One-dimensional optimal bounded-shape partitions for Schur convex sum objective functions

Consider the problem of partitioning n nonnegative numbers into p parts, where part i can be assigned n_i numbers with n_i lying in a given range. The goal is to maximize a Schur convex function F whose ith argument is the sum of numbers assigned to part i. The shape of a partition is the vector consisting of the sizes of its parts, further, a shape (without referring to a particular partition) is a vector of nonnegative integers (n₁,..., n_p) which sum to n. A partition is called size-consecutive if there is a ranking of the parts which is consistent with their sizes, and all elements in a higher-ranked part exceed all elements in the lower-ranked part. We demonstrate that one can restrict attention to size-consecutive partitions with shapes that are nonmajorized, we study these shapes, bound their numbers and develop algorithms to enumerate them. Our study extends the analysis of a previous paper by Hwang and Rothblum which discussed the above problem assuming the existence of a majorizing shape. This research is partially supported by ROC National Science grant NSC 92-2115-M-009-014.     

The Blinders of Dominant Logic

This article argues that the dominant logic embedded in an organisation may keep it on the road ahead, but it also acts as a blinder to peripheral vision. It says that managers need to look at beyond the borders of their industries and geographies to find new opportunities and rethink the logic of the business. It refers to corporate examples where shifts in organisations’ dominant logic allowed traditional assumptions about value creation to be reassessed and resulted in successful forays into the periphery.     

论停滞与失败--思想意识形态与历史:两个初步的问题(之一)

理学作为一种思想体系受到朝廷的推崇,并作为科举考试的组成部分。在20世纪,对理学的看法发生了分歧。有人认为理学是智识与科学进步的障碍,中国要想走向现代化就必须摆脱理学。关于中国在12世纪后进入长时期停滞的看法,历史学界一般都不赞成了,但读者的这种看法还比较强烈。对于中国历史的一些基本特征的认识需要重新检验,比如中国文化不是只有一个起源;中国并非与外界隔离并拒绝外界影响;中国的政治体制不是绝对独裁;中国文化并没有一个纯正的“正统”或“道统”(orthodox);中国人并非没有自主的完整实体的“自我”观念。学者在实际研究中往往把中国当作一个实体民族或一个连续不断的文明体,这种观念并不太准确,实际是误解了China的原意。     

中美家庭结构与功能的比较分析

本研究聚焦于中美家庭结构和功能的异同以及文化力量的影响,利用美国社会工作学生访华计划设计了本研究课题,在中美双方老师的共同督导下,9名美国社会工作学生和18名中国社会工作学生参与了本课题研究,采用了面对面的深度访谈和观察的方法.比较了中美家庭在家庭结构、家庭决策、家庭沟通及家庭观念等方面的异同,并探讨了其中的文化影响力和对社会工作介入的启示.     

A decision tree approach for selecting between demand based,reorder, and JIT/kanban methods for material procurement

In designing mechanisms for the procurement of raw materials, a manager is often faced with the task of selecting from a variety of possible methods. Since the performance of these methods is a function of the environment in which they are implemented, it is the responsibility of the manager to select the method best suited for a particular application. In this paper we present a methodology for assisting managers in the selection process. Specifically, three classes of procurement methods are considered, these are: demand based, reorder, and JIT methods. The selection methodology is structured as a decision tree, which considers the annual usage value, lead time ratio, holding cost, vendor location, vendor delivery performance, and material supply value. Each factor is evaluated on a three level scale, and on the basis of these evaluations the tree makes a selection. The application of the methodology is illustrated via some examples.     

Solving the part families problem in discrete-parts manufacture by simulated annealing

In the production planning and control of discrete-parts manufacture, aggregation of parts into families, on the basis of similarity, is carried out to ease both long-horizon planning and short-horizon scheduling. Additional advantages are related to those of group technology (GT), such as simplifying the flow of parts and tools and reducing both set-up and production costs. The problem of formally forming part families is presented and discussed. Previous work is reviewed and assessed. Two solution approaches, one based on a location model, the other on simulated annealing, are presented and compared along with test results. The location formulation, which results in an integer programming model solved by Lagrangian relaxation, proved capable of producing solutions of excellent quality, but only for relatively small problem instances. In contrast, simulated annealing, which is a general heuristic approach to combinatorial optimization, produced solutions of comparable quality and could handle realistically large problem instances. However, careful design of the simulated annealing algorithm is crucially important. An effective design is presented.     

Intensity, timeliness, and success of incumbent response to technological discontinuities: a synthesis and empirical investigation

The extant literature highlights numerous different factors influencing the timeliness and intensity of incumbent response to discontinuous technological change. However, this literature has so far not been synthesized and is therefore limited in its analytical, predictive, and normative power. We develop a comprehensive model of incumbent response that organizes different explanatory factors into the three distinct dimensions of (1) identification and interpretation, (2) decision making, and (3) organizational implementation. We also conceptualize how response intensity and timeliness affect business performance in new technological domains. We test the model against data from 320 firms from the German dental lab industry, finding substantial support for the majority of our hypotheses. This study offers unique empirical insight in observing that cognitive constructs such as framing and management flexibility have the strongest impact on both intensity and timeliness of incumbent response to technological, and thus, strategic discontinuities. Together, our findings have important implications for both theory and practice.