bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Letter to the Editor—Comment on the Theory of Value
Authors: Steinhardt Jacinto 
Published: November 2008

Comment on “The Theory of Value and the Science of Decision—A Summary,” Jour. Op. Res. Soc. Am. 1, 103, 1953. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Observations on Operations Research
Authors: Hurni M. L. 
Published: November 2008

If this meeting is typical, we will hear a number of fine papers on such specific methods as queuing theory, decision theory, search theory, linear programming, etc. I would predict there will also be many excellent case studies discussed. In view of this display of professional talent, it seems that what is reserved for me, is to discuss operations research from the viewpoint of an inquisitive potential client who is at the same time intrigued by what we claim and confused by what we seem to do. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
The Effect of Reliability of “Supervisory” Equipment on the Accuracy of a “Supervised” System
Authors: Boldyreff Alexander W. 
Published: November 2008

This study deals with a basic system, the performance of which degenerates through random errors increasing with the square root of operating time. The probable circular error of this system can be made independent of the time by the addition to the system of supervisory equipment capable of periodic correction of the errors of the basic system. Assuming the supervisory equipment “fail safe” and subject to constant hazard type of failure, the performance of the supervised system is determined for various values of reliability of the supervisory equipment. It is shown that a great improvement in performance is possible even with unreliable supervision. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Letter to the Editor—A Family of Queuing Problems
Authors: Morse Philip M. , Garber H. N. , Ernst M. L. 
Published: November 2008

Operational situations involving waiting lines differ from each other primarily in the number of service channels available and in the statistics of the service process. Other differences are possible, such as the occurrence of a non-Poisson arrival pattern or the imposition of priorities (A. Cobham, J. Opns. Res. Soc. Am. 2, 70 (1954).) but such differences are less frequent. Consequently it appears likely that a two-parameter family of queuing problems, one parameter being the number a of service channels and the other parameter specifying the statistics of the service process, would correspond to most of the waiting-line situations ordinarily encountered. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
A Two-Stage Optimization Model for In-Patient Transfers
Authors: Rabinowitz Manus , Dumas M. Barry , Valinsky David 
Published: November 2008

A major problem in large urban hospitals is patient misplacement—the daily necessity of placing newly admitted patients in inappropriate beds because of varying demands, discharge patterns, and medical requirements. It is highly desirable to relocate as many misplaced patients as possible. Usually, transfers are arranged by comparing bed-vacancy lists with misplaced patient lists, a procedure that misses many transfer possibilities. Initially, we formulated this problem as a linear program. However, because of problem size, solution on a daily basis is economically infeasible. We resolved this by reformulating the problem as a two-stage model. Aggregation is used for the first stage, taking advantage of the special structure of this linear program to form one of substantially reduced size. The second stage is a computerized search algorithm that disaggregates the first-stage optimal solution into the form required for its implementation by the hospital. A test run using actual hospital data demonstrates the model's effectiveness. Finally, we discuss plans for implementation.
Approximate Transient Analysis of Some Queuing Systems
Authors: Kotiah T. C. T. 
Published: November 2008

We propose approximations for the time-dependent queue size distribution Pn(t) and the mean queue size E[X(t)] of an M/M/1 queue. With a Laplace transform-generating function technique, the exact analysis involves the complex root u* inside the unit circle of a certain quadratic. The exact value of u* leads to transforms that, when inverted, yield rather complicated expressions for Pn(t) and E[X(t)]. We discuss three iterative procedures that give successive rational approximations for u*. These approximations yield, for the queue size distribution and the mean queue size, approximate transforms that are rational and easier to invert. We obtain sharp bounds for Pn(t) and E[X(t)] for a wide range of parameter values by performing the second iteration and combining the approximate results given by the iterative procedures. The methods can be applied to approximate the behavior of more complicated queues. Applications to the M/M/2 queue and the M/Ep/1 queue are discussed briefly.
Strip Mining Phosphate Rock with Large Walking Draglines—A Problem in Operations Research
Authors: Dunlap Jack W. , Jacobs Herbert H. 
Published: November 2008

The mining of phosphate rock by strip mining methods is dependent on the effectiveness of a great many managerial decisions which affect the pattern of operations. A mathematical analog was developed to simulate operation of the mining system in such a way as to make possible prediction of the consequences of any alternative decision (in value and cost terms). The results of this study were translated in such a form that they could be applied routinely to the management of mining operations. This study is reported in the three separate phases which the authors believe to characterize the operations-research method (1) formulation of the problem, (2) research and model development, and (3) translation and implementation of results. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
A Proposal for Revising New York's Subway Fare Structure
Authors: Vickrey William S. 
Published: November 2008

Consideration of the effect of the fare structure on the efficiency with which transit facilities are utilized leads to the conclusion that operation of a transit system on a self-liquidating or cost-covering basis, either by a private utility company or by a public authority, will inevitably fall considerably short of arriving at an optimum adjustment. Any governmental unit whose finances are in reasonably good shape can materially improve the over-all welfare of its residents by raising the rates of some appropriate taxes and lowering transit fares to a level conducive to more efficient utilization of the transit facilities. The most efficient utilization of the New York subway system requires a fare structure rather drastically different from those now generally in use, and generally at a level which would yield revenues falling considerably short of covering total costs. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Approximate Salvo Kill Probabilities for Small and Medium Sized Targets when Cumulative Damage is Unimportant
Authors: Walsh John E. 
Published: November 2008

This paper considers salvo-firing situations where the cumulative damage contribution is unimportant and presents some approximate probability expressions of an analytical nature. These results are valid if the target size and vulnerability are not too large compared to the round dispersion, and the other assumptions adopted are those ordinarily used for problems of this type. These expressions show that, for the two-dimensional situations considered, a salvo kill probability can be approximately stated as an explicit function of four parameters. These parameters are the number of ammunition rounds, the average target vulnerability times the target size, the salvo aiming error dispersion, and a function of the round dispersion and two dispersion type terms which depend on the target size, shape, and vulnerability. Thus the target properties are condensed into three numbers. Also the resulting probability expressions are of a form which permits direct examination of the effects of changes in the salvo-aiming system (fire-control system), the number and properties of the ammunition rounds, and the properties of the target. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
A Discussion of Education for Operations Research
Authors: Schultz Andrew 
Published: November 2008

This paper is based upon discussion which took place during a Symposium on Education for Operations Research which was held in Ithaca in October, 1954. The participants were Dr. Russell L. Ackoff, Case Institute of Technology; Prof. J. G. Brainerd, University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Glen D. Camp, Melpar, Inc.; Dr. W. P Cunningham, U.S. Naval Post Graduate School, Dr. Harold O. Davidson, The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Merrill M. Flood, Columbia University, Dr. Ellis A. Johnson, The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Joseph F. McCloskey, The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. R. E. McGarrah, Cornell University; Dr. Loring G. Mitten, The Ohio State University, Prof. J. E. Morton, Cornell University, Mr. Russell R. O'Neill, University of California, Dr. Edward S. Quade, The Rand Corporation, Dean Robert H. Roy, The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Melvin Salveson, General Electric Company, Dr. Andrew Schultz, Jr., Cornell University; and Prof. T. M. Whitin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The transcript of many portions of the discussion is too sketchy to permit direct quotation or publication, and this paper represents a sincere effort to present the opinion of the group where agreement was reached, or the points of disagreement, where the latter seems appropriate. It should be emphasized that the thoughts expressed are based upon the tape and stenographic transcripts available, and cannot be taken to report the full opinion of any individual participant. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Direct Use of Extremal Principles in Solving Certain Optimizing Problems Involving Inequalities
Authors: Klein Bertram 
Published: November 2008

It is shown how extremal principles may be used in their rigorous sense to solve certain optimizing problems involving inequalities. The method applies to both linear and non-linear type problems as illustrated by the examples included in the paper, and is particularly suited for electronic digital computation because of the trigger-type, “either-or,” nature of the solution. Certain problems concerned with the low weight design of structures, arising in the author's field of structural mechanics, can be considered to lie in the general field of operations research. Almost invariably these problems contain inequality side conditions and hence may be solved by the methods of the paper. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Letter to the Editor—Problem of Optimum Distribution of Effort—A Correction
Authors: Miehle William 
Published: November 2008

I am indebted to Dr. John M. Danskin for pointing out the fact that my proof for additive effects in my paper on “Numerical Solution of the Problem of Optimum Distribution of Effort” in the November 1954 issue of this Journal (vol. 2, p. 433) is not entirely rigorous. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Letter to the Editor—Use of Linear Programming in Capital Budgeting
Authors: Gunther Paul 
Published: November 2008

Linear programming has found wide application in solving such diverse problems as determining the optimum utilization of machines, most different scheduling procedures, most economical routing of transportation, best system of salary scales, etc. An example has recently come to our attention which illustrates the value of this new technique, and the practical type of solution arrived at, in the important field of capital budgeting. In order to protect the identity of the company involved, we have modified slightly some of the figures and the nature of the product. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
An Analysis of a Railroad Classification Yard
Authors: Crane Roger R. , Brown Frank B. , Blanchard Robert O. 
Published: November 2008

A freight car in the United States spends approximately two-thirds of its time stationary; a significant portion of this time in hump classification yards is spent in queues waiting to be inspected and classified into outbound trains. This paper describes the development of a model for these queues and the application of the Monte Carlo method to the analysis of these queues for a particular classification yard. An elementary form of feedback is included in the model. Using the model of yard operation, certain methods of improving yard operation are determined. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Application of Discrete Variable Servo Theory to Inventory Control
Authors: Vassian Herbert J. 
Published: November 2008

Until recently the bases for designing inventory control systems have been poorly understood. This paper discusses the application of discrete variable servo theory to the analysis of inventory control systems, using the simplest periodic inventory replenishment case as an example. The objective is to design an inventory control scheme which will minimize the variance of the inventory balance subject to imposed conditions. A reorder rule is derived and shown to give minimum inventory variance. The “obvious” reorder rule derived is one of several observed in practice in situations approximating the simple case The dependence of the inventory level variance on the sales forecast error and system constants is stated explicitly. The principles and methods illustrated are applicable to more complex types of discrete control systems. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Applications of Game Theory in Fighter Versus Bomber Combat
Authors: Caywood T. E. , Thomas C. J. 
Published: November 2008

The theory of games offers a valuable framework in which to evaluate future or proposed weapons systems. These evaluations are generally based upon the computed performance of the various weapons systems in a typical combat situation. The computation of this performance invariably involves the specification of certain tactics which are relatively easy to change by either combatant. It is reasonable to assume that these combatants would be “rational” in the game-theoretic sense. Although the specific type of weapons systems discussed here are those of individual aircraft, the concepts are directly applicable to other systems. However, for clarity of exposition we shall not refer to any of these generalizations. This paper was prepared for, and portions were presented at the First Annual Meeting of the Operations Research Society in Cleveland, Ohio, May 16, 1953. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Symposium on Applications of Operations Research to Urban Services—A Determination of the Optimum Location of Fire-Fighting Units in New York City
Authors: Valinsky David 
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses the multiple approaches employed in treating the problem of efficiency of fire-company locations in New York City. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Engineering Studies of Urban Traffic Flow
Authors: Barnes Henry A. 
Published: November 2008

The one thing that a traffic engineer learns early in life is that, no matter how many statistics or how many studies he makes, he never can come up with an answer that will completely satisfy everyone. Naturally, no traffic improvement can be made without changing people's habits, without eliminating some special privileges, and, in some cases, without actually hurting people—from a business standpoint. However, if his plans are based on good, sound data, the average traffic engineer can support his program before the public or, if necessary, in our courts. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Letter to the Editor—Priority Assignment—A Correction
Authors: Cobham Alan 
Published: November 2008

Dr. John Danskin has called to my attention the fact that formula (3) of my paper “Priority Assignment in Waiting Line Problems” (this Journal, vol. 2, p. 70, Feb. 1954), which gives the expected waiting time for units of each priority level of a single-channel waiting-line system is not, as I stated, valid when the system under consideration is in a permanently saturated state; that is, when the volume of incoming traffic is greater than can be handled by the system. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.
Annual Scheduling of Atlantic Fleet Naval Combatants
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , Goodman Clark E. , Wood R. Kevin 
Published: November 2008

Employment scheduling is the process whereby U. S. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and other units are assigned to major operations, exercises, maintenance periods, inspections and other events; the employment schedule directly influences fleet combat readiness. Currently, this process is largely manual requiring several full-time scheduling officers and additional personnel at various levels of management. We introduce an optimization model that automates a substantial part of the employment scheduling problem. The model is formulated as a generalized set partitioning problem and is applied to the annual planning schedule for naval surface combatants of the Atlantic Fleet. For the calendar year 1983, 111 ships engage in 19 primary events yielding a model with 228 constraints and 10,723 binary variables. This model is solved optimally in about 1.6 minutes producing a schedule that is significantly better than the corresponding published schedule. The optimized peacetime employment schedule which has as its objective maximizing combat readiness should always be the goal and guide. U.S. Navy, NWP − 1 He knew the things that were, the things that would be, and the things that had come before. Homer, The Iliad
How Many Parts to Make at Once
Authors: Harris Ford W. 
Published: November 2008

Reprinted from Factory, The Magazine of Management, Volume 10, Number 2, February 1913, pp. 135–136, 152. Interest on capital tied up in wages, material and overhead sets a maximum limit to the quantity of parts which can be profitably manufactured at one time; “set-up” costs on the job fix the minimum. Experience has shown one manager a way to determine the economical size of lots.
On Staff Organization
Authors: Roy Robert H. 
Published: November 2008

Modern organizations, as is well known to everyone, have been characterized by growth to large size. They also have been characterized—and this has been less often remarked—by the proliferation of staff elements. No doubt these developments have been interdependent to some degree. This paper was presented as an invited address to the session on Operations Research and the Firm at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Society, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1956.
Optimization of Purchase, Storage and Transmission Contracts for Natural Gas Utilities
Authors: Avery William , Brown Gerald G. , Rosenkranz John A. , Wood R. Kevin 
Published: November 2008

Natural gas utilities supply about a quarter of the energy needs of the United States. From wellhead to consumer, operations are governed by an astounding diversity of purchase, transport, and storage contract agreements which prepare a complex physical distribution system to meet future demands no more predictable than next year's weather. We present a decision support system based on a highly detailed optimization model used by utilities to plan operations which minimize cost while satisfying regulatory agencies. Applications at Southwest Gas Corporation are presented along with a case study at Questar Pipeline Corporation. “But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes, Feed'st thy light's flame with self-substantial fuel” William Shakespeare, First Sonnet
Copula Models for Aggregating Expert Opinions
Authors: Jouini Mohamed N. , Clemen Robert T. 
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses the use of multivariate distributions that are functions of their marginals for aggregating information from various sources. The function that links the marginals is called a copula. The information to be aggregated can be point estimates of an unknown quantity θ or, with suitable modeling assumptions, probability distributions for θ. This approach allows the Bayesian decision maker performing the aggregation to separate two difficult aspects of the model-construction procedure. Qualities of the individual sources, such as bias and precision, are incorporated into the marginal distributions. Dependence among sources is encoded into the copula, which serves as a dependence function and joins the marginal distributions into a single multivariate distribution. The procedure is designed to be suitable for situations in which the decision maker must use subjective judgments as a basis for constructing the aggregation model. We review properties of copulas pertinent to the information-aggregation problem. A subjectively assessable measure of dependence is developed that allows the decision maker to choose from a one-parameter family of copulas a specific member that is appropriate for the level of dependence among the information sources. The discussion then focuses on the class of Archimedean copulas and Frank's family of copulas in particular, showing the specific relationship between the family and our measure of dependence. A realistic example demonstrates the approach.