An Optimality Probability Index for Correlated Multiple Responses

In the real problems, there are many cases which have correlated quality characteristics so multiple response optimization can be more realistic if we can consider correlation structure of responses. In this study we propose a new method which uses multivariate normal probability to find the optimal treatment in an experimental design. Moreover, a heuristic method is used to find better factors’ level in all possible combinations in the designs with large number of controllable factors and their levels. Some simulated numerical examples and a real case were studied by the proposed approach and the comparison of the results with previous methods show efficiency of the proposed method.     

Implementation of Equity in Resource Allocation for Regional Earthquake Risk Mitigation Using Two‐Stage Stochastic Programming

This article presents a new methodology to implement the concept of equity in regional earthquake risk mitigation programs using an optimization framework. It presents a framework that could be used by decisionmakers (government and authorities) to structure budget allocation strategy toward different seismic risk mitigation measures, i.e., structural retrofitting for different building structural types in different locations and planning horizons. A two‐stage stochastic model is developed here to seek optimal mitigation measures based on minimizing mitigation expenditures, reconstruction expenditures, and especially large losses in highly seismically active countries. To consider fairness in the distribution of financial resources among different groups of people, the equity concept is incorporated using constraints in model formulation. These constraints limit inequity to the user‐defined level to achieve the equity‐efficiency tradeoff in the decision‐making process. To present practical application of the proposed model, it is applied to a pilot area in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. Building stocks, structural vulnerability functions, and regional seismic hazard characteristics are incorporated to compile a probabilistic seismic risk model for the pilot area. Results illustrate the variation of mitigation expenditures by location and structural type for buildings. These expenditures are sensitive to the amount of available budget and equity consideration for the constant risk aversion. Most significantly, equity is more easily achieved if the budget is unlimited. Conversely, increasing equity where the budget is limited decreases the efficiency. The risk‐return tradeoff, equity‐reconstruction expenditures tradeoff, and variation of per‐capita expected earthquake loss in different income classes are also presented.     

Effect of green innovation on job satisfaction of electronic and electrical manufacturers’ employees through job intensity: personal innovativeness as moderator

Green innovation is currently receiving increased international attention as a result of the growing concern on natural resource degradation and environmental pollution among consumers, governments, and communities in general. Although previous studies have indicated the positive effects of green innovation on the performance of manufacturing firms, practicing green innovation may conflict with job satisfaction, which in turn could negatively impact the performance of firms. This study examines job intensity to investigate the effects of green product and process innovation on job satisfaction. In addition, the moderating effect of personal innovativeness is investigated. Data from a survey of 191 respondents in the Malaysian electronic and electrical (E&E) manufacturing firms were analysed using partial least squares technique. Results showed that green product and process innovation have a positive direct effect on job intensity and a negative indirect effect on job satisfaction through job intensity. Personal innovativeness negatively moderates the relationship between green process innovation and job intensity. Theoretical and practical contributions of this study are discussed as well.     

The utility of experimental design short courses?

This paper describes the one‐day introduction to experimental design training course at GlaxoSmithKline. In particular, the use of paper helicopter experiments has been an effective and efficient method for teaching experimental design techniques to scientific and other staff. A good supporting strategy by which the statistics department provides back‐up following the course is essential. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Euclidean movement minimization

We consider a class of optimization problems called movement minimization on euclidean plane. Given a set of \(m\) nodes on the plane, the aim is to achieve some specific property by minimum movement of the nodes. We consider two specific properties, namely the connectivity (Con) and realization of a given topology (Topol). By minimum movement, we mean either the sum of all movements (Sum) or the maximum movement (Max). We obtain several approximation algorithms and some hardness results for these four problems. We obtain an \(O(m)\)-factor approximation for ConMax and ConSum and extend some known result on graphical grounds and obtain inapproximability results on the geometrical grounds. For the Topol problems (where the final decoration of the nodes must correspond to a given configuration), we find it much simpler and provide FPTAS for both Max and Sum versions.