Lower Bound Restrictions on Intensities in Data Envelopment Analysis

We propose an extension to the basic DEA models that guarantees that if an intensity is positive then it must be at least as large as a pre-defined lower bound. This requirement adds an integer programming constraint known within Operations Research as a Fixed-Charge (FC) type of constraint. Accordingly, we term the new model DEA_FC. The proposed model lies between the DEA models that allow units to be scaled arbitrarily low, and the Free Disposal Hull model that allows no scaling. We analyze 18 datasets from the literature to demonstrate that sufficiently low intensities—those for which the scaled Decision-Making Unit (DMU) has inputs and outputs that lie below the minimum values observed—are pervasive, and that the new model ensures fairer comparisons without sacrificing the required discriminating power. We explain why the low-intensity phenomenon exists. In sharp contrast to standard DEA models we demonstrate via examples that an inefficient DMU may play a pivotal role in determining the technology. We also propose a goal programming model that determines how deviations from the lower bounds affect efficiency, which we term the trade-off between the deviation gap and the efficiency gap.     

Selecting Sites for New Facilities Using Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper develops a mathematical programming model for obtaining a best set of sites for planned facilities. The model is concerned with those situations where resource constraints are present. The specific setting for the paper involves the selection of sites for a set of retail outlets, wherein the ratio of aggregate outputs to inputs for the selected set is maximal among all possible sets that could be chosen. At the same time, the model guarantees that the only sets of stores allowable are those for which the available resources are used to the maximum extent possible.     

In at the deep end: Conducting processual research on organisational change

This article provides a series of reflections on the practice of carrying out processual research on organisational change. At a broad level, some of the main tasks associated with conducting company case studies are described and the benefits of this approach for dealing with complex change data are outlined. At a more specific level, the article addresses three main areas tied to the actual “doing” of processual research. First, the notion of tacit knowledge and “getting your hands dirty” by engaging in ongoing in-depth fieldwork. Second, the design and implementation of a longitudinal case study research programme. Third, the advantages and concerns of combining a range of different data collecting techniques in carrying out processual studies. Overall, the main intention is to provide some useful reflections and practical insights, as well as providing something of the flavour of carrying out this type of research.     

低房价房地产开发项目桩基方案优化价值分析

软土地区低房价商品房的开发可行性,很大程度上取决于桩基设计方案。文中以一个小高层商品房的桩基方案优选为对象,基于价值分析法,在桩基工程功能和成本分析的基础上,提出桩基设计方案的价值评价指标,并用于该项目评价,结果与传统对比分析法一致。表明:1)价值分析法适用于桩基方案优选,而且与传统的对比分析法相比,用定量的数据说话,更准确、科学;2)所提出的价值评价指标对该项目是正确适用的。此外,还对该工程其它的桩基设计方案以及价值评价指标的通用公式进行了简要探讨,供进一步研究和同类工程参考。     

The Impact of Non-Normality and Estimation Methods in SEM on Satisfaction Research in Marketing

This paper discusses consequences of violating the normal distribution assumption imbedded in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Based on real data from a large sample customer satisfaction survey we follow the procedures as suggested in leading textbooks. We document consequences of this practice and discuss its impact on decision making in marketing.     

货物库存控制策略的评价方法研究

针对目前库存控制策略较多的情况,提出了一种策略评价方法,并给出了评价方法的评价过程。对该方法进行计算机编程仿真,能够获得最优库存控制策略。     

数据挖掘在信用风险管理中的应用

本文详细分析了在现代信用风险管理中不同方法对数据质量的要求,并在此基础上提出采用数据挖掘方法改进数据质量、提高计算精度的建议,供我国金融机构信用风险管理之借鉴。     

机电设备招标中的综合评议法

根据国家有关法规对招标评标方法的原则要求,结合实际工作的经验,说明和分析了几种常见的评标方法及其适用范围,同时提出一种定量定性综合衡量的评标方法,即综合评议法。     

供应链环境下的成本管理研究

本文就供应链环境下成本管理问题展开研究。文章认为在供应链环境中,管理者面临着更加复杂的成本问题,这就要求我们整合传统的成本管理框架,拓展成本管理的视野。为此,本文阐述了基于供应链模式下的成本管理目标、影响成本管理维度、成本管理方法和成本管理组织机构设立等等方面内容。说明成本管理目标是提升整个供应链的竞争力;影响成本管理维度的因素分别为产品、关系和资源;在供应链环境下作业成本法和链式目标成本是常常采用的成本方法。其次说明了柔性管理团队是供应链模式下成本管理目标实现的组织保证。