Suchergebnisse

ABSTRACTMost linear goal programming (LPG) algorithms are based on a simplex‐type solution method that begins with an initial simplex tableau with solution‐set variables (basic variables) consisting of all‐negative deviational variables or all‐positive deviational variables. This note (1) demonstrates how computational solution effort can be reduced by selecting the appropriate all‐negative or all‐positive deviational variable algorithm and (2) describes a procedure that can be used to aid decision makers in selecting the appropriate algorithm for all types of applied goal programming (GP) models. Results of this study reveal the procedure as accurate and providing computational time savings when applied to a large sample of GP problems.

Recent models comparing inventory costs under just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing plans and economic order quantity (EOQ) purchasing plans have tended to favor EOQ purchasing in situations where annual demand of inventory is moderately large. Contends that these cost models are lacking dynamic cost components inherent in virtually all JIT purchasing plans. Presents a series of inventory purchasing cost models that extend prior methodology by Fazel by including relevant physical distribution cost savings. Additional comparative models are presented to further demonstrate how other relevant costs factors can be included in a comparative EOQ/JIT model. A cost comparison with an existing problem from the literature is used to illustrate the informational efficacy of new models.

ABSTRACTWeb‐based education is a popular format for the delivery of college courses. Research has shown that it may not be the best form of education for all students. Today, many students (and student advisors) face a choice in course delivery format (i.e., Web‐based or more traditional classroom courses). This research study examines the relationship between student personality characteristics and their achievement scores as a means of identifying predictors of academic success in an undergraduate business program using Web‐based education. The results of the study show that four basic personality characteristics are highly correlated to student achievement in Web‐based courses. Use of these personality characteristics as variables in a regression model is shown to be a highly accurate predictive tool to aid students in the decision as to whether to take a particular Web‐based course format or a more traditional classroom course.

The primary objective of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is to help integrate an organization's business operations and processes effectively and efficiently. Not all firms have been successful in their ERP implementations and to that end research has helped to identify many factors that might be critical to a successful implementation. Such factors as the use of business process reengineering (BPR), and establishing a total quality management (TQM) culture have all shown to play important roles in ERP implementation. The focus of this survey research on US electronic manufacturing firms is to identify successful integration sequences of TQM and BPR with ERP. The findings reveal that both the sequence of implementation and the strategies selected to initiate ERP systems can significantly impact business performance successfulness.