bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Task‐Structure Relationship of Information Systems Development Subunit: A Congruence Perspective*
Authors: Umanath Narayan S. , Kim K. Kyu 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have examined the influence of organizational context (e.g., organization size, environment, strategy) on information systems (IS) performance/success. But very few studies have examined IS structure, and those studies have focused on a particular element of IS structure (e.g., decentralization). Thus, the multidimensional structural configuration of IS as an organizational subunit has escaped research attention. Further, the nature of the task to be performed by the IS subunit as a contextual factor has been virtually ignored in the IS research literature.In this paper, we first develop a congruence model for the task‐structure relationship in an information systems development (ISD) subunit setting. Then we test this model as a multivariate relationship followed by subordinate bivariate analyses. Analysis of data from 41 hospitals’ ISD subunits reveals that a congruence relationship between task context and the structure of an ISD subunit is present. Our findings also show that an exclusive association exists between uncertainty in the task environment and the decision‐making structure. Likewise, the association between equivocality of task content and the control structure of the ISD subunit is also exclusive. Implications of these findings for decision makers and researchers are discussed.
A Model for Master Production Scheduling in Uncertain Environments
Authors: Lin Neng‐Pai , Krajewski Lee 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn uncertain environments, the master production schedule (MPS) is usually developed using a rolling schedule. When utilizing a rolling schedule, the MPS is replanned periodically and a portion of the MPS is frozen in each planning cycle. The cost performance of a rolling schedule depends on three decisions: the choice of the replanning interval (R), which determines how often the MPS should be replanned; the choice of the frozen interval (F), which determines how many periods the MPS should be frozen in each planning cycle; and the choice of the forecast window (T), which is the time interval over which the MPS is determined using newly updated forecast data.This paper uses an analytical approach to study the master production scheduling process in uncertain environments without capacity constraints, where the MPS is developed using a rolling schedule. It focuses on the choices of F, R, and T for the MPS. A conceptual framework that includes all important MPS time intervals is described. The effects of F, R, and T on system costs, which include the forecast error, MPS change, setup, and inventory holding costs, are also explored. Finally, a mathematical model for the MPS is presented. This model approximates the average system cost as a function of F, R, T, and several environmental factors. It can be used to estimate the associated system costs for any combination of F, R, and T.
Understanding Patterns of Publishing Activity in Academic Research Occupations*
Authors: Rebne Douglas S. , Davidson Naomi Berger 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWhile it is widely understood that faculty in various disciplines tend to publish at different rates and in different forms, knowledge of these differences is too limited to facilitate systematically differentiated performance appraisal and reward systems. In this study, theory concerning knowledge production system characteristics as influences on individual performance is applied to academic research occupations using a classification scheme developed by Biglan [4]. Regression analysis is applied to a general (industry‐wide) sample of United States faculty, with publishing patterns as performance measures. Each dimension of the classification scheme is found to have predictive validity. Output patterns are consistent with a conceptualization of research occupations in terms of (1) transformational/technological processes, (2) research mission, and (3) input/subject matter characteristics. The results offer a basis for generating disciplinary publishing norms and differentiated reward systems.
Auditors' Assessment of Management's Disposition: An Attributional Analysis*
Authors: Reckers Philip M. J. , Wong‐On‐Wing Bernard , Krull George W. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAuditors' assessment of management's dispositions presumably affects their subsequent judgments. However, little is known about the process by which auditors infer characteristics of management. This paper proposes the theory of correspondent inferences [25] as a framework for examining auditors' assessment of management's dispositions; the model is tested in a laboratory experiment using experienced audit managers. The results are consistent with the proposed theoretical framework. Implications for future research are discussed.
An Analysis of Pedagogical Effects of Alternative Teaching Approaches of Goal Programming
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Kim Eyong B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTLee, Shim, and Lee [12] suggested the superiority of the signal flow graph (SFG) method over the modified simplex method in enhancing students' learning of goal programming (GP). The present study empirically investigated this claim by analyzing the effect of the SFG method of GP on students' learning. In the process, this study also developed an effective tool for measuring GP knowledge. The findings showed that students who learned the SFG method understood GP better and more easily than those who learned the concept through the modified simplex method. The students who learned the SFG method of GP were also less dependent on rules or formulas than the students who learned the modified simplex method.
Risk Averse Decisions in Business Planning
Authors: Dillinger Anne M. , Stein William E. , Mizzi Philip J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTSecond‐order stochastic dominance is used to determine preferences among various investments for any risk‐averse decision maker. On the other hand, when faced with choosing between different insurance policies or disaster plans, a risk‐averse decision maker should use a type of stochastic dominance called variability ordering. In this situation, second‐order stochastic dominance has been used in previous research and is incorrect.
Modelling Resource Allocation in a Decentralized Organization with an AI‐Based, Goal‐Directive Model*
Authors: Leu Yow‐Yuh , Rakes Terry R. , Rees Loren Paul , Ceccucci Wendy A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTModelling the resource allocation decision process in a decentralized organization using mathematical programming decomposition approaches has proven intractable for all but the smallest of problems. In this paper three artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are integrated to model the resource allocation decision process, and the solution for a three‐level decentralized organization is illustrated. The techniques are (1) the filtered beam search, which selects a list of potential projects at the subordinate level, (2) the world model, which describes the ordinate and superordinate's worlds and their decision‐making processes, and (3) the blackboard model, which allows for global, but selective, storage of information. Benefits of the new approach include: several different mechanisms of managerial control may be modelled, the true information flow in an organization is more closely mirrored, and problems of a more realistic size are now viable. There are three primary ways in which the new model could be useful to management: The desirability and effects of different organizational structures can be modeled, the efficacy of various coordination mechanisms along the organizational structure can be examined, and a subset of projects from a wider list of possibilities can be selected. Also, an example is given showing how the model may be extended to scenarios with asymetric information and divergence of preferences, whereby subordinates have different objectives than their managers and where there is no way for managers to verify the truthfulness of their subordinates' responses.
Fading Frames: Data Presentation and Framing Effects*
Authors: Diamond Lester , Lerch F. Javier 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis article describes three experiments that investigate the impact of data presentation on framing, which is the differential evaluation of objectively equivalent information given different frames of reference. The experiments were designed to vary the amount of information and the format of presentation (tables versus graphs) provided to the decision maker to gain an understanding of the mechanism underlying framing. The inferred information model proposed by Johnson and Levin [11] is utilized to explain the results of the three experiments in terms of the redistribution of weights attached by the decision makers to the attributes of the prospective outcomes. The results of the three experiments indicate that framing effects are observed only when the presentation of data facilitates the shifting of weights among the attributes of the available alternatives. The results further indicate that framing is eliminated as more information is displayed. However, presentation of additional information does not eliminate framing when a graphical format is utilized. Finally, no framing effects are observed when uneven amounts of information are used to describe two alternatives in the same decision task.
Stochastic and Intransitive Behavior in a State‐Preference Model of Asset Choice*
Authors: Bernardo John J. , Upton David E. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTMost models of investor behavior assume a time‐state independent utility function and result in a deterministic solution where a given set of inputs uniquely specifies the decision. In contrast, a state preference model using a time‐state dependent utility function is derived in this paper. The model allows the investment choice decision to be analyzed in a game theoretic context. The general solution is a mixed strategy which allows for a probabilistic interpretation of the decision. The approach presented in this paper can accommodate anomalies such as intransitivity of preference and satisficing as rational behavior. An example of a possible implementation is given along with interpretations of the outcomes.
Constrained Forecasting: Some Implementation Guidelines
Authors: Fliedner Eugene B. , Mabert Vincent A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTConstrained forecasting has become a popular approach to the complex task of predicting future sales. Mixed performance results have been obtained by companies employing constrained forecasting systems software packages which probably reflects the lack of any clear system implementation guidelines. A number of important operational parameters such as the number of product families, criterion used to define product families, number of system levels, etc. must be specified. This study reports on an investigation of two of these parameters: product group size and appropriate grouping criterion. Different tests are performed with the constrained forecasting system and compared to a traditional forecasting approach using product data from the Cummins Engine Company of Columbus, Indiana.
Real Estate Taxation and Commercial Mortgage Underwriting
Authors: Shilton Leon , O'Connor Walter , Teall John , Webb James R. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTRecent disclosures about problem commercial real estate loans have exposed the underwriting process to intense scrutiny. This study focuses on mortgage loan underwriters of life insurance companies. After a review of the tax changes that affected commercial real estate from 1969 through 1988, the study tests how loan underwriters reacted to changes in tax benefits. To overcome the interdependent effects of interest rates and capitalization rates, a variation of the Black‐Scholes pricing model is used to test the impact of changes in tax benefits. The results indicate that the underwriters do not fully incorporate the value of tax benefits in the underwriting decision. During the period of the largest tax benefits, 1982 to 1986, underwriters became more conservative and increased their equity requirements.
A Study of the Impact of an Integrated Information Technology on the Time Utilization of Information Workers
Authors: Sulek Joanne M. , Marucheck Ann S. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the impact of the implementation of an integrated information technology (IIT) on the time utilization of information workers as mediated by the content of the information work performed. The IIT in this study is a system of personal computers linked together in a network for sharing computing, data, and communication resources. The subjects of the study were two groups of information workers in an academic field setting. One group consisted of knowledge workers whose chief activity was to advise and counsel students. The other group represented lower level information workers who provided support service to an academic department. A two‐dimensional framework was used to classify each of the activities an information worker performs relative to its importance and programmability within the context of the information work. Using work sampling methodology, it was determined that the IIT was associated with the knowledge workers' reallocation of work time to important yet relatively unstructured tasks. The lower level information workers became more efficient in performing highly structured skill‐based activities. However, there was no statistically significant improvement in the effectiveness of the work completed as perceived by the clients of both groups of information workers. The results suggest that when an IIT is implemented, the manner in which newly available time is utilized depends on the nature of the information work performed by the users.
Judgment Error and Expert Critics in Forecasting Tasks*
Authors: Silverman Barry G. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an approach to elicit and critique intuitive forecasts. It attempts to retain the valid component of experts' judgments while correcting some biases. Decision science and expert system techniques were unified with the design of an expert critiquing system. A real world application of the resulting critic verifies the approach. A discussion addresses how to create a similar critic for other forecast settings.
A Goal Programming Model for Effective Segment Determination: A Comment and Application
Authors: McGlone Teresa A. , Calantone Roger J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis note presents a model for the effective market segment determination problem. The integer goal programming model was developed for a nonprofit health care organization. The approach is an alternative application of a model presented by McClure and Wells [7]. The model includes input from the organization's clients as well as the organization's decision makers. A distinctive element is the simultaneous development of market segments and the consideration of management, institutional, and resource constraints. The purpose of the model was to aid the decision makers in determining if effective market segments exist which can be reached with information and educational materials concerning infant nutrition and breastfeeding. The model was tested and found to be effective in helping the decision makers segment their clients.
How Prevalent Are Stable‐Paretian Distributed Financial Variables?
Authors: Lau Hon‐Shiang , Gribbin Donald W. , Harris Randy 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTMany studies have claimed that the stable‐Paretian distribution should be used to model a wide variety of financial variables, ranging from stock and futures prices to exchange rates. Using a newly developed method, this study shows that the stable distribution is unsuitable for modeling most financial variables that are stable‐distributed. We found that the distributions of a few accounting ratios may be stable. Our conclusions support a change in the future directions of financial‐variable modeling.
The Design of a Knowledge‐Based Decision Support System to Support the Information Analyst in Determining Requirements
Authors: Dalal Nikunj P. , Yadav Surya B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTDecision support system (DSS) researchers and designers continue to look for unstructured organizational tasks where there is a critical need for intelligent computer‐based support. One such decision task is information requirements determination. Requirements determination is recognized as the most crucial phase of the systems development life cycle. Unfortunately, most methodologies and CASE tools focus only on how to specify the requirements once they are determined. There is very little computer support for the process of determining requirements. This paper discusses the conceptual design and development of a knowledge‐based DSS to support information analysts in the critical decision task of determining requirements for the design of effective information systems. The expert modeling support system has the expertise to assist the analyst in studying the organization as a whole and in modeling the system under study in the context of the overall organization's goals and needs. The focus of the paper is on the problems associated with building the knowledge base component of the intelligent decision support system. A prototype implementation of the system is described.
A Knowledge Based Decision Support System for Setup Reduction
Authors: Kim Seung‐Lae , Arinze Bay 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe issue of setup reduction is important for firms seeking to incorporate advanced procedures and concepts such as flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and just‐in‐time (JIT) manufacturing to improve manufacturing productivity. Investing adequate amounts in setup reduction is a complex decision affected by many factors including the existing level of automation, worker characteristics, product features, and the manufacturing environment. The consequences of improper investment (i.e., over‐ and underinvestment) includes possible disruption of manufacturing operations as well as wasted resources. Much of the knowledge involved in the investment decision is heuristic and experience‐based, and takes on greater significance when the form of the setup reduction function is not known a priori. This paper describes the development of a knowledge‐based decision support system (KBDSS) that combines both heuristic and procedural knowledge to provide support for the setup reduction investment decision. The system uses codified manufacturing expertise to improve both the accuracy and effectiveness of setup‐reduction decision making. Use of the KBDSS is illustrated by two examples based on disparate manufacturing contexts.
Generating Explanations for Goal‐Based Decision Making*
Authors: Slade Stephen 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAs information systems make the transition from decision support to decision making, there will be a concomitant need for the programs to explain or justify their actions. Without such explanations, humans will not readily cede authority to a machine. This paper describes an automated decision‐making program, VOTE, which generates natural language explanations for its decisions in both English and French. The program domain is Congressional roll call voting. VOTE simulates voting decisions of specific members of the United States House of Representatives on given bills. VOTE's natural language generation facility is also used by the underlying databases to interpret the knowledge representations. These underlying knowledge representations are described and applications of this decision making model to the general business domains of strategic planning, investment, and marketing are suggested.
Insights from Attempts to Validate a Multi‐Attribute Model of Problem Definition Quality
Authors: Massey Anne P. , O'Keefe Robert M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTProblem definitions are often used as part of the problem structuring process in decision sciences. We report an attempt to validate a multi‐attribute model of problem definition quality in the context of an experiment based upon the definition of the ‘alcohol problem’ on a campus. Three independent raters assessed values for the attributes of the model for 57 written problem definitions, and their rating was compared to three subjective ‘expert’ ratings made by individuals with some responsibility for alcohol policy. Our study shows that the experts exhibited considerable stakeholder bias in their assessments of the definitions, suggesting that a definition that is evaluated as good may not be subjectively acceptable to others. We present some evidence that the best definitions are those that provide direction with regard to solution, neither suggesting firm solutions to the problem nor being too open‐ended. It is shown that the multi‐attribute model is a reasonable tool for eliminating poorer definitions. Further, we relate our work to recent conceptual developments in understanding problem definition.
Integrative Cycle Scheduling Approach for a Capacitated Flexible Assembly System*
Authors: Kim DaeSoo , Mabert Vincent A. , Pinto Peter A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis study revisits the traditional single stage, multi‐item, capacitated lot‐sizing problem (CLSP) with a new integrative focus on problem structuring. Unlike past research, we develop integrative cycle scheduling approaches which simultaneously address lot‐sizing, capacity, and sequencing issues. Our purposes are to (1) explore the effect of sequencing on inventory levels, (2) examine the problem of infeasibility in the economic lot scheduling problem (ELSP), and (3) provide a simple methodology of generating low‐cost cycle schedules in an environment with discrete shipping, dynamic demands, limited capacity, zero setup cost, and sequence‐independent setup times. Our procedures are compared to benchmark cycle scheduling approaches in terms of both inventory cost and computation time under different demand scenarios, using the operating data from a flexible assembly system (FAS) at the Ford Motor Company's Sandusky, Ohio plant.
Labor Utilization Effects of Labor Scheduling Flexibility Alternatives in a Tour Scheduling Environment
Authors: Jacobs Larry W. , Bechtold Stephen E. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis study used a factorial experimental design and a new modeling methodology to investigate the impact of a number of labor scheduling flexibility alternatives and labor requirements characteristics on labor utilization within a tour scheduling environment. Break‐placement flexibility and shift‐length flexibility were found to be extremely effective in improving labor utilization for all labor requirement distributions used. Flexibility with respect to the number of days included in a tour schedule resulted in substantial improvement in labor utilization for all labor requirements distributions exhibiting daily and/or weekly variation. Surprisingly, virtually no improvement in labor utilization was achieved for any labor requirement distribution by the removal of requirements for consecutive days off. In addition, almost no improvement was found by allowing the shift start time to vary across the working days included in tours. High labor requirement amplitude was found to have a strong adverse effect on labor utilization while longer operational days were associated with improved labor utilization for all labor requirement distributions. We discuss the implications of these results for service operations management and provide suggestions for future research.