CHEXPEDITE: A COMPUTER-BASED APPROACH TO THE BANK COURIER PROBLEM

This paper presents a successful computer-based approach to scheduling courier vehicles for the check collection system in multibranch commercial banks. The approach has been adopted by six large banks in the United States and has achieved dramatic cost savings at several of these banks. This paper begins by describing the bank courier problem and reviewing several approaches to the problem that have been proposed in the literature. A practical, computer-based approach to the bank courier problem is then presented. Finally, implementation experience at several banks is overviewed.     

An Application of Expectancy Theory to Explain a Manager's Intention to Use a Decision Support System

A continuing gap exists between the capabilities of sophisticated computer-based information systems and the extent to which these systems are used by individuals. Studies which have examined the relationship between system utilization and various user, system, implementation, and organizational variables have provided few consistent findings. A new approach to this topic is suggested by a recent study by Davis, Bagozzi, and Warshaw [11], which indicates that individuals' intentions to use a system determine subsequent use. A large body of psychology-based research also supports this relationship between behavioral intentions and subsequent behavior. This study employs expectancy theory, which has often been used to examine behavioral intentions, to explain managers' intentions to use a decision support system (DSS). The results imply that the variables of the expectancy force model are determinants of a manager's behavioral intentions to use a DSS, and the variables of the expectancy valence model are determinants of the attractiveness of using a DSS to a manager.     

The Design of a Knowledge-Based Decision Support System to Support the Information Analyst in Determining Requirements

Decision support system (DSS) researchers and designers continue to look for unstructured organizational tasks where there is a critical need for intelligent computer-based support. One such decision task is information requirements determination. Requirements determination is recognized as the most crucial phase of the systems development life cycle. Unfortunately, most methodologies and CASE tools focus only on how to specify the requirements once they are determined. There is very little computer support for the process of determining requirements. This paper discusses the conceptual design and development of a knowledge-based DSS to support information analysts in the critical decision task of determining requirements for the design of effective information systems. The expert modeling support system has the expertise to assist the analyst in studying the organization as a whole and in modeling the system under study in the context of the overall organization's goals and needs. The focus of the paper is on the problems associated with building the knowledge base component of the intelligent decision support system. A prototype implementation of the system is described.     

Are We Forgetting the Risk of COTS Products in Wireless Communications?

This paper addresses the risks associated with the exponential increase in the use of wireless communications and the implementation of wireless as a set of COTS technologies available in most large-scale computer-based systems. It describes the critical impact of these trends on information assurance, as well as on the trustworthiness of the infrastructures that are interdependent on and interconnected with wireless communications. A holistic process of risk assessment and management is suggested to prevent future problems.     

Physician Utilization of Computers:

This study demonstrates how social network analysis can be used to identify the underlying communication and influence structure that affects the diffusion of the use of a computer-based medical information system among physicians. Interviews, hospital records, and computer system tapes were used to collect data on referrals, consultations, and practice characteristics from 24 physicians who comprise a private group practice. Multidimensional scaling was used to spatially represent the referral and consultation network among the physicans. Also, several indices that measure structural characteristics of the network and practice characteristics of physicians were derived. Four groups of physicians were identified who have similar computer utilization patterns and who perform similar roles within the network. The results indicate that the use of network analytic techniques to study complex physician networks may provide new insights into the diffusion process.     

Critical Dimensions of Strategic Information Systems Planning

Strategic information systems planning (SISP) is the process whereby an organization establishes a long-range plan of computer-based applications in order to achieve its goals. A number of problems can potentially impede information systems planners as they carry out the process. A survey of 80 firms who completed the SISP process revealed that the problems constitute five factors: the organization, implementation, database, hardware, and cost. A discriminant analysis showed that three factors—the organization, implementation, and database—best distinguished satisfied from dissatisfied information systems planners. A research application of the five factors suggested that organizations with more sophisticated business planning endure significantly less severe hardware and implementation problems.     

The practice of operations research in Malaysia and Singapore

This paper examines various aspects of the use of computer-based operations research (OR) in organisations in Malaysia and Singapore. It discusses the extent of adoption of OR techniques, the frequency of use, the types of management decision on which the techniques are deployed and the functional areas using them. The extent to which computer availability has encouraged the use of OR, and the hardware and software support in the implementation of OR are considered. Also, the characteristics of the OR practitioners, implementation difficulties encountered and the management user's perception of the usefulness of OR techniques are studied. Further, reasons for nonusage and the prospects for OR in Malaysia and Singapore are explored. Finally, directions for further research that have not previously been raised are suggested. In general, the patterns of OR usage in these newly industrialising countries of south-east Asia are dissimilar to those in the developed countries.     

A COMPUTER-BASED METHOD FOR PREDICTING TRANSIT TIME PARAMETERS USING GRID SYSTEMS

This article reviews a computer-based method to predict transit time parameters (mean and variance) from historical data for use in logistics planning analysis. Efficient use of the data depends on relating it to a grid system of the United States. Performance of the technique on a sample of shipments by four methods of transportation is compared to a system based solely on highway distance. The techniques perform equally well for average transit time (speed). The grid system method demonstrates superior predicting power for reliability (transit time variance). Use of the system in daily operations is also anticipated.     

Executive Information Systems: Recent Developments and Research Imperatives

SUMMARY The reluctance of top managers to use computers themselves has become almost legendary, although there are good reasons for their apparent preference for traditional information sources and access routes. Isolated cases have shown how computer-based executive support systems can be used by top managers when great care is taken by the system developers over data presentation and the user interface. Now, the advent of high quality commercial software means that Executive Information Systems (EIS) may become far more widespread. This paper describes the principal features of the new EIS from the executive users' point of view and indicates those characteristics which appear to be most conducive to success. Research directions which will identify the extent and impact of EIS software on top management are identified.     

Engineering of a decision support system for underground coal mine planning and production scheduling

This paper reports on the development of a computer-based management information system at Datong Coal Company, the largest subsidiary of China National Coal Corporation. Particularly presented is the development methodology of a decision support system for underground coal mine planning and production scheduling, including an integration of computer graphics, database management, mathematical modelling and knowledge engineering techniques and a coupling of life cycle and prototyping software engineering processes to support systems quality assurance.     

A fuzzy logic evaluation system for commercial loan analysis

This paper introduces an application of fuzzy logic to commercial loan analysis. It describes the fuzzy sets and linguistic variables that contribute to the financial evaluation. It also presents a computer-based Fuzzy Logic Evaluation System consisting of the components Specify Fuzzy Sets, Edit Rules, and Evaluator. The Evaluator performs fuzzification, evaluation, and defuzzification activities. Using company-specific and industry financial data, the current version of the system appraises a company's credit, capital, and capacity performance. A specific example for efficiency analysis illustrates the system constructs.     

How to design a financial planning model.

Corporate planning models frequently consist of integrated pro forma income statements, statements of financial position, and cashflow statements. When implemented by utilizing computer-based planning systems, these models allow managers to explore potential decisions in ‘what if?’ planning analyses.The logic of an integrated financial statement planning model can be arranged following either a ‘funds needed to balance approach’ or a ‘direct approach’. With a funds needed to balance approach total assets are set equal to total liabilities plus equities to satisfy this fundamental accounting identity. Logic in such models is often difficult to validate. In the direct approach, total assets are calculated independently of total liabilities plus equities providing an extremely strong test for model validation prior to using the model to assess ‘what if’ alternatives.In this paper, the author discusses the logic of integrated financial planning models and their implementation with computer-based planning systems. The funds need to balance approach and the direct approach are described and contrasted to assist corporate planners in evaluating and selecting a method for constructing the logic of corporate planning models.     

Regulating Shareholder Value: A Case Study of the Introduction of Value–based Measures in a Water Company

The implementation of a value–based measurement system within a privatized UK regional water company is examined by means of a longitudinal case study. Evidence is presented of how the system was developed within the context of a regulatory environment, which presented special considerations to the company in designing and implementing an appropriate system. In particular the paper considers the implementation issues surrounding the management of the introduction of the value–based measures at the operational level. The authors describe the drivers behind the introduction of the new system and the technical, political and cultural challenges raised by its implementation.     

Effectiveness of Interactive Computer-Based Instruction: A Review of Studies Published Between 1995 and 2007

Computer-based instruction (CBI) has been growing rapidly as a training tool in organizational settings, but close attention to behavioral factors has often been neglected. CBI represents a promising instructional advancement over current training methods. This review article summarizes 12 years of comparative research in interactive computer-based instruction relevant to employee training techniques. The results demonstrate that CBI is an effective and viable training technique, and several areas in need of further examination are detailed.     

The Development Manager's Advisory System: A Knowledge-Based DSS Tool for Project Assessment*

This research investigates whether the knowledge-based decision support system (KBDSS) paradigm provides the necessary supporting structure and developmental framework for product development evaluation. To address the research questions posed in this study, it is necessary to develop and implement KBDSS's at specific decision points along the product development cycle. This paper describes the design, development, and implementation of a KBDSS to support a product development manager's decision concerning full-scale development of a new product. From the systems design perspective, this paper addresses the integration and innovative use of a variety of techniques for knowledge acquisition, modeling, and processing. The approach utilized obtains the benefits of normative modeling as well as the flexibility and developmental advantages of knowledge-based systems. Since its implementation, the system has been successfully used by a development manager to support his recommendation for an ongoing project. His complete satisfaction with this system served as the impetus for the design and development of a multi-expert system which was implemented at the strategic level.     

Production policy and the acquisition of new technology

This paper investigates the effects and implications of new technology on the organization and its environment and suggests the use of impact analysis to maximize the benefits and minimize the shortcomings of introducing new technology into the firm. Present models of organizational structure suggest a need for a broad system view of the firm so that a framework can be generated that is practically applicable. This paper proposes such a model to better guide the future acquisition, implementation, and evaluation of new technology. A comprehensive list of variables and decision alternatives also accompanies the proposed framework.     

Manufacturing flexibility and advanced human resource management practices

This article analyses the connection between the use of advanced human resource management (HRM) practices, individually and as a system, with manufacturing flexibility. The results show a positive relationship between the implementation of advanced HRM practices and manufacturing flexibility. While most of the advanced HRM practices analysed show higher levels of implementation in flexible firms, no differences are observed in training efforts. Flexible firms are more prone to implement systems of advanced HRM practices.