Planning for urbanization in religious tourism destinations: insights from Shirdi,India

This paper examines the urbanization process in religious tourism destinations using the example of Shirdi in India. Shirdi, a town dedicated to worship of a twentieth-century Saint Sai Baba, attracts more than eight million visitors every year. The paper explains how religious tourism economy drives rapid urbanization including demographic change and land-use conversion owing to the infrastructure needs of visitors. It is found that planning mechanisms including the conventional master plan approach have been ineffective in adequately responding to issues such as the proliferation of unauthorized commercial establishments, hotels, lodging and boarding houses; strained infrastructure; and environmental pollution that characterize urbanization in religious tourism destinations.     

A MILP model for the long term academic staff size and composition planning in public universities

This paper proposes a model for dealing with the long term staff composition planning in public universities. University academic staff is organized in units (or departments) according to their field of expertize. The staff for each unit is distributed in a set of categories, each one characterized by their teaching hours, cost and other specificities. Besides the use for planning (and updating a plan), the model can be used to assess the impact that different strategies may have on the personnel costs and the structure of a university. The proposed model is formulated generally, so it can be applied to different types of universities attending to their characteristics. The model is applied to a real case and validated by means of a computational experiment considering several scenarios. The analysis is focused on achieving a preferable academic staff composition under service level constraints while also minimizing the associated economic expenditures considering a long term horizon. The results show that the model successes in approaching the staff composition to a previously defined pattern preferable one.     

A comparison between genetic algorithms and the RAND method for solving the joint replenishment problem

The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of genetic algorithms (GAs) and the best available heuristic, known as the RAND, for solving the joint replenishment problem (JRP). An important feature of the JRP which makes it suitable for GAs is that it can be formulated as a problem having one continuous decision variable and a number of integer decision variables equal to the number of products being produced or ordered. Experiments on randomly generated problems indicate that GAs can provide better solutions to the JRP than the RAND for some problems, and at worst can almost match the performance of the RAND from a practical point of view for the rest of the problems. GAs never converged to solution with a total cost of more than 0.08% of the total cost of the RAND for 1600 randomly generated problems. In addition, GAs have the advantages of: (i) being easy to implement (e.g. less than 200 lines of code); (ii) having a code which is easy to understand and modify; and (iii) dealing easily with constrained JRPs which are neglected by most of the available methods including the RAND, in spite of their importance in practice.     

Integrated retail decisions with multiple selling periods and customer segments: Optimization and insights

Integrating retail decisions on such aspects as assortment, pricing, and inventory greatly improves profitability. We examine a multi-period selling horizon where a retailer jointly optimizes assortment planning, pricing, and inventory decisions for a product line of substitutable products, in a market with multiple customer segments. Focusing on fast-moving retail products, the problem is modeled as a mixed-integer nonlinear program where demand is driven by exogenous consumer reservation prices and endogenous assortment and pricing decisions. A mixed-integer linear reformulation is developed, which enables an exact solution to large problem instances (with up to a hundred products) in manageable times. Empirical evidence is provided in support of a classical deterministic maximum-surplus consumer choice model. Computational results and managerial insights are discussed. We find that the optimal assortment and pricing decisions do not exhibit a simple, intuitive structure that could be analytically characterized, which reflects the usefulness of optimization approaches to numerically identify attractive trade-offs for the decision-maker. We also observe that suboptimal inventory policies significantly decrease profitability, which highlights the importance of integrated decision-making. Finally, we find that the seasonality of consumer preferences and supply costs present an opportunity for boosting the profit via higher inventory levels and wider assortments.     

The shift minimisation personnel task scheduling problem: A new hybrid approach and computational insights

Assigning scheduled tasks to a multi-skilled workforce is a known NP-complete problem with many applications in health care, services, logistics and manufacturing. Optimising the use and composition of costly and scarce resources such as staff has major implications on any organisation׳s health. The present paper introduces a new, versatile two-phase matheuristic approach to the shift minimisation personnel task scheduling problem, which considers assigning tasks to a set of multi-skilled employees, whose working times have been determined beforehand. Computational results show that the new hybrid method is capable of finding, for the first time, optimal solutions for all benchmark instances from the literature, in very limited computation time. The influence of a set of problem instance features on the performance of different algorithms is investigated in order to discover what makes particular problem instances harder than others. These insights are useful when deciding on organisational policies to better manage various operational aspects related to workforce. The empirical hardness results enable to generate hard problem instances. A set of new challenging instances is now available to the academic community.     

结构化面试构思效度现场研究

面试是一种广泛使用的测评手段,面试的构思效度历来是研究者讨论的热点。本文通过结构化面试的现场研究,围绕面试构思效度问题,旨在考察结构化面试的信度、构思特征及其影响因素。分析结果表明 :(1)结构化面试要素间一致性和考官间评判一致性均较高;(2)面试要素间密切相关,探索性因素分析表明面试评价可能是一个单维构思;(3)面试成绩受到社会经历以及外向性、开放尝试和责任意识等个性因素的影响,说明面试可能测评到了人际交往和内在激励等特征。     

A decision support system for modelling and implementing the supply network configuration and operations scheduling problem in the machine tool industry

This paper presents a decision support system to simultaneously solve the supply network configuration problem and the operations scheduling problem for the machine tool industry. A novel database structure, which is able to consider alternative operations and alternative bills of material, has been used. An algorithm for complete enumeration to determine all the feasible solutions using stroke graphs is introduced. A multiagent-based simulator evaluates the different key performance indicators that the supply network deals with for each alternative solution (e.g. workload, profits, delivery times, etc.) to determine that ‘satisficed’ by the collaborative decision-making among its members. A case study based on a Spanish company that assembles highly customised machines and tools in several European plants is considered. From the experiments results based on data linked to this industry, it will be demonstrated that the tool is potentially useful for stakeholders and for the central decision-maker to make decisions collaboratively in a multisite context case.     

Planning reform beyond planning: the debate on an integrated Environment and Planning Act in the Netherlands

Land-use plans serve a dual function. On the one hand, they are programmes for future development, plans for action. On the other hand, they have a regulative function in relation to construction and land use. This paper investigates how the interplay between these functions is playing a role in the current debate about the new integrated Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) in the Netherlands. Initially, the government proposed abolishing local land-use plans and replacing them with a system of by-laws. However, this proposal did not survive the debate on this bill. This paper will shed light on the relationships between planning and regulation by analysing that debate.     

Effects of various types of change in shift schedules: A controlled longitudinal study

Abstract

Data from a longitudinal study accompanying changes in shift rotas connected with a shortening of working time in the chemical industry are presented. Altogether 260 subjects forming five experimental groups participated in both the pretest and the posttest. The effects of the change in shift schedules were controlled by the inclusion of five groups in which 139 subjects participated in both tests. Five types of change in shift schedule were investigated. The purpose was to determine to what extent similar, but in some aspects differing, types of change in shift schedule varied from one another in their effects on those involved, and on which factors their attitudes towards the new shift systems depended with regard to various types of schedule change. The effects of a change in shift schedule were tested by means of the 4-group investigation design developed by Solomon (1949). The results confirm that differences in the effects of new shift systems depend on the type of change. Only in three experimental groups were improvements in health and social life observed. One experimental group showed significant signs of deterioration in subjective health. In the analyses of the factors influencing the attitude of the shiftworkers towards the new shift system, differences in the structure of the influencing factors between the experimental groups were observed. The causal analysis was used in order to test how important the factors found in each group were and which of them were dominant. It showed that the most influential factors dominated so much that the disturbances in the less influential ones lost their importance. In spite of the number of indicators analysed regarding their influence on attitude in this study, further important factors seem to exist that have not been analysed here.     

e-Participation: Comparing Trends in Practice and the Classroom

This article reports an assessment of the growing use of Internet-based public participation methods, e-participation, in planning practice and university-level planning education in the USA. After documenting results from case study reviews of practice and a web-based survey of planning faculty, a comparative analysis reveals that academic programs are incorporating a range of e-participation tools; however, there is a need to increase curricula content to mirror trends in planning practice. The article concludes with recommendations on how to build on the strengths and to address the weaknesses observed in this study to better prepare students for the demands of planning practice.     

Effects of various types of change in shift schedules: A controlled longitudinal study

Data from a longitudinal study accompanying changes in shift rotas connected with a shortening of working time in the chemical industry are presented. Altogether 260 subjects forming five experimental groups participated in both the pretest and the posttest. The effects of the change in shift schedules were controlled by the inclusion of five groups in which 139 subjects participated in both tests. Five types of change in shift schedule were investigated. The purpose was to determine to what extent similar, but in some aspects differing, types of change in shift schedule varied from one another in their effects on those involved, and on which factors their attitudes towards the new shift systems depended with regard to various types of schedule change. The effects of a change in shift schedule were tested by means of the 4-group investigation design developed by Solomon (1949). The results confirm that differences in the effects of new shift systems depend on the type of change. Only in three experimental groups were improvements in health and social life observed. One experimental group showed significant signs of deterioration in subjective health. In the analyses of the factors influencing the attitude of the shiftworkers towards the new shift system, differences in the structure of the influencing factors between the experimental groups were observed. The causal analysis was used in order to test how important the factors found in each group were and which of them were dominant. It showed that the most influential factors dominated so much that the disturbances in the less influential ones lost their importance. In spite of the number of indicators analysed regarding their influence on attitude in this study, further important factors seem to exist that have not been analysed here.     

Personnel turnover in health care organizations: Test of a predictive model based on work assessments by employees

Abstract

It is predicted that institutions in Dutch intramural health care will be increasingly confronted with problems in personnel supply. Instead of making great efforts to keep the inflow of new personnel on the desired level, control of turnover is an alternative solution. In this paper, an explanatory model is constructed, based on previous theories and research findings. It is hypothesized that the more employees have positive attitudes concerning their work and work situation, the greater their satisfaction and commitment and hence the less their intention to leave and the lower actual turnover. This model was tested using a large scale employee questionnaire. The instrument turned out to be reliable (internal consistencies above .70). The questionnaire was administered in eight institutions in four health care sectors (n = 1456). Results indicate that attitudes about work content and personnel management are relevant in predicting intention to leave. All in all, 8 work-related aspects predicted 21% of intention to leave. Aspects with the most predictive value were career guidance, work safety, responsibilities and job discretion. Furthermore, general satisfaction was shown to play an intermediary role in predicting intention to leave. It is concluded that improvements in work content and personnel management can reduce intention to leave and hence the demand for new personnel.     

Personnel turnover in health care organizations: Test of a predictive model based on work assessments by employees

It is predicted that institutions in Dutch intramural health care will be increasingly confronted with problems in personnel supply. Instead of making great efforts to keep the inflow of new personnel on the desired level, control of turnover is an alternative solution. In this paper, an explanatory model is constructed, based on previous theories and research findings. It is hypothesized that the more employees have positive attitudes concerning their work and work situation, the greater their satisfaction and commitment and hence the less their intention to leave and the lower actual turnover. This model was tested using a large scale employee questionnaire. The instrument turned out to be reliable (internal consistencies above .70). The questionnaire was administered in eight institutions in four health care sectors (n = 1456). Results indicate that attitudes about work content and personnel management are relevant in predicting intention to leave. All in all, 8 work-related aspects predicted 21% of intention to leave. Aspects with the most predictive value were career guidance, work safety, responsibilities and job discretion. Furthermore, general satisfaction was shown to play an intermediary role in predicting intention to leave. It is concluded that improvements in work content and personnel management can reduce intention to leave and hence the demand for new personnel.     

Bypassing Publicity for Getting Things Done: Between Informal and Formal Planning Practices in Finland

This article contributes to the discussion concerning the ways in which network governance and classical-modernist government practices juxtapose and redefine the idea of publicity in planning practices. Through Finnish urban planning cases we ask what kind of publicity is being promoted. We argue that new modes of governing build and employ institutional ambiguity for ‘getting things done’. This provides possibilities to ‘skim the cream’ of the best possible ways of resolving present planning issues. The crucial question is whether the possible positive outcomes give a mandate to the process, even if the process operates in a democratic void.     

Sales and operations planning: responding to the needs of industrial food producers

This paper investigates sales and operations planning (S&OP) at four Scandinavian industrial food producers in order to explore how the use of S&OP might help leaders to deal with the challenges set by the planning environment. Variables connected to the product and market, e.g. frequency of new product development, customer service levels and supply uncertainty, were identified as particularly critical for the S&OP process. It was found that there is great potential for S&OP in the food industry, foremost to cope with the imbalances between demand and supply and to create prerequisites for a stable production process.     

Determinants of personal resilience in the workplace: nurse prescribing in an African work context

This article explores the determinants of personal resilience using the case of nurse prescribing in the North West Region of Cameroon. Nurse prescribing has long been identified as a practical solution to the severe shortage of well-trained doctors and high incidence of diseases in developing countries. However, the working conditions of nurses are risky and vulnerable due to major constraints, such as inadequate training, poor reward systems, limited access to medical facilities/equipment, and high workloads. Building on the resilience concept and using narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with nurses and nursing managers in public, private, and faith-based hospitals, the article develops a framework depicting three interrelated determinants of personal resilience, namely organisational plans and procedures, personal work context, and personal perception of an individual employee. The determinants are discussed further, and implications for human resource development theory and practice are critically examined.     

Implications of Applying the Green Infrastructure Concept in Landscape Planning for Ecosystem Services in Peri-Urban Areas: An Expert Survey and Case Study

This paper investigates how planning experts understand the potential of integrating the concept of green infrastructure in planning practice in Germany. It develops a systematic approach for green infrastructure planning at the landscape scale. Research methods include a web-based survey among German planning experts and geographic information system analysis in the case study region of Hannover. Survey results suggest that the green infrastructure concept is not yet well known in planning practice, and that the potential benefits for planning lie primarily in communication purposes. An approach is developed here that sets priorities for green infrastructure development based on its potentials for creating synergies in the provision of ecosystem services.     

Governing the Circular Economy in the City: Local Planning Practice in London

ABSTRACT

There is interest in the circular economy as a framework for transition from a linear take-make-dispose model of production and consumption, to a circular model which decouples economic growth from resource consumption. However, there is limited understanding of how that applies to the city through governance lens. This paper examines evidence from 28 municipalities in London to unpack the ‘government’ and ‘governance’ of circular economy in the city. It examines the ‘governmentality’ of circular economy in planning practice and reflects on what austerity localism and scalar politics might mean for the planning and governance of circular economy in cities.