Model for the Detection of Copying on Multiple Choice Examinations
Authors: Post Gerald V.
Published: June 2007

It is difficult to devise a statistical test to detect one student copying from another. Many prior efforts falsely accuse students of cheating. A general methodology based on the quantal choice model of decision theory overcomes these problems. Three steps are involved: (1) for each item estimate the probability and the variance that a given respondent will select each response, (2) for pairs of respondents, these probabilities determine the expected number of matches, and (3) compare the critical value to the number of items matched. Methods differ based on the probability estimation technique. Four methods (simple frequencies, Frary, Tideman, and Watts modification [8], logit, and multinomial probit) are compared on theoretical and empirical grounds. Theory and results show that it is crucial to incorporate the variance of the probability estimates. The probit model has theoretical advantages over the other methods and produces more accurate results.
A Replication of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use Measurement*
Authors: Subramanian Girish H.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the results of a replication of construct measurement of perceived usefulness and ease of use. This replication extends the work of recent research which examined these constructs through structural equation modeling. This research uses a new data set for two different technologies in conducting the replication of the construct measurement. The results of the construct measurement for perceived usefulness and ease of use in this research are quite consistent with the results reported in recent research with minor variations. Perceived usefulness, and not ease of use, is a determinant of predicted future usage.
Evidence on the Superiority of Analysts Quarterly Earnings Forecasts for Small Capitalization Firms*
Authors: Branson Bruce C. , Lorek Kenneth S. , Pagach Donald P.
Published: June 2007

Financial analysts provide information to support investment analysis and decisions for an ever increasing number of firms. As part of their services they also produce earnings forecasts for covered firms. While there has been much research investigating the determinants of financial analyst earnings forecast superiority for large, widely‐followed firms, little research has focused on smaller firms. Until recently, these smaller firms have been largely ignored. This study focuses exclusively on small firms and provides evidence of differing behavior for such firms compared to results previously reported for large firms. Errors in quarterly earnings per share forecasts of small firms obtained from a univariate time‐series model are also examined. Regression results indicate that time‐series model parameters possess information content with respect to forecast accuracy for analyst‐covered firms only. These results are obtained after controlling for firm size, model adequacy, and industry, quarter, and year effects. This suggests that analysts are more likely to cover small firms for which they are able to decipher information correlated with that impounded in the “shocks” in the quarterly earnings time series as captured by the time‐series model parameters.
The Impact of a Structured‐Argument Approach on Group Problem Formulation*
Authors: Niederman Fred , DeSanctis Gerardine
Published: June 2007

Despite advances in decision analysis and decision support systems, few formulaic procedures exist for undertaking problem formulation, particularly in group settings. This leaves managers with little procedural support for the important task of carefully structuring problems. In a laboratory experiment of 29 intact student teams, we contrasted two problem formulation methodologies: a structured argument approach (based on application of formal reasoning) and a group process approach (based on private idea generation prior to public sharing and evaluation of ideas). The structured argument approach took more time to use and failed to bring about more information search and equivocality reduction in group discussions. On the positive side, however, the structured argument approach led to a greater combination of both coverage of critical issues and consensus on those issues. Use of the structured argument approach also resulted in higher satisfaction with the problem definition and commitment to implementing results of the group meeting. Overall, the results reveal cost/benefit tradeoffs associated with developing argumentation‐based procedures for problem formulation.
Overstated Quarterly Earnings and Analysts' Earnings Forecast Revisions*
Authors: Ettredge Michael , Shane Philip B. , Smith David B.
Published: June 2007

A primary purpose of accounting is to provide information for decision makers. Accounting misstatements may have a detrimental effect on decision making. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) identifies earnings overstatements as being particularly troublesome to users, as indicated by SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases' emphasis on earnings' overstatement errors. This research investigates how security analysts' forecast revisions are affected by accounting earnings overstatement errors, which become known only after the analysts released their revised annual earnings forecasts. The paper investigates the clarifying role that additional information plays in analysts' revisions. The results show that analysts draw significantly different conclusions from earnings containing (unknown) overstatement errors than from accurately reported earnings. In essence, the analysts identify some of the overstatement, at least on average, by making an adjustment that effectively ignores 21 percent of the overstatement error.
Critical Success Factors for Strategic Alliances in the Information Technology Industry: An Empirical Study*
Authors: Rai Arun , Borah Santanu , Ramaprasad Arkalgud
Published: June 2007

Intense competition in the marketplace is forcing organizations to examine different ways by which they could enhance or retain their competitive edge. Strategic alliance is one such option through which an organization can leverage its resources to emerge as an effective competitor. Such alliances are burgeoning in the information technology industry, which is characterized by rapid change and short innovation cycles. Successful management of alliances has proved to be very elusive for the most part, and there is a lack of theoretical and empirical work in this area. Literature on critical factors was synthesized, and then a parsimonious set of critical factors was identified using a combination of interview and survey methodologies. Our study has implications for both practice and future research.
Correction Constants for Present Values of Seasonal Cash Flows
Authors: Anderson Gary A. , Barber Joel R. , Thurston David C.
Published: June 2007

In a recent Decision Sciences article, McMath (1990) developed the correction constants approach for eliminating the end‐of‐year bias in the present value of streams with subannual cash flows. A limitation of this approach is that it assumes subannual cash flows are level. In many types of businesses, subannual cash flows follow a predictable seasonal pattern and, consequently, a present value estimate based upon a level correction constant is biased. This article derives a general formula for determining correction constants for seasonal cash flow patterns, examines the direction and magnitude of the seasonal bias, and applies seasonal correction constants to a capital budgeting problem.
The Role of Innovation Characteristics and Perceived Voluntariness in the Acceptance of Information Technologies
Authors: Agarwal Ritu , Prasad Jayesh
Published: June 2007

The often paradoxical relationship between investment in information technology and gains in productivity has recently been attributed to a lack of user acceptance of information technology innovations. Diverse streams of research have attempted to explain and predict user acceptance of new information technologies. A common theme underlying these various research streams is the inclusion of the perceived characteristics of an innovation as key independent variables. Furthermore, prior research has utilized different outcomes to represent user acceptance behavior. In this paper we focus on individual's perceptions about the characteristics of the target technology as explanatory and predictive variables for acceptance behavior, and present an empirical study examining the effects of these perceptions on two frequently used outcomes in the context of the innovation represented by the World Wide Web. The two outcomes examined are initial use of an innovation and intentions to continue such use in the future, that is, to routinize technology use. Two research questions motivated and guided the study. First, are the perceptions that predict initial use the same as those that predict future use intentions? Our results confirm, as hypothesized by prior research, that innovation characteristics do explain acceptance behavior. The results further reveal that the specific characteristics that are relevant for each acceptance outcome are different. The second research question asks if perceived voluntariness plays a role in technology acceptance. Results show that external pressure has an impact on adopters' acceptance behavior. Theoretical and practical implications that follow are presented.
Representations as Decision Aids: The Asymmetric Effects of Words and Numbers on Auditors' Inherent Risk Judgments*
Authors: Dilla William N. , Stone Dan N.
Published: June 2007

Decision aids often change the representations used to express risk cue information and communicate risk judgments. In this study, we hypothesize that numbers and words may have asymmetric effects when used to represent risk cue information as opposed to when used to communicate risk judgments. Specifically, decision makers' agreement on cue weights and judgment consensus may be higher with cue information stated in words rather than numbers, since appropriately chosen words can more directly convey the risk implications of information cues. In contrast, decision makers' consistency in applying their judgment policies and judgment consensus may be higher with risk judgments communicated in numbers instead of words, because the greater precision available with numbers allows finer discriminations of risk.

To test our hypotheses, we conducted an experiment in which experienced financial auditors made inherent risk judgments for a hypothetical manufacturing client. Cue and response representations were manipulated between numbers and words. The results generally support our arguments. In addition, representing cue information in words increased the time required to acquire cue information relative to numeric representation. In contrast, requiring auditors to express their risk judgments in numbers increased the time required to express risk assessments relative to
The Emergence of Hypertext and Problem Solving: An Experimental Investigation of Accessing and Using Information from Linear versus Nonlinear Systems*
Authors: Ramarapu Narender K. , Frolick Mark N. , Wilkes Ronald B. , Wetherbe James C.
Published: June 2007

Past research suggests that problem solving and/or decision behavior can be altered and improved by the changes in the way information is accessed and displayed. Also, researchers have found that the usefulness of different information display formats are contingent on the characteristics of the problem task. This research investigated the impact on problem solving when accessing and using information from linear and nonlinear systems. Also, the research investigated problem‐solving performance of linear and nonlinear systems when applied to different combinations of problem tasks. In a laboratory setting, linear and nonlinear systems were developed to conduct this experiment. This experiment used 64 graduate business students in a two‐factor repeated‐measures design employing a multivariate analysis of variance to analyze the data. Repeated measures were conducted to analyze the experimental group under both linear and nonlinear treatments. The findings from the study support the notion that the nonlinear system resulted in superior problem solving and higher levels of user satisfaction than the linear system. Specifically, the nonlinear system enabled users to make faster and more accurate decisions on perceptual problem tasks than did the linear system. For analytical problem tasks, users performed faster with the nonlinear system; however, there was no significant difference in accuracy. User satisfaction was higher with the nonlinear system under both perceptual and analytical tasks.
Client/Server System Success: Exploring the Human Side
Authors: Guimaraes Tor , Igbaria Magid
Published: June 2007

Client/server systems (CSS) are emerging as the new paradigm for systems development, replacing or integrating legacy applications with systems that provide higher quality user interfaces on the client component and substantial user‐transparent data processing capability on one or more servers. Due to the dramatically different CSS development approach and the CSS emphasis on user friendliness, research findings based on non‐CSS should be retested in the CSS context. Using a relatively well‐established theoretical foundation, this study focuses on the human aspects of CSS implementation. Specifically, four major factors important to success with this emerging technology are studied: the degree of end‐user involvement in the CSS development process, end‐user characteristics, developer skills, and management support for the CSS project. The measures of CSS success are end‐user satisfaction with the CSS, system usage, and its impact on end‐users' jobs. The results indicate that the four independent variables explain a significant percentage of the variance in the dependent variables. Based on the results, recommendations are made for the management of CSS implementation and for further research on this important emerging technology.
Outsourcing Decisions and Managerial Incentives*
Authors: Chalos Peter , Sung Jaeyoung
Published: June 2007

An agency model is presented in which outsourcing strictly dominates in‐house production. We argue that firms outsource in order to improve managerial incentives. Conditions are established under which the firm is strictly better off with outsourcing. The benefit of outsourcing, however, is constrained by the trade‐off between the incremental coordination costs of outsourcing and the improved incentive structure. The optimal contract is also shown to be a function of whether or not the firm is publicly held. For a publicly held firm, the contract is constant. For a privately held supplier, the contract is likely to be of a cost‐sharing type. These findings offer preliminary incentive explanations for commonly observed outsourcing practices.
Development and Measurement Validity of a Task‐Technology Fit Instrument for User Evaluations of Information System
Authors: Goodhue Dale L.
Published: June 2007

Although many researchers have raised concerns about the lack of theoretical underpinnings for the user evaluation construct and the lack of measurement validity for specific instruments measuring it, the construct is still widely used in IS research. This paper reports on the development and measurement validity of a diagnostic tool used in recently published research to evaluate an organization's overall information systems and services. A distinctive feature of this instrument is that it is conceptually based on the task‐technology fit theory in which the correspondence between information systems functionality and task requirements leads to positive user evaluations, and positive performance impacts. Specifically, the instrument development was guided by a task model of managerial decision making using recorded organizational information. This model suggested the different information systems functionalities required by users for that task, which then serve as the basis for a “task‐technology fit” (TTF) instrument. The instrument thus measures the degree to which an organization's information systems and services meet the information needs of its managers. An extensive test of the measurement validity of the instrument is conducted using a sample of 357 users in 10 companies. It is found to have excellent reliability and discriminant validity for 12 dimensions of TTF, and also exhibits strong predictive validity. Finally, the instrument is compared to two other well‐known user evaluation instruments. Though no single instrument can meet all needs, the instrument presented here should be considered an attractive option for researchers and practitioners seeking to measure the effectiveness of organizational information systems.
Planned Lead Times in Multistage Systems
Authors: Mohan Ram P. , Ritzman Larry P.
Published: June 2007

This study investigates the impact of planned lead times on performance in multistage manufacturing where material requirements planning is used in a make‐to‐stock environment. We simulate a variety of different operating environments and find: (1) planned lead times are important to customer service levels under all operating environments examined, but have a smaller impact on inventory investment; (2) tight due dates introduced by short planned lead times hurt customer service without saving much inventory; (3) small increases to tight planned lead times improve customer service substantially with small inventory increases; (4) co‐component inventories change with planned lead times, and disparity between such inventories is a sign of poor timing coordination; (5) the fixed order quantity rule performs better than the periodic order quantity rule; and (6) tall product structure and large lot sizes require particular attention to planned lead times. The findings also extend the current understanding of planned lead times by including uncertainties such as forecast error, yield loss, and equipment reliability. The study concludes with a way to diagnose and improve poorly set planned lead times.
Strategic Information Systems Planning: Planning System Dimensions, Internal Coalignment, and Implications for Planning Effectiveness
Authors: Segars Albert H. , Grover Varun , Teng James T.C.
Published: June 2007

Improving strategic information systems planning (SISP) remains a critical concern of both practitioners and academics. To date, a rather large number of studies have examined or proposed analytical techniques, frameworks, and tools for developing strategic plans. As a direct consequence of this emphasis, methodologies have often become the basis for characterizing the entire process of SISP within the information systems literature. Recent theoretical work suggests that such characterizations are unnecessarily narrow and that planning activities within organizations can be more accurately conceptualized as systems of behaviors, agendas, or process dimensions. Working within this contemporary theoretical perspective, the findings of this study suggest that SISP can be operationalized along distinct dimensions of comprehensiveness (extent of solution search), formalization (rules and procedures to guide activities), focus (creativity or control), flow (top down, bottom up), participation (number and variety of planners), and consistency (frequency of planning cycles). Similar to previous theoretical work and case studies, higher order factor modeling of these dimensions suggests that planning systems that exhibit aspects of rationality (high comprehensiveness, high formalization, control focus, top‐down flow), and adaptation (high participation, high consistency) are positively associated with planning effectiveness.
Information Systems Adaptation and the Successful Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies*
Authors: Frohlich Markham T. , Dixon J. Robb
Published: June 2007

Few plants have initial success with advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), and adaptations are commonly required after installing new technologies. We especially know little about the outcomes of adaptations that manufacturers regularly employ in the context of AMTs. Sociotechnical theory and the technology literature suggest that AMTs commonly require four types of adaptations including those to process technologies, human resources, operational structures, and information systems. This study investigates which of these four adaptations and their interactions lead to improved operational performance. Data were collected on 104 plants that implemented a single type of manufacturing AMT. Findings indicate that information systems (IS) adaptation during the course of AMT implementation was the most important action. Surprisingly, human resource and process technology adaptations were linked to lower performance, and no interactions had any clear effects. The results also show that practitioners underestimated the relevance of IS adaptations during contemporary or “second‐generation” AMT implementation projects and overemphasized the need for shop floor changes.
Linking IT Applications with Manufacturing Strategy: An Intelligent Decision Support System Approach
Authors: Kathuria Ravi , Anandarajan Murugan , Igbaria Magid
Published: June 2007

Research has indicated the importance of matching Information Technology (IT) applications or manufacturing systems with the competitive strategy of a company. Selection of the right type of IT application is, however, a challenging task. When a company with a given dominant process structure emphasizes two or more competitive priorities, such as quality, product flexibility, etc., an unaided manager faces a complex decision problem in choosing from alternative IT applications available in the areas of product design through distribution. In this paper, we develop an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) to assist managers with assessment of the relative importance of competitive priorities in their organization, evaluation of the fit between the competitive priorities and their dominant process structure, and identification of the IT applications that are consistent with both the competitive priorities and the process structure. The IDSS is comprised of an interactive user interface, a knowledge database, a decision model, and a Knowledge‐Based System (KBS) that was developed using the 1st Class KBS shell. Validation of the system illustrates that its performance is as good as the human expert, and it has the potential to facilitate effective and swift decision making in the selection of appropriate IT applications that best match an organization's manufacturing strategy. The choice and use of the right type of IT application should provide a company with a competitive edge.
Information‐Processing Alternatives for Coping with Manufacturing Environment Complexity
Authors: Flynn Barbara B. , Flynn E. James
Published: June 2007

Investment in information systems and technology is often justified as a necessary strategy for coping with the increased complexity and information needs of today/s manufacturing environments. However, the world class manufacturing paradigm suggests that increased complexity is not always necessary to meet the needs of markets and customers. Galbraith/s (1973, 1977) seminal information‐processing model is applied to a manufacturing environment, supported by the world class manufacturing paradigm, to test the role of various information‐processing alternatives for coping with increased environmental complexity. Moderated regression and multiple discriminant analysis are used to test hypotheses in a sample of 164 manufacturing plants. Environmental complexity was found to be related to manufacturing performance for each of the five dependent variables. This relationship was moderated by at least one information‐processing alternative for each dependent variable, including self‐contained tasks, lateral relations, and environmental management strategies for reducing manufacturing, supplier, and goal diversity. Investments in information systems and reduction of labor and customer diversity did not moderate this relationship. Practices that were found to be particularly effective in moderating this relationship included the use of multifunctional employees, communication of manufacturing strategy, coordination of decision making, product design simplicity, reduction of parts counts, supervisory interaction facilitation, recruiting and selection for flexible employees, JIT practices, blanket purchase orders, and strong customer relationships.
Dynamic Benchmarks for Operations Evaluation Using Soft Computing Methods*
Authors: Warren Lewis H. , Nicholls Miles G.
Published: June 2007

New dynamic benchmarks are developed as performance metrics for operational activities in the ingot mill of an aluminium smelter. This new type of high‐level performance measure enables both a systematic and a holistic appraisal of operations performance that is not possible at present. The benchmarks also allow changes in performance of each distinct resource group to be clearly identified. The method for computing such measures is based on a wide range of shop‐floor data, and possibility theory is used to model the soft characteristics of much of the input. Fuzzy performance estimates are dynamically updated with special attention to combining the different forms of uncertainty that exist in the input information. Although these procedures are site specific, the methodology is applicable to other types of manufacturing systems.
Vendor Selection with Bundling: A Comment*
Authors: Sarkis Joseph , Semple John H.
Published: June 2007

In a recent article by Rosenthal, Zydiak, and Chaudhry (1995), a mixed integer linear programming model was introduced to solve the vendor selection problem for the case in which the vendor can sell items individually or as part of a bundle. Each vendor offered only one type of bundle, and the buyer could purchase at most one bundle per vendor. The model employed n(m+ 1) binary variables, where n is the number of vendors and m is the number of products they sell. The existing model can lead to a purchasing paradox: it may force the buyer to pay more to receive less. We suggest a reformulation of the same problem that (i) eliminates this paradox and reveals a more cost‐effective purchasing strategy; (ii) uses only n integer variables and significantly reduces the computational workload; and (iii) permits the buyer to purchase more than one bundle per vendor.
Chainwise Paired Comparisons
Authors: Ra Jang W.
Published: June 2007

The pairwise comparison technique is a building block of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which has been popularly used for multicriteria decision analysis. This paper develops a shortcut technique in which only n paired comparisons forming a closed chain are needed for n decision elements. Together with the development of a simple and intuitive measure of (inconsistency, this technique derives the relative weights of decision elements via easy step‐by‐step calculations on a spreadsheet format. Its performance has been tested on Saaty's wealth of nations example. It is important to notice that ranking and weights yielded from this alternative technique are identical to Harker's incomplete pairwise comparison solution for the same chain orientation for the example tested.
Order Dispatching and Labor Assignment in Cellular Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Davis Darwin J. , Mabert Vincent A.
Published: June 2007

Although order and labor dispatching in the job shop manufacturing setting have been investigated extensively over the last three decades, its representation of actual processes found in practice today is limited due to the move to cellular manufacturing (CM). Manufacturing cells have become an important approach to batch manufacturing in the last two decades, and their layout structure provides a dominant flow structure for the part routings. The flow shop nature of manufacturing cells adds a simplifying structure to the problem of planning worker assignments and order releases, which makes it more amenable to the use of optimization techniques. In this paper we exploit this characteristic and present two mathematical modeling approaches for making order dispatching and labor assignment/reassignment decisions in two different CM settings. The two formulations are evaluated in a dynamic simulation setting and compared to a heuristic procedure using tardiness as the primary performance measure. The formulations are superior to the heuristic approach and can be incorporated into detail scheduling systems that are being implemented by corporations employing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems today.
An Analysis of Fuzzy Clustering and a Hybrid Model for the Auditor's Going Concern Assessment*
Authors: Lenard Mary Jane , Alam Pervaiz , Booth David
Published: June 2007

This study provides a description and testing of fuzzy clustering and a hybrid model that can support the decision an auditor makes when completing the going concern evaluation. Fuzzy clustering is based on fuzzy logic, and the hybrid system is designed to address the going concern decision through the combined use of a statistical model and an expert system. These models have the capability of identifying categories of firms with particular characteristics that may indicate whether or not the audit report of the firms requires a going concern modification. A prediction of whether or not a firm may go bankrupt is included as one of the components of the going concern decision. As a result, if a firm is placed in a particular bankrupt category by a decision model, it may help in the determination of the auditor's opinion regarding the continuity of the business.
A Load‐based and Due‐date‐oriented Approach to Order Review/Release in Job Shops*
Authors: Sabuncuoglu I. , Karapinar H. Y.
Published: June 2007

In this paper, a new order review/release (ORR) method is proposed for shop floor control systems. The proposed method utilizes both job due date and shop load information to improve the effectiveness of the ORR function in production systems. The performance of the new method is compared to those of a few well‐known ORR methods under four experimental conditions. The results of extensive simulation experiments indicate that the proposed method is superior with respect to the mean absolute deviation measure. In general, it is also better than existing methods for the other performance measures. Furthermore, we show that the proposed method is more robust to variations in system load and processing times than the other ORR methods examined.
An Investigation of Localization as an Element of Cognitive Fit in Accounting Model Representations
Authors: Dunn Cheryl , Grabski Severin
Published: June 2007

Cognitive fit, a correspondence between task and data representation format, has been demonstrated to lead to superior task performance by individual users and has been posited as an explanation for performance differences among users of various problem representations such as tables, graphs, maps, and schematic faces. The current study extends cognitive fit to accounting models and integrates cognitive fit theory with the concept of localization to provide additional evidence for how cognitive fit works. Two accounting model representations are compared in this study, the traditional DCA (Debit‐Credit‐Account) accounting model and the REA (Resources‐Events‐Agents) accounting model. Results indicate that the localization of relevant objects or linkages is important in establishing cognitive fit.
An Empirical Study of Equivalence Judgments vs. Ratio Judgments in Decision Analysis*
Authors: Lai Shih‐Kung
Published: June 2007

Two commonly used elicitation modes on strength of preference, equivalence and ratio judgments, were compared in an experiment. The result from the experiment showed that ratio judgments were less effective than equivalence judgments. Based on an iterative design for eliciting multiattribute preference structures, equivalence judgments outperformed ratio judgments in estimating single‐attribute measurable value functions, while being nearly more effective than ratio judgments in assessing multiattribute preference structures. The implications of the results from the experiment are that multiattribute decision‐making techniques should take advantage of the decision maker's inclination of making effective equivalence trade‐off judgments, and that useful techniques should be devised to incorporate different commonly used techniques, such as multiattribute utility theory and the Analytic Hierarchy Process, to elicit and consolidate equivalence trade‐off judgments.
Optimal Solutions for the Single Batch, Flow Shop, Lot‐streaming Problem with Equal Sublots
Authors: Kalir Adar A. , Sarin Subhash C.
Published: June 2007

Lot streaming is the process of splitting a production lot into sublots and then scheduling the sublots in overlapping fashion on the machines in order to improve the performance of the production system. Implementation of this concept arises in several batch production environments. These include, among others, printed circuit board assembly and semiconductor fabrication. There are several limitations in the lot‐streaming models available in the literature which affect their usefulness in reality. In this paper, we consider the single batch, flow shop, lot‐streaming problem but relax several of these limitations. The main contribution of this paper is to provide the production manager with a way of splitting a lot in order to optimize performance under various measures of performance and setup time considerations. In addition, the insight of the proposed procedure can be used to tackle more general versions of the problem considered.
Economic Production Lot Sizing with Periodic Costs and Overtime*
Authors: Robinson E. Powell , Sahin Funda
Published: June 2007

Traditional approaches for modeling economic production lot‐sizing problems assume that a single, fixed equipment setup cost is incurred each time a product is run, regardless of the quantity manufactured. This permits multiple days of production from one production setup. In this paper, we extend the model to consider additional fixed charges, such as cleanup or inspection costs, that are associated with each time period's production. This manufacturing cost structure is common in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, where process equipment must be sanitized between item changeovers and at the end of each day's production. We propose two mathematical problem formulations and optimization algorithms. The models' unique features include regular time production constraints, a fixed charge for each time period's production, and the availability of overtime production capacity. Experimental results indicate the conditions under which our algorithms' performance is superior to traditional approaches. We also test the procedures on a set of lot‐sizing problems facing a national food processor and document their potential economic benefit.
Improving Computer Training Effectiveness for Decision Technologies: Behavior Modeling and Retention Enhancement*
Authors: Yi Mun Y. , Davis Fred D.
Published: June 2007

Managers and analysts increasingly need to master the hands‐on use of computer‐based decision technologies including spreadsheet models. Effective training can prevent the lack of skill from impeding potential effectiveness gains from decision technologies. Among the wide variety of software training approaches in use today, recent research indicates that techniques based on behavior modeling, which consists of computer skill demonstration and hands‐on practice, are among the most effective for achieving positive training outcomes. The present research examines whether the established behavior‐modeling approach to software training can be improved by adding a retention enhancement intervention as a substitute for, or complement to, hands‐on practice. One hundred and eleven trainees were randomly assigned to one of three versions of a training program for spreadsheets: retention enhancement only, practice only, and retention enhancement plus practice. Results obtained while controlling for total training time indicate that a combination of retention enhancement and practice led to significantly better cognitive learning than practice alone. The initial difference in cognitive achievement was still evident one week after training. Implications for future computer training research and practice are discussed.
An Improved Security Requirement for Data Perturbation with Implications for E‐Commerce
Authors: Muralidhar Krishnamurty , Sarathy Rathindra , Parsa Rahul
Published: June 2007

With the rapid increase in the ability to store and analyze large amounts of data, organizations are gathering extensive data regarding their customers, vendors, and other entities. There has been a concurrent increase in the demand for preserving the privacy of confidential data that may be collected. The rapid growth of e‐commerce has also increased calls for maintaining privacy and confidentiality of data. For numerical data, data perturbation methods offer an easy yet effective solution to the dilemma of providing access to legitimate users while protecting the data from snoopers (legitimate users who perform illegitimate analysis). In this study, we define a new security requirement that achieves the objective of providing access to legitimate users without an increase in the ability of a snooper to predict confidential information. We also derive the specifications under which perturbation methods can achieve this objective. Numerical examples are provided to show that the use of the new specification achieves the objective of no additional information to the snooper. Implications of the new specification for e‐commerce are discussed.
Strategic Manufacturing Planning Systems and Their Linkage to Planning System Success
Authors: Papke‐Shields Karen E. , Malhotra Manoj K. , Grover Varun
Published: June 2007

Academics and practitioners alike are focusing more attention on manufacturing strategy after having recognized the important role it plays in shaping the success of industrial firms. Even though research in this area has increased in the last decade, the focus of much of that work has been on the content rather than the process of the manufacturing strategy. Consequently, this study attempts to understand the important elements of the strategic manufacturing planning process and its effectiveness. Borrowing from the extant literature in the fields of strategic management and information systems, we propose a research model that relates strategic manufacturing planning system design to planning system success. Using structured questionnaires, empirical data is collected from over 200 manufacturing executives to test the model hypotheses. Planning process in manufacturing was found to be a bottom‐up approach from a corporate or business perspective, which differs from the top‐down planning process prevalent in strategic information systems planning process. Findings also indicate that greater planning system success in manufacturing is associated with a planning system that combines some “rational” elements (formality, comprehensiveness, control focus, longer horizon) with others that lend adaptability (wider participation and more intense interaction). But the strategic manufacturing planning system is more than just a collection of independent planning characteristics. Instead, it can be viewed as a gestalt planning system whereby planning characteristics move together in affecting overall planning system success.
Channel Strategies and Stocking Policies in Uncapacitated and Capacitated Supply Chains*
Authors: Mahajan Jayashree , Radas Sonja , Vakharia Asoo J.
Published: June 2007

A supply chain consisting of a single supplier distributing two independent products through multiple retailers is analyzed in this paper. The supplier needs to incentivize its retailers to adopt stocking policies that are mutually advantageous and that result in the optimal level of market coverage. The focus is on determining the optimal stocking policies for retailers and the resulting distribution strategy given that the supplier has either unlimited or limited capacity. The results provide insights on the optimal distribution strategy and stocking policies for the supply chain. In general, the paper shows that it is optimal for the supplier to use an intensive distribution strategy (i.e., the products are stocked by all retailers). Selective or exclusive strategies are optimal only when retailers are risk averse, stocking synergies exist, and there are differences in demand or supply uncertainties across products. The analysis also shows that retailers hold larger stocks of a product which generates higher supplier margins but only when the supplier has unlimited capacity. If the supplier has limited capacity, then their margins have no effect on retailers' stocking decisions. Contrary to conventional wisdom, retailers hold larger stocks of a product that has less demand uncertainty as compared to one that has more demand uncertainty.
The Impact of Forecast Errors on Early Order Commitment in a Supply Chain*
Authors: Zhao Xiande , Xie Jinxing , Wei Jerry C.
Published: June 2007

Supply chain partnership involves mutual commitments among participating firms. One example is early order commitment, wherein a retailer commits to purchase a fixed‐order quantity and delivery time from a supplier before the real need takes place. This paper explores the value of practicing early order commitment in the supply chain. We investigate the complex interactions between early order commitment and forecast errors by simulating a supply chain with one capacitated supplier and multiple retailers under demand uncertainty. We found that practicing early order commitment can generate significant savings in the supply chain, but the benefits are only valid within a range of order commitment periods. Different components of forecast errors have different cost implications to the supplier and the retailers. The presence of trend in the demand increases the total supply chain cost, but makes early order commitment more appealing. The more retailers sharing the same supplier, the more valuable for the supply chain to practice early order commitment. Except in cases where little capacity cushion is available, our findings are relatively consistent in the environments where cost structure, number of retailers, capacity utilization, and capacity policy are varied.
The Production of Several Items in a Single Facility with Linearly Changing Demand Rates
Authors: Wagner Bret J. , Davis Darwin J. , Kher Hemant V.
Published: June 2007

In this paper we extend the ELSP model to allow for linearly changing demand rates over a fixed planning horizon. This extension of the ELSP research provides a model that can be used in coordinating the production and marketing planning activities in a firm. The model allows the user to evaluate the impact of changes in product demand on production costs and customer service. We solve the model using a standard nonlinear programming package (MINOS) and show through examples based on actual production data how the model can be used to support coordinated production and marketing planning.
A Framework for Estimating Benefits of Using Auctions in Revenue Management*
Authors: Baker Tim , Murthy Nagesh N.
Published: June 2007

We develop a stochastic model to explore the benefits of incorporating auctions in revenue management. To the best of our knowledge the extant literature on modeling in revenue management has not considered auctions. We consider three models, namely, a traditional fixed price (non‐auction) model, a pure auction model, and a hybrid auction model and evaluate their revenue performance under a variety of conditions. The hybrid approach outperforms the other two in all 24 scenarios and yields an average revenue increase of 16.1% over the next best. A surprise finding is that there is no significant difference between the performance of the fixed price and pure auction approaches. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the relative superiority of the hybrid revenue management strategy is reasonably robust.
e‐Business and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Vakharia Asoo J.
Published: June 2007

In recent years, the area of Supply Chain Management has generated a substantial amount of interest both by managers and researchers. This interest has also been fueled by the growth in the development and application of e‐business technologies. These technologies enable the supply chain manager to make coordinated decisions by integrating the diverse and sometimes conflicting objectives of the various trading partners in a chain. The purpose of this paper is to: (a) highlight strategic and tactical issues for analyzing supply chains in an e‐business setting based on papers published in this special issue; and (b) describe future research opportunities in this emerging interdisciplinary area.
Flow Coordination and Information Sharing in Supply Chains: Review, Implications, and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Sahin Funda , Robinson E. Powell
Published: June 2007

Advances in information technology, particularly in the e‐business arena, are enabling firms to rethink their supply chain strategies and explore new avenues for inter‐organizational cooperation. However, an incomplete understanding of the value of information sharing and physical flow coordination hinder these efforts. This research attempts to help fill these gaps by surveying prior research in the area, categorized in terms of information sharing and flow coordination. We conclude by highlighting gaps in the current body of knowledge and identifying promising areas for future research.