Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Benchmarking And Evaluating The Comparative Efficiency Of Urban Paratransit Systems In The United States: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach, Hokey Min, Thomas E. Lambert

Journal of Transportation Management

Passenger rail service is perceived to provide important benefits to Michigan communities. However, the extent of these benefits has never been quantified in a systematic way. The study reported on here involved the performance of a broad based assessment of the community level benefits of passenger rail serv ice. The main objective of the research project was to estimate the full range of these benefits at the community level, as opposed to at the state level. Benefits were estimated for individual travelers, Amtrak expenditures, and local businesses. This research indicates local communities currently realize $62.0 million annually in benefits. Additional …

The Relationship Between Measures Of Operations Efficiency And Financial Success Of Truckload Motor Carriers: An Empirical Analysis, Ahren Johnston

Journal of Transportation Management

This research paper examines the statistical relationship between clay to day performance and effi­ ciency measures and financial performance in the motor carrier industry. Key findings are that carriers with more miles per tractor per year, a larger average length of haul, more revenue per mile, and more revenue per tractor per week tend to perform better financially as measured in three separate models by operating ratio, return on assets, or return on equity. Unexpectedly, for the eight publicly traded carriers included in the analysis, there was a negative relationship between empty mile percentage and financial performance, indicating that carriers …

Analytical Techniques And The Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer, Bryan D. Main, William A. Cunningham Iii, Daniel D. Mattioda, Joseph B. Skipper

Journal of Transportation Management

The accelerated globalization of logistics activities over the last several decades has spurred a rapid expansion of port facilities all cross the world. However, the recent slowdown of international trade, coupled with a global financial crisis, has created an on-going glut of international port facilities throughout the world. Although the abundance of port facilities provides more transshipment options for carriers and shippers, it makes the port selection decision more complex and difficult. To cope with this new set of challenges, this paper proposes a hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA)/ analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model that is designed to identify factors …

Using Artificial Neural Networks For Transport Decisions: Managerial Guidelines, Robert L. Cook, Lawrence O. Jenicke, Brian Gibson

Journal of Transportation Management

One information technology that may be considered by transportation managers, and which is included in the portfolio of technologies that encompass TMS. is artificial neural networks (ANNs). These artificially intelligent computer decision support software provide solutions by finding and recognizing complex patterns in data. ANNs have been used successfully by transportation managers to forecast transportation demand, estimate future transport costs, schedule vehicles and shipments, route vehicles and classify earners for selection. Artificial neural networks excel in transportation decision environments that are dynamic, complex and unstructured. This article introduces ANNs to transport managers by describing ANN technological capabilities, reporting the current …

Trip Patterns In Akure, Nigeria: A Land-Use Analytical Approach, A.O. Owolabi

Journal of Transportation Management

For transportation planners, the use of Origin-Destination (OD) matrix adjustment, is receiving considerable attention. However, there are concerns about the validity of results, primarily related to the number and location of traffic count posts. This leads to the question “What would be the best set of traffic count posts to use in OD matrix adjustment modules?” It has been proved that solving this problem is cumbersome. There have been several attempts (either exact or heuristic approaches) to address this problem. But due to the inherent complexities, there is no efficient and easy-to-use methodology able to address situations on the scale …

"Peace Pilgrim's Wisdom: A Very Simple Guide" Book Review, Nancy Lightbody

Citizens for Peace

The book review was read at the Citizens For Peace meeting September 8, 2010

Citizens For Peace Minutes 6-8-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

Youth Promise Act Legistlation in the House and Senate - 2010

Developing Reverse Logistics Programs: A Resource Based View, Stephen E. Genchev, Timothy D. Landry, Patrica J. Daugherty, Anthony S. Roath

Journal of Transportation Management

Previous research proposes a six-process model for reverse logistics (RL) program design and execution. This manuscript advances RL related knowledge by incorporating the previous model into a broader theoretical framework, namely, the Resource Based View (RBV) of the firm. The current research employs exploratory techniques to investigate the applicability of RBV and its main tenants within the RL context. Based on in-depth interviews with 16 executives from seven different companies, the relationships among resources. RL capabilities, and RL competencies are explored.

Forward Positioning And Consolidation Of Strategic Inventories, Joseph B. Skipper, John E. Bell, William A. Cunningham Iii, Daniel D. Mattioda

Journal of Transportation Management

The forward positioning of strategic inventory in the supply chain has an impact on transportation times and is important for sensitive demand profiles. Consolidation of stocks creates pooling effects and minimizes costs. This study analyzes a current military case where forward consolidation of equipment is considered using optimization, and payback periods are calculated for the cost of consolidating inventory at one of six locations. Results indicate that forward positioning and consolidation reduces time and cost, and also creates savings in reverse logistics flows. The study has implications for geographically diverse supply chains such as humanitarian aid and emergency response operations.

A Study Of Logistics Strategies In Small Versus Large U.S. Manufacturing Firms, John E. Spillan, Jonathan W. Kohn, Michael A. Mcginnis

Journal of Transportation Management

The research reported in this manuscript empirically compares the similarities and differences of logistics strategies for small and large manufacturing firms. The hypotheses focus on whether there are significant differences between logistics strategies of small and large manufacturing firms and whether logistics strategy outcomes differ. The findings indicate that there are many similarities but differences do exist. The results identify dimensions of logistics strategy and assess their impact on logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service commitment, and company/division competitive responsiveness.

Adapting Baumol’S Inventory Theoretic To Landed Cost Decisions, Stephan P. Brady, Peter F. Swan, Richard R. Young

Journal of Transportation Management

Major U.S. corporations have been importers for over 200 years. A significant impetus for “offshoring” has been reducing costs—usually labor costs. Often, other costs were overlooked. There has been a growing disenchantment with sourcing goods overseas, especially when there may be domestic alternatives as other costs begin to dominate. Baumol and Vinod’s Inventory Theoretic model was useful in adding transportation considerations. However, Baumol leaves out several important costs that unless considered in offshoring decisions can lead to suboptimal solutions. This paper extends that model, providing a prescriptive model that could be operationalized by firms to evaluate offshore sourcing decisions.

Fuel Costs And Supply Chain Decisions, Cliff Welborn

Journal of Transportation Management

The affect of rising fuel costs on the individual consumer is well documented in current media. Consumers are paying more for their basic necessities. Fuel surcharge, transportation cost, and logistics have become house hold words. The rising cost of crude oil creates an increase in fuel cost, and this creates an increase in the cost to transport products from one location to another. Managers, who are responsible for acquiring products and delivering them to customers, are also feeling the impact of higher fuel prices. This article will outline three significant areas where fuel prices are affecting U.S. supply chain decisions. …

Citizens For Peace Minutes 3-9-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Self-Efficacy, Locus Of Control, And Perceived Parental Influence On The Academic Performance Of Low And High Achieving African-American High School Students, Frances Ernestine Curtis-Fields

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of self-efficacy, locus of control, and perceived parental influence on the academic achievement of African-American high school students from low socioeconomic levels. A nonexperimental, descriptive research study was used to collect the data needed to address the research questions posed for this study. High school students enrolled in one high school in a large urban school district were asked to participate in the study. These students completed three instruments, Self in School, Importance of Parent Involvement, and the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility questionnaire (IAR), along with a short demographic survey developed …

Season For Nonviolence Essay Contest Details - 2010, Rosemary Doyle

Citizens for Peace

The Season for Nonviolence Essay Contest purpose is to focus attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action as demonstrated by Gandhi and King. The season is January 30th to April 4th each year inaugurated by the UN and co-founded by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and The Association for Global New Thought.

Citizens For Peace Minutes 2-9-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

Citizens For Peace Minutes 1-12-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

• RP is a method of communication and problem solving used to improve behavior, instruction, discipline and form community. • RP is an alternative to traditional disciplinary actions in school (suspensions – which are pathways to prison) and judiciary systems - that offer high control and little support.

Citizens For Peace Activities And Accomplishments 2009, Ann Abdoo

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

Prize Winning Essays - 2010, Ann Abdoo

Citizens for Peace

To promote The Season of Nonviolence, Citizens for Peace once again sponsored an essay contest for Michigan high school and college students. Their essays had to address the topic "Peaceful Relationships through Active Nonviolence." Each winner was given the opportunity to read their essay at The Season for Nonviolence celebration on April 13, 2010. Both high school and college awards were $250, $100, and $50 each for first, second and third place.

The Season for Nonviolence began in 1998 when it was inaugurated at the United Nations. It was co-founded by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and The Association …

Midwest Regional Department Of Peace Conference Registration Form, Colleen Mills

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

Citizens For Peace Minutes 7-13-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

Citizens For Peace Minutes 8-10-10, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

No abstract provided.

The Determinants Of Student Achievement And High School Completion In Michigan, Cleo Michele Moody

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

By

Cleo M. Moody

December 2010

Advisor: Dr. Michael Addonizio

Major: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Degree: Doctor of Education

Policy and practice regarding in-grade level retention and their effects on high school graduation rates and successful student academic outcomes have currently assumed great importance in the education reform debate. Further, the effectiveness of our public schools and the achievement of our students have implications that can affect individuals and the communities in which they live. Now, more than ever, individual economic success and economic growth depend crucially on academic achievement and human capital. The purpose of this research …

The Utilization Of Performance Appraisal In Local Governments: Extent And Challenges, Sandra Hindo

Wayne State University Dissertations

This study examines the utilization of employee performance appraisal in a sample of 59 Detroit-area suburban communities. Despite the emphasis placed on employee performance appraisal in the literature, over half of the communities do not possess formal systems of employee appraisal. Also two variables help explain performance appraisal usage: form of government and extent of unionization.

Importantly, respondents in non-utilizing communities often acknowledge the benefits of systems of performance appraisal but they cite various reasons for not having such systems in place, with the opposition of municipal unions being cited most often. This was true even though many jurisdictions with …

The Art Of Collaboration: Interlocal Collaboration In The Provision Of Fire Services In The Metropolitan Detroit Area, William David Hatley

Wayne State University Dissertations

Metropolitan regions have emerged in the United States as important economic units with numerous small local governments each providing various public services. The movement toward city-county consolidation has frequently been defeated at the polls. Frederickson (1999) argues that metropolitan areas have become so fragmented in their approach to service delivery that they constitute what he describes as a "disarticulated state", characterized by the declining salience of jurisdiction, the fuzziness of borders and an erosion of the capacity of the local jurisdiction to contain and, thereby, manage complex social, economic and political issues. Feiock (2009) contends that much of the urban …