bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinating Decisions for Increased Profits
Authors: King R. H. , Love R. R.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes how a major tire manufacturer has attained an increase in productivity through the application of Management Science. Like most manufacturers, The Kelly-Springfield Tire Company has long recognized the difficulty and importance of coordinating sales forecasting, inventory control, production planning, and distribution decisions. The evolution of an integrated “Total System” approach is traced, with emphasis on the ability of the latest Management Science system to adapt to the constantly changing tire business. The original Total System, implemented in 1970, reduced production lead time to generate estimated annual savings of $500,000; benefits totaling over $5 million during the past decade.

Since the implementation of the latest system in 1976, Kelly-Springfield's share of the auto and truck tire replacement market has increased about 1% in an industry recently characterized by significant losses, excess productive capacity, and intense price competition. Average unit inventory decreased by 19% while customer service improved, productivity increased, and additional savings totaling $7.9 million annually resulted.

Numerous data support facilities were developed to attain the desired flexibility. The resulting capability to supply information quickly and accurately has been employed to obtain improved estimates of profit and loss and return on investment, to plan future sales strategies and advertising campaigns more effectively, to purchase production equipment, to analyze market share and product offerings, and to make and satisfy commitments to customers regarding availability of new products.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin
Published: October 2008

In “Book Reviews,” we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books.

The authors or editors of books we review in this issue are Nagraj Balakrishnan, Barry Render, Ralph M. Stair Jr., Balbir S. Dhillon, and Rolf G. Poluha.
Optimization Tradecraft: Hard-Won Insights from Real-World Decision Support
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , Rosenthal Richard E.
Published: October 2008

Practitioners of optimization-based decision support advise commerce and government on how to coordinate the activities of millions of people who employ assets worth trillions of dollars. The contributions of these practitioners substantially improve planning methods that benefit our security and welfare. The success of real-world optimization applications depends on a few trade secrets that are essential, but that rarely, if at all, appear in textbooks. This paper summarizes a set of these secrets and uses examples to discuss each.

“Thou shalt never get such a secret from me but by a parable.”

Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Queueing Theory in Practice
Authors: Taha Hamdy A.
Published: October 2008

Queueing theory evolved originally out of an investigation of problems dealing with the design of telephone systems. Now, some 70 years later, we are witnessing a tremendous accumulation of theoretical results for “idealized” systems that apparently have not been as effective in dealing with other types of real-life problems. Queueing theory differs from other mathematical techniques of Operations Research in that it does not deal with optimization models. Rather, it utilizes mathematical analysis to determine the system's measures of effectiveness such as the expected waiting time per customer and the facility's percentage of idle time. These measures are then used as data in the context of an optimization (cost) model for determining the system's capacity. The obstacles in applying queueing theory to practical problems occur both in modeling the system mathematically and in determining its optimum design parameters. This paper identifies the areas of application in terms of their amenability to analysis by queueing theory, and provides suggestions that can enhance the applicability of queueing models in real life.
Interactive Scheduling of a Generalized Flowshop. Part I: Success Through Evolutionary Development
Authors: Hodgson Thom J. , McDonald Gerald W.
Published: October 2008

The history of the application of interactive computer techniques to the problem of production scheduling is a compendium of short lived successes and failures. This article is a case history which describes the development of an interactive system being used to schedule the starting dates for the overhaul of military aircraft at a Naval Aircraft Rework Facility. The three parts of this serialized article will each describe different aspects of the development of this system. Part I concerns itself with the historical causes of failure in this type of development effort, and the general steps taken to overcome these causes. Subsequent parts will describe the computer software developed and the measurements of system effectiveness required to gain complete acceptance of the system by management.
Scheduling Crewmen for Recurrent Training
Authors: Shapiro Monroe
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a computer-based model developed at American Airlines to schedule crewmen for recurrent training. Based upon contractual agreements, the crewman's training pay depends upon whether he is relieved of flying a trip or sent on his days off. The model determines, systemwide, the least cost recurrent training schedule consistent with the available capacity of training facilities.

The Recurrent Training System has now been in active use for three years, and the annual savings derived from its use have been conservatively estimated at $250,000. These savings result primarily from a decrease in the amount of training done on crew members' days off and an increase in the amount of training done by removing crew members from flying trips. Previous manual procedures, based primarily on intuition and experience, sought to schedule most of the training on crew members' days off.
A Model-Based Decision Support System for Planning and Scheduling Ocean-Borne Transportation
Authors: Stott Kenneth L. , Douglas Burnie W.
Published: October 2008

The development and the operation of a model-based decision-support system for ocean-borne transportation are described. For the past four years, this interactive time-sharing system has provided two sets of functions in that (a) it guides Bethlehem Steel's Marine Operations management in both annual planning and spot decision, and (b) it assists operating personnel not only in routine scheduling on a week-to-week, month-to-month basis throughout the year, but also in adjusting rapidly for emerging opportunities or requirements.
Interactive Scheduling of a Generalized Flowshop. Part III: Quantifying User Objectives to Create Better Schedules
Authors: Hodgson Thom J. , McDonald Gerald W.
Published: October 2008

Parts I and II of this series introduced the concept of evolutionary development to increase the probability of success for the final version of an interactive production scheduling system. The series is a case history which describes the development of an interactive computer system which is being used to schedule the starting dates for aircraft being inducted into overhaul at a Naval Aircraft Rework Facility. This article in the series will emphasize the problems of quantifying the users' desired objective for the creation of “better” schedules, and that of choosing a viable method for the creation of schedules when the objective involves the reduction of day-to-day swings in resource requirements.
Building Good Models is Not Enough
Authors: Richels Richard
Published: October 2008

The failure of models to live up to the expectations and demands of the user community has led to increasing skepticism about the usefulness of policy modeling. This paper examines reasons for this growing dissatisfaction and considers ways to deal with it.
On the Squandering of Resources and Profits via Linear Programming
Authors: Zeleny Milan
Published: October 2008

Optimization of a given system is certainly different from design of an optimal system. It is remarkable that in the age of limited resources and lagging productivity it is the philosophy of linear programming, i.e., maximization of a function with respect to given constraints, which dominates Operations Research thinking, education, and practice. This philosophy is wasteful of resources, ignorant of productivity, and, more surprisingly, unconcerned about profits. It teaches how to “optimize” a given system without paying enough attention to how such a system comes into existence. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the main shortcoming of LP is neither its linearity assumption, nor its algorithmic and scale inefficiency, nor its single-objective simplification—it is its inability to design an optimal system while concentrating on fine-tuning its “optimization” of a given system. How does the “given” come into being, that is the question.
Barker-Sharon Laws of Truck Dynamics
Authors: Barker Henry H. , Sharon Ed M.
Published: October 2008

For the past two-and-one-half years the authors have been involved in extensive Management Science efforts to support the operations of the ANR Freight System, a relatively new offspring of American Natural Resources, which is now the seventh largest trucking company in the nation. ANR Freight was formed to manage four regional motor freight common carriers.

Our first assignment was to develop better understanding of operational problems from a strategic perspective; we were asked to propose and develop computerized planning decision aids to allow periodic review and fine tuning of strategic decisions. In that process we gained a tremendous amount of insight into the linehaul operation of regional motor carriers. We also had our share of success and failure in solving large-scale mathematical optimization problems.

Our ultimate success in implementing productivity improvements, which resulted in an annual savings of $9 million, will be described in the December 1981 Special Practice Issue of Interfaces. This paper was the winner of the 1981 Tenth Annual International Achievement Award Competition of the TIMS College on the Practice of Management Science.
The Affair Between the Land Developer and the Management Scientist
Authors: Winokur Herbert S. , Frick John B. , Bean James C.
Published: October 2008

To date, there has been little use of Management Science techniques by land developers. But the land development business is changing; the rising value of real estate has made traditional “quick development” a less attractive plan. Both the number of regulatory approvals required and the extent of detailed analyses required to justify each are increasing. Management Science techniques are one way the developer can handle these new complexities. This paper details an application of Management Science techniques to solve one real problem.
Management Science Roundup—Note
Authors: Dunford Fraser
Published: October 2008

Robert E. Machol's reports on:

—Systems Approach for Development conference held in Rabat, Morocco, 24–27 November 1980;

—Fuzzy Sets Meeting held in Durham, England, on 12 December 1980;

—Operations Research at Ciba-Geigy.
Heuristic “Optimization”: Why, When, and How to Use It
Authors: Zanakis Stelios H. , Evans James R.
Published: October 2008

The pressing need of real-world problems for quick, simple, and implementable solutions coupled with a recently increased research productivity on improved and rigorously evaluated heuristic methods are rapidly increasing the need, usage, and respect for heuristics. This paper presents a framework for heuristic “optimization” by systematically examining this change in attitudes towards heuristics, their desirable features and proper usage.
The Fifth Column—The Parable of the Money Bins
Authors: Pulliam Kenneth P.
Published: October 2008

A moral tale wherein unbiased sampling in the guise of ignorance triumphs over ignorance in the guise of expertise.
Reducing Uncollectible Revenue from Residential Telephone Customers
Authors: Showers J. L. , Chakrin L. M.
Published: October 2008

Motivated by a dramatic growth in Bell System uncollectible revenues, a set of uniform, objective, and nondiscriminatory credit-granting practices have been developed which will apply to the 12 million new residential telephone customers each year and result in an annual reduction of $137 million in bad debts. These savings will be factored into the regulatory rate-setting process, and thus a substantial benefit will accrue to the telephone customer.

The cornerstone of the new credit procedures is a set of credit-scoring rules to determine which new telephone service applicants should provide preservice security deposits. By more accurately identifying high-credit-risk applicants and requesting deposits only from them, the reduction in bad debt can be achieved with fewer total deposit requests. These new credit-scoring rules were developed through what is perhaps the largest credit study ever done, involving the credit profiles and telephone payment histories of over 87,000 customers. As a consequence of the study, a new methodology for constructing simple but effective credit-scoring rules has been developed which could be of general use in a broad spectrum of applications, including credit problems of other industries as well as other “classification” or “screening” problems.
Simulation Modeling Improves Operations, Planning, and Productivity of Fast Food Restaurants
Authors: Swart William , Donno Luca
Published: October 2008

This paper describes how a major fast food restaurant system uses simulation to dramatically improve efficiency, productivity, and sales in its more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide. With a capacity to project and solve business problems, Burger King Corporation has been able to upgrade and streamline restaurant operations, contributing significantly to the continued growth of what is now the second largest restaurant system in the world. Among the substantial changes in the last five years, the introduction of drive-thru service and new menu items has transformed a once simple operation into a sophisticated production process. Consequently, management turned increasingly to Operations Research for answers to operational questions ranging from the most efficient restaurant design to the optimum number of employees needed to serve customers as sales vary. The impact of simulation models has produced millions of dollars in savings, or profits, in a number of operational, design, and procurement areas.
Keeping Ahead of a $2 Billion Canal
Authors: Dawson Wayne A. , Lakshminarayan S. Mohan , Landry André A. , McLeod J. Bruce
Published: October 2008

During the 2300-mile voyage from the Atlantic Ocean to the head of the Great Lakes, vessels climb to some 600 feet above sea level. The very locks which make this possible are at the same time obstacles to the free flow of traffic and the Welland Canal, which bypasses Niagara Falls, is the major bottleneck in the system. In 1964, the Welland experienced severe congestion and it was only by 1967, with a host of canal improvements, that capacity reached a point more consistent with demand. Steadily increasing demand since then has made it difficult to delay the construction of a $2 billion new canal. In 1978 a simulation model of the Welland Canal was used to fill the longstanding need to structure planning—to indicate when canal capacity should be increased and to compare improvement options objectively. The model has since supported several million-dollar decisions: (1) The new canal was put off yet another two years and revenue increased by $3 million per year through a relatively modest $6 million channel-widening project. (2) The $5 million field testing of a radically new operating concept was planned. (3) The components of a $175 million multifaceted canal improvement program are currently being ranked.
Application of Quantitative Analytical Techniques to a Chemical Discarding Problem
Authors: Koul Jag Bushan , Gunawardane Gamini
Published: October 2008

This paper describes an application of quantitative decision-making tools such as regression analysis, managerial probability assessment, and decision theory to a problem of chemical discarding at the Chrysler Defense Inc. Scranton Defense Plant. The implementation of the policy recommended in this analysis has resulted in significant dollar savings, as well as social benefits.
Taking the Classroom into Reality: Even Better the Second Time Around
Authors: Giauque William C. , Sawaya William J.
Published: October 2008

The second year of a course in field consulting developed and run for MBA students increased the number of projects by one-third, the faculty participation by a factor of two, and the savings realized by a factor of seven.
The Estimation of Single Copy Newspaper Sales: A Tertiary Market Demand Model
Authors: Cosenza Robert M. , Davis Duane L.
Published: October 2008

Due to the volatility of demand and the corresponding high costs of production and distribution of newspapers in tertiary market areas, it would appear essential that a publisher of a local daily/Sunday newspaper have an effective means of predicting demand in these outlying market areas. This forecast would in turn enable the news company to properly adjust their marketing efforts to increase overall system efficiency and to become more cost effective in the long run. A Tertiary Market Demand Model proposed to deal with this problem utilizes a combination of forecasting methods and a modified stratified random sampling procedure in an interactive mode to produce interval forecasts in tertiary market areas on a daily basis.
Productivity and the High Cost of Resources
Authors: Johnson Robert R.
Published: October 2008

Firms in mature, resource-intensive industries are facing a productivity dilemma. Shrinking profit margins are exerting intense pressure on management to increase productivity (output per worker) but they are saddled with old factories which are equipped with yesterday's capital. The solution seems obvious, but in an environment of slow market growth and expensive, scarce investment capital there is little prospect for recapitalization. Attempts to increase productivity by modifying methods of operation, like methods time management, may be moderately successful: however, attempts to increase productivity by exhorting or compelling operators to work faster may be unprofitable. Paradoxically, it will be shown that the opposite response may be called for in some industries, and workers should be motivated to perform tasks more slowly but with greater care than in the past.
Don't Confuse Me with Facts, or How to Succeed in an Airport Noise Study
Authors: Stelling Joe
Published: October 2008

An essay about a study of increased noise near a local airport and a mix of its factual and political implications. The study points out that in complaints there is always a hidden agenda, at least a subconscious one and that the byproducts of our studies can often render more insight than the actual output product.
MRP Implementation Using an Action Plan
Authors: Mehra Satish , Reid M. Jerry
Published: October 2008

Computerized production and inventory management systems, such as MRP (Material Requirements Planning), are being widely used in manufacturing operations today. Increased usage of computerized systems is most likely to continue due to further sophistication and reduced costs of information processing technology. However, implementation of computerized systems, such as MRP, has not been an easy task. Implementation, in general, of any system and specifically of computerized systems, involves a variety of complex technical as well as behavioral problems. There is a vast amount of literature available (see the reference section) that identifies these problems, and possible solutions, relative to the implementation pitfalls, therefore this paper will not go into the detail of listing problems. However, based upon a case study, an implementation procedure is presented which was successful in reducing implementation roadblocks for the company involved in the case study.
Characteristics: Understanding Differing Views of Relative Importance
Authors: Hederstierna Anders
Published: October 2008

When discussing implementation of models in general, it is often implicitly assumed that the participants have similar views on the importance of different characteristics of the model. In an attempt to apply a new method of analyzing dominance to the problem of determining the size of weekly magazine editions, four persons at different organizational levels participated from the publishing company. The fact that the participants had different views should have interesting implications for both actual real-life implementation attempts and more principal discussions of implementation problems.
Behavioral Science—Decision Support Systems: A New Plateau of Opportunity or More Emperor's Clothing?
Authors: Wynne Bye
Published: October 2008

This month's column is an attempt to help each of us come to grips with DSS. We, as professional OR/MS practitioners and/or theoreticians, need to face the problem squarely. Are the DSS's truly new and more fertile environments for the effective incorporation of OR/MS in the organizational management processes? Or, are DSS concepts simply a new manifestation of the early naive expectations which were created by advocates in the evolution from electronic data processing (EDP) to management information systems (MIS)?

In order to shed any light on this “opportunity vs chimera” paradox of DSS, we need a common understanding of what we mean by DSS. A necessary step, then, is to offer a definition of DSS.
Do High Grades, Top Schools, or An Advanced Degree Lead to Job Security and Extraordinary Salary Progression?
Authors: Schick G. J. , Kunnecke B. F.
Published: October 2008

Can employers effectively screen engineering and scientific applicants on the basis of certain generally accepted variables ordinarily used to identify “quality candidates?” Some interesting relationships are developed.
On Optimum Subcontracting or Möbius Revisited
Authors: Leon Say J.-B.
Published: October 2008

The real author wrote this paper under the pseudonym J.-B. Leon Say.

A short essay about optimization of subcontracting.
Economic Analysis of Production and Inspection Procedure Changes in Hydraulic Line Manufacture
Authors: Seppi Fred , Turley Richard E.
Published: October 2008

In this case study, a net investment of $6,300 is shown to produce annual savings of over $38,000 with present value benefits approaching $230,000, a savings-over-investment ratio of 40.2, and amortization within one year. Economic analysis was used to (a) justify new alloy melting equipment and (b) compare four alternative methods of manufacture. Implementation of the recommendations has reduced the rejection rate for hydraulic lines manufactured with low-melting alloy from between 60 and 80% in October 1979 to below 10% by May 1981.
Management Science Process—Problem Construction and the Influence of O.R.
Authors: Eden Colin
Published: October 2008

The article below was the keynote address at the Australian Operational Research Society Conference last summer. It deals with a major issue in the Management Science process, the problem of consultant-client relationships, as well as the larger topic of the decision support systems, which are being discussed frequently in America and in the pages of this journal. An earlier exposition of some of these same ideas by Professor Eden and his colleague Professor David Sims appeared in the February 1981 “Management Science Process” column; hopefully, a greater interface between the work being done in these areas in the United States and elsewhere will be stimulated. (from the foreword of the column editor Robert J. Graham.)
The Precise Management Meaning of a Shadow Price
Authors: Perry C. , Crellin K. C.
Published: October 2008

A shadow price of a resource constraint in linear programming is usually defined as the maximum price which should be paid to obtain an additional unit of resource. This definition, however, is imprecise and could lead to incorrect decisions. Because a shadow price already incorporates variable costs involved in the addition of the extra resource unit, shadow price should be defined as the maximum permissible amount of those costs involved in the addition which have not been included in the per-unit contributions of the basic decision variables. This note provides the precise meaning of a shadow price, together with examples of its use in a decision context.
The Sociopolitical and Economic Context in Evaluating Productivity and Implementing Management Science Techniques
Authors: Singhal Kalyan
Published: October 2008

The importance of the sociopolitical and economic context in dealing with a problem situation in a particular country has been widely emphasised in the literature. However, one continues to come across studies in which the authors first concede this point but then go on to evaluate another country from their parochial perspective. This is particularly true of studies based on short-term trips abroad. The result could be incorrect data, incomplete analysis, and erroneous conclusions. Mostly, if not always, these studies show that the situation in the host country is highly illogical based on, of course, the yardstick used in the guest's country. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the process that leads to the reports on such studies. The lessons that follow from this analysis, we believe, are relevant in using the historical experience of one country for obtaining insights into the problem in another.
The Fifth Column—An Essay in the Management of Inventory or Por Razon SI Possible, Por Fuerza SI Necessario!
Authors: Woolsey Gene
Published: October 2008

An essay about the management of the inventory of tools in a company in South America, following the company growth from a personality managed shed to a huge factory.
A Cost Minimization Model for Warehouse Distribution Systems
Authors: Eldredge David L.
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a model for determining a low cost and high service capacity warehouse distribution system for consumer products, using a heuristic programming model which provides a very good solution to the distribution problem. The model treats a number of aspects of reality which are ignored in simpler models.
Ridge Estimators in House Valuation Models
Authors: Janssen Christian T. L. , Talwar Prem P.
Published: October 2008

Statistical models are being applied in the valuation of different types of real estate. This article discusses Ridge estimators for the valuation of single family residences in the presence of multicollinearity (ill-conditioned data). We distinguish between the prediction case, where the purpose is to estimate the selling price, and the explanation (or control) case, where the purpose is to infer the response in selling price from changes in regressor values, in particular property characteristics. The economic inferences from the latter ease are particularly interesting.
Pricing Strategies in Commodity Markets
Authors: Metcalf Jerry
Published: October 2008

There are a great many products that do not have the luxury of brand identification. They are the great unwashed, the commodity products for which then is virtually no loyalty among their customers. These products are mainly sold on the basis of price and availability with service and terms being significant but less important factors. A quick scan of the futures exchanges will provide a list of the major products in this category. All products are characterized by being traded in markets which are fairly efficient and quite volatile in terms of price. It is this volatility, especially on the down side, which creates the problems on which we hope to shed some light.
The Hesse-Woolsey-Stern Algorithm for the Transportation Problem: An Explication
Authors: Bharath R.
Published: October 2008

Hesse and Woolsey [Hesse, Rick, Gene Woolsey. 1980. Applied Management Science: A Quick and Dirty Approach. SRA, Chicago, 177.], following Stern [Stern, M. E. 1963. Mathematics for Management. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 396–400.], present an attractive way of modifying the Hungarian method for assignment problems so as to apply it to transportation problems in general. Their method consists in reducing the costs matrix by row and column reductions so as to identify the cells with zero relative/opportunity cost, and if necessary generating more zeros at later stages (by using the method of finding the smallest element not covered by a line when covering the zeros by using the minimum number of lines). It is shown here that it is not a sufficient condition for making an all-zero-cost allocation.
Redesigning the MBA Curriculum
Authors: Windsor Duane , Tuggle Francis D.
Published: October 2008

The traditional MBA curriculum is being subjected to increasing criticism on a number of grounds. That curriculum has focused on analytical training in Management Science and functional activities. There is a growing concern that tomorrow's private and public executives need a broader education along a number of dimensions. The Master of Business and Public Management (MBPM) curriculum at Rice University is intended to provide a new framework of this type without abandoning a Management Science orientation.
Behavioral Science—Effective Application of Staff Expertise Within Corporations
Authors: Wynne Bye
Published: October 2008

This paper presents conclusions drawn from personal experience in four different management roles: line, staff, executive, and top-management consultant. Field-developed methods for increasing the value received from investment in staff expertise are presented. Crucial to effective use of these methods is acceptance of a specific perspective on the nature of the continuing exchange contract between each pair of the three types of management: line, staff, and executive.
A Note on that Dirty Word “Efficiency”
Authors: Mintzberg Henry
Published: October 2008

Efficiency gets a bad name because it inevitably means measurable efficiency, with three unfortunate consequences. Because costs are typically more easily measured than benefits, efficiency all too often reduces to economy. Because economic costs can usually be more easily measured than social costs, efficiency often produces an escalation in social costs, which are treated as “externalities.” Because economic benefits are typically more easily measured than social benefits, efficiency often drives the organization toward an economic morality which can amount to a social immorality.
A Disciplined Stock Selection Strategy
Authors: Farrell James L.
Published: October 2008

An equity investment strategy, “disciplined stock selection,” has risk characteristics like the Standard & Poor 500 yet provides a better return. It combines several predictive evaluations to achieve better risk-return characteristics than other strategies. In five years of simulation and three years of implementation, the return has exceeded the S&P 500 by 2% or more. MPT Associates currently uses this method to manage over $250 million of pension assets.
Competitive Cost Dynamics: The Experience Curve
Authors: Hax Arnoldo C. , Majluf Nicolas S.
Published: October 2008

This is the first of three articles about some popular tools that have been widely used since the early 1970's to support strategic decision-making. The article below deals with the experience curve; subsequent articles will deal with the growth-share matrix and the industry attractiveness-business strength matrix. These tools have inspired a degree of controversy about their uses and limitations, issues that will be explored in this and the subsequent articles.

This is the first of the tutorial articles we will be publishing in Interfaces. The objective of a tutorial article is to describe an important technique or an application area for Interfaces readers who are nonexperts in the field. Please write and let me know what area(s) you would like to see covered in tutorial articles (and who you would like to see write them) and what area(s) you would be prepared to cover in a tutorial of your own.
Models in the Policy Process: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Walker Warren E.
Published: October 2008

Although the past 20 years seem to indicate that modeling for public policymaking has not been very successful, as better decision support systems and other user-friendly computer systems are developed, analysts, policymakers, and staff members will have an opportunity to work more closely throughout the whole process from problem definition to implementation. Policy analysts will be in greater demand in government and as consultants to government agencies.
Microcomputers and Management Science
Authors: Belshaw Paul N.
Published: October 2008

This column will be a forum for publishing contributions about management scientists' use of microcomputers for problem solving. What have been the successes? What have been the difficulties? What are the advantages of microcomputers? What are their disadvantages?

In this issue I will try to convince skeptics why those who practice or teach management science must look into the possibilities of microcomputers. Microcomputers are not just very small computers. The personal microcomputer, in particular, offers a new way of implementing computer models so that their use becomes second nature to decision makers. The wide distribution of these machines offers an unparalleled opportunity for the distribution of OR models.
Can Systems Analysis and Operations Research Help Congress?
Authors: Brown George E.
Published: October 2008

Originally the keynote address at the joint TIMS/ORSA meeting in Houston, Texas, November 12, 1981, this article makes an eloquent plea for the understanding and help of professionals in systems analysis. Although government problems can be broken down and understood using operations research methods, the fragmented institutions that would implement the solutions are unable or unwilling to do so. Much optimism, time, and effort are needed to work under the messy and seemingly illogical constraints found in the bizarre world of public policy making.
A Statewide Pavement Management System
Authors: Golabi Kamal , Kulkarni Ram B. , Way George B.
Published: October 2008

A pavement management system was developed for the State of Arizona to produce optimal maintenance policies for each mile of the 7,400-mile network of highways. The heart of the system is a mathematical model which captures the dynamic and probabilistic aspects of pavement maintenance. The model integrates management policy decisions, budgetary policies, environmental factors, and engineering decisions. During the first year of implementation, fiscal year 1980–81, the system saved 14 million dollars (almost 1/3 of Arizona's preservation budget). The forecast savings over the next four years is 101 million dollars.
Improving Transit Check Clearing Operations at Maryland National Bank
Authors: Markland Robert E. , Nauss Robert M.
Published: October 2008

One of the most important ways for today's banks to improve productivity is to speed up collection of funds of out-of-town (or “transit”) checks. A computerized integer programming model for transit check clearing has been developed and implemented at the Maryland National Bank, Baltimore. This model has improved the efficiency of transit check clearing and resulted in yearly savings in excess of $100,000.
On the Value of Controversy
Authors: Lilien Gary L.
Published: October 2008

Interfaces' function is not to publish only good news. One of its vital functions is to provide a forum for the debate of important issues. Such debate may make some readers uncomfortable. That discomfort is a small price to pay for a proactive strategy leading to a healthy profession (and a lively professional journal).
NATO Member Rejoins AWACS Acquisition: Systems Approach Facilitates Policy Decision
Authors: Stratvert Bruce N. , Chacko George K.
Published: October 2008

In December, 1978, NATO Defense Ministers undertook to acquire the $1,826 million Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft to detect low-flying aircraft. In November, 1979, one Member Country decided not to participate in the acquisition. Using the systems approach, the consequent re-scoping implications were formulated and transmitted to NATO “to stimulate their thinking” prior to the spring, 1980 meeting of the board of directors. The member-country agreed by summer, 1980 in principle to participate in the acquisition and announced full participation on May 7, 1981.
Using the Sharpe Portfolio Model to Choose Economic Sectors for Expansion in a Rural Indiana County
Authors: Brown Deborah J. , Brown Keith C.
Published: October 2008

The Sharpe stock portfolio model is used to analyze the economy of a rural Indiana county in the first attempt to use this model to analyze a regional economy. The major objective was to develop a technique that nontechnical people could use to identify regional industries that would be good candidates for expansion. Several promising industries for expansion were identified and a local chamber of commerce is currently working to encourage expansion in these sectors.
Corporate Management Science Activities: An Update
Authors: Forgionne Guisseppi A.
Published: October 2008

A survey identifies the extent of usage, areas of application, effectiveness ratings, implementation problems, and advantages of management science and operations research experienced by decision makers in large American-operated corporations. These results also are used to infer ways in which managers could utilize management science methodologies more effectively.
Operations Research in the US Marine Corps: A Characterization
Authors: Thomas George , Mitchell Michael
Published: October 2008

In 1981 a survey was conducted of all officers with a secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of Operations Analyst on active duty in the US Marine Corps. Its aim was to determine the usage frequency and the importance of 35 OR techniques and application areas during the officers' most recent tours of duty. The study focused on the use of operations research, but also yields insight on the use of operations researchers.
Heuristics: A Gambler's Roll
Authors: Hillier Frederick S.
Published: October 2008

The insights gained in nearly 20 years of investigation of heuristics in integer programming may have wider applicability for developing heuristic procedures in management science. Four hypothetical principles for designing good heuristic methods revolve around the notion that because luck is involved in applying heuristic procedures one should try to weight the odds in one's favor as much as possible.
A Model for Equipment Replacement Decisions and Policies
Authors: Waddell Richard
Published: October 2008

A computer program using a dynamic programming algorithm to optimize the projected discounted cash flow is used by fleet managers at Phillips Petroleum Company in making replacement decisions for individual highway tractors. Now it is also being used to formulate policies for replacing passenger cars and light trucks.
Apportioning the United States House of Representatives
Authors: Balinski M. L. , Young H. P.
Published: October 2008

Apportionment is the constitutional problem of allocating the seats of the United States House of Representatives proportionally to states' populations. History and common sense together suggest a fundamental set of principles of fairness that should be met by any method used to solve it. The principles determine a unique method originally proposed by Daniel Webster in 1832 that was discarded in 1941 on fallacious grounds in favor of the present one.
Applications of Single-Card and Dual-Card Kanban
Authors: Schonberger Richard J.
Published: October 2008

Kanban is a Japanese technique for requesting more manufacturing materials on an as-needed basis by issuing a Kanban (card), plus an empty container. Kanban is a pull system of replenishment, as opposed to the push system that governs schedule-based systems like material requirements planning (MRP).

Toyota's dual-card Kanban technique, with a productivity-improvement feature, is contrasted with a less-potent and simpler technique employing a single Kanban. Kanban techniques are also compared with MRP, reorder point, and continuous replenishment techniques.
A Multicriteria Assignment Problem: A Goal Programming Approach
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Schniederjans Marc J.
Published: October 2008

A generalized goal programming model is used to resolve a real-world human resource allocation problem involving allocating teachers to 22 private schools in St. Louis, Missouri. The model provides a solution that balances cost minimization with preference goals of the teachers, administrators, and schools.
A Simple Stochastic Model for Facility Planning in a Mental Health Care System
Authors: Graves Stephen C. , Leff H. Stephen , Natkins Judith , Senger Michael
Published: October 2008

General hospital (GH) psychiatric units are increasingly being used as alternatives to public mental hospitals (PHs). Although “back-of-the-envelope” calculation predicted that each bed in a new GH unit would reduce the census at the PH by 1.5 to 2 patients, our more careful analysis, involving a simple stochastic model, showed that this effect was much less. The model accurately predicts census levels for all but chronic patients, and has since been used by local and state planners.
The Application of Simulation: A Survey of Industry Practice
Authors: Christy David P. , Watson Hugh J.
Published: October 2008

A survey of nonacademic users of computer simulation explored such issues as interest in simulation as a method of analysis, the functional areas which use simulation, the departments where simulation models are developed, the method of selecting a programming language for coding a simulation model, the popularity of various programming languages for simulation applications, and problems associated with the application of simulation. Current practices for measuring the effectiveness and suggestions for improving the use of simulation are discussed.
An Inventory Management and Materials Information System for Aircraft Production
Authors: Lingaraj B. P. , Balasubramanian R.
Published: October 2008

An inventory management system and a materials information system were developed for an aircraft plant in India. They include an inventory classification scheme based on value and importance, and a vendor rating system. The new system resulted in a reduction of inventory by 10% and of overall delivery time by three months for the year.
What Is Happening in DSS?
Authors: Blanning Robert W.
Published: October 2008

A reply to Naylor [Naylor, T. H. 1982. Decision support systems or whatever happened to M.I.S.? Interfaces 12(4, August) 92–94.] discusses the state of the art in DSS research, whether the way in which it is being presented is detrimental, and the future of DSS.
The Changing Role of the Sales Force in France
Authors: Xardel Dominique
Published: October 2008

The French salesperson's professional role, relationship with clients, and place in the firm are all changing dramatically. Technological advances and new life styles have brought about a new direct and controlled approach to sales. The technological advances have also caused a decrease in the number of full-time independent sales agents. In this period of change, career problems, the attrition rate and costs of maintaining sales forces are important considerations for management and challenges to sales-force model-builders.
Computer Aided Train Dispatching: Decision Support Through Optimization
Authors: Sauder Richard L. , Westerman William M.
Published: October 2008

A mini-computer based information system with on-line optimal route planning capability was developed to assist dispatchers on the complex northern portion of Southern Railway's Alabama Division. The routing plan is revised automatically as conditions change. Since implementation in September 1980, train delay has been more than 15 percent lower, reflecting annual savings of $316,000.

The dispatching support system is now being expanded to all other Southern Railway operating divisions with $3,000,000 annual savings expected from reduced train delay.
Productivity Strategy and Business Strategy: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Judson Arnold S.
Published: October 2008

Addressing productivity strategically means defining the scope to include the entire system required to produce goods and services for customers and aligning priorities to support the business plan, and ensuring that managers understand these priorities and agree upon high-leverage opportunities for productivity improvement. Successful implementation is ensured by formulating step-by-step actions that specify who must do what, when, with whom, and with what resources.
Finance Theory and Financial Strategy
Authors: Myers Stewart C.
Published: October 2008

Despite its major advances, finance theory has had scant impact on strategic planning. Strategic planning needs finance and should learn to apply finance theory correctly. However, finance theory must be extended in order to reconcile financial and strategic analysis.
Managing Strategic Adaptation: Options in Administrative Systems Design
Authors: Chakravarthy Balaji S. , Lorange Peter
Published: October 2008

The challenge for strategic planning is to provide a proper trade-off between the short-term and long-term interests of the firm. Four alternative administrative arrangements have been used to make these trade-offs in multibusiness firms. The key distinction between the models is the level within the organization at which these trade-offs are made. Several contextual factors influence the choice of a model for the firm.
Content Analysis of Annual Reports for Corporate Strategy and Risk
Authors: Bowman Edward H.
Published: October 2008

Annual report content analysis is used to explore corporate strategy and elements of risk and return. Sets of reports from three industries, food processing, computer peripherals, and containers, show relationships which are otherwise difficult to obtain and which can be tested for validity. Revealed are a negative correlation of risk and return between companies within industries, and a tendency of troubled companies to seek risk. Profits following higher risk positions are explored in light of current finance theory using content analysis.
Implications of Changes in Information Technology for Corporate Strategy
Authors: Rockart J. F. , Morton M. S. Scott
Published: October 2008

Although to date computer technology has been used primarily to automate paperwork, recently we have entered an era in which information availability and new communication processes are having a significant impact on corporate life. In a conceptual model of this phenomenon, one aspect, the way in which technology is now driving corporate strategy, is emphasized.
A Survey of Issues in the MS/OR Field
Authors: Zahedi Fatemeh
Published: October 2008

Three decades of development in MS/OR have produced an extensive literature on issues in the field itself, such as, theory versus application, education, career paths, research, research topics, application guidelines and teamwork.