Inter-city bus scheduling under variable market share and uncertain market demands

Bus scheduling is essential to a carrier's profitability, its level of service and its competitiveness in the market. In past research most inter-city bus scheduling models have used only the projected (or average) market share and market demand, meaning that the variations in daily passenger demand that occur in actual operations are neglected. In this research, however, we do not utilize a fixed market share and market demand. Instead, passenger choice behaviors and uncertain market demands are considered. Stochastic and robust optimizations and a passenger choice model are used to develop the models. These models are formulated as a nonlinear integer program that is characterized as NP-hard. We also develop a solution algorithm to efficiently solve the models. They are tested using data from a major Taiwan inter-city bus operation. The results show the good performance of the models and the solution algorithm.     

An application of multicriteria decision aid models in the prediction of open market share repurchases

This study presents the first attempt to develop classification models for the prediction of share repurchase announcements using multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) techniques. We use three samples consisting of 434 UK firms, 330 French firms, and 296 German firms, to develop country-specific models. The MCDA techniques that are applied for the development of the models are the UTilités Additives DIScriminantes (UTADIS) and the ELimination and Choice Expressing REality (ELECTRE) TRI. We adopt a 10-fold cross validation approach, a re-sampling technique that allows us to split the datasets in training and validation sub-samples. Thus, at the first stage of the analysis the aim is the development of a model capable of reproducing the classification of the firms considered in the training samples. Once this stage is completed, the model can be used for the classification of new firms not included in the training samples (i.e. validation stage). The results show that both MCDA models achieve quite satisfactory classification accuracies in the validation sample and they outperform both logistic regression and chance predictions. The developed models could provide the basis for a decision tool for various stakeholders such as managers, shareholders, and investment analysts.     

The increasing power of store brands: Building loyalty and market share

An important evolution in the retailing industry is the growing success of store brands. Still, their level of penetration varies widely across countries and industries. We provide an operational measure to quantify the power of store brands along two dimensions: the intrinsic loyalty of their customer base, and their conquesting power to attract potential switchers. Based on their position along these two dimensions, we classify store and national brands as ‘Giants’, ‘Misers’, ‘Fighters’ or ‘Artisans’. We use the proposed operationalization to evaluate the absolute and relative strength of Albert Heijn, the leading Dutch store brand, in 19 product categories.     

探索性创新的资源和常规刚性对市场份额影响

企业内部存在资源刚性和常规刚性。文章采用基于主体建模方法,分析企业探索性创新活动中两种刚性对企业竞争地位的影响。研究发现,资源刚性的减小或创新资源配置灵活性的增加,并不一定使得企业市场份额增加,但常规刚性的增加会对企业市场份额产生消极影响;资源刚性的减弱能够缓和常规刚性的增强对企业市场份额产生的不利影响,而当常规具有灵活性时,会破坏资源刚性的减弱对企业市场份额产生的积极影响。总体上,探索性创新的资源刚性与常规刚性在对企业市场份额影响上,不存在完全的协同效应。     

Importance of relative market share in strategic planning — A case study

A new approach to corporate development activities in multi-divisional companies is the use of resource allocation models such as that briefly described by the authors in their introduction. The basic assumption of the model, which is the existence of a strong relationship between market share and profitability as a result of the experience effect, is still a subject of controversy.The article is therefore devoted to an analysis of this relationship which is verified for 18 different Strategic Product Centres of a multinational company operating in the field of high-precision engineering. Further investigations made on specific product lines show an exact relation allowing a quantification of the effects of strategic decisions.     

品牌、价格和促销对市场份额影响的模型研究

以吸引力市场份额理论为基础,以乘法竞争互动(MCI)模型为方法,研究了品牌、价格和销售促销对市场份额的影响,并计算了品牌价值、价格弹性和促销弹性.该研究尝试在零售终端层面对市场份额进行模型实证研究.     

An exact method for shrinking pivot tables

Pivot tables are one of the most popular tools for data visualization in both business and research applications. Although they are in general easy to use, their comprehensibility becomes progressively lower when the quantity of cells to be visualized increases (i.e., information flooding problem). Pivot tables are largely adopted in OLAP, the main approach to multidimensional data analysis. To cope with the information flooding problem in OLAP, the shrink operation enables users to balance the size of query results with their approximation, exploiting the presence of multidimensional hierarchies. The only implementation of the shrink operator proposed in the literature is based on a greedy heuristic that, in many cases, is far from reaching a desired level of effectiveness.In this paper we propose a model for optimizing the implementation of the shrink operation which considers two possible problem types. The first type minimizes the loss of precision ensuring that the resulting data do not exceed the maximum allowed size. The second one minimizes the size of the resulting data ensuring that the loss of precision does not exceed a given maximum value. We model both problems as set partitioning problems with a side constraint. To solve the models we propose a dual ascent procedure based on a Lagrangian pricing approach, a Lagrangian heuristic, and an exact method. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches, that is compared with both the original greedy heuristic and a commercial general-purpose MIP solver.     

Optical services in the UK: A study of a professional labour market

What is the optimum size of a profession and how should it be determined? If norms about working standards exist and if it can be assumed that its geographical distribution and organisation are optimal, then man-power planning can be reduced to an arithmetical exercise; and the ideal number of places offered on qualifying courses in Colleges and Universities will be determined by pass-rates. However, in most cases, the problems are more complex. A proper concern for professional freedom leads society to tolerate wide variations in professional behaviour and working practice. One aim of policy, whether developed by a Government department or by a professional association or both, may be to promote efficiency, but not at the expense of individual discretion. In such circumstances, working norms do not exist. If, in addition, there is little hard information about the extent of part-time working, actual working practices and so on, it is difficult at first to see how to decide the future size of the profession. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how a simulation exercise combined with a sensitivity analysis was able to contribute to the solution of this problem in the case of one profession, that of opticians. It is hoped that the approach can be adapted to deal with similar problems in other professions who sell their services directly to the public.     

From communism to market: business models and governance in heritage conservation in Poland

The paper focuses on the effect of business model and governance changes on conservation and access outcomes in three heritage sites in Poland: Ksiaz Castle, the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace Abbey and the Jelenia Gora Valley historic palaces. It argues that the interplay between business model and governance led by relevant political, administrative and economic changes has an impact on which historic buildings are conserved for future generations, in what form, and with which functions. Findings from the case studies allow us to design three ideal business models for the management of heritage sites. The paper also explores implications for management research regarding business model and public sector change.

     

Knowledge, innovation and share value

Knowledge–based enterprises (KBEs) are difficult to value owing to the relatively greater importance of their intangible assets, such as human capital and investment in innovation. Traditional valuation models rely on variables such as earnings, dividends and assets, which, for many KBEs, are either non–existent or are distorted by differing accounting practices. This paper reviews the various attempts by practitioners and academics to overcome these difficulties by such devices as different proxies for the valuation variables or different forms of the valuation equations. We then examine some theoretical approaches that provide novel approaches to valuation. Finally, we discuss the notion of the 'fuzzy firm', where traditional corporate boundaries have become amorphous, with the result that the firms require new valuation methodologies.     

The market power is in the services: Because the value is in the results

Sandra Vandermerwe is already a pioneer of the notion that including or extending services in a product portfolio adds value. Now she breaks new ground again with a convincing argument that the way to achieve customer satisfaction is through the ability to deliver full solution systems throughout the customer's activity cycle.Customers want results. The power to deliver results lies in value-added services. Companies which offer customers solution systems to meet their demands consisting of product-service components and who base these systems on results, will be the winners in the 1990s. We are in the competitive era of the results-driven systems solution in marketing.Vandermerwe explores this marketing strategy in detail, with examples of successful solution systems from Scandinavian Airline Systems, SKF, Du Pont and DEC. She then offers a customer activity-based diagnostic tool for managers wishing to improve their market strategy.     

Forecasting the market for ships

Product development and market penetration strategy rely on dependable forecasts. Market segmentation is necessary for finding profitable niches. The paper describes macro- forecasts in the maritime sector divided by nine ship types. Balance between supply and demand is calculated with dynamic models. Demand for transportation depends on the development of world trade. Supply of transportation capacity depends on present fleet size, future contracting, scrapping and productivity.     

应急储备库选址与资源配置随机规划模型研究

研究在突发事件多发区域进行应急储备库的选址与资源配置规划问题.假定了若干随机的突发事件情景,每种情景下物资需求量与运输时间不确定,结合情景分析法,建立了一定应急限制期条件下的两阶段随机规划模型,并设计了混合遗传算法对模型进行求解.研究结果不仅找到了最优的选址与资源配置方案,而且发现牺牲需求满足率与应急限制期带来的成本降低是不经济的.     

多级覆盖设施选址问题建模及求解方法研究

针对应急服务网络优化设计中的设施选址决策问题,分析了应急服务的特殊性以及现有的设施选址模型在求解该问题时的局限性,基于传统的最大覆盖模型提出了应急服务设施的多级覆盖选址模型.该模型对"覆盖"概念的定义进行了扩展,考虑了应急服务的多源服务特性以及对多个服务源提供服务时可存在的差异性.之后基于分布估计算法(Estimation of distribution algorilhms,简称EDAs)提出了模型的启发式求解方法,并基于实验结果对算法参数选取给出了参考意见.     

Residential Location,Job Location,and Wages: Theory and Empirics

I develop a stylized partial on‐the‐job equilibrium search model that incorporates a spatial dimension. Workers reside on a circle and can move at a cost. Each point on the circle has a wage distribution. Implications about wages and job mobility are drawn from the model and tested on Danish matched employer–employee data. The model predictions hold true. I find that workers working farther away from their residence earn higher wages. When a worker is making a job‐to‐job transition where he/she changes workplace location he/she experiences a higher wage change than a worker making a job‐to‐job transition without changing workplace location. However, workers making a job‐to‐job transition that makes the workplace location closer to the residence experience a wage drop. Furthermore, low‐wage workers and workers with high transportation costs are more likely to make job‐to‐job transitions, but also residential moves.     

Improving fire risk communication between authorities and micro-entrepreneurs: A mental models study of Ghanaian central market fires

This study conceptualizes how fire management authorities can empower nonexpert public to participate in fire risk communication processes and increase their own responsibilities for managing fire preventive, protective and recovery processes effectively. Drawing narratives from 10 disaster management experts working at government institutions and nine micro-entrepreneurs operating self-sustaining businesses in different merchandized lines in Ghana, we analyzed the data thematically and explored new insights on mental models to generate a two-way fire risk communication model. The findings suggest that fire management authorities planned fire disasters at the strategic level, collaborated with multiple stakeholders, disseminated information through many risk communication methods, and utilized their capabilities to manage fire at the various stages of fire risk communication, but the outcomes were poor. The micro-entrepreneurs sought to improve fire management outcomes through attitude change, law enforcement actions, strengthened security and better public trust building. The study has implications for policymakers, governments, and risk communication authorities of developing countries to strengthen their fire disaster policies to minimize commercial fire incidents and address the damaging effects of fire on people's livelihoods, businesses, properties, and environments. Our proposed two-way fire risk communication model is a new theoretical lens for experts and the nonexpert public to assess each other's beliefs about risk information and manage fire risk communication effectively at all stages.     

Approximation Algorithms for Bounded Facility Location Problems

The bounded k-median problem is to select in an undirected graph G = (V,E) a set S of k vertices such that the distance from any vertex v V to S is at most a given bound d and the average distance from vertices V\S to S is minimized. We present randomized algorithms for several versions of this problem and we prove some inapproximability results. We also study the bounded version of the uncapacitated facility location problem and present extensions of known deterministic algorithms for the unbounded version.     

The adoption of deferred share unit plans for outside directors: economic and social determinants

This paper investigates the antecedents of adopting deferred compensation plans for corporate directors. Relying on agency and network theories, we compare the economic and social characteristics of firms that have adopted a deferred share unit plan for their directors over the 1997–2005 period (130 firms) to a control sample. Our findings show that firms where outside directors have higher agency costs, firms having a block holder that owns a significant voting power, firms whose outside directors serve on other boards having adopted deferred compensation plans, and firms that hire compensation consultants are more likely to adopt a deferred share unit plan for their directors than other firms. These findings highlight the importance of integrating economic and social perspectives when investigating the diffusion of compensation practices.     

基于场景分析的应急资源布局模型研究

突发事件越来越频繁地发生,对应急物资保障提出了更高的要求,好的资源布局方案对地区需求的保障程度至关重要。本文利用场景分析的方法,给出一个适于多点需求,多点救助的应急资源布局多目标规划模型,并根据资源的具体配置情况决定选址,以期为选址决策者提供选址的依据。求解该问题时,针对模型设计了算法,并进行了算例分析。