Master Scheduling in Assemble-To-Order Environments: A Capacitated Multiobjective Lot-Sizing Model

Basic characteristics of an assemble-to-order environment make effective master scheduling extremely difficult. Limited resource capacities and dynamic customer end-item demand contribute to the complexity of the master production scheduling problem. To gain flexibility and responsiveness within this system, the master production schedule (MPS) focuses at the component level. This research proposes a master scheduling technique for manufactured components which combines a multiobjective capacitated multi-item/multi-stage lot-sizing model with an interactive multiple objective optimization solution procedure. To evaluate the model's performance as a realistic and practical master scheduling tool, this study focuses on the National Cash Register (NCR) electronics manufacturing facility in Columbia, South Carolina.     

Distinguishing Features of Just-in-Time Systems in the Make-to-Order/Assemble-to-Order Environment*

Few studies of just-in-time (JIT) implementation examine their significance in make-to-order manufacturing environments. This study examines the relative importance of several operating variables that are characteristic features of JIT systems within such environments in North America. The results suggest that the most salient features of JIT for make-to-order and assemble-to-order firms are the elimination of waste (in the form of time and defects), reduced setup time, reduced lotsize, and a smaller pool of suppliers. In addition, the results suggest that the use of non-domestic suppliers can possibly hinder efforts at JIT implementation of materials procurement.     

The Reliability of Same-Race and Cross-Race Skin Tone Judgments

The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of the skin tone measures in the widely used American National Election Studies data collection (AN     

Policy-induced Innovation in Sub-Saharan African Agriculture: A Multilateral Malmquist Productivity Index Approach

To meet the [African] crisis one must turn to agricultural-led growth. But, based on historical experience, an agricultural-led strategy must be framed in no less than a twenty-year horizon and must entail a combination of technological innovation, policy reform, and institutional restructuring because each, by itself, is limited. (Eicher, 1989)     

在冲突中创造价值

精明的商业领袖会在冲突中寻找创造价值的时机无论在哪一行,总会有争吵。未按时交货;客户改变主意;合作伙伴不遵守承诺;部门的主管不批准某项预算而且还进行人身攻击。经理们对待这样的冲突和对待其他生意的方式往往是不同的。他们的做法完全不同,就好像解决冲突需要完全不同的方式:要不你获胜,要不我获胜。双     

Graphical representation of survival curves in the presence of time-dependent categorical covariates with application to liver transplantation

Graphical representation of survival curves is often used to illustrate associations between exposures and time-to-event outcomes. However, when exposures are time-dependent, calculation of survival probabilities is not straightforward. Our aim was to develop a method to estimate time-dependent survival probabilities and represent them graphically. Cox models with time-dependent indicators to represent state changes were fitted, and survival probabilities were plotted using pre-specified times of state changes. Time-varying hazard ratios for the state change were also explored. The method was applied to data from the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL). Survival curves showing a ‘split’ at a pre-specified time t allow for the qualitative comparison of survival probabilities between patients with similar baseline covariates who do and do not experience a state change at time t. Time since state change interactions can be visually represented to reflect changing hazard ratios over time. A2ALL study results showed differences in survival probabilities among those who did not receive a transplant, received a living donor transplant, and received a deceased donor transplant. These graphical representations of survival curves with time-dependent indicators improve upon previous methods and allow for clinically meaningful interpretation.     

Establishing Safety in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: A Single‐Case Process Study

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is an effective approach to working with distressed couples. It is not only effective in reducing relationship distress, but also in successfully maintaining gains over time. In the current study, we sought to understand the therapy processes that result in the creation of safety during stage one of EFT. Safety is a key ingredient in stage one, setting the stage for deeper interpersonal and intrapsychic work in later stages of treatment. In order to achieve the study aim, we analyzed video recordings of the first six sessions of a single couple case from an EFT randomized controlled trial. Using a theory building case study approach, results reveal that all expected components related to the creation of safety were achieved. Additional findings from our analyses indicate that the therapist was highly active, especially in seizing key moments in the therapy provided by this particular case, which shifted the couple in the direction of safety and deescalated their interactional cycle. Implications of key findings are discussed.     

Loss of urban forest canopy and the effects on neighborhood soundscapes

Urban Ecosystems - The urban landscape constitutes a key aspect of human - nature interactions, as more than 60% of the world’s population resides in cities and their suburbs. This study...