Journal of the Operational Research Society

Bennett, Peter G.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.123pmid: N/A

AbstractThis paper arises from some current attempts to being together several approaches designed to help decision-makers faced with complex, ‘messy’ problems. These include, inter alia, the strategic choice methodology, hypergame analysis and other game-based approaches, and methods making use of cognitive mapping.Some general issues pertinent to ‘linkage’ are discussed: differences in theoretical background between the approaches are noted, and some implications of these explored. With these in mind, a number of possible forms of linkage are suggested. Within this general framework, the paper discusses some specific pieces of work already done, and considers the prospects for further progress. Though it concentrates on work involving certain specific approaches, the issues raised are relevant to the linkage and/or classification of other decision-aiding methods.

Klein, Jonathan H.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.124pmid: N/A

AbstractThis paper examines the way in which reality is abstracted in the preparation and design of a game or simulation model. Two modes and four dimensions of abstraction are identified. Of particular importance is the construal dimension, which depicts the subjective content of a model as perceived by a participant. It is argued that anything more than trivial abstraction in this dimension alters the meaning of models to such an extent that human players will not be able properly to understand them. This limits the types of games with human players that can validly be played for research or education to those with relatively specific rather than general results. The argument is developed in terms of a spectrum of result generality for game and simulation models.

Davies, Ruth

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.125pmid: 10272813

AbstractA variety of stochastic and deterministic non-optimizing techniques have been used both predictively and for comparing policy options for patient treatment. Models of the system of the treatment of kidney patients are reviewed and are shown to be based on too small a subsystem to be useful for planning and budgeting. Other drawbacks include poor user-credibility and lack of robustness. Discrete-event simulation is shown to be the most appropriate technique which does not limit the type of distribution functions that may be used and can model patient attributes, resource use and constraints.

Kioulafas, K. E.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.126pmid: N/A

AbstractThe object of this paper is to present a quantitative analysis of the Greek beer industry, through the use of various single regressions. The first part presents the relationship between advertising and sales through disaggregating advertising outlays, media and firm advertised, while a number of indices referring to advertising effectiveness are also estimated. The second part extends the discussion by presenting an illustrative example with regard to the implied duration interval and its importance in advertising.

Manning, J. R.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.127pmid: N/A

AbstractThis is a case study of a project to introduce computer-aided scheduling into the stitching room of a shoe factory, which led instead to an automated microcomputer-controlled work-handling system. The outcome has been an increase in productivity and wages earned, together with a large reduction in throughput time and work-in-progress.

O'Keefe, Robert M.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.128pmid: 10272814

AbstractModelling the operation of outpatient departments, with the aim of devising an appointment system that would reduce patient waiting time, was an early application area for O.R. Yet outpatients still spend an excessive amount of time waiting. This paper reports an investigation into the operation of outpatient departments. The attempt to arrive at a sensible policy is considered at length. It is concluded that the determination of an implementable policy, the education of participants into acceptance of that policy, and monitoring any policy once implemented are of paramount importance. The approach taken is briefly compared with qualitative and soft approaches.

Saunders, C. J.; Kirk, J.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.129pmid: N/A

AbstractThe management of a large fleet of company vehicles represents a significant administrative activity, particularly when the company is a motor vehicle manufacturer and the fleet consists of its own products. The approach taken by the Operational Research Group was to cross departmental boundaries to smooth vehicle ordering, reduce inventories of vehicles awaiting delivery and optimize resale values. The method steers between two potential pitfalls: that of ‘optimizing’ one affected department to the detriment of others, and that of developing sophisticated scheduling and forecasting algorithms which the users would not understand and therefore not trust.

Williamson, S. L.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.130pmid: N/A

AbstractThis paper describes North Thames Gas O.R. Department's involvement in the allocation of a contract covering the operational work on the Region's gas distribution network. This network is approx. 12,500 miles (20,000 km) in length and requires constant attention, such as additions, repairs to or replacements of parts of the network. Fifty percent of this work is currently carried out by the Region's own labour, the rest being undertaken by private contractors working under the terms of a contract for a defined period, normally 2 or 3 years. Between 15 and 20 contractors are initially invited to tender for the contract. Their tenders are then evaluated and the contract awarded to a number of the contractors, subject to the Region's financial and operational constraints.The O.R. Department's involvement with the contract (which has a current value of £20m per year) includes:checking the rates paid under the contract for pricing consistency;devising computer models to evaluate the contractors' tenders;assisting in the allocation of the contract.

Ritchie, Eric; Tsado, Aaron

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.131pmid: N/A

AbstractThis paper shows that, with the exception of the first lot quantity, the E.O.Q. can be used for determining replenishment quantities, when demand is increasing linearly, with little cost penalty.

Tyler, George W.

doi: 10.1057/jors.1985.132pmid: N/A

AbstractA previous paper presented a mathematical model of evolution which applies to social and biological systems alike, and offered two practical case studies as evidence of its validity. This paper offers two further case studies which provide an even more stringent test of the model.