bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A USEFUL APPROACH TO THE GROUP CHOICE PROBLEM
Authors: Paine Neil R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe problem of amalgamating individual preferences to form a group or social choice has been the subject of much discussion and controversy. This paper describes an approach to the problem which, it is argued, should be followed in certain situations. The argument in favor of the approach involves applying a theorem of Goodman and Markowitz [6] in a context somewhat different from theirs.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF DUAL‐CONSTRAINT JOB SHOPS
Authors: Fryer John S. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the results of a simulation study to examine the effects of different organizational structures on the performance of a dual‐constraint job shop production system. A hypothetical shop in which machines and workers are constraining resources is the setting of the study. The shop consists of divisions comprised of work centers which, in turn, contain machines to which workers are assigned. There are fewer workers than machines. Variations in organizational structure are achieved by different allocations of a fixed number of work centers to the divisions. Each structure is studied for three levels of labor flexibility. Mean flow‐time, flow‐time variance, and worker transfers between divisions and work centers are used as performance measures.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF A FRAMEWORK FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS*
Authors: Lucas Henry C. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA decision‐making orientation to systems design has been suggested to overcome some of the current deficiencies of computer‐based information systems. This paper derives several hypotheses from a decision‐making framework proposed by Robert Anthony. These hypotheses are tested with empirical data from a sample of twenty major computer‐based information systems drawn from seven Bay Area manufacturing firms. The results indicate that present computer‐based information systems follow the descriptive aspects of the Anthony framework, but have had little effect on top management. There is little evidence of common guidelines for systems design which are accepted by the different companies. The data also indicate that users have a strong negative reaction to large numbers of computer‐produced reports. The implications of the results for systems design are discussed.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS CURRICULA: STATE‐OF‐THE‐ART*
Authors: Igersheim Roy H. , Swanson Lloyd A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTBusiness and business/management schools were surveyed to determine the characteristics of management information systems (MIS) curricula. All academic degree levels–Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate–were investigated. An encouraging 82% response from 260 academic institutions queried lends credibility to findings reported. These survey results should provide insights for the development of new and/or revised MIS curricula. They also indicate opportunities for expanding enrollments.The MIS field, still in its infancy, has not yet stabilized. This is causing difficulties in planning curricula for this newly‐evolving discipline. The MIS area within both the academic and business communities is undergoing constant and rapid change due to environmental and technological advancements. In order to insure curriculum relevance and properly trained personnel in this field, these areas must respond to these changes. Suggestions as to where and how this discipline should proceed must be based upon the currently existing situation.
A COMPUTER‐BASED METHOD FOR PREDICTING TRANSIT TIME PARAMETERS USING GRID SYSTEMS
Authors: Camp Robert C. , DeHayes Daniel W. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis article reviews a computer‐based method to predict transit time parameters (mean and variance) from historical data for use in logistics planning analysis. Efficient use of the data depends on relating it to a grid system of the United States. Performance of the technique on a sample of shipments by four methods of transportation is compared to a system based solely on highway distance. The techniques perform equally well for average transit time (speed). The grid system method demonstrates superior predicting power for reliability (transit time variance). Use of the system in daily operations is also anticipated.
FILE MANAGEMENT IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS*
Authors: II Thomas A. Wilson , Gray Paul 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe file management requirements of a particular management information system, that used for intelligence operations, are examined and a data storage and retrieval system developed that can be either manual or computer based. Scoring models are used to quantify the value of information. Values are adjusted dynamically so that decisions can be made on which items to add and which existing items to delete. Results of experiments with a police intelligence system are presented.
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING MODEL VALIDITY FOR MANAGERIAL PURPOSES*
Authors: Schellenberger Robert E. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTVery little work has been done in developing a systematic and exhaustive set of criteria which can be used for assessing model validity from a managerial standpoint. Most of the other published work in this area focuses on an individual criterion, such as sensitivity analysis. This manuscript offers a set of criteria making that assessment. The following three basic kinds of validity are proposed: (1) technical validity; (2) operational validity; and (3) dynamic validity. Each has a number of subcriteria which are identified and discussed. Some of these criteria are quantifiable, and some are not. Each of the criterion identified is discussed in relatively broad terms, with brief examples.One of the purposes of this paper is to draw attention to an area worthy of further investigation. Perhaps further scrutiny will generate a truly systematic and exhaustive set of criteria. It is also hoped that further attention will lead to clarification of the criteria identified.
CONCEPTUAL LEVELS AND THE DESIGN OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS*
Authors: Miller Danny , Gordon Lawrence A. 
Published: June 2007

This article attempts to expand and clarify the discussions in the literature on complexity theory applied to accounting via two central assertions:(a) affecting the cognitive conceptual level of an individual through the financial reporting system can be accomplished not only by varying the immediate information load, but also, in the long run, by modifying the types of information and the mode of user‐system interface. In other words, a properly designed accounting information system can have developmental cognitive effects in both the short and long run.(b) attempting to maximize the conceptual level of the decision maker is not always desirable. In certain types of environments, a high conceptual level actually impedes appropriate decision making. Therefore, the appropriate conceptual level must be related to the type of decision being made as well as to the type of decision maker.
A COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT COEFFICIENT DECISION RULES
Authors: Hamner W. Clay , Carter Phillip L. 
Published: June 2007

Production managers are called on to combine cues to arrive at work force and production level decisions. Bowman has developed a theory which claims that a manager makes good decisions on the average, but that he may exhibit a high degree of variance in his behavior. Mathematical representation of such managers can be constructed to capture critical aspects of their judgmental strategies. This paper examines four different linear regression models in an attempt to specify which model is best for prescription of decision making behavior in an organization. The models include (1) the Typical Manager Model, (2) the Best Manager Model, (3) the Composite Manager Model, and (4) the Best Composite Manager Model.The study described in this paper concerns an experiment conducted by Moskowitz and Miller in 1972. Eighty‐seven graduate students in industrial management were randomly assigned to one of six information groups. Each student made a series of production and work force decisions to minimize total production, work force, and inventory‐related costs. Moskowitz and Miller concluded that Bowman's Typical Manager Model was a better model than the managers' actual initial plans. While there are no disagreements with this finding, a reanalysis of this data was needed to see if perhaps another mathematical rule might prove even better than the Typical Manager Model recommended by Bowman. This reanalysis of the Moskowitz and Miller results enables us to point up the strengths and weaknesses of using regression models in managerial decision making tasks. Suggestions for future research are discussed in detail.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF A STATE PARK‐LAKE ON LAND VALUE, FROM THE TIME OF LAND ACQUISITION TO RESERVOIR FILLING
Authors: Laessig Robert E. , Glaser Edward R. , Ricci Paolo F. 
Published: June 2007

A new multiple purpose park‐lake facility is being developed in the sub urbanrural fringe of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan region. This study assesses the impact of the new park‐lake upon surrounding land values in order to provide information for improved planning and decision making in such a context.The investigation covers the period from the time of land acquisition to that of near‐completion of dam construction. The results of the study provide a “baseline” from which it will later be possible to assess changes in land values as the park‐lake becomes fully operational as a major public recreational facility.Two geographic zones of impact on surrounding land value are identified by the analysis, and variations in the impact of the park‐lake over time are identified. The importance of these new findings to public organizations involved in recreational decision making is discussed and areas for future research are suggested.
SPECTRAL ANALYSIS IN BUSINESS FORECASTING*
Authors: Chan Hung , Hayya Jack 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAlthough spectral analysis has previously been discussed in a number of business journals, the discussion has not been detailed enough for non‐mathematicians. The objective of this paper is to review in detail the concepts and to go over the computations of spectral analysis as they pertain to forecasting.To gain insight into the model building technique of spectral analysis, a passing comparison with a familiar model–regression–is made. Regression analysis attempts to find a set of independent variables that shed some light on the dependent variable to be forecasted. In other words, if the independent variables have some functional relationship with the dependent variable, a reliable forecast of the dependent variable can then be made.Forecasting using spectral analysis, on the other hand, is based on the assumption that the variation of a time series can be explained by some mixture of sine and cosine waves. Model parameters can then be estimated for these waves and forecasts be made. These parameters have the same property of least squares as in ordinary regression analysis. A transformation of these parameters gives the spectra of the time series. The spectra are related to the explained variation present in regression analysis. An extension of the spectra gives a set of coefficients of an autoregressive forecasting model. This latter model is referred to as the Wiener‐Kolmogorov forecasting model.
A TENANT VACANCY MODEL
Authors: Solberg James J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA stochastic model of the vacancy/occupancy pattern of a collection of rental units (a building) is used to obtain expressions relating vacancy rates to measurable market parameters. The model is well known in queueing theory, but yields new insigts when interpreted in the above context. By investigating the effects of the number of units, the mixture of units, and the “start‐up” time, one can obtain a number of useful principles with implications for public and private planning.
PORTFOLIO MODELS WITH STOCHASTIC CASH DEMAND, BORROWING AND FIXED TRANSFER COSTS
Authors: Thakkar Rashmi B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTPortfolio models of the Markowitz‐Tobin type implicitly assume that the investor does not have to liquidate any part of his portfolio to meet some exogenous cash demand. Since liquidity needs can be an important factor in portfolio management, Chen, Jen, and Zionts [3] in a recent paper developed a model assuming stochastic demand for cash and the possibility of meeting the cash demand by liquidating one or more assets. However, borrowing is an important alternative to liquidating assets. This paper considers that possibility. Unlike Chen, Jen, and Zionts, this paper also considers the more difficult question of liquidation costs being partly fixed and partly variable. In order to make the consideration of borrowing and fixed transfer costs mathematically tractable, the problem is first cast in a framework different from that of [3].
STATISTICAL VERSUS SALES FORCE–EXECUTIVE OPINION SHORT RANGE FORECASTS: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS CASE STUDY
Authors: Mabert Vincent A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a comparison of statistical techniques versus a sales force‐executive opinion approach to forecasting single item demand over a five year period for a single company. Three statistical techniques are used: Winter's three parameter exponential smoothing model, Brown's harmonic model, and Box‐Jenkins methodology. These techniques are compared against the company's forecasts and actual sales for a five year period. The results indicate an interesting area for further research.
A COURSE MODEL FOR TEACHING CONCEPTS RELATED TO THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF QUANTITATIVE ANALYSES
Authors: Byrd Jack , Esposito Patrick 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines a course model for teaching the concepts of successful implementation of quantitative analyses to both administrative and technical students. The objectives of the course were to examine the principles of effective model building and to examine the problems in communication between administrative and technical individuals. The course model utilizes case study discussions in conjunction with a series of applications projects. The cases illustrated a wide variety of implementation concepts, including concepts related to problem definition, analysis planning, information needs, systems modeling, and general model building philosophies. The applications projects gave the students varied experiences in realistic problem solving. A subjective evaluation of the student's progress in the course did show an increased perceptiveness of what constitutes good model building. The quantitative students in the course seemed to improve in their ability to develop practical solutions to problem solving, while the administrative students improved their ability to communicate with technical individuals and to perform evaluations of technical proposals for quantitative analyses.
MIXING OF MARKOV PROCESSES*
Authors: Silver Edward A. , Moore John B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper considers a Markov process in which there are rewards associated with state transitions. Two or more actions are available to the decision maker, and the transition probabilitities and the rewards are influenced by the actions selected. A key assumption is that control cannot be a function of the current state of the process. In other words, the decision maker is assumed to have no knowledge of the current state of the process (or to ignore such knowledge if it exists). Within this context the problem of determining the best randomized policy, the best in the sense of maximizing the expected reward per transition in the steady state, is discussed. Analytic results are developed for the simplest case of a two state process with two possible actions.
ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT, DIFFERENTIATION AND PERCEIVED ENVIRONMENTAL UNCERTAINTY1
Authors: Schmidt Stuart M. , Cummings Larry L. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTFour propositions are derived from an a priori model which relates environmental characteristics, organizational differentiation, and perceived environmental uncertainty. The four propositions are: (P1) the greater the magnitude of each of several task environmental dimensions confronting an organization, the greater the degree of organizational differentiation, (P2) the greater the degree of task environment change, the greater the degree of organizational differentiation, (P3) the greater the size of the organization, the greater the organizational differentiation, and (P4) the greater the organizational differentiation, the less the degree of perceived environmental uncertainty seen by top administrators. These propositions were tested on 23 Employment Service District Offices with objective environmental and organizational differentiation measures and with self report indices of perceived environmental uncertainty. Zero‐order correlational and regression analyses supported propositions P1, P3, and P4. Based on the empirical findings, a revised model of environment, differentiation and uncertainty was developed. Suggestions for future research and theorizing are offered.
A PLURALITY MAXIMIZING APPROACH TO THE ALLOCATION OF CAMPAIGN RESOURCES
Authors: Sweeney Dennis J. , Abad Prakash 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAn important problem in the planning of political campaigns is the allocation of resources to precincts and other geographical voting units in order to maximize a candidate's plurality. Essentially, parties may increase candidate plurality by engaging in registration drives, midcampaign activities such as canvassing and candidate appearances, and get‐out‐the‐vote drives. Based on previous work which has related voter response to party identification, the authors develop a model for the optimal allocation of campaign resources to these activities. The computational feasibility of the solution procedure is made possible by a decomposition across activities.
ON EXTENSIONS OF PROBABILISTIC PROFIT BUDGETS: A COMMENT
Authors: Hammood Abdul W. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT Recognizing the potential importance of new uses of analysis, the author provides an alternative approach for constructing the confidence interval (C.I.) for the population coefficient of variation, V=α/μ. More specifically, the comment demonstrates the use of some of the existing percentage points of the sample coefficient of variation, v=s/x. The results of these approximations are then compared empirically with the results recently published by Hayya, Copeland and Chan [1, pp. 115–118]. The available approximations given by Iglewicz [2] and again by Iglewicz and Myers [3] of the practical range of V and of the sample size n are more accurate than those obtained using the method in [1].
RETURN ON INVESTMENT AS A CRITERION FOR INVENTORY MODELS
Authors: Schroeder Roger G. , Krishnan Ramakrishnan 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn the past most inventory formulations have utilized cost minimization or profit maximization as an optimizing criterion. When viewed from the standpoint of the owner or investor, maximizing the return on investment (ROI) is an appropriate criterion for many types of inventories. This paper proposes ROI as a criterion for inventory models and derives optimal reorder rules for some common assumptions. An economic order quantity that differs greatly from the traditional formulas is discussed. The paper also enumerates the conditions under which ROI is an appropriate criterion and contrasts it to the traditional cost minimization and profit maximization criteria.
A COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE FORECASTING STRATEGIES FOR MULTI‐STAGE PRODUCTION‐INVENTORY SYSTEMS
Authors: Miller Jeffrey G. , Berry William L. , Lai Cheng‐Yi F. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn multi‐stage production‐inventory systems, the demand for precursor items derives from the demand for successor items at the later stages in the system. This paper presents a method for evaluating the performance of two different strategies for forecasting the demand for precursor items. The dependent strategy relies on successor item forecasts to build a precursor item forecast, while the independent strategy relies on the extrapolation of past precursor demand. An expression indicating the conditions under which one strategy is preferred to the other is developed, and the effect of changing these conditions is illustrated with simulation results.
COMPARING IMPUTED AND ACTUAL UTILITY FUNCTIONS IN A COMPETITIVE BIDDING SETTING
Authors: Barnes Jim D. , Reinmuth James E. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe main focus of this article is to compare utility functions derived by the Von Neumann‐Morgenstern conceptual apparatus with those imputed through actual pricing behavior. The study is cast in a competitive bidding setting in the oil drilling industry. A version of the Friedman bidding model is used to generate separate bidding models for two drilling contractors. From the actual bids submitted by the contractors and those generated by the model, one can construct each contractor's imputed utility function. An examination of a contractor's derived and imputed utility functions over a common range of outcomes then provides a diagnostic check on the veracity of the Von Neumann‐Morgenstern theory as a prescriptive model of executive behavior.
ON PREDICTING COMPUTATIONAL TIME OF A BRANCH AND BOUND ALGORITHM FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF FACILITIES
Authors: Mojena Richard , Vollmann Thomas E. , Okamoto Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTExperience with branch and bound algorithms indicates that computational time is a function of not only the size of the problem, but also the nature of the input data. This paper formulates statistically‐based variables which describe certain characteristics of the input data and experimentally evaluates their ability to predict computational time for one branch and bound algorithm, the relative location of facilities or “plant layout” problem. Results suggest that the described experimental procedure may be useful for an a priori assessment of the computational difficulty of specific branch and bound problems.
THE DETAIL SCHEDULING OF A PART‐TIME WORK FORCE: A CASE STUDY OF TELLER STAFFING
Authors: Mabert Vincent A. , Raedels Alan R. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a comparison of two heuristic methods for assigning a part‐time work force to meet varying daily work loads. The authors use actual operating data from Purdue National Bank, Lafayette, Indiana, to make teller staffing decisions. The performance criteria for comparison of the two heuristics is the minimum number of workers employed, minimum number of interbranch transfers, and computer time necessary to attain a solution.
A GOAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR INSURANCE AGENCY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Gleason John M. , Lilly Claude C. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTRapid changes in the business environment have forced property and casualty insurance agencies to re‐examine their objectives. The need to maintain contact with a large number of insurers in order to place business, efforts to reduce cost by utilizing company services, and the expanding demand for commercial lines have all had major impacts on these agencies. In this paper, a goal‐programming model is developed for use in insurance agency decision‐making involving multiple and often conflicting goals. An example is presented.
DETERMINING OPTIMAL SHIFT SCHEDULES FOR TELEPHONE TRAFFIC EXCHANGE OPERATORS
Authors: Henderson Willie B. , Berry William L. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA branch and bound algorithm is presented for determining the minimum number of telephone operators, and their shift schedules, required to meet demand that varies over a 24 hour operating period. An integer linear programming formulation is used, and the algorithm is described in terms of its separation, relaxation, fathoming, and branching procedures. Computational results are provided, using actual operating data. The results indicate that practical sized problems can be solved by the algorithm, involving as many as 100 different shift type variables and demand profiles typical of those encountered in many telephone traffic exchanges.