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This study integrates the forecast capacity and superiority of dynamic simulation of back-propagation network (BPN) and system dynamics, thereby enabling the target industries to formulate coping strategies and to make adjustment in both production capabilities and manpower. The main purpose of this study is to assess and confirm what the most effective policy is for production and human resources. The forecasting result of this study indicates that Correlation and R-squared values reach 0.99852 and 0.994961 respectively after a training of BPN. Certainly, BPN serves as an effective method of forecasting target sales. Finally, the forecast value of the next three years is worked out through situational simulation of complex production models in system dynamics. The final result of this study shows that the optimum manpower should be 10 workers for the years 2011-2013, as well as the projected result will be a rise in production yield of up to 2.54%. It is the most profitable scenario for the company.

This study has established a relationship model encompassing such aspects as consumer values, consumer involvement, purchase behavior, and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, taking counterfeit goods as an example, this study employs factor analysis, reliability analysis, and the structural equation model to verify the relationship between the research aspects. Another major discovery of this study was that teenagers' behavioral purchasing mentality is graphic, hyperlinked, and is geared toward useful situations and functional needs. When they consider their degree of need, they inevitably incorporate many emotional needs. However, their attitude toward counterfeit goods is rational, which is confirmed by the fact that Hypothesis 1 was not supported.

In this research, we used the hypothesis model to explore the moderating effect of transformational leadership (TL) on knowledge management (KM) and organizational effectiveness (OE). The model was tested on 524 research and development (R&D) professionals at 21 research institutes of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (MAS). The results showed that TL is a moderator between KM and OE. In addition, the results supported the fact that TL and KM have a reinforcement interaction effect on OE. Therefore, the highest level of OE is achieved when both TL and KM are at a high level. Thus, TL was determined to be the most effective and appropriate leadership style for use in R&D organizations in Mongolia.

This paper proposed a mathematical model called Multi-objective Production System Design (MOPSD) model solved by Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). The MOPSD model placed a production system under the constrained factory space to achieve the minimal total material transportation flow cost. This paper discussed 2-phase pheromone layout procedure that we proposed how to transform the best design information into and the relationship and tracing technology. After modeling experiment we proved it can be put the best design information into 2-phase pheromone layout procedure and achieved the minimal total material transportation flow cost by simply tracing technology.

This paper proposes an Integer Nonlinear Programming (INLP) mathematical model to investigate the practical situations of production scheduling and planning with a parallel-machine layout focusing on multiple orders, diversified delivery deadlines, and multiple types of products. Production cost, machine setup cost, product holding cost, shortage cost, and antipollution cost are also considered in this model to achieve the goal of total cost optimization. This study creates a highly repeated characteristic because the proposed mathematical model and its solving procedure, (Accumulation and Backtrack staged Scheduling Approach, ABSSA) method, are constructed by the packaged software. Therefore, this study has its value for practical applications, and it is suitable for diversified production scheduling as well as the real-time scheduling of production planning. For production scheduling and planning of parallel machines, this study has provided a valuable decision support tool.

This investigation analytically and empirically the effects of just-in-time (JIT) and total quality management (TQM ) strategies on searching for health information and the quality of hospital service, and analyzes the steps that are involved in knowledge management that are required to improve the quality of service in a hospital. The final section of this investigation proposes that effectively promoting total quality management activities requires managers to evaluate, and to improve the convenience of systems for searching health information. The results also indicate that the JIT strategy is directly positively related to the effectiveness of searches for health information and the quality of service at a hospital, and that a positive relationship exists between the TQM strategy, searching for information and quality of service in all instances.

This study discusses construct an Integer Nonlinear Programming (INLP) mathematical model is presented to solve the Two-Sided assembly line balancing problem (TALB) of Type-3. The mathematical models proposed in this paper are constructed by the syntax of Lingo, and the built-in “global solver” is selected as the solving method to conduct the searching of global optimum solutions. Therefore, the Type-3 of TALB for optimal distribution by the mathematical models proposed in this study to be solved. This study creates a highly repeated characteristic because of the adoption of Lingo packaged software. Finally, the tests are carried out on a well-known benchmark set of problem, and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model is efficient.

A lack of government fund results in great different ratios of a firefighter to the population in major cities in Taiwan. The research proposes to develop an optimal human resource allocation model to strike the balance between the fire workforce and responsibilities in emergency responses. The DEA method is used to evaluate the organizational performance and determine the production efficiency of the fire services in Taiwan. Next, the Omit Resource Approach is used to determine efficiency improvement and resource adjustment to the fire department. Last, the research uses the Total Efficiency-Based Scale Approach to suggest an ideal human resource allocation model.

Stepping into the age of experience economy, corporations have targeted at generating an irreplaceable experience for their customers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of experience marketing, word of mouth effect, information search, and consumer satisfaction. 238 valid respondents in Taiwan Hsinchu and South District Scientific Park comprised into the sample of this study. The structure equation model(SEM) was employed for analysis. The results generally indicated that the experience marketing had a significant positive effect on the word of mouth effect, information search, and consumer satisfaction. It also suggested that the word of mouth effect could directly positively influence information search and consumer satisfaction, whereas information search had no significant effect on consumer satisfaction.

We study the seventeen home-stay managements in Yunlin County to explore performance efficiencies of Home-stays (hostels) by Data Envelop Analysis (DEA). Performance output information is combined ...

A mathematical model which minimizes the production cost of an automatic and networktype multiple-order-production (MOP) system with restriction of time-phased order completion is presented. A step-by-step algorithm is described to find the minimal cost of production. In order to solve the combinatorial problems of the production rate, the machine cost, and numerous machines in parallel at each workstation of the production line, a feedback approach is also applied in the algorithm. An example of a large number of orders which is subdivided into different deadlines is shown to demonstrate the application of the algorithm that results in decreased production cost, enhanced production rate, improved efficiency of the production schedule, and on-time completion of production.

The purpose of this study is to explore the performance efficiency of the nonprofit organization, especially focusing on the regional police organization. This study applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to reinforce the single-index evaluation method of police organization performance currently, and the Frontier software is used to obtain the efficiency value of each DMU. Besides, the proposed Binary Efficiency Resource Allocation Approach (BERAA) prevents the performance of the decision making units (DMUs) in the input resource from being diluted by the performance efficiency calculated by all input items. In sum, the BERAA functions as quantitative and reasonable guideline to assist the decision maker in properly allocating resources in the nonprofit organization.

In 2006, Lan and Hsui applied perspectives on landscape ecology to propose a spatially explicit model, and suggested that the cluster type deployment of artificial habitat in a marine environment might be better than other configurations in maximizing habitat complexity with a fractals approach. The limitation is that, however, it could only design a single large island pattern subject to its solving algorithm. Hence, by applying more sophisticated algorithms, Evolution computational (EC) algorithm, we mimic more spatially explicit structural patterns to conduct several small (SS) clusters pattern in an artificial habitat such as those found in nature landscape; additionally, the deployment in a community follows the concept of DARCs model, which applied the cellular automata (CA) concept with Moore neighborhood rule. The results show that with all the new knowledge that has been gained through the appropriate application of fractal geometry to natural sciences, it is clear that understanding how landscape ecology influences population ecology has allowed population ecologists to gain new insights into their field.

Whenever a simultaneous production is allowed for the entire tasks in an assembly line, the assembly line balancing (ALB) problem becomes complicated because the simultaneous assignment is performed. In this paper, a mathematical model applying the Lingo 9.0 syntax for an advanced issue called single-model assembly line balancing problem with simultaneous production (SALBPS) is developed, and a coding technique- Three-Position Code (TPC) as well as a computerized coding program are presented to make this issue solvable. In addition, the simulated analyses of the model for various cycle times are also conducted to reveal the behavior changes of the optimal solution. The traditional method always underestimates the production rate for the SALBPS problem, but our study can more accurately estimate the system production rate for such a kind of problems. This study functions as a valuable tool because of its repeated characteristic. The proposed mathematical model and its relevant computerized coding program c...

This article submits a research design called two-stage design, consisting of the determinations of the performance efficiency for each fire branch in Tainan County at the first stage by using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the selection of proper resource strategies—Omit Resource Approach (ORA) or Multi-Stage Resource Allocation Approach (MSRAA)—through the future estimated production trend in the second stage. The technical efficiency, the scale efficiency, the production efficiency and the return to scale are conducted in the first stage of the two-stage research design. In addition, resource strategies are provided in the second stage of the two-stage design. The ORA is adopted if the future estimated trend is decreasing or constant, and MSRAA is chosen if the future estimated trend is increasing. This study provides a constructive and quantitative approach of solving the dilemma of “how to reasonably eliminate or allocate resources” for the decision makers.

This study submits a mathematical model, production design and schedule (PDS) model, to design a manufacturing system consisting of multiple production lines in parallel under the considerations of available machines, order quantity, and production deadline for profit maximization. This paper not only discusses the production rate, the machine cost, and the number of machines in parallel for each workstation of the production line in such a manufacturing system, but also proposes a solution procedure called progressive approach (PA) to solve this combinatorial problem. In addition, a computerized program written by Visual Basic 6.0 is completely developed to suggest the structure and the production time interval of every production line in the manufacturing system, as well as to perform the sensitivity analyses and a case study. This study shows a computerized tool to production design engineers in modern manufacturing with profound insight.

The control of conveyor to support the operations of machine loading and unloading has become rebellious and crucial to the management. However, through the mathematical model proposed in this paper, this issue becomes realistically and concretely solvable. This study not only meditates the conception of balancing the number of parallel machines and adjusting conveyor speed into the objective, but also develops a heuristic method to optimize the combinatorial problem for maximizing profit. In addition, the versatility of this study is exemplified through a numerical study. This paper definitely contributes an applicable scheme for production scheduling in manufacturing and provides a valuable tool to conclusively optimize the profit of a given production lot size for operations research engineers in today’s manufacturing with profound insight.

This paper describes a research method called two-stage design consisting of the determination of the efficiency for each quick-service restaurant of chained enterprise at the first stage by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and then proposes an approach of Recruitment and Allocation (RA) plan for supporting the everlasting running of the enterprise in the second stage. The technical efficiency, the scale efficiency, the production efficiency, and the return to scale are conducted in the first stage of this two-stage research design. In addition, this study also proposes the potentially improved value to promote the relative efficiency of each chained restaurant through the improvement of inputs or outputs items. Besides, the RA plan is proposed in the second stage of the two-stage design. The RA plan is an efficiency-based quantitative approach to recruit employees as well as to determine the allocation of those recruited employees. This study indeed provides a constructive and quantitative approach of solving the dilemma issue “how to reasonably recruit and allocate employees” for decision makers with profound insight in the quick-service enterprise.

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been demonstrated to be a potential tool for the restoration of marine habitat and to retard the stress of coral reefs in recent decades. For most engineers, the deployment of an artificial reef ecosystem (ARE) is based on their experience, but what is the effective deployment to produce the higher abundance and to enrich biomass under the finite budget is seldom mentioned. In fact, how to deploy artificial reefs into the selected site and construct an effective ARE is the most challenge to ecological engineers. The main objective of this research is to construct a mathematical model called the deployment of artificial reef communities (DARCs) model, and then to provide a concrete approach for deploying an ARE under the finite budget. The constructing spirit of DARCs model is based on the observations of biologists that a higher complexity of habitat system will increase the species diversity and biomass. The fractal dimension (FD) is applied as an assessing indicator for the habitat system complexity of ARE in this study. In addition, a step-by-step algorithm for achieving the maximal fractal dimension of an ARE through the determinations of the number of deployed artificial reef communities (ARCs), the distance of adjacent ARCs, and the spatial configuration of ARCs in an ARE is presented. A computerized tool written by Fortran program to conduct the design of an ARE as well as perform the simulated analyses is completely proposed, and a case study is followed. The simulation-based analyses of changing budget reveal that the FD of a given region will be constrained regardless of increasing budget. This phenomenon shows that the more deployment of ARCs may lead to waste capital. Finally, a decision support system called DSSforARE is established for the quick-design of an AR ecosystem under the consideration of conservation policy.

This paper considers the problem of unbiasedly estimating the population proportion when the study variable is potential sensitive in nature. In order to protect the respondent’s privacy, various techniques of generating randomized response rather than direct response are available in the literature. But the theory concerning them is developed only under the hypothesis of completely truthful reporting. Actually, the occurrence of untruthful reporting is a prospect in dealing with highly sensitive matters such as abortion or socially deviant behaviors. Illustrating Warner’s [(1965), Journal of the American Statistical Association. 60: 63–69] randomized response technique we show how unbiased estimation of the population proportion can be extended to cover a case when some respondents may lie.

This study submits a mathematical model called the optimal production lot size (OPLS) model to reach the optimal design of a network-type production system for long-term production undergoing the limitation of finite machines of each machine type. This study not only discusses the production rate, the production lot size, the production period, the machine cost, and the number of machines for each workstation into the objective, but develops an efficient step-by-step algorithm, staged algorithm, with the combinatorial applications of the maximal flow problem and the shortest route method to optimize the system profit. Additionally, the detailed procedure of searching the optimal solution is presented by a numerical example. This paper indeed contributes the applicable scheme to the design of a network-type production system for the long-term manufacturing, and provides the optimal production lot size and period for the production planners in today's manufacturing industry with profound insight

The overriding objective of this research is to develop a new technological approach by constructing a mathematical model and a heuristic algorithm to deploy an artificial reef (AR) ecosystem. This approach serves as a bridge between ecologists and engineers. The proposed model, called the layout of artificial reef communities (LARCs) model, not only applies the fractal dimension as an indicator for measuring the complexity into the objective, but considers the costs, the budget, the deploying distance of adjacent artificial reef communities (ARCs), and the number of deployed ARCs to deal with a project in designing the spatial configuration of an AR ecosystem. The main objective of the LARCs model is to achieve the maximal complexity (fractal dimension) because a higher complexity can increase the species diversity and biomass. In addition, a computerized tool written by Fortran program to conduct the design of the spatial configuration is completely proposed, and a case study is followed. This study contributes an approach and a valuable tool to ecological engineers in the deployment of an AR ecosystem.

Combinatorial resource planning for both machines and human resources in a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining workstation has become a crucial factor for long-term manufacturing management. This paper not only mathematically constructs the combinatorial manufacturing resource planning (CMRP) model with the conception of balancing the machine productivity and the human capability, but also develops a step-by-step algorithm to reach the maximum-profit solution under the deterministic market demand. Additionally, to extend the applicability of the CMRP model, a computer program written with MATLAB is comprehensively prepared to achieve the optimum manufacturing resource planning under the forecasts of probabilistic market demand and product sales price. The versatility and adaptability of this study are exemplified through a numerical illustration from real-world industry. This paper contributes to the problem of conclusively scheduling machine productivity and human resources, as well as comprehensively optimising the production profit for the existing CNC machining industry .

This study describes a mathematical model, a resource allocation (RA) model, that maximizes the return on sales (ROS) of a manufacturing project and allocates resources for in-house and outsource a...

This study submits a mathematical model to control a serial-capacitated production line optimally under the limitations of the forested obtainable working hours and the unreliable machines of each stage. It is applicable to the evaluation of a firm’s capability of accepting the incoming new order or not. This study suggests that the due-date of the production, the maintenance cost of each unreliable machine type, and the amount of order should be taken into considerations. In addition, two candidate cases are provided for selecting the optimal solution, and the sensitivity analyses of the optimal solution for each candidate case are followed. Actually, this paper efficiently provides a dynamic updating tool capable of revising the production plan (rate) at any time for the production planner with great insight.

The design of a multi-conveyor system in supporting machine loading and unloading has become crucial to management. However, through the mathematical model proposed in this paper, this issue becomes realistically and concretely solvable. This study not only mediates the concept of balancing the number of parallel machines, the conveyor speed for adjacent pallets, the overall relevant costs and the determination of the number of conveyors into the objective, but also develops a two-staged method to optimise the combined problem to reach a maximum profit. Additionally, the versatility of this study is exemplified through a numerical example. Moreover, the computerised sensitivity analyses are discussed in this study. This paper contributes an applicable scheme for production design in manufacturing, and provides a valuable tool to conclusively obtain the optimal profit of a given production quantity for operations research engineers in today's manufacturing with profound insight.

To reach maximal profit, the decision tool for determining the number of machines assigned to an operator and how many operators are required in the production project undergoing the considerations of the related costs, machine reliability, conformity rate of products, variable sales price, finite machines and finite operators are proposed in this study. For an idle or breakdown machine, the fixture cost is charged but no operation cost is considered. With the concept described above, the applicability of this study is extended. In addition, product holding cost and machine repair cost are also considered and addressed into this study for applying closer to the implementation of real industrial cases. The step-by-step algorithm to search the optimal solution is also well developed in this study. This paper surely contributes a newer and more practical technique for decision makers in assigning operators and machines into the production project.

The Dynamic Production Plan (DPP) Model for reaching an optimal control of the production undergoing the limitations of future obtainable working hour capacity and unreliable machines is proposed in this paper. It can be applied to the evaluation of a firm’s capability of accepting the new order or not. It is also suggested that the deadline of the production, maintenance cost of an unreliable machine, order quantity, and the production yield should be taken into considerations. In addition, sensitivity analyses of the key variables of optimal solution are presented. Actually, this study efficiently provides a dynamic updating tool capable of revising the production plan (rate) at any time for the production planner having great insight.

A MPC, Machining Project Control, Model to achieve the optimal control of material removal rate (MRR) for a machining project undergoing the considerations of project quantity and production period is established in this study. This paper not only applies material removal rate into the objective function mathematically, but also implements Calculus of Variations to resolve the dynamic control problem comprehensively. In addition, the optimal solution for the control of material removal rate is proposed and the decision criteria for selecting the optimal solution are recommended. Moreover, the sensitivity analyses for decision variables of the optimal solution are fully discussed. This study definitely contributes an efficient tool to control a machining project for manufacturing engineers with profound insight of today’s machining industry.

The Maximal Profit Model for reaching an optimal design of the production line undergoing the limitations of obtainable resources is presented in this paper. This model is treated as an integer programming problem, and an efficient step-by-step algorithm to solve this problem is also constructed. In addition, it is discussed that the operation cost of a machine does not include idle and breakdown situations while the maintenance cost for a broken machine should be considered. This study offers a better tool for achieving the optimal design of a flexible production line and reveals the special applicability of the shortest path in production line design.

To achieve the optimal control of material removal rate (MRR) for a machining project, a Dy- namic Machining Project Control (DMPC) Model is proposed under the considerations of order quantity and deadline constraints. This paper not only introduces material removal rate into the objective function dynamically, but also implements Calculus of Variations to resolve the continuous control problem compre- hensively. In addition, the optimal solution to minimize the cost of a machining project with production deadline is provided, and the decision criteria for selecting the optimal solution are recommended. More- over, the sensitivity analyses of decision variables in the optimal solution as well as the numerical simulation of a real industrial problem are fully discussed. This study contributes a significant approach to control a machining project for production engineers in today's machining industry with profound insight.

A maximal profit flow model for reaching the optimal design of multiple-production-line system undergoing the limitation of obtainable resources is presented in this paper. This model is treated as an extensive maximal flow problem, and an efficient step-by-step algorithm to solve this model is developed. In addition, the concept that the operation cost of a machine does not include only idle or breakdown situations but the maintenance cost also needs consideration is described in this study to extend the applicability. This paper provides a new and practical tool for the production line designer with profound insights.

The Two-Stage Production Plan (TSPP) Model for reaching the optimal production rate of each stage undergoing the considerations of probabilistic market demand, future obtainable working hour capacity of each stage and unreliable machines is proposed in this paper. It is exactly applied to evaluate the optimal production speed in reducing the risk of future uncertainty. In addition, the time interval of production, maintenance cost of an unreliable machine, transaction, penalty, holding costs, sales price and the machine reliability are taken into considerations. Moreover, sensitivity analyses for the key variables of optimal solution are also presented. Accordingly, this study effectively provides a dynamic tool capable of controlling the production plan (rate) at any time for the production planner with great insight.

Program language is written for solving mathematical problems in considering repeated computations in traditional modeling. The concept of Monte Carlo Mathematical Simulation is comprehensively introduced to forecast the uncertain cost budget undergoing the considerations of demand, fraction nonconforming, order quantity, and leadtime into this study. In addition, a concrete tool to concisely simulate the cost of the dynamic order/inventory system is fully prepared in this paper. Moreover, the ordering, holding, and shortage costs are simultaneously considered to match practical necessities, and the VB program language is applied to establish the modularization tool with highly flexibility. Furthermore, a numerical case and its associated solution for cost budget are presented in this study. This paper surly contributes a program tool to forecast the future costs in today’s dynamic environment for cost management.

To reach the optimal cost budget control, more precise forecast will lead toward to gain this objective. The EOQ ordering type and fixed lead time are considered in this paper. The penalty cost of lacking material is also concerned in this paper. In practice, the determination of the period of historical data collected is very important in forecasting. This study focuses on the selection of historical data period according the price change rate to material ordering/inventory cost forecast. In addition, the Monte Carlo Mathematical Simulation to estimate dynamic time-interval cost of material ordering and inventory is proposed. Surely, the main contribution of this study is to provide a practical tool for decision makers to evaluate the time-interval cost of material ordering and inventory in the nearest future.

To reach maximal profit, the optimal layout of a production line is considered by using both traditional machines and flexible machines. A mixed integer-programming model is constructed and the step-by-step algorithm to solve this problem is also devel–oped. In addition, it is discussed that the operation cost of a machine doesn’t include the idle or break-down situation while the maintenance cost for a broken machine should be considered, is proposed to extend the field of applicability in this study.Indeed. this paper provides the practical and important tool to the production line designer with profound insights.

In this article, we extend Cheng, Zhang and Wang [17] model studied pricing strategies in marketing. The objective is to find the optimal inventory and pricing strategies maximizing the net present value of total profit over the infinite horizon. It is important to control and maintain the inventories of deteriorating items for the modern corporation. We will discuss two models: one is without shortage, and the other is with shortage. By using the subroutine Find Root in commercial software Mathematical 5.2, we obtain the optimal solutions In this paper, we assume that the inventory objective is to minimize the total cost per unit time of the system

In this article, we have studied the inventory and pricing strategies for deteriorating items with ramp type demand and shelf life. In practice, there are many commodity such as food, medication exist the shelf life expiration date. Therefore the shelf life expiration date has become an important research topic in inventory management. The objective is to find the optimal inventory maximizing the net present value of total profit over the infinite horizon. We will discuss two cases. We assume that the inventory objective is to minimize the total cost per unit time of the system.

Volunteers are a group of people willing to provide services and work without pay. The lack of financial incentives and benefits may cause the volunteers to leave at anytime. Most non-profit organizations invest large amounts of time and money to train the volunteers before they come on board; therefore the turnover of volunteers will cause a significant loss for the organization.This paper is a study on Lifeline in Taiwan; it explores the major reasons for turnover by using a survey on volunteers at 10 Lifeline branches. The results show that although the volunteers have different characteristics, there is no significant difference in the turnover factors or intentions. Through regression, the three factors, leadership style, volunteer assistance programs, incentive programs, have no significant effect on the turnover intention. Finally, this paper makes some practical management suggestions.

This study first develops reviews goals associated with quality management system efficiency, and analyzes the steps involved in knowledge management. The study then examines how process management impacts information searching, service quality, and brand loyalty. In the last section, this study proposes that effectively promoting a quality management system requires managers to grade service quality levels, and increase information openness.