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Articles 571 - 600 of 1196

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

Multinomial Approximating Models For Options With K State Variables, Bardia Kamrad, Peter H. Ritchken Sep 1989

Multinomial Approximating Models For Options With K State Variables, Bardia Kamrad, Peter H. Ritchken

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Contingent claims whose values depend on multiple sources of uncertainty arise in many financial contracts and in the analysis of real projects. Unfortunately closed form solutions for these options are rare and numerical methods can be computationally expensive. This article extends the literature on multinomial approximating models. Specifically, new multinomial models are presented, that include as special cases existing models. The more general models are shown to be computationally more efficient.


Quality Control Of Multistage Production Systems, Gad Rabinowitz Aug 1989

Quality Control Of Multistage Production Systems, Gad Rabinowitz

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

A single inspection facility (IF) is capable of multiple inspection tasks. Such IF could be a human inspector or an automated gaging system (e.g. an image analyzer in a machine vision system). In this study we focus on the use of such IF's for detecting 'out-of-control' production stages in multistage production systems. Managing a multi-IF system for this purpose requires three levels of decisions: the capacity (number of IF's needed), the assignment of inspection tasks to each IF, and the inspection schedule of each single IF subsystem. Both economical and quality performance objectives are considered. The study is presented in …


Optimization Of A Multi-Product, Multi-Period Distribution Network With Fixed Costs, For Refined Petroleum Products, Cynthia Diane Leach May 1989

Optimization Of A Multi-Product, Multi-Period Distribution Network With Fixed Costs, For Refined Petroleum Products, Cynthia Diane Leach

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The distribution network for refined petroleum products is multicommodity in nature since multiple products must share the same transportation resources. To satisfactorily model this network in order to study strategic decisions requires modeling multiple time periods and the use of integer variables for fixed costs. Although the problem can be mathematically formulated as a mixed integer linear program the number of variables makes it difficult to solve using standard linear programming software for real world problems. In order to exploit the structure of the problem, which includes coupling constraints, coupling variables and embedded networks, a three-level decomposition algorithm using the …


A Systematic Approach To Countertrade Decision Making Analysis, Kil Ju Park May 1989

A Systematic Approach To Countertrade Decision Making Analysis, Kil Ju Park

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Countertrade literature to date has concentrated ondiscussing the motivations, reasons, and advantages of specificcountertrades and the negotiation contract requirements fortransactions between countries. However, developing ascience-based decision model for countertrade has drawn littleattention in the literature. Increasing importance ofcountertrade in the world market requires a systematic decision-making process in order to reduce the transaction negotiationtime and cost, and increase profitability of a country or aninternational company.This thesis attempts to improve the countertradenegotiation process by recognizing a hierarchy of objectives tobe met in 1) Picking the proper negotiation partner. 2)Selecting the proper quantities of the different goods to betraded. The first objective …


Optimal Decision And Detection In The Decentralized Case, Moula Cherikh May 1989

Optimal Decision And Detection In The Decentralized Case, Moula Cherikh

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This dissertation addresses the problem of optimal decentralized detection or decision-making about some binary states of the world. In the centralized case, the solutions are well known and easily obtained using the classical theory of statistical hypothesis testing. The decentralized case has an additional degree of complexity due to the interrelationships and the dependence between the decision-makers. As formulated here, the model has applications to any problem in which stochastically independent observations are abstracted to inform a central decision-maker, or are used to determine a team action. Examples include: a strategic defense system, a battery of medical tests, or an …


Valid Inequalities For Constrained Assignment Problems, Sunil Dhamankar, Daniel Solow Apr 1989

Valid Inequalities For Constrained Assignment Problems, Sunil Dhamankar, Daniel Solow

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Recently, valid inequalities derived from polytopal structure of the constraints are playing an important role in solving difficult combinatorial problems. These inequalities strengthen the LP relaxation of the problems and improve the lower bounds substantially. It is expected that in an branch-and-cut type algorithm stronger lower bounds will reduce size of the search tree and will minimize computational effort. In this paper , we consider an Assignment Problem with a single Knapsack Constraint (APKC). We present efficient procedures to identify valid inequalities for the APKC from the LP optimal solution. These inequalities can be strengthened by including additional variables for …


Quality Control Of An Unreliable Open Queueing Network Flexible Manufacturing System : With Repairable Parts And Non-Negligible Inspection Times, Charles S. Tapiero, Lie-Fern Hsu Jan 1989

Quality Control Of An Unreliable Open Queueing Network Flexible Manufacturing System : With Repairable Parts And Non-Negligible Inspection Times, Charles S. Tapiero, Lie-Fern Hsu

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper examines the integration of quality control and repair mechanisms in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs), addressing the challenges posed by automation and process complexity. Leveraging advanced computer-aided quality control technologies such as computer vision and laser-based systems, the study explores inspection and repair processes within an Open Queueing Network (OQN) framework. Two primary repair strategies are analyzed: directing defective units to dedicated repair stations and conducting on-site repairs within manufacturing cells. Using GI/G/S queue models and Whitt’s queueing network approximations, the paper evaluates the impact of these strategies on average outgoing quality (AOQ) and operational performance. Key findings include …


A Simulation Of An Input/Output Subsystem Of A Large Scale I.B.M Mainframe Environment, Thomas J. Bregar Jan 1989

A Simulation Of An Input/Output Subsystem Of A Large Scale I.B.M Mainframe Environment, Thomas J. Bregar

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

A large mainframe computing environment consists of three major hardware components: the mainframe computer, the input/output (I/O) subsystem, and the telecommunication network. Because the cost of each of these components can range from one to ten million dollars, care must be taken when configuring each component to maximize resource utilization while minimizing costs. The task is most difficult for the I/O subsystem. The I/O subsystem is comprised of a series of hardware devices that access data stored on magnetic media. This data is transferred to the computer's main memory for use by computer software. These hardware devices are produced in …


An Integer Programming Based Heuristic Approach To The Three Dimensional Packing Problem, Nancy J. Ivancic Aug 1988

An Integer Programming Based Heuristic Approach To The Three Dimensional Packing Problem, Nancy J. Ivancic

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The problem of packing a set of boxes into a container (e.g., a truck) has prompted research efforts that have produced various solution techniques. Most published work, however, concentrates on the one and two dimensional packing problem and very little has been published in the area of three dimensional packing. Potential applications of this packing situation includes loading of shipping containers or trucks, warehouse design, etc. The present research investigates a three dimensional packing problem where one tries to pack various types of boxes (with different sizes) in various types of containers with the objective that the total cost of …


Off-Day Scheduling With Hierarchical Worker Categories, Hamilton Emmons, Richard N. Burns Aug 1988

Off-Day Scheduling With Hierarchical Worker Categories, Hamilton Emmons, Richard N. Burns

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Workers of m types are available with type k (k=1,...,m-1) more highly qualified and able to substitute for types k+1,...,m. For seven-day-a-week operation, daily requirements are for at least dk workers of type k or better, of which at least dk must be precisely type k. Formulas are given to find the smallest number and most economical mix of workers, assuming each worker must have two off-days per week and a given fraction of weekends off. Algorithms are presented which generate a feasible schedule, and provide workstretches between two and five days, and consecutive weekdays off when on duty for …


A Binomial Contingent Claims Model For Valuing Risky Ventures, Peter H. Ritchken, Bardia Kamrad Jun 1988

A Binomial Contingent Claims Model For Valuing Risky Ventures, Peter H. Ritchken, Bardia Kamrad

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Recently techniques of continuous time arbitrage and stochastic control theory have been used to value risky ventures characterized by significant operating flexibility. While the advantages of these methods over the used discounted cash flow approaches have been well documented, implementation problems have emerged, primarily due to the immence mathematical and computational complexity inherent in these approaches and due to the fact that the methodology is not easily understood by management. This article uses a simple binomial framework which not only provides an easily understandable introduction to these new methods, but also provides useful valuations in their own right.


A Survey Of Design And Operational Issues In Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems, Ahmed Malki, Henry C. Co May 1988

A Survey Of Design And Operational Issues In Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems, Ahmed Malki, Henry C. Co

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This report presents a research agenda on problems associated with designing and operating an Automated Storage/Retrieval System (AS/RS)


Countertrade: A Means Of Expanding Financial Resources In The Not-For-Profit Sector, Arnold Reisman, David Hammack Apr 1988

Countertrade: A Means Of Expanding Financial Resources In The Not-For-Profit Sector, Arnold Reisman, David Hammack

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper discusses various formats of countertrade, from simple barter to complex joint ventures, as a means of expanding financial and other resources by non-profit institutions. Examples of the various types of agreements practiced by the various types of institutions are provided and summarized. Lastly, the paper calls for greater levels of institutional commitments to proactive seeking and consummating countertrade agreements.


Workforce Scheduling: A Taxonomy Of The Literature And Specification Of Potential Research Topics, Rudy Hung, Arnold Reisman Apr 1988

Workforce Scheduling: A Taxonomy Of The Literature And Specification Of Potential Research Topics, Rudy Hung, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The literature includes numerous workforce scheduling models, most of which are special cases or minor variations of the landmark Burns and Carter (BC) model. Some, however, extend the BC model significantly. This paper presents a taxonomy of workforce scheduling methodologies and classifies the majority of contributions to date. The classification highlights both the similarities and differences among the various approaches and identifies gaps in the literature. These gaps represent potential areas for further research.


A Systems Approach To Identifying Knowledge Voids In Problem Solving Disciplines And Professions, Arnold Reisman Apr 1988

A Systems Approach To Identifying Knowledge Voids In Problem Solving Disciplines And Professions, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The more mature a problem solving discipline or profession the greater is its dependence on its science base and less on its art form of knowledge. Knowledge for problem solving disciplines or professions, such as engineering or management, can be subdivided into three sectors e.g. data, methodology and problems. This paper discusses the significance of the availability of knowledge in each of these sectors and in each overlap between the sectors. Next, the paper discusses and illustrates a systematic approach to meta-analyses of past research in a field toward the ends of: a. Synthesizing what is known in a manner …


Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship Grantsmanship And Philanthropy Or Parlaying Your Wits Into More Services Rendered And Cash In The Bank Account, Arnold Reisman Apr 1988

Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship Grantsmanship And Philanthropy Or Parlaying Your Wits Into More Services Rendered And Cash In The Bank Account, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The need to make available resources "go further" is perceived by managers of Independent Sector entities, ranging from the Red Cross Society to the tiniest neighborhood association. Much has been written [O'Neill and Young 1988] about this need, especially during the waning years of the Reagan administration. Moreover, prognoses exist for the post-Reagan years indicating that the need will still be there [Salamon and Abramson 1982; Skloot 1987]. This paper will attempt to explain everything you've been doing, observed being done, and/or contemplated, in parlaying your limited resources to higher levels. Clearly, going "hat-in-hand" for more donative resources is standard …


Optimal Loading In A Three-Node, Two Stage System With Two Stations Parallel, Jeanette S. Biermann Feb 1988

Optimal Loading In A Three-Node, Two Stage System With Two Stations Parallel, Jeanette S. Biermann

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

We consider a three node system having external Poisson arrivals at rate λ. Arrivals are received at a binary switch and go to node 1 with probability r1 and go to node 2 with probability r2 = 1 - r1. We refer to r1 and r2 as the switching parameters. After service at these first-stage stations, departures from either node 1 or 2 proceed to node 3 and depart the system after service there.


On Alternative Strategies For Doing Research In The Management And Social Sciences, Arnold Reisman Jan 1988

On Alternative Strategies For Doing Research In The Management And Social Sciences, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper delineates the various strategies for pursuing research in the management and the social sciences. The potential benefits as well as risks to both the state of knowledge and to the researcher are discussed for each of the strategies delineated.


Quality Control Of An Unreliable Random Fms: With Bernoulli & Csp Sampling, Charles S. Tapiero, Lie-Fern Hsu Jan 1988

Quality Control Of An Unreliable Random Fms: With Bernoulli & Csp Sampling, Charles S. Tapiero, Lie-Fern Hsu

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper provides a set of recursive equations for computing the AOQ's (average outgoing quality) of an unreliable random FMS (flexible manufacturing system). The FMS is described using Whitt's approximation to a network of GI/G/S queues. Relationships between the operating and quality manufacturing characteristics of the FMS are found. Numerical examples are provided and the impact of outgoing quality variability on location of inspection in an FMS is discussed. This latter topic is left for further research however.


A Bayes Approach To Quality Control Of An M/G/1 Job Shop Queue, Lie-Fern Hsu, Charles S. Tapiero Jan 1988

A Bayes Approach To Quality Control Of An M/G/1 Job Shop Queue, Lie-Fern Hsu, Charles S. Tapiero

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper provides a Bayes approach for the quality control of a job-shop process which is defined by an M/G/1 queue. An inspection procedure which is jointly optimal from the process operational characteristics and quality control perspectives is found using a queue-inspection renewal cycle analysis (with overall expected profit per unit time as the optimization objective). Extensive numerical results are obtained, highlighting the relationships between quality control and (queueing-like) job shop management.


Achieving An Advantage With Countertrade, Arnold Reisman, Duu-Cheng Fuh, Gang Li Jan 1988

Achieving An Advantage With Countertrade, Arnold Reisman, Duu-Cheng Fuh, Gang Li

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper discusses the various formats of Countertrade, a modern outgrowth of ancient Barter. It presents a taxonomy for classifying the ways Countertrade is conducted. It delineates the advantages to the trading partners depending on the respective levels of economic development in their home countries. It discusses the process of Countertrade broadly enough to encompass each of the Countertrade formats. It addresses issues of product bundling and develops quantity ranges within which a trade will be profitable to both sides, assuming that comparative advantage is enjoyed by the trading partners in their respective product lines. Lastly, the paper discusses some …


An Improved Counterexample To The Rudimentary Primal Algorithm, Robert Haas, Kamlesh Mathur, Harvey M. Salkin Jan 1988

An Improved Counterexample To The Rudimentary Primal Algorithm, Robert Haas, Kamlesh Mathur, Harvey M. Salkin

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

The rudimentary primal algorithm (RPA) is a simple and convenient algorithm to solve all-integer integer programs; its considerably more complex alternative is the "simplified primal algorithm" (SPA) of Young [3] and Glover [1]. The RPA has not been demonstrated to converge, however; Mathis [3] and Salkin [4] have in fact presented counterexamples for which it cycles indefinitely with period six. The counterexamples depend critically, though, on a rigid choice of the "optimal" pivot columns; Mathis' example converges if alternative columns are selected, and we observe here that Salkin's converges quickly too. The issue thus remained open whether the RPA might …


An Efficient Resource Directive Algorithm For Multicommodity Network Flow Problems, Chandrashekhar Madhukar Khot Jan 1988

An Efficient Resource Directive Algorithm For Multicommodity Network Flow Problems, Chandrashekhar Madhukar Khot

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Resource directive algorithms for multicommodity network flow problems are decomposition schemes that work by transforming the problem into one of finding the best possible allocation of capacities to the competing commodities. The transformed problem has a piecewise linear convex master program, with single commodity network flow subproblems, which can be solved fast. Resource directive algorithms presented in the literature have attempted to exploit the convexity of the objective. However, the best resource directive algorithm available, the subgradient algorithm, remains heuristic in nature. On the other hand, optimizing algorithms are usually computationally effective variants of the revised simplex algorithm; are roughly …


A General Model And Taxonomy For Countertrade Analysis, Arnold Reisman, Gang Li, Duu-Cheng Fuh Jan 1988

A General Model And Taxonomy For Countertrade Analysis, Arnold Reisman, Gang Li, Duu-Cheng Fuh

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper discusses the countertrade transaction in general enough terms to subsume all of its known formats. It presents a general model for evaluating transactions under each of the various forms of countertrade and a schema for classifying same. Both the model and the taxonomy encompass transactions ranging from pure barter to free trade.


Design Of A Model Generator For Simulation Modeling In Slam [Tm 610], Henry C. Co, Shih-Ken Chen Jan 1988

Design Of A Model Generator For Simulation Modeling In Slam [Tm 610], Henry C. Co, Shih-Ken Chen

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

[Published circa 1986-1988]. We present a menu-driven model generator for simulation of job shop-like systems such as the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). The model generator creates a "combined discrete-network" model which can be run directly on the IBM-PC version of SLAM II. The model traces the flow of materials in a closed network of resources. A data file for the discrete-event elements of the SLAM model enhances the flexibility of the model generator. The resulting model has the capability to incorporate various types of work stations (machining centers, loading and unloading stations, inspection stations, heat treatment and cleaning stations, temporary …


Coordination Of Multilevel Optimization And Benefit Allocation For Cooperating Producers With Emphasis On Agricultural Integration, Asher Tsafrir, Hovav Talpaz, Arnold Reisman Jan 1988

Coordination Of Multilevel Optimization And Benefit Allocation For Cooperating Producers With Emphasis On Agricultural Integration, Asher Tsafrir, Hovav Talpaz, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper develops a methodology for: The joint planning of activities by several cooperating but independent producers, where such cooperation can have synergistic results and an equitable distribution of the benefits resulting from the activities executed according to the above plan. The first objective is addressed using multilevel optimization techniques and the second using concepts from Rawls' theory of distributive justice, Aumann-Shapley prices and methodologies of Billera and Heath and of Mirman and Tauman which rendered the above operational. Although the paper focuses on agricultural cooperatives it points out potential applications in the health services and in the public sectors.


Design Of A Model Generator For Simulation Modeling In Slam [Tm 585], Henry C. Co, Shih-Ken Chen Jan 1988

Design Of A Model Generator For Simulation Modeling In Slam [Tm 585], Henry C. Co, Shih-Ken Chen

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

[Published circa 1986-1988]. We present a menu-driven model generator for simulation of job shop-like systems such as the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). The model generator creates a "combined discrete-network" model which can be run directly on the IBM-PC version of SLAM II. The model traces the flow of materials in a closed network of resources. A data file for the discrete-event elements of the SLAM model enhances the flexibility of the model generator. The resulting model has the capability to incorporate various types of work stations (machining centers, loading and unloading stations, inspection stations, heat treatment and cleaning stations, temporary …


Design Of Agricultural Integrations: A Problem Of Coordinating Multilevel Production Optimization And Profit Distribution, Asher Tsafrir, Hovav Talpaz, Arnold Reisman Jan 1988

Design Of Agricultural Integrations: A Problem Of Coordinating Multilevel Production Optimization And Profit Distribution, Asher Tsafrir, Hovav Talpaz, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper develops a sound coordination methodology for optimizing production and distributing the resulting benefits within a cooperative of several independent economic entities. The methodology is applied to the agricultural integration of Israeli Fish Farming Cooperatives.


Unification Of Single Objective Mathematical Programming Problems, Gregory Pollock, Arnold Reisman Jan 1988

Unification Of Single Objective Mathematical Programming Problems, Gregory Pollock, Arnold Reisman

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper attempts to unify a broad, though not exhaustive, arena of mathematical programming. The approach involves the development of a general mathematical problem formulation, which is shown to reduce, in a deductive manner, to each of the major subfields of mathematical programming. Furthermore, a taxonomy is provided for classifying each of the special cases. Lastly, the premier algorithms for solving each of the cases are indicated and referenced.


Preventive Maintenance Scheduling In An M/M/1 System, Abdelaziz Araar, Henry C. Co Jan 1988

Preventive Maintenance Scheduling In An M/M/1 System, Abdelaziz Araar, Henry C. Co

Research Reports from the Department of Operations

This paper investigates the preventive maintenance scheduling problem in an M/M/1 system. The trade-off between the cost of breakdown, the cost of waiting, and the cost of maintenance are examined. A number of insightful propositions are established and the boundary conditions of the optimal frequency of maintenance analyzed.