bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Graphical Presentation for Information Extraction: A Cumulative Experimental Approach*
Authors: Tan Joseph K.H. , Benbasat Izak 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThree laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of bar, symbol, and line graphs for performing a variety of elementary information extraction tasks using two dependent variables, time and accuracy. The findings indicate that the degree of support provided by a particular graph format for a particular data extraction task depends on the matching of format and task in terms of their anchoring characteristics. Anchoring, in this context, refers to the phenomenon that specific and diverse parts of a graph are segmented by the reader to act as salient and relevant cues, or anchors, when different classes of information are to be extracted from the graph. A data extraction task has high x‐value (y‐value) anchoring if the x‐axis (y‐axis) component is represented in the question as either a given value or an unknown value. Conversely, a task has low x‐value (y‐value) anchoring if the x‐axis (y‐axis) component is not represented in the question as either a given value or as an unknown value.Data extraction accuracy was not significantly affected by presentation format. Bars provided the best time performance for data extraction tasks having high anchoring on both axes but were not appropriate for tasks having low anchoring on either the y axis or both the x and y axes. Line graphs tended to be worse in terms of time performance for tasks having high anchoring on both axes although they were as fast or better than other representations for tasks having low anchoring on both axes. Symbol plots appeared to possess anchoring characteristics associated with both bars and line graphs. Symbols (as with bars) tended to produce a time performance superior to that of line graphs for tasks having high anchoring on both axes; and (as with line graphs) symbols allowed faster results than bar graphs for tasks having low anchoring on either the y axis or both the x and y axes.
Simulation Tests of FCFS and SPT Sequencing in Kanban Systems
Authors: Berkley Blair J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTOne of the basic tenets of scheduling theory is that the SPT sequencing rule maximizes average production rates and minimizes average in‐process inventories. This paper shows that on single‐card kanban‐controlled lines FCFS often has greater average production rates than SPT. Further, the performance of SPT declines relative to FCFS for larger queue capacities and less frequent material handling. Results for the single‐card system are also compared to those of Berkley and Kiran [1]. In that article it was shown that for two‐card systems with periodic material handling, SPT has larger average inventories than FCFS. This paper shows that these surprising results can be attributed to Berkley and Kiran's material‐handling mechanism.
Interaction Between Concurrent Transactions in the Design of Distributed Databases
Authors: Kulkarni Uday R. , Jain Hemant K. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA distributed database system allows concurrent execution of transactions from multiple users at multiple locations. This paper presents a general scheme of including the effect of interaction between such transactions in the design process of distributed databases. This scheme allows the decision maker to choose the most appropriate design for a distributed database. The interaction effect is a consequence of concurrency control procedures and contention for system resources. Prior research has not included all components of the interaction effect in the design process. A separate module, called an interaction module, was built to measure the interaction effect using a comprehensive simulation model of a general purpose relational distributed database management system (DBMS). The interaction module can be interfaced with any distributed database design system as an add‐on module so that the interaction effect can be included in the design process. A detailed example demonstrates the use of the interaction module in the decision‐making process. Experiments conducted using the module show that the interaction effect can be significant and that it can affect the choice of the design. Experiments were also conducted to measure the sensitivity of design choices under changing input conditions.
Optimal Selection Strategy for the Group Interview Problem
Authors: Chun Young Hak , Moskowitz Herbert , Plante Robert D. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWe propose a more generalized version of the secretary problem, called the group interview problem, in which each group contains several alternatives and each group of alternatives is presented and evaluated sequentially over time. Using the assumptions corresponding to the classical secretary problem, we derive an optimal selection strategy which maximizes the probability of winning or selecting the single best choice in a given sequence of groups. We further address the problem of choosing at the beginning of the evaluation process a sequence of groups to maximize the winning probability. Because of formidable computational requirements to obtain an optimal solution to this sequencing problem, we then develop a heuristic algorithm based on several properties inherent in an optimal selection strategy. The heuristic procedure is evaluated experimentally using Monte Carlo simulation and is shown to be effective in obtaining near‐optimal (within 5 percent) solutions.
Single‐Stage and Serial Production Line Systems with Unreliable Machines and General Probability Distributions
Authors: Koulamas Christos P. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents stochastic models for analyzing production to stock and production on demand systems with arbitrary demand, production, machine breakdown and repair processes, and a finite buffer. Expressions are developed for the transition probabilities among the different states, the proportion of transitions that take the process to a particular state, the probabilities that the process is at a particular state, and the expected state residence times. Also, expressions are developed for some quantities of interest, like average inventory, percentage of lost sales, and expected waiting time. Applications are discussed for various demand, production, machine breakdown, and repair processes and numerical examples are presented. Guidelines are given for utilizing the models in evaluating the economic performance of production systems. Using an approximation procedure, the models are used for modeling multi‐stage serial production to stock and production on demand lines. Simulation results indicated that the quality of the approximation is very good. The multi‐stage models are useful in practical situations, because they allow the use of different probability distributions for the various processes (production, machine failure, etc.) of each stage.
Automating Knowledge Acquisition and Refinement for Decision Support: A Connectionist Inductive Inference Model*
Authors: Deng Pi‐Sheng 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAn important application of expert systems technology is to provide support for nonstructured decision making. Usually, nonstructured decision making is characterized by heavy reliance on heuristic knowledge, which is very difficult to articulate or document, and therefore traditional knowledge acquisition approaches are not very successful. The quality and effectiveness of an expert system supporting unstructured decision making is affected when traditional knowledge acquisition approaches are used. To alleviate this problem a model is proposed that combines inductive inference and neural network computing, and an example is presented that illustrates the potential of this model in unstructured decision support.
Modelbase Construction with Object‐Oriented Constructs*
Authors: Huh Soon‐Young 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes modelbase construction mechanisms in a decision support system (DSS) for representing and managing models of diverse management science/operations research modeling paradigms, using object‐oriented database management systems (ODBMS) constructs. It focuses on the construction of a modelbase that maintains logical independence among the DSS components including modelbase, database, and solvers, but relieves the mismatching characteristics by facilitating intelligent and stabilized integration of them. As a conceptual framework to build such a modelbase, this research uses generic model concepts, and adopts structured modeling language (SML) as a paradigm‐neutral model representation sublanguage. In the modelbase, three model abstraction layers including model type, model structure, and model instance are devised to facilitate the capture of multiple modeling paradigms and specific application models in different instantiation levels. The constructs and methods discussed are flexible enough to be applied to a wide variety of decision‐making and problem‐solving paradigms. A prototype system is developed under a commercial ODBMS called OBJECTSTORE with the C++ programming language, and diverse model manipulation commands are illustrated by an object‐oriented structured query language (OSQL).
Estimating the Geographic Extent of Part‐Time Labor Markets: U.S. Army Reserves*
Authors: Sohn So Young , Thomas George W. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTLocal labor market supportability is becoming an increasingly important issue for the United States Army Reserves. As military bases close and Reserve units are consolidated at fewer Reserve centers, the appropriate reassignments of units to Reserve centers require accurate measures of the ability of local labor markets to support such consolidations. A two‐stage random effect model is applied to evaluate the geographical extent of the labor market for Army Reserve centers. In the first stage model, a lognormal distribution is used to describe the commuting distance behavior of the Reserve center members. In the second stage model, we estimate the mean of log transformed commute distance as a function of regional characteristics of the Reserve center. An iterative weighted stepwise selection method is used to find a set of characteristics that adequately predict variation of the mean commute distance over Reserve centers. The resulting model is used as inputs to location and market assessment models to assist the marketing decisions of the Army Recruiting Command.
Dimensions of Market Attractiveness: Competitively Interactive Spatial Models*
Authors: Cromley Robert G. , Hempel Donald J. , Hillyer Clayton L. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a normative, multidisciplinary approach for evaluating market entry strategies with concern for the effects of spatial assumptions on performance expectations. An assessment framework is linked to a series of models that show the value of adding spatial and competitive perspectives to typical baseline conceptualizations of market opportunity. Criteria for assessing market attractiveness are discussed with special concern for the problems of field service firms whose market boundaries are not limited by fixed facility locations. The problem is conceptualized as the managerial decision to locate a new brokerage office in a highly competitive regional market area. Realistic constraints are established by focusing the market entry decision through aggregate data from secondary sources that are readily available to an outsider who had not been active in the geographic markets considered. A simple model based on market potential is progressively enhanced with spatially adjusted measures of market attractiveness and competitive resistance. Empirical tests highlight the impact of alternative model formulations and choice criteria on the decision‐making process.
Redesigning a Cellular Manufacturing System to Handle Long‐Term Demand Changes: A Methodology and Investigation*
Authors: Vakharia Asoo J. , Kaku Bharat K. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTCellular manufacturing systems have been proposed as an alternative to the job shop since they provide some of the operational benefits of a flow line production process, while retaining to some extent the flexibility of job shops. However, this must be balanced against the possibility of additional initial investments in equipment to form the cells and a certain loss in manufacturing flexibility, particularly in terms of the ability to deal with long‐term demand changes. This paper presents a model‐based heuristic cell system redesign methodology to deal with such demand changes. The methodology is validated and applied to system designs generated from several data sets published in the literature. Results show that different kinds of demand changes incur distinct kinds of costs. Further, characteristics of cell designs that can handle long‐term demand changes at least cost are identified.
A Computerized Approach to Decision Process Tracing for Decision Support System Design*
Authors: Cook Gary J. , Swain Monte R. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWe propose the use of computerized process tracing (CPT) tools as an appropriate approach for monitoring the information acquisition and evaluation phase of specific decision processes. CPT tools are unobtrusive and seem particularly relevant for evaluating certain decision tasks that may be supported by decision support systems (DSS). CPT tools can be an important component of DSS development. An information systems research taxonomy developed by previous researchers [29] [36] is used to position research work involving the methodology of CPT. Using a critique suggested by Libby [28], CPT tools are evaluated and compared to alternative process tracing tools. A brief empirical example using CPT is provided, and future uses relative to DSS are suggested. The appendix includes an example of a specific CPT tool.
An Experimental Comparison of Time‐Based and Economic‐Based Scheduling Methods to Maximize Net Present Value*
Authors: Rohleder Thomas R. , Scudder Gary D. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn the past, performance in dynamic‐scheduling environments was primarily measured in terms of time or physical shop characteristics. Objectives such as mean tardiness, flow time, and work‐in‐process inventory were commonly used. Today, there is increasing interest in the use of more advanced economic performance measures. These measures have the more comprehensive objective of maximizing ownership wealth by economically scheduling jobs and tasks.This study presents a large‐scale experiment testing time‐based and economic‐based scheduling methods in a dynamic job shop. These methods are evaluated on their ability to maximize net present value (NPV). The study considers the just‐in‐time (JIT) delivery environment. The job shop is hypothetical, but is based on models of real production situations. Results show that the use of very detailed economic information in a sophisticated manner generally improves economic performance. Where due dates are easy to achieve, however, time‐based scheduling methods are at least as good as those based on economics. Also, where utilization is high and due dates tight, early cost information in release and dispatch is detrimental to schedule value.
The Present Value Issue in a Sequential Selection Problem*
Authors: Kwan Clarence C.Y. , Yuan Yufei 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis note shows that, due to the misapplication of the present value concept, the Chun and Platt (CP) formulation of a sequential selection problem, which intends to improve on the Kwan and Yuan (KY) analysis, is flawed and the decision criterion thus obtained is invalid. In the context of capital budgeting, we make necessary corrections to the CP analysis and establish a decision criterion which is more refined than the KY case. The refined decision criterion enables us to evaluate the KY analysis objectively and to refute CP's argument about its suboptimality. We also address the managerial implications of the refined decision criterion.
The Relationship between Procedural Rationality and Political Behavior in Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Dean James W. , Sharfman Mark P. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTDespite the central place of rationality and political behavior in the decision‐making literature, we know little about the relationship between these two dimensions. Can decisions be made using both rational and political methods, or must managers use one approach or the other? These questions were addressed in a study of 61 strategic decisions in 24 companies using a multiple‐informant, structured interview protocol. Results indicate that procedural rationality and political behavior are independent dimensions of the strategic decision‐making process. The implications of our findings for future strategic decision‐making research are discussed.
An Evaluation of Capacity Sensitive Order Review and Release Procedures in Job Shops
Authors: Philipoom Patrick R. , Malhotra Manoj K. , Jensen John B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWe investigate the performance of capacity‐sensitive order review and release (ORR) procedures in job shop environments that have not been previously explored. Previous research has ignored the case of job shops which must perform to very tight due‐dates because of time‐sensitive customers. We propose and test a new capacity sensitive ORR procedure called path based bottleneck (PBB) in such environments, along with the modified infinite loading (MIL) procedure which has been shown to work well in several studies. We compare the performance of these two controlled release rules with that of immediate release rule under different conditions of capacity utilization and customer specified exogenous duedates. Our results indicate that PBB performs well in lowering total costs when due‐dates are tight, while MIL is a better procedure with relatively loose to medium due‐dates. We also show that in many cases, the shortest processing time (SPT) dispatching rule is a superior performer than a due‐date based rule like critical ratio (CR); a conclusion which is contrary to the existing research in this area. In addition, the shop floor control policies recommended are shown to be sensitive to the cost structure of the firm. The managerial implications of this research in providing effective shop floor control in job shops operating under tight due‐date conditions are also discussed.
Effects of Product Structure Complexity on Multi‐level Lot Sizing*
Authors: Sum Chee‐Choung , Png Daniel Oon‐Sen , Yang Kum‐Khiong 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAs an input to the materials requirement planning (MRP) process, the product structure interacts with the lot‐sizing rules to affect inventories, materials flow, and production costs. Despite engineering constraints, considerable latitude is still available to construct alternate product structures for the same product. An important concern of MRP managers and designers is the impact of product structure complexity on the cost performance of the lot‐sizing rules. To date, there exists no detailed research that provides managers with guidelines that relate the lot‐sizing rules to individual product structure parameters. We report on an extensive experiment to test the effects of individual product structure parameters on the relative cost performance of 11 lot‐sizing rules. Three parameters—the number of items, number of levels, and commonality index—are proposed to characterise product structure complexity and used as factors in an experiment involving a large variety of product structures. The results indicate that all three parameters affect the relative cost differences but not the ranking of the rules. The overall best lot‐sizing rule is Bookbinder and Koch's [11] rule.
Distinguishing Features of Just‐in‐Time Systems in the Make‐to‐Order/Assemble‐to‐Order Environment*
Authors: Handfield Robert 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTFew studies of just‐in‐time (JIT) implementation examine their significance in make‐to‐order manufacturing environments. This study examines the relative importance of several operating variables that are characteristic features of JIT systems within such environments in North America. The results suggest that the most salient features of JIT for make‐to‐order and assemble‐to‐order firms are the elimination of waste (in the form of time and defects), reduced setup time, reduced lotsize, and a smaller pool of suppliers. In addition, the results suggest that the use of non‐domestic suppliers can possibly hinder efforts at JIT implementation of materials procurement.
An Empirically Derived Model for the Adoption of Customer‐based Interorganizational Systems*
Authors: Grover Varun 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTInformation systems (IS) researchers are now calling for the need to draw from the empirically rich field of organizational innovation. As the impact of strategic systems is increasingly being felt by organizations, the view that these systems are innovations or innovative uses of technology is becoming prevalent. Customer based interorganizational systems (CIOS) represent one of the most prominent types of such systems. This research investigates CIOS adoption. A model is constructed based on significant studies in innovation to identify factors facilitating the adoption decision of a CIOS. Data are gathered from 226 senior executives. Discriminant analysis is used to identify factors that distinguish adopters from nonadopters. Factor analysis of significant variables yielded a parsimonious model of CIOS adoption. The five factor model includes (1) a proactive technological orientation and (2) an internal push for the system as the two most significant sets of facilitators. Implications for research and practice are then discussed.
The Impact of Learning and Labor Attrition on Worker Flexibility in Dual Resource Constrained Job Shops
Authors: Malhotra Manoj K. , Fry Timothy D. , Kher Hemant V. , Donohue Joan M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of worker learning, worker flexibility, and labor attrition on the system performance of a dual resource constrained (DRC) job‐shop. The effects of learning and labor attrition have not been previously addressed in DRC literature. Results from the study, consistent with previous literature, show that the greatest benefits are achieved when inter‐departmental worker flexibility is incrementally introduced into the system. In addition, the learning environment, which depends on the initial processing time of jobs and the learning rates of workers, is shown to impact the acquisition of flexibility. The study also shows that the impact of labor attrition on system performance under certain shop conditions may be significant.
The Value of Supplier Information to Improve Management of a Retailer's Inventory
Authors: van der Schouten Frank Auyn , van Eijs Marc J. G. , Heuts Ruud M. J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe distribution of lead time demand is essential for determining reorder points in inventory systems. Usually, the distribution of lead time demand is approximated directly. However, in some cases it may be worthwhile to take the demand per unit time and lead time into account, particularly when specific information is available.This paper deals with the situation where a supplier, who produces on order in fixed production cycles, provides information on the status of the coming production run. The retailer can use this information to gain insight into the lead‐time process. A fixed order (svQ) strategy is presented, with a set of reorder points sv depending on the time t until the first possible delivery, which is determined by the information of the supplier. A Markov model that analyzes a given (svQ) strategy is used to quantify the value of the information provided by the supplier. Some numerical examples show that the approach may lead to considerable cost savings compared to the traditional approach that uses only one single reorder point, based on a two‐moments approximation. Using this numerical insight, the pros and cons of a more frequent exchange of information between retailers and suppliers can be balanced.