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Articles 1171 - 1196 of 1196

Full-Text Articles in Business Administration, Management, and Operations

Contract Award And Bidding Strategies, Burton V. Dean Jan 1964

Contract Award And Bidding Strategies, Burton V. Dean

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The R and D contract award and bidding decision process is studied from the points of view of bidders and customers. Competitive bidding models are developed which incorporate such factors as probability of contract award, level of resource utilization, and expected return. Conditions and methods for estimating the probability of contract award are presented. Competitive bidding strategies for the cases of known and unknown numbers of bidders and single and multi-proposal situations are investigated. [Likely published circa 1964.]

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Decentralized Management Of Interacting Processes: A Technique Of Nonlinear Programming (Ii), Leon S. Lasdon, S. Sankar Sengupta Jan 1964

Decentralized Management Of Interacting Processes: A Technique Of Nonlinear Programming (Ii), Leon S. Lasdon, S. Sankar Sengupta

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

In this part certain conditions are established under which an equilibrium point of the algorithm of price-adjustment (P - E) is asymptotically stable in the large. These conditions are phrased as requirements on the functions involved in the original or integrated problem. It is shown that although the usual concavity requirements (for maximization problems) are sufficient to guarantee stability, much less will suffice. Mathematically, this appears as the fact that, for stability, only the sum of certain quadratic forms - one for each sub-problem - must be negative, so that one or more positive terms may be cancelled by others …

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Towards A General Theory Of Systems Model Of Subsystems, F. Benson, M. Gurel Jan 1964

Towards A General Theory Of Systems Model Of Subsystems, F. Benson, M. Gurel

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This report critiques the traditional classification of Operations Research models into eight types, highlighting their historical origins and limitations in addressing complex systems with multiple decision-makers. The study explores the potential for more general models that combine two or more model types to gain deeper insights into the behavior of complex systems. While iterative optimization of subsystems is a common approach, the analysis shows that this method is unreliable and may not achieve system-wide optimality. Instead, constructing comprehensive models of the entire system is necessary, emphasizing the need for advanced mathematical methods, particularly in solving partial difference equations. However, such …

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Capacity Expansion In Oligopoly, S. Sankar Sengupta, Gifford H. Symonds Sep 1963

Capacity Expansion In Oligopoly, S. Sankar Sengupta, Gifford H. Symonds

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Imperfections of competition may be modeled in terms of stochastic dependence of the price realized by an individual firm on certain decision variables of the firm and of its competitors; or models may be constructed describing how the profits of each competitor are influenced stochastically by the price or quantity decisions of every other competitor. Models of the latter type seem to blur the distinction between what is traditionally understood as monopolistic competition and oligopoly. We shall, therefore, look for some operational definition of oligopoly, that is, a definition in terms of what firms do and how the market (if …

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The Decomposition Principle In Engineering Problems: Towards A Multi-Level Concept Of Problem Solving, Hamilton A. Chase, S. Sankar Sengupta Dec 1961

The Decomposition Principle In Engineering Problems: Towards A Multi-Level Concept Of Problem Solving, Hamilton A. Chase, S. Sankar Sengupta

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

In a previous report it was shown that a large system of differential equations could be decomposed into smaller groups (called subproblems) such that the solutions of the subproblems converged to the solution of the original system. It was also shown that the decomposition was most effective when the original problem was decomposed along the boundaries of weakest interaction in terms of the Lipschitz constants. This last fact, however, is a desirable but not essential condition. The major purpose of the present report is to develop certain techniques which will facilitate the application of the decomposition principle as stated in …

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The Decomposition Principle In Engineering Problems: Towards A Multi-Level Concept Of Problem-Solving, Hamilton A. Chase, S. Sankar Sengupta Dec 1960

The Decomposition Principle In Engineering Problems: Towards A Multi-Level Concept Of Problem-Solving, Hamilton A. Chase, S. Sankar Sengupta

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The principal result of this report is a demonstration that systems of ordinary differential equations of engineering that are too large for the available computers can be solved by a principle of "decomposition." It is shown that the systems of resulting subproblems are members of a larger class of problems. The properties of this class are investigated and conditions stated under which the solutions of the subproblems converge to those of the original problem. A measure of the interaction between the subproblems is suggested for a subsequent investigation.

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Errors, Estimates, Optimality, Shiv K. Gupta, Arthur J. Yaspan, Maurice W. Sasieni, Burton V. Dean Jul 1958

Errors, Estimates, Optimality, Shiv K. Gupta, Arthur J. Yaspan, Maurice W. Sasieni, Burton V. Dean

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

We are frequently faced with having to make decisions in situations where there is uncertainty about the outcome, but where we can exercise some control. In order to do so in a rational manner we must first define a criterion of optimality. Many workers have used the expected outcome when the actual outcome could not be determined in advance; they have then minimized the expected outcome*. Other definitions of optimality are possible and will be discussed here. A typical situation may be represented by a mathematical model E = f(X_i, Y_j) i = 1, 2, ... n, j = 1, …

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The Determination Of Observational Errors Occurring In Information-Collection Processes, John C. Chambers, Donald F. Clark Sep 1957

The Determination Of Observational Errors Occurring In Information-Collection Processes, John C. Chambers, Donald F. Clark

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

An important factor in the determination of an optimal information-collection procedure is the observational error that occurs in the information-collection process. Until recently, information-collection theory has generally assumed either that observational error is irrelevant, or that observational error is not a function of the resources expended in making the observation. However, more recent developments in the theory have included the observational error factor. This paper demonstrates one method that might be used in evaluating observational error, and considers how to determine the variation of observational error with the resources expended. The feasibility of determining observational error is discussed in detail, …

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Towards A Behavioral Theory Of Communication, Russell L. Ackoff Mar 1957

Towards A Behavioral Theory Of Communication, Russell L. Ackoff

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This Research Memorandum develops a formal framework for understanding information as it relates to decision-making. It introduces the concept of an individual's "purposeful state," defined by objectives, valuation of those objectives, possible courses of action, their efficiencies, and the probabilities of their selection. The study defines the amount of information in a purposeful state using the probabilities of choosing among available actions and evaluates information conveyed in a message as the change in information before and after the message. Additionally, the amount of instruction and motivation in a purposeful state is quantified, based on the efficiencies and values of actions …

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An Exploratory Study On The Consideration Of Observational Errors In The Design Of Information Collection Procedures, Arthur J. Yaspan, Michael H. Halbert, Russell L. Ackoff Nov 1956

An Exploratory Study On The Consideration Of Observational Errors In The Design Of Information Collection Procedures, Arthur J. Yaspan, Michael H. Halbert, Russell L. Ackoff

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

An information-collection situation is said to arise when a sample is to be taken from some universe, observations are to be made on the elements of the sample, and action is to be undertaken on the basis of these observations with the expectation of return. An information-collection procedure in such a situation is specified by assigning values to the following two quantities: n : the number of elements in the sample, l : the resources expended in making an observation on one element of the sample. An information-collection procedure is considered optimal, in this paper, if the expected return from …

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The Antecedents Of Social Contagion On Social Networking Platforms, Michael Fisher Jul 1905

The Antecedents Of Social Contagion On Social Networking Platforms, Michael Fisher

Student Scholarship

Social networking platforms, systems designed to provide digital content services specifically for social network sites, continue to develop through a rapid combination of components forming a service ecology that is much more than a single tool or service. In spite of this development, the most widely utilized theories of technology adoption and usage have focused on single user level tool adoption which limits their explanatory power of services platforms. These platforms have experienced tremendously rapid growth rates and the current state-of-the-art research attempts to explain this phenomenon through an economic or network effect lens, which fall short in explaining individual …

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Concept Paper: The Impact Of The Internet On Airline Pricing, William G. Brunger Jun 1905

Concept Paper: The Impact Of The Internet On Airline Pricing, William G. Brunger

Student Scholarship

The Airline Industry has experienced considerable change since the Airline Deregulation Act took effect in 1978, both because of the new business climate engendered by deregulation and because of technological advances in and surrounding the industry. One of the most powerful change agents has been the Internet, which is widely used in the sale and distribution of airline tickets. Several researchers have noted that the rise of the Internet has been accompanied by a decrease in airline fares. Previous studies have suggested several causal categories--for example, reduced search costs, greater transparency, mistrust, uncertainty, more effective buying strategies--but have not studied …

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A Formal Grounded Theory On The Ethics Of Transfer In Conflict Resolution, Maurice Apprey Jun 1905

A Formal Grounded Theory On The Ethics Of Transfer In Conflict Resolution, Maurice Apprey

Student Scholarship

A new conflict resolution praxis has been created from two existing practices. The new praxis was the outcome of a meta-ethnographic research method that allows two publications to be synthesized. It does so in a way that allows each separate work to contribute to the new and third product. The result of the synthesis of two two-party conflict resolution programs was further synthesized with a multi-party conflict management schema that uses framing and reframing of positions in negotiations. The result of these qualitative metasyntheses revealed the following: When a third-party facilitation team enters a fractured community, both unofficial gatekeepers of …

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Models Of Management In Rwandan Ingos: The Decoupling Of Formal And Informal Management Practices, Cheryl A. Baldwin Jun 1905

Models Of Management In Rwandan Ingos: The Decoupling Of Formal And Informal Management Practices, Cheryl A. Baldwin

Student Scholarship

The proper nature of NGO management has been debated by many scholars, dividing the argument into at least two central themes: those who advocate that third sector organizations should take management more seriously and acknowledge the continuities with mainstream management, and those who argue that third sector organizations are distinct and cannot be managed using mainstream management practices (Lewis, 2002 and Thomas, 1998). A number of questions have been raised regarding the management of NGOs. What type of management is appropriate for NGOs? Does the management of these organizations differ from other sectors? What management practices are being used by …

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The Nonprofit Sector: Where Women Go To Work, Jane Van Buren Jun 1905

The Nonprofit Sector: Where Women Go To Work, Jane Van Buren

Student Scholarship

Nonprofit organizations have a history in the United States of fostering pluralism, diversity and freedom. They play vital roles as advocates and in identifying and addressing unmet human needs in their communities. Most of the recent major social and political movements such as AIDS, civil rights, environmental protection, etc., that have animated American life have all operated through private, nonprofit organizations. Across the United States there are approximately 11 million nonprofit employees, 70 percent of whom are female, who act as the guardians of social justice and community values, and as champions of high quality, equitable, diverse and affordable service …

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Sources Of Social Capital In Community Engagement Efforts, Suzanne K. Moore Jun 1905

Sources Of Social Capital In Community Engagement Efforts, Suzanne K. Moore

Student Scholarship

Research on community engagement and collaboration with public institutions has not rigorously studied the sources of social capital at the micro level. By studying local school board experiences in engaging the community, I will advance the knowledge in this area. Local school boards have a distinct role in the leadership of public schools. Although practitioner oriented research has revealed the positive impact of community engagement and collaboration with public education, national studies and the author’s “lived world” have shown that board member policies and practices are not consistent with recommendations in the studies. I propose that the sources of social …

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Physician Inter-Personal & Communication Competencies As Measured By Patient, Peer & Self Surveys: Predicting Patient Satisfaction Results From Peer Ratings, Michael J. Deegan Jun 1905

Physician Inter-Personal & Communication Competencies As Measured By Patient, Peer & Self Surveys: Predicting Patient Satisfaction Results From Peer Ratings, Michael J. Deegan

Student Scholarship

The study was intended as a pilot to determine the feasibility and utility of using patient and peer survey instruments to assess participating physician inter-personal and communication skills and humanistic qualities. A longer term objective is to provide practicing physicians constructive insights into their communication and inter-personal effectiveness with patients, peers and other members of the care team. The study relied on a secondary database obtained from the study sponsor. Original data was collected from 100 voluntary participating physicians (PP), 1,000 professional peers (10/PP), and 2,500 patients (25/PP) under the care of the participating physicians. Previously validated peer and patient …

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Stakeholder Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Nonprofit Organizations, Susan Mctiernan Jun 1905

Stakeholder Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Nonprofit Organizations, Susan Mctiernan

Student Scholarship

During recent years, nonprofit organizations in the United States have evolved into a major force within the economy. They provide extensive services and “social goods” to individuals in need and they depend on stakeholders for their ability to function effectively. The interconnectedness of nonprofits and stakeholders emanates, at least in part, from their social mission, but is also a function of organizational management in general. This research examines the perceptions of stakeholders of nonprofit organizations in order to begin the process of identifying the considerations that influence the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. Conclusions are presented concerning the multidimensionality of these …

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Lessons From The Cellblock: A Study Of Prison Inmate Participants In An Alternatives To Violence Program, Stanton D. Sloane Jun 1905

Lessons From The Cellblock: A Study Of Prison Inmate Participants In An Alternatives To Violence Program, Stanton D. Sloane

Student Scholarship

This paper is a follow-on to preliminary research on the Quakers conducted in the fall of 2000. That inquiry looked at other-regarding principles in the Quaker religion and how they are applied in practice. Underlying Quakerism is a deep regard for all people. The Quakers believe that “God is in everyone.” They are strongly anti-violent, very receptive of people of other faiths, and generally very tolerant in their approach to life. Because of these principles, Quakers are frequently sought out as mediators, counselors, and leaders of organizations committed to non-violence. The strength of their beliefs about the goodness of all …

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Effective Selling Skills In Life Insurance Sales: The Implication On Sales Performance, Recruiting, And Retention Of Producers, Benjamin K. Ofili Jun 1905

Effective Selling Skills In Life Insurance Sales: The Implication On Sales Performance, Recruiting, And Retention Of Producers, Benjamin K. Ofili

Student Scholarship

This ethnographic study of effective selling skills in life insurance sales was conducted in Houston, Texas. The identity of the financial service company, the producer, and other participants were withheld for confidentiality. Persistent industrial problems in life insurance sales of mostly new sales producers and their inability to attain a successful sales career consequent to poor sales production spawned this study. A consequence of poor sales is low commission income, which directly impacts attrition of sales producers as well as recruiting efforts of companies. Life insurance is an intangible product with an inherent level of difficulty, hence effective selling skills …

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A Study Of Strategy Formulation & Reformulation At At&T, Bashar Nejdawi Jun 1905

A Study Of Strategy Formulation & Reformulation At At&T, Bashar Nejdawi

Student Scholarship

This study combines an inductive and deductive approach to studying strategy formulation and reformulation at AT&T utilizing a cognitive based model. The research question is: Do stress and inertia, in relationship to each other and in relationship to second order change, conforms to the Huff & Huff’s model? The study utilized two methodologies to address the research question: strategic argument mapping was used to identify the key strategic arguments and concepts of AT&T strategy; and thematic analysis was used to obtain a quantitative measure for stress and inertia. Both sets of results were mapped against predicted patterns of strategy reformulation …

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Teacher Acculturation: From Platform Theatre To Improvised Theatre And Learning Dynamic Choreography, Manoj Nakra Jun 1905

Teacher Acculturation: From Platform Theatre To Improvised Theatre And Learning Dynamic Choreography, Manoj Nakra

Student Scholarship

This research, using ethnographic methods, focuses on the acculturation process experienced by a group of teachers who moved from India to the US. I looked at the phenomenon from the eyes of the teachers as they struggled to describe, explain and understand the new setting in which they were working and their new roles. Their teaching skills were culturally rooted and ineffective. The reworking of their identity i.e. feeling of being self-efficacious, occurred through a process of learning, which occurred while being engaged with the students and based on improvisation to the actual emergent situations in class. A mediating element …

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Implementing School Wide Service Learning In A Middle School: An Exploratory Study Of The Teacher's Motivation, Patricia J. Mintz Jun 1905

Implementing School Wide Service Learning In A Middle School: An Exploratory Study Of The Teacher's Motivation, Patricia J. Mintz

Student Scholarship

This exploratory research examines the reasons that teachers are motivated to implement service- learning projects in a particular middle school. Service learning is defined as "a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities" (National Commission on Service Learning, 2002). Because the use of service learning is not mandated or required by this school, some teachers are engaging in a behavior that goes beyond the basic requirements of their instructional role in the classroom without additional reward or monetary compensation. This research uses the subcategories of organizational citizenship …

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The Pursuit Of Clinical Quality And Patient Safety: Challenges Presented By Bureaucratic Structures, Organizational Complexity And Professional Ethos, Michael J. Deegan Jun 1905

The Pursuit Of Clinical Quality And Patient Safety: Challenges Presented By Bureaucratic Structures, Organizational Complexity And Professional Ethos, Michael J. Deegan

Student Scholarship

Clinical quality and patient safety are important features of contemporary medical care. Health care organizations and professionals are being urged to make significant improvements in care delivery and care outcomes; including a reduction in the risk of inadvertent patient injury associated with the care process. This study describes an opportunity to observe how a health care system and its professional staff reviewed and revised current clinical quality and patient safety programs. The intent was to better understand the attributes and mental models organizational members brought to this task and to appreciate the influence organizational structure and culture had on the …

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Happenings At The Local Volunteer Fire Station: Analyzing The Role Community Service Organizations Can Play In Transforming High Risk Youth, Daniel A. Cohen Jun 1905

Happenings At The Local Volunteer Fire Station: Analyzing The Role Community Service Organizations Can Play In Transforming High Risk Youth, Daniel A. Cohen

Student Scholarship

This ethnography starts at the beginning, with a review of the relevant literature on juvenile delinquency and on reform programs for juvenile delinquency. Simply put, there are major issues in the way that society is dealing with the problem of juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency itself is a huge societal problem. For instance, "each year, the juvenile justice system spends billions of dollars to handle approximately 7,000,000 youths...the problem of juvenile delinquency exacts a high toll on society in terms of loss of property, life and each year, more disaffected youth" (Ozanne, et al P185). After examining the relevant literature and …

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America In The 21st Century: Finding Harmony Between Economic And Social Goals, Janet Joyce Bennett Jun 1905

America In The 21st Century: Finding Harmony Between Economic And Social Goals, Janet Joyce Bennett

Student Scholarship

As we enter the 21st century, Americans have much of which to be proud: we are seen as the strongest and most influential country in the world: our way of life - everything from clothes to movies to economic policies - are seen as the ideal to which many people in other countries aspire. But America also has a dark side: people who must eat out of garbage cans and sleep on sidewalks; urban areas that are unsafe places in which to live; schools that are crumbling around students who have lost their inspiration; and mass media that sell sex, …

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