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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2006.02.036 Byline: Lani Haque (a), Michael J. Armstrong (b) Keywords: Queueing; Maintenance; Reliability; Machine interference problem; Machine repairman problem Abstract: This paper surveys the research published on the machine interference problem, also called the machine repairman problem, in which machines interfere with each other's service. Our emphasis is on work that has appeared since the 1985 review by Stecke and Aronson. After describing the basic model and the scope of our study, we discuss the literature along several dimensions. We describe some of the more interesting papers, and offer some suggestions for topics holding particular promise for future studies. We conclude with comments about how the research has evolved over the past two decades. Author Affiliation: (a) Centre for Operational Research and Analysis, Department of National Defence, Canada (b) Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6 Article History: Received 6 September 2004; Accepted 8 February 2006

A mathematical model using queuing theory for evolving a procedure enabling the businessmen in receiving venture capital funding is presented. The various aspects such as allocation decision, productivity and human resources are duly considered therein.

A generalized arbitration model for quantitative models of final offer arbitration, conventional arbitration, and some proposed alternatives to them has been presented. Analysis of difference between risk averse disputants' equilibrium and the width of the contract zone has resulted in superior outcomes of final offer arbitration than those of conventional arbitration.

Formulation of periodical decision making models to help entrepreneurs make prudent business decisions, on developing new products and timing product launches is discussed.

The researchers examine the machine repair problem. They look at the incorporation of preventive repair for ageing machines.

Measures of the importance of a component were analyzed to determine system reliability. These measures, which were defined and related to each other, include structural importance, joint reliability-importance, marginal reliability-importance, and link importance. Extensions were proposed from each importance measure that cover reliability models which emphasize dual failure-mode components instead of conventional one failure-mode.

Joint reliability importance (JRI) may be applied to measure the interaction of the two components of system which are responsible for the reliability of the system. However, the occasional appearance of covariance terms in the JRI formula makes the calculation of the actual values very difficult. JRI may be applied to real systems in which statistical independence for the components is not valid.