Operational research Books

Book SynopsisNigel Slack is Emeritus Professor of Operations Management and Strategy at Warwick Business School, an Honorary Professor at Bath University, and 'Honorary Fellow of the European Operations Management Association'. He is an educator, consultant, and writer with a wide experience in many sectors. Alistair Brandon-Jones is a Full Chaired Professor in Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Head of the Information, Decisions, and Operations Division at the University of Bath, School of Management. He is also an Adjunct Professor for Hult International Business School and Danish Technical University. Nicola Burgess is a Reader in Operations Management at W;arwick Business School. She has worked extensively with public sector organisations to understand operations management and improvement in a public sector context.Table of Contents Operations management and performanceIntroductionKey questions What is operations management? What is the input–transformation– output process? Why is operations management important to an organisation's performance? What is the process hierarchy? How do operations (and processes) differ? What do operations managers do? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Operations strategyIntroductionKey questions What is strategy and what is operations strategy? How does operations strategy align with business strategy (top-down)? How does operations strategy align with market requirements (outside-in)? How does operations strategy align with operational experience (bottom-up)? How does operations strategy align with operations resources (inside-out)? How are the four perspectives of operations strategy reconciled? How can the process of operations strategy be organised? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Product and service innovationIntroductionKey questions What is product and service innovation? What is the strategic role of product and service innovation? What are the stages of product and service innovation? What are the benefits of interactive product and service innovation? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Process design – resourcesIntroductionKey questions Why is choosing the right resources important? Do processes match volume–variety requirements? Are process layouts appropriate? Are job designs appropriate? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Process design – analysisIntroductionKey questions Why is it important to get the details of process design correct? What should be the objectives of process design? How are processes currently designed? Are process tasks and capacity configured appropriately? Is process variability recognised? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Supply chain managementIntroductionKey questions What is supply chain management? How should supply chains compete? How should relationships in supply chains be managed? How is the supply side managed? How is the demand side managed? What are the dynamics of supply chains Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Capacity managementIntroductionKey questions What is capacity management? How is demand measured? How is capacity measured? How is the demand side managed? How is the supply side managed? How can operations understand the consequences of their capacity management decisions? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Inventory managementIntroductionKey questions What is inventory? Why do you need inventory? How much should you order? (The volume decision) When should you order? (The timing decision) How can you control inventory? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Resource planning and controlIntroductionKey questions What is resource planning and control? What is the difference between planning and control? How do supply and demand affect planning and control? What are the activities of planning and control? What is enterprise resource planning (ERP)? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Operations improvementIntroductionKey questions Why is improvement so important in operations management? What are the key elements of operations improvement? What are the broad approaches to improvement? What techniques can be used for improvement? Why is risk management also improvement? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to take it further?Notes on chapter Lean operationsIntroductionKey questions What is lean? How does lean consider flow? How does lean consider (and reduce) waste? How does lean consider improvement? How does lean consider the role of people? How does lean apply throughout the supply network? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to take it further?Notes on chapter Quality managementIntroductionKey questions What is quality and why is it so important? What steps lead towards conformance to specification? What is total quality management (TQM)? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter Project managementIntroductionKey questions What are projects? What is project management? How is the project environment understood? How are projects defined? How are projects planned? How are projects controlled and learned from? Summary answers to key questionsProblems and applicationsWant to know more?Notes on chapter

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Book SynopsisFrom the authors of the internationally-bestselling business classic The Challenger Sale''A handbook of practices that will help you get into your customers'' heads, deliver good value, and win the sale'' Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell is Human and Drive---------------------------------------------------------------In The Challenger Sale, Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson overturned decades of conventional wisdom with a bold new approach to sales. Now they reveal something even more surprising: the highest-performing sales teams don''t focus on friendly, attentive customers. Instead, they target challenger customers.Challenger customers are sceptical, less interested in meeting and ultimately indifferent as to who wins the deal. But they also have the credibility, persuasive skill and will to challenge the status quo that will get a deal to the finish line far more often than customers who are easier tTrade ReviewA handbook of practices that will help you get into your customers' heads, deliver good value and win the sale * Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell is Human and Drive *I love it. This book will set the tone for years of work to come. The CEB team has just added the HOW to the WHAT that we have all been searching for since we launched into the Challenger journey * Mitch Little, vice president, worldwide sales and applications, Microchip Technology Inc. *An essential new way to think about the sale * Seth Godin, author, Linchpin *Lays out a blueprint for how sales and marketing departments must rethink their approach to winning more business. What worked in the past is clearly having diminishing returns today and will likely lead to failure in the future * John Graff, vice president, corporate marketing, National Instruments *'Provides evidence-based insights and practical guidance for solving one of today's most pressing commercial challenges: complex decision making within customer organizations. It clearly shows what distinguishes the best sellers and marketing organizations from the rest * Pinder Sahota, general manager, Smith & Nephew *

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Book Synopsis''By far the best book I''ve ever read on the how and why of scaling. If you care about changing the world, or just want to make better decisions in your own life, The Voltage Effect is for you.'' Angela Duckworth, CEO of Character Lab and New York Times bestselling author of Grit ________________ Why do some ideas make it big while others fail to take off? According to award-winning behavioural economist John List, the answer comes down to a single question: Can the idea scale? Countless enterprises fall apart the moment they scale; their positive results fizzle, they lose valuable time and money, and the great electric charge of potential that drove them early on disappears. In short, they suffer a voltage drop. Yet success and failure are not about luck - in fact, there is a rhyme and reason as to why some ideas fail and why some make it big. Certain ideas are predictably scalable, while others are predictably dTrade ReviewBrilliant, practical, and grounded in the very latest research, this is by far the best book I've ever read on the how and why of scaling. If you care about changing the world, or just want to make better decisions in your own life, The Voltage Effect is for you. * Angela Duckworth, Founder and CEO of Character Lab and New York Times bestselling author of Grit *How many books are funny and wise, practical and profound? John List is a scientist, but he's also a magician, and he's changing the world. The Voltage Effect shows how. This is one of the best economics books I have ever read - and an instant classic in behavioral economics. * Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University, and New York Times bestselling coauthor of Nudge *The Voltage Effect is the toolkit for the ambitious. Packed with proven principles and pro tips made real through inside stories ranging from Silicon Valley to African NGOs to university fund-raising, List fills the gap between startup books and management books to show how any idea can achieve its full potential. * Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit *Ideas from the ivory tower or Davos fail often and fail badly because they do not recognize the deeply political and historical nature of the problems they are trying to deal with and the social realities in which these problems are embedded. This thought-provoking and engaging book proposes an original framework for thinking about how good policy proposals can be applied at a scale large enough to do social good, and for avoiding predictable mistakes that prevent such scaling. A must-read. * Daron Acemoglu, Institute Professor at MIT and co-author of Why Nations Fail and The Narrow Corridor *

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Book SynopsisWe are now entering a new phase in the establishment of historical organization studies as a distinctive methodological paradigm within the broad field of organization studies. This book serves both as a landmark in the development of the field and as a key reference tool for researchers and students.For two decades, organization theorists have emphasized the need for more and better research recognizing the importance of the past in shaping the present and future. By historicizing organizational research, the contexts and forces bearing upon organizations will be more fully recognized, and analyses of organizational dynamics improved. But how, precisely, might a traditionally empirically oriented disciplinesuch ashistory be incorporated into a theoretically oriented disciplinesuch asorganization studies? This book evaluates the current state of play, advances it and identifies the possibilities the new emergent field offersfor the future. In addition to providing an importanTrade Review"Today, understanding our past is more urgent than ever to inform our future. This book makes a fantastic job of discussing fundamental issues to make sense of history in organization studies. The book is a must-read for all academics who are interested in producing solid organizational studies historical accounts as well as to understand how history has been discussed in organization studies." Professor Rafael Alcadipani, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, FGV-EAESP, São Paulo"The authors in this volume venture audaciously into the interdisciplinary worlds of management studies and history. The outcome is a book which marks a serious advance in showing how business and management can incorporate history more dynamically in research, and benefit greatly as a result."Professor Geoffrey Jones, Isidor Straus Professor of Business History, Harvard Business School"This volume takes an important next step in the further development of the ‘historical turn’ in organization studies by bringing together theoretical, methodological and empirical insights. Through compelling narratives from all parts of society, it demonstrates how the interplay between history and organization studies advances our reflexivity and ability to engage in the future."Professor Majken Schultz, Centre for Organizational Time, Copenhagen Business School"There is a need for historical organization studies. This book not only explains why this is the case but also what it means. The rich collection of empirical examples helps us understand the various approaches that can be taken and how they can contribute to organization studies. Highly recommended reading!"Professor Eero Vaara, Hanken School of Economics and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford"This collection demonstrates the extent to which the promise of Historical Organization Studies – the interplay between creative historical research and innovative organizational theory – is becoming a reality. Along with an introduction by four leading scholars that maps out the intellectual terrain of the field, the chapters demonstrate the variety of different ways in which scholars are integrating history and theory to generate new insights about organizations and organizing. I would especially recommend the volume for early career researchers interested in learning about a dynamic and emerging field of organizational scholarship."Professor Dan Wadhwani, University of Southern California and Copenhagen Business SchoolTable of ContentsPart I: Introduction 1. Historical Organization Studies: Advancing New Directions for Organizational Research Part II: Conceptual Advances 2. Writing the Practices of History 3. Towards a Theory of Historical Reflexivity 4. The Organization-as-Iceberg as a Counter Metaphor 5. Working Towards Critical Historical Studies: An Emancipatory Ontology 6. Don’t Talk about History: Indigenous Views about the Past and their Implication for Organization Studies Part III: Theoretical Applications 7. The Canadian Alouette Women: Reclaiming their Space 8. The Enduring Presence of the Founder: A Historical and Interdisciplinary Perspective on the Organizational Identity of Collection Museums 9. Institutional Entrepreneurship and the Field of Power: The Emergence of the Global Hotel Industry 10. ‘Remember Mackintosh!’ Historical Homology and Historical Affinity in the Design of the Scottish Parliament Building 11. Institutional Change as Historical Confluence: The Development of the Nursing Profession in Japan 12. Studying the Processes of Managerial Legitimacy and Control of Former State-owned Enterprises in Post-communist Societies: A Longitudinal Study Part IV: Conclusion 13. At the Intersection of Theory and History: A Research Agenda for Historical Organization Studies

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Book SynopsisThis book offers the first introduction to the concepts, theories, and applications of pricing and revenue optimization. From the initial success of "yield management" in the commercial airline industry down to more recent successes of markdown management and dynamic pricing, the application of mathematical analysis to optimize pricing has become increasingly important across many different industries. But, since pricing and revenue optimization has involved the use of sophisticated mathematical techniques, the topic has remained largely inaccessible to students and the typical manager. With methods proven in the MBA courses taught by the author at Columbia and Stanford Business Schools, this book presents the basic concepts of pricing and revenue optimization in a form accessible to MBA students, MS students, and advanced undergraduates. In addition, managers will find the practical approach to the issue of pricing and revenue optimization invaluable. With updates to every chapter, this second edition covers topics such as estimation of price-response functions and machine-learning-based price optimization. New discussions of applications of dynamic pricing and revenue management by companies such as Amazon, Uber, and Disney, and in industries such as sports, theater, and electric power, are also included. In addition, the book provides current coverage of important applications such as revenue management, markdown management, customized pricing, and the behavioral economics of pricing.Trade Review"This book is a must-read for students and practitioners of pricing modeling, offering a clear guide on where and how to apply which pricing model framework. With the updates made to the 2nd edition, its comprehensiveness in covering the pricing modeling topic is second to none!" -- Wei Ke * Managing Partner at Simon-Kucher & Partners *"Benefiting from Bob's rich industry experience and superb writing skills, this book exposes the reader to a host of real-world applications that blend modelling, optimization, and machine learning in a gentle and accessible way. Describing new developments in e-commerce, ride sharing and reinforced learning, this is a must-read book for students and professionals in the field." -- Guillermo Gallego, Crown Worldwide Professor of Engineering * Hong Kong University of Science and Technology *"Bob Phillips is one of the world's experts on quantitative pricing. This unique book translates state-of-the-art academic research into practical managerial lessons. Covering a wide range of industries that go from revenue management classics such as hotels and airlines all the way to modern e-commerce and ride-sharing platforms, this book is a must have for every pricing manager." -- Gabriel Weintraub * Stanford Graduate School of Business *Table of ContentsContents and Abstracts1Background chapter abstractThis chapter describes the historical background of pricing and revenue optimization including the factors that have driven the growth of analytical approaches to pricing, such as the success of revenue management in the airlines, advances in information technology, the rise of e-commerce, and the success of machine learning. Pricing decisions have become exponentially more complex and dynamic to the extent that it is no longer possible to manage prices effectively using spreadsheets. The use of automated techniques to set and update prices dynamically has led to profitability improvements of 10% or more in many different industries. 2Introduction to Pricing and Revenue Optimization chapter abstractThis chapter introduces the basic concepts behind pricing and revenue optimization. It discusses common pricing challenges such as lack of consistent management, discipline, and analysis. I describe three purist approaches to pricing—cost-plus, market-based and value-based and explain the shortcomings of each. I define pricing and revenue optimization as a process for managing and updating pricing decisions across an organization in a way that most effectively meets corporate goals using mathematical analysis. I introduce the pricing and revenue optimization cube as a convenient way to think about pricing decisions across the organization and describe the steps in an effective pricing and revenue optimization process. I describe a closed-loop process for setting, evaluating and updating prices. Finally, I discuss the role of mathematical analysis and optimization in the pricing process and contrast explicit optimization with data-driven approaches. 3Models of Demand chapter abstractThis chapter introduces the price-response function, which describes how demand for a product changes as a function of price. The price-response function is a key component in pricing and revenue optimization. I show how the price-response function can be derived from the distribution of willingness to pay among potential customers and describe the properties that a proper price-response function should possess. I describe the most common measures of price sensitivity such as slope, elasticity, and hazard rate and extend these measures to the case in which a seller is offering multiple products that may compete with each other. I introduce the most common price-response functions including the linear, constant-elasticity, logit, and probit functions and describe their properties, as well as when they can be best used. 4Estimating Price Response chapter abstractI show how a price-response function can be estimated from historical data about prices and demand. Ways in which historical data can be obtained include price tests, A/B tests, natural experiments, and regression discontinuity design. I show how regression can be used to estimate the parameters of different price-response functions including linear, exponential, and constant elasticity. I introduce measures of fit including root-mean-square error, mean absolute percentage error, and weighted mean absolute percentage error. I show how the availability of potential demand data can significantly improve estimation, and I introduce methods for estimating a price-response function when potential demand data are available. The estimation process is discussed, as well as challenges to estimation including collinearity and endogeneity and how they can be addressed. . 5Optimization chapter abstractIn this chapter I show how to calculate an optimal price. The first step is to determine an objective function to be maximized. Typically we assume that contribution is to be maximized, but in some cases, revenue may be an element in the objective function. I discuss how to calculate contribution. Given contribution and a price-response function, the optimal price must satisfy a set of conditions, such as marginal cost equaling marginal revenue and elasticity equaling inverse unit margin. I discuss the implications of these conditions for real-world prices and show how explicit optimization can be used to calculate an optimal price. I discuss how to address the case of multiple objective functions, when a seller might be interested in maximizing both profit and market share. Finally, I introduce a data-driven approach to finding an optimal price that does not require a price-response function. 6Price Differentiation chapter abstractPrice differentiation is the practice of charging different prices to different customers for the same good or slightly different versions of the same good. In this chapter, I describe various techniques for using price differentiation to improve profitability including group pricing, channel pricing, regional pricing, and couponing. Some of the most effective tactics for price differentiation are inferior goods, superior goods, product lines, product versioning, and time-based differentiation. I show how to calculate optimal differentiated prices in the presence of arbitrage and cannibalization and discuss the implications of price differentiation for consumer welfare. One common approach to price differentiation is nonlinear pricing, in which purchasing multiple products together can be cheaper than purchasing them independently. I present models for two of the most common nonlinear pricing approaches: volume discounts and bundling. 7Pricing with Constrained Supply chapter abstractSupply and capacity constraints are commonplace across many industries and can have a strong effect on optimal prices. I start by discussing the nature of supply constraints and the situations in which they occur. I then discuss how a seller can determine the optimal price to charge when faced with a supply constraint, and I introduce the important concept of opportunity cost. I extend the calculation of optimal prices to the case when a supplier has a segmented market and faces supply constraints. This leads to the tactic of variable pricing, which is used when a supplier has multiple units of constrained capacity and can change prices in order to balance supply and demand. I discuss examples of variable pricing from industries including ride-sharing, concerts, and sporting events. 8Revenue Management chapter abstractRevenue management is a profit-maximizing tactic used by sellers with a fixed stock of perishable capacity. This chapter relates the history of revenue management and shows how revenue management is an application of price differentiation. I introduce revenue management tactics—the ways in which companies can manage their capacity to maximize return. The airlines and other travel-related industries were pioneers in revenue management. I show how computerized reservation systems and global distribution systems play major roles in the way that revenue management has been implemented in these industries. I discuss the role of ancillary revenue and incremental costs and how they influence revenue management in different industries. I describe how the effectiveness of a revenue management program can be measured and discuss the current status and future prospects of revenue management in different industries. 9Capacity Allocation chapter abstractCapacity allocation is the problem of determining how many seats (or hotel rooms or rental cars) to allow low-fare customers to book when there is the possibility of future high-fare demand. I first analyze the two-class case in some detail. I then consider the multiclass problem, with an emphasis on the widely used expected marginal seat revenue (EMSR) heuristics. Next I discuss the dynamic multiclass problem. I then relax the independence assumption and discuss how booking limits can be set when demand in a fare class can depend on which other classes are currently open. I introduce a data-driven approach that does not depend on estimating parameters of a demand distribution. Finally, I discuss how the performance of a capacity allocation program can be measured and evaluated. 10Network Management chapter abstractNetwork management is the problem of determining how to manage resource availability in the case when products can require multiple resources. Examples include hub-and-spoke airline networks as well as multiday hotel and rental car products. I introduce the network management problem, describe different types of networks, and discuss the industries in which network management is important. I show why the network management problem is complex and why a simple and intuitive greedy heuristic does not work well. I then present various approaches to the network management problem including linear programming, virtual nesting, and bid pricing. Finally, I discuss the issues involved in implementing network management. 11Overbooking chapter abstractOverbooking occurs whenever a seller with constrained supply sells more units than he has available to hedge against the possibility of no-shows or cancellations. The chapter begins with a short history of overbooking. I then characterize industries in which overbooking is used and introduce four different approaches to overbooking: a deterministic heuristic, risk-based policies, service-level policies, and hybrid policies. I show how booking limits can be determined under each policy in the case of a single price and an uncertain level of no-shows. I then present a data-driven approach to overbooking and discuss dynamic overbooking in the face of cancellations and multiple fare classes. Finally, I present extensions to the basic problem and discuss some alternatives to overbooking for managing cancellations and no-shows. 12Markdown Management chapter abstractThe goal of markdown management is to determine the timing and magnitude of price reductions that maximize revenue from a fixed stock of inventory. In this chapter I start by giving some background and show how, for certain goods and services, markdowns segment the market and provide a simple method by which retailers can profit from intertemporal price differentiation. I outline the markdown management process that retailers follow and some of the business issues that can constrain them. I formulate the markdown problem as a constrained optimization problem and outline the most common approaches to finding the optimal prices including explicit optimization and exhaustive search, or enumeration. I discuss the implications of strategic customers—those who anticipate future prices—on markdown policies. Finally, I discuss the use of markdown management systems and the experiences of companies using markdown optimization. 13Customized Pricing chapter abstractCustomized pricing refers to the situation in which customers approach sellers with their desired product and the seller responds with a bid. In customized pricing, the seller can usually determine an individualized price for each customer and has access to information about failed bids as well as successful ones. I formulate the customized-pricing decision as an optimization problem and show how that problem can be solved to maximize the expected contribution margin from each bid. A key element in the customized-pricing problem is the bid-response function, which specifies the seller's expectation on how each customer will respond to his bid price. I show how bid-response functions can be estimated for different customers seeking to purchase different products. I then show how the customized-pricing model can deal with objectives other than maximizing expected contribution. 14Behavioral Economics and Pricing chapter abstractClassical approaches to pricing optimization assume that consumers are rational in that they choose among available alternatives in a way that maximizes the utility of the product purchased minus the price. However, both common experience and research show that this is not the case—customers are influenced by seemingly irrelevant factors such as how the price is presented and what prices are offered to other customers. In this chapter I describe the implications of customer irrationality for pricing in three categories: violations of the law of demand, price presentation and framing, and fairness. I discuss how these categories should be taken into consideration in pricing. Examples are drawn from Amazon, Coca-Cola, First National Bank of Chicago, and cruise lines, among other industries.

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Book SynopsisThis streamlined intro to Microsoft Power BI covers all the foundational aspects and features you need to go from "zero to hero" with data and visualizations.

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Book SynopsisOffers a roadmap for designing and orchestrating vibrant software platform ecosystems. This book offers actionable tools to develop your own platform strategy, backed by original research, tangible metrics, rich data, and cases. It helps you learn how architectural choices create organically-evolvable, vibrant ecosystems.Trade Review"Platform Ecosystems provides an extremely innovative and insightful approach to decode the value creation of platforms and apps. Amrit Tiwana has written a very provocative guide that will help every executive to reconsider their firms' strategic position and potential to deliver products and services via platforms. A must-read for anyone interested in the next generation business." --Eric van Heck, Professor of Information Management and Markets, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University"In “Platform Ecosystems,” Amrit Tiwana delivers a most timely and in-depth perspective of this exciting topic. Ecosystems are at the heart of all modern economic activity and the most powerful known ecosystems have a “platform” at their core, driven by a strong player leading their ecosystem, inviting and mutually boosting the value-add by other players. The combinatorial multipliers of successful ecosystem lead to the competition of entire ecosystems. Understanding the key drivers and mechanisms of platform ecosystems is critically important when contemplating competitive strategies." --Clemens Szyperski, MicrosoftTable of ContentsIntroductionPART I: The Rise of Platforms1. The Rise of Platforms2. Core Concepts and Principles3. Why Platform Businesses are Unlike Product or Service Businesses 4. The Value Proposition of PlatformsPART II: Architecture and Governance5. Platform Architecture 6. Platform Governance PART III: Dynamics and Metrics of Ecosystem Evolution7. Metrics of Evolution8. Real Options Thinking 9. Modular OperatorsPART IV: Orchestrating Evolution 10. Evolving a Platform11. Evolving an AppPART V: The Road Ahead 12. Why Every Product is a Platform Waiting to HappenReferencesGlossary

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Anyone tasked with business intelligence and data integration will want this outstanding introduction and guidebook…An established professional will also not be disappointed with the fresh how-to look. I highly recommend it." --Computing Reviews "The world of architecture and technology is rapidly changing and has been for a while. Fortunately we have people like Rick Sherman who stay abreast of the latest advances. This book is as close to a complete A to Z guidebook as you will find. I recommend this book for every professional's desk." --Bill Inmon, Forest Rim Technology "Rick covers a lot of ground in the BI Guidebook offering clear explanations of a wide range of BI and DW topics (e.g., technologies, methodologies). His approach makes it both a useful primer for those new to Business Intelligence as well as a great reference for more seasoned pros." --Howard Dresner, Chief Research Officer Dresner Advisory Services "Anyone looking to rollout a business intelligence initiative or shore up a fledgling one can benefit from the BI Guidebook. Rick Sherman leaves no stone unturned and takes a deep dive into a complex and diverse field. Even a seasoned BI professional will enjoy having this book as a reference within arm's reach." --William McNight "One cannot manage a business or run any organization without measurement: knowing where you'v been, where you are and where you are going. But while BI is the key enabler for such quantitative enterprise management, it remains one of the more complicated areas of information technology. BI encompasses a wide range of expertise from the technical mastery of building data models to the psychological finesse of resolving conflicts between IT and business people. This is why educating the market on best practices is so important, and why Forrester encourages reading and studying books that arm people with the knowledge they need to tackle the myriad challenges of implementing BI projects. This book, particularly, confirms Forrester’s position that data is a vital tool and a corporate asset that should have direct impact on enterprise top and bottom lines, as well as balance sheets." --Boris Evelson, Vice President, Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, Inc.Table of ContentsConcepts and Context 1 Introduction Business and Technical Needs 2 Justifying BI (Building Business and Technical Case 3 Defining Requirements - Business, Data and Quality Architectural Framework 4 Architecture Introduction 5 Information Architecture 6 Data Architecture 7 Technology and Product Architectures Data Design 8 Foundational Data Modeling 9 Dimensional Modeling 10 Advanced Dimensional Modeling Data Integration Design 11 Data Integration Processes 12 Data Integration Design & Development BI Design 13 BI Applications 14 BI Design & Development 15 Advanced Analytics 16 Data Shadow Systems Organization 17 People, Process and Politics 18 Project Management 19 Centers of Excellence

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Book SynopsisAll businesses face continuous pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance profitability. By adopting an analytical approach, managers and business owners can identify opportunities and solutions that may not be immediately apparent. This book demonstrates how such an approach can be applied systematically to address complex operational challenges.Business Analytics for Supply Chains and Operations introduces a range of key topics that are grouped into three areas: modelling, optimisation, and probability. The optimisation component includes methods such as linear and integer programming and network flows, which are used to address logistics problems (e.g. transportation) in supply chains and production strategies in operations. The probabilistic component covers queueing systems and inventory models, providing tools to analyse uncertainty in operational settings.The book aims to enable readers to increase the efficiency and productivity of business operations. This requires analysts to observe and define challenges concisely, precisely, and logically. Familiarity with both classical and state-of-the-art operational research techniques and tools is essential for approaching such challenges effectively. These tools allow analysts to devise solutions, algorithms, and methods that provide a competitive advantage. Finally, results must be communicated clearly to support management decision-making. This book guides the reader through this process using numerous examples and well-worked solutions.The book is designed for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students on business degrees, as well as for practising managers seeking analytical tools for decision-making. It emphasises hands-on learning with three main computational tools: Excel (the primary tool, introduced in depth), the MathProg modelling language for optimisation, and SimPy (with Python and a brief introduction to Simio) for simulation experiments. Online support materials include PowerPoint slides, a test bank, computer lab sheets with solutions, and links to video tutorials.

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Book SynopsisThe main purpose of this book is to introduce the essential theories and tools for production (manufacturing operations) management for students in engineering, junior professionals in supply chain and production managers who are starting their career in a manufacturing firm.With a focus on selected key techniques and a practical application of these skills, the book uses a real-world inspired case studies while providing readers with in-depth exploration. Designed as a coaching handbook for instructors or motivated self-learners, it is an ideal resource for project-based learning.It is suitable for graduates in technology management and engineering, and professionals in the field of manufacturing who want to revise their practical knowledge while enhancing theoretical background.

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Book SynopsisIntroductory courses in combinatorial optimization are popular at the upper undergraduate/graduate levels in computer science, industrial engineering, and business management/OR, owed to its wide applications in these fields. There are several published textbooks that treat this course and the authors have used many of them in their own teaching experiences. This present text fills a gap and is organized with a stress on methodology and relevant content, providing a step-by-step approach for the student to become proficient in solving combinatorial optimization problems. Applications and problems are considered via recent technology developments including wireless communication, cloud computing, social networks, and machine learning, to name several, and the reader is led to the frontiers of combinatorial optimization. Each chapter presents common problems, such as minimum spanning tree, shortest path, maximum matching, network flow, set-cover, as well as key algorithms, such as greedy algorithm, dynamic programming, augmenting path, and divide-and-conquer. Historical notes, ample exercises in every chapter, strategically placed graphics, and an extensive bibliography are amongst the gems of this textbook.Trade Review“This book introduces combinatorial optimization with a methodology-oriented organization. It targets undergraduate and graduate students and contains a good mix of theoretical results (with proof) and examples, which helps the reader acquire ideas and concepts. The chapters end with a list of exercises for the students.” (Francisco Chicano, Mathematical Reviews, January, 2024)“The book can appropriately be used as a textbook in a graduate course. All the algorithms are clearly explained and presented. It is a very valuable book for successful application of real problems from combinatorial optimization. … this book is an excellent contribution to the field of combinatorial optimization, and it is highly recommended to the students and researchers in optimization.” (Samir Kumar Neogy, zbMATH 1512.90001, 2023)Table of Contents1. Introduction.-2. Divide-and-Conquer.- 3. Dynamic Programming and Shortest Path.- 4. Greedy Algorithm and Spanning Tree.- 5. Incremental Method and Maximum Network Flow.- 6. Linear Programming.- 7. Primal-Dual Methods and Minimum Cost Flow.- 8. NP-hard Problems and Approximation Algorithms.- 9. Restriction and Steiner Tree.- 10. Greedy Approximation and Submodular Optimization.- 11. Relaxation and Rounding. 12. Nonsubmodular Optimization.- Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisMicrosoft PowerPivot is a free add-on to Excel from Microsoft that allows users to produce new kinds of reports and analyses that were simply impossible before, and this book is the first to tackle DAX formulas, the core capability of PowerPivot, from the perspective of the Excel audience. Written by the world's foremost PowerPivot blogger and practitioner, the book's concepts and approach are introduced in a step-by-step manner tailored to the learning style of Excel users everywhere. The techniques presented allow users to produce, in hours or even minutes, results that formerly would have taken entire teams weeks or months to produce. The "pattern-like" techniques and best practices contained in this book have been developed and refined over two years of onsite training with Excel users around the world, and the key lessons from those seminars costing thousands of dollars per day are now available within the pages of this easy-to-follow guide. This updated edition covers new features introduced with Office 2015.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive guide to the economics of airports for all managers, regulators and educators within the aviation industry. Written by three renowned experts but made accessible and relevant for all those working within the industry, or aspiring to do so, it is the perfect entry point for learning about the underlying economics of airports as a crucial component of the air transport system. It explains the cost structures of airports and then relates these to how airports determine their charges.It explains how charges at different airports vary, whether this is due to different types of traffic, different input prices, ways of producing outputs or different levels of efficiency. Most airports are publicly owned or regulated, and there has been a trend towards privatisation. The book explains how airports have been regulated and assesses how well the regulatory structures have performed; it discusses the trend towards light-handed regulation and theTrade Review"One of the key strengths of the book is in discussing how recognised economic theory relates to airports but at the same time balancing debates about major issues that are particularly relevant to the airport industry today. These include long-term traffic forecasting accuracy, slot allocation, incentives for investment, interactions between aeronautical and non-aeronautical areas and the choice of till, performance measurement challenges, decarbonisation strategies, economic impact measurement and the effect of COVID-19. A novel approach is the identification of a major controversy in each chapter which is examined through discussions of the relevant issues. The book also has case studies and numerous examples which illustrate and support many of the arguments that are developed in the book by linking theory and practice.The book will be of interest to practitioners working in the airport industry but also to other air transport sectors, especially airlines. Its insights will be invaluable for informing regulation and government policy. Moreover, it will be ideal for academics, researchers and students by providing in-depth coverage of key airport economic issues in one accessible text."Anne Graham, Westminster University, UK"Airport Economics is a must read for the beginner and for the expert. The former will find a scholarly, yet highly readable presentation not only of 'traditional' topics, such as airport demand, costs and pricing, but also of more 'contemporary' ones, such as airport ownership, efficiency, regulation and environmental and social impacts. And the expert will appreciate the comprehensive and thoughtful critical reviews of the numerous related issues and solution approaches provided by Professors Forsyth, Guiomard and Niemeier. Features that this reader particularly enjoyed include: a plethora of insightful real-world examples; the book’s decidedly international perspective; the brief case studies that are interspersed throughout the text; and, best of all, the 'controversies' that are introduced at the end of each chapter – e.g., 'are private, lightly regulated airports ripping off airlines and passengers?' – that motivate the reader to re-consider and synthesize the points that the chapter discussed."Amedeo Odoni, T. Wilson Chair Professor Emeritus, MIT"Air transport is distinguished, not just by providing rapid connections between cities, but also by the sheer scale of distortions in many of its markets. The pricing of airport services developed largely on cost recovery and cross-subsidy, with landing fees often determined by how much shopping takes place at the airport, exacerbating demand for scarce landing slots. Environmental externalities are not remotely paid for. Capacity expansion is no better than pricing. It is 55 years since the Roskill Commission issued their thoughtful and pioneering report on London’s airport capacity needs. They were ignored. Poor government decision making on airports has so often resulted from adversarial politics, the tyranny of the minority, concern for newspaper headlines and, most importantly, bogus quantification that provides endless numbers but no insight. This much needed book on the economics of airports is full of insights. It should be essential reading for all those in government, regulators and the industry concerned to make rational decisions about the future development of an industry that plays such an important role in connecting cities at home and around the world."Brian Pearce, Former Chief Economist, IATATable of Contents1 An Introduction to Airport Economics, Part 1 Demand, Costs and Pricing, 2 Location, Demand and Forecasting, 3 Costs and Market Structure, 4 Pricing and Capacity Allocation, Part 2: Ownership, Regulation and Efficiency, 5 Ownership, Finance and Investment, 6 Airport Regulation and Competition, 7 Airport Performance: Efficiency and Quality, Part 3 Environment and Impacts, 8 Airports and the Environment, 9 Economic Impacts, Policy and COVID, 10 Summary and Conclusions

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when a researcher and a practitioner spend hours crammed in a Fiat discussing data visualization? Beyond creating beautiful charts, they found greater richness in the craft as an integrated whole. Drawing from their unconventional backgrounds, these two women take readers through a journey around perception, semantics, and intent as the triad that influences visualization. This visually engaging book blends ideas from theory, academia, and practice to craft beautiful, yet meaningful visualizations and dashboards. How do you take your visualization skills to the next level? The book is perfect for analysts, research and data scientists, journalists, and business professionals. Functional Aesthetics for Data Visualization is also an indispensable resource for just about anyone curious about seeing and understanding data. Think of it as a coffee book for the data geek in you. https://www.functionalaestheticsbook.comTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix About the Authors xi About the Technical Editor xii Foreword by Pat Hanrahan xiii Introduction xv Part A: Perception 1 Chapter 1: The Science Behind Perception 3 Seeing and Understanding Imagery 3 Color Cognition 6 Saccade and Directed Attention 10 The Notion of Space and Spatial Cognition 11 Diagramming the World 13 Summary 20 Chapter 2: Perception in Charts 21 Visualization and Task 23 Chart as an Informational Unit 24 Unboxing Functional Aesthetics in the Physical World 27 Recursive Proportions 28 The Digitized Space: Creating Experiences on the Screen 31 Summary 34 Chapter 3: Charts in Use 35 The First Charts 36 Standardizing Visualization 40 The Shifting Role of Data Visualization 43 Maturity within the Profession 49 Summary 56 Part B: Semantics 57 Chapter 4: Coming to Terms 59 Statistical Graphics Are Inherently Abstract 60 Flattening the Curve 63 Toward Meaningful Depictions 65 Situating with Semiotics 68 Summary 69 Chapter 5: Vagueness and Ambiguity 71 How Tall Is Tall? 71 Spicy or Hot—What’s the Difference? 76 Clarification, Repair, and Refinement 78 Iconicity of Representation 80 The Art of Chart 82 Summary 85 Chapter 6: Data Literacy 87 Navigating Data Literacy 89 The Impact of Writing 90 Data Orality 92 Changing Exposition Styles 96 Data Literacy Democratization 97 Summary 99 Chapter 7: Data Preparation 101 Hairy Dates 102 Common Transformations 103 Clarity in Conversation 107 Shaping for Intent 109 Prepping for the Future 110 Data Enrichment 113 Summary 115 Chapter 8: Scaling It Down 117 Generalization 118 Natural Sizes 119 Fat Fingers and Small Screens 120 Color as a Function of Size 123 Thumbnails and Visual Summaries 124 Summary 128 Chapter 9: Cohesive Data Messages 129 Cohesion in Designing Visualizations 131 Analytical Conversation 144 Summary 152 Chapter 10: Text and Charts 153 Medium Being the Message 154 Types of Text 155 Balancing Text with Charts 161 Chart and Text Agreement 163 Text in Analytical Conversation 166 Making Data More Accessible 168 Text for Supporting Reading Fluency 170 Summary 171 Part C: Intent 173 Chapter 11: Defining and Framing 175 Analytical Intent 176 Register 178 Repair and Refinement 179 Pragmatics 181 Practicing Intent 182 Summary 185 Chapter 12: Visual Communication 187 Do What I Mean, Not What I Say 189 Register in Charts 192 Registers in Composition 194 Mood and Metaphor 197 Beyond Language Communication 197 Expansion and Contraction 200 Summary 201 Chapter 13: Scaffolds 203 Visualization Scaffolding 206 Scaffolding Data Discovery 210 Scaffolding Natural Language Recommendations 213 Analytical Conversation to Repair and Refine 217 Summary 221 Chapter 14: Balancing Emphasis 223 Individual Choices 224 Collective Choices 225 Correcting Common Problems 228 View Snapping 232 Summary 238 Chapter 15: Mode 239 Navigate Like a Local 241 Revisiting Analytical Chatbots 247 Video Killed the Radio Star 249 Beyond the Desktop 251 Future Forward 255 Summary 257 Part D: Putting It All Together 259 Chapter 16: Bringing Everything Together 261 Addressing the Paper Towel Problem 263 Crafting Recipes for Functional Aesthetics 267 Summary 286 Chapter 17: Close 287 Data in Everything and Everywhere 288 New Tools and New Experiences 295 Sign-off 297 Technical Glossary 299 Index 305

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents 1. Management Science  2. Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution  3. Linear Programming: Computer Solution and Sensitivity Analysis  4. Linear Programming: Modeling Examples  5. Integer Programming  6. Transportation, Transshipment, and Assignment Problems  7. Network Flow Models  8. Project Management  9. Multicriteria Decision Making  10. Nonlinear Programming  11. Probability and Statistics  12. Decision Analysis  13. Queuing Analysis  14. Simulation  15. Forecasting  16. Inventory Management   Appendix A: Normal and Chi-Square Tables  Appendix B: Setting Up and Editing a Spreadsheet  Appendix C: The Poisson and Exponential Distributions  Solutions to Selected Odd-Numbered Problems  The following items can be found on the companion website that accompanies this text: Module A: The Simplex Solution Method  Module B: Transportation and Assignment Solution Methods Module C: Integer Programming: The Branch and Bound Method  Module D: Nonlinear Programming Solution Techniques  Module E: Game Theory  Module F: Markov Analysis 

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive textbook/reference provides an in-depth overview of the key aspects of transportation analysis, with an emphasis on modeling real transportation systems and executing the models.Table of ContentsComputational Foundation in Transportation and Transportation Systems Modeling Transportation ModelsTraffic Assignment to Transportation NetworksIntegration Framework and Empirical EvaluationSimulation Tools in TransportationTransportation Use Cases

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Book SynopsisThis concise, easy-to-use reference puts one of the most popular frameworks for deep learning research and development at your fingertips. Author Joe Papa provides instant access to syntax, design patterns, and code examples to accelerate your development and reduce the time you spend searching for answers.

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Book SynopsisThe third edition of A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) guides readers through learning and mastering the techniques of this approach in clear language. Authors Joseph H. Hair, Jr., G. Tomas M. Hult, Christian Ringle, and Marko Sarstedt use their years of conducting and teaching research to communicate the fundamentals of PLS-SEM in straightforward language to explain the details of this method, with limited emphasis on equations and symbols. A running case study on corporate reputation follows the different steps in this technique so readers can better understand the research applications. Learning objectives, review and critical thinking questions, and key terms help readers cement their knowledge. This edition has been thoroughly updated, featuring the latest version of the popular software package SmartPLS 3. New topics have been added throughout the text, including a thoroughly revised and extended chapter on mediation, recent research on the foundations of PLS-SEM, detailed descriptions of research summarizing the advantages as well as limitations of PLS-SEM, and extended coverage of advanced concepts and methods, such as out-of-sample versus in-sample prediction metrics, higher-order constructs, multigroup analysis, necessary condition analysis, and endogeneity. Table of ContentsPreface About the Authors Chapter 1. An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling Chapter Preview What Is Structural Equation Modeling? Considerations in Using Structural Equation Modeling Principles of Structural Equation Modeling PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, and Regressions Based on Sum Scores Considerations When Applying PLS-SEM Guidelines for Choosing Between PLS-SEM and CB-SEM Organization of Remaining Chapters Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 2. Specifying the Path Model and Examining Data Chapter Preview Stage 1: Specifying the Structural Model Stage 2: Specifying the Measurement Models Stage 3: Data Collection and Examination Case Study Illustration—Specifying the PLS-SEM Model Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 3. Path Model Estimation Chapter Preview Stage 4: Model Estimation and the PLS-SEM Algorithm Case Study Illustration—PLS Path Model Estimation (Stage 4) Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 4. Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part I: Evaluation of the Reflective Measurement Models Chapter Preview Overview of Stage 5: Evaluation of Measurement Models Stage 5a: Assessing Results of Reflective Measurement Models Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Reflective Measurement Models (Stage 5a) Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 5. Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part II: Evaluation of the Formative Measurement Models Chapter Preview Stage 5b: Assessing Results of Formative Measurement Models Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Formative Measurement Models (Stage 5b) Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 6. Assessing PLS-SEM Results—Part III: Evaluation of the Structural Model Chapter Preview Stage 6: Structural Model Results Evaluation Case Study Illustration—Evaluation of the Structural Model (Stage 6) Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 7. Mediator and Moderator Analysis Chapter Preview Mediation Moderation Case Study Illustration—Moderation Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Chapter 8. Outlook on Advanced Methods Chapter Preview Importance-Performance Map Analysis Necessary Condition Analysis Higher-Order Constructs Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis Examining Endogeneity Treating Observed and Unobserved Heterogeneity Measurement Model Invariance Consistent PLS-SEM Summary Review Questions Critical Thinking Questions Key Terms Suggested Readings Glossary References Index

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Book SynopsisHiroyuki Hirano’s five pillars of the visual workplace: sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain are the most fundamental and often overlooked aspects in continuous improvement initiatives. Together, these concepts form the framework of the 5S System, a set of principles whose simplicity often betrays its powerful impact on the workplace.So much of the 5S System seems like common sense, that it is astonishing how often such seemingly simple practices are absent in manufacturing operations. That is why Productivity Press is proud to bring you 5S for Operators: 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace, a hands-on book that explains the principles, rationale and implementation details of the 5S System.Easy-to-read and apply, each section of the text is loaded with questions, outlines, summaries, diagrams and illustrations. Most importantly, 5S for Operators provides the foundational knowledge that is essential for implementing not just the 5S System, but overall manufacturing improvements like shorter equipment changeovers, just-in-time inventory, total quality management and total productive maintenance. Since its publication in 1996, 5S for Operators has been and continues to be hugely popular, consistently ranking among Productivity's list of top-sellers, and its popularity is not hard to understand. 5S has proven its worth in one company after another, consistently reducing waste, guaranteeing product quality, ensuring safety and increasing the bottom line. With 5S for Operators, the 5S System can have the same profound effect on your operations. To introduce the 5S system and sell its use to executives as well as workers, consider purchasing: 5S System: An Introduction DVD (Catalog no. PP5934) Adhering to the principle of efficiency that defines this revolutionary and proven system, this video succinctly explains what is involved, who should participate, and what it will take to get started.Trade Review"I recommend this book to every supervisor who wants a commonsense, inexpensive method for improving quality, productivity, and morale within their department." Jaymie Randel, Training Coordinator, Douglas and Lomason Co. 06/01/04 This book should be read and studied by all shopfloor managers, supervisors, leaders, and associates looking for a direction to success." Steven Warywoda, Plant Manager, Douglas & Lomason Co. 06/01/04Table of Contents1. Getting Started: Chapter Overview, Purpose of this Book, What the Book is Based On, Two Ways to Use this Book, How to Get the Most Out of Your Reading , Overview of the Contents, 2. Introduction and Overview Chapter Overview, Introduction to the Five Pillars of 5S, Description of the Five Pillars, Common Types of Resistance to 5S Implementation, Benefits of 5S Implementation, 3. The First Pillar: Sort Chapter Overview, Explanation of the First Pillar: Sort, How to Sort, Steps in Red-Tagging, Accumulation of Unneeded Items, Red-Tagging Suggestions and Reminders, In Conclusion

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Book SynopsisFor too long, cooperatives have been considered marginal players in the global economy, and as unrealistic venues for the aspirations of new and experienced members of the labour force. This marginalization shows in business, municipal and legal discussions, and curricula, where cooperative structures are rarely mentioned, let alone presented as viable options. Cooperatives at Work presents a range of success stories in employee ownership and worker owned-and-governed cooperatives. The authors further show how such firms embody important and highly contested ideals of democracy, shared equity, and social transformation. Throughout this volume, the authors present a range of practical lessons, strategies, and resources based on their pioneering, international research. This latest volume in The Future of Work series has a strong ethical stream, consistent with yearnings for more inspired forms of business revealed in many public opinion polls. The book is future-oriented, using contemporary as well as historical examples to teach lessons that are not necessarily time-bound. It is essential for anyone seeking a window onto the future of cooperative entrepreneurial practice and grassroots democracy.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Crises and Opportunities Chapter 2. Democracy, Equity, and Inclusion Chapter 3. Innovation to Transformation Chapter 4. Community to Solidarity Chapter 5. Cooperative Ecology Chapter 6. Cooperative Education

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Book SynopsisThis open access handbook provides a comprehensive treatment of Vision Zero, an innovative policy on public road safety developed in Sweden. Covering all the major topics of the subject, the book starts out with a thorough examination of the philosophy, ideas and principles behind Vision Zero. It looks at conditions for the effectiveness of the policy, principles of safety and responsibility as well as critique on the policy. Next, the handbook focuses on how the Vision Zero ideas have been received and implemented in various legislations and countries worldwide. It takes into account the way Vision Zero is looked at in the context of international organizations such as the WHO, the UN, and the OECD. This allows for a comparison of systems, models and effects. The third part of the handbook discusses the management and leadership aspects, including ISO standards, equity issues, other goals for traffic and transportation, and opportunities for the car industry. Part four delves into tools, technologies and organizational measures that contribute to the implementation of Vision Zero in road traffic. Examples of specific elements discussed are urban and rural road designs, human factor designs, and avoiding drunk and distracted driving. The final part of the handbook offers perspectives on the transfer of Vision Zero policy to other areas, ranging from air traffic to suicide prevention and nuclear energy. Vision Zero is a public road safety policy including both a long-term goal that no one shall be killed or seriously injured as a consequence of accidents in road traffic and a safety principle stating that the design and function of the road transport system shall be adapted to meet the requirements that follow from that goal. It is a new road safety paradigm which has resulted in new types of responsibilities among stakeholders, technological innovations, and new strategies and organizational measures to achieve a safe system. The road safety work based on Vision Zero has shown promising results, and although Sweden has not yet reached a safe system, the number of fatalities and severe injuries has decreased substantially.This is an open access book.Table of ContentsPart I: Ideas and Principles.- Part 2: Vision Zero – an International Movement for Traffic Safety.- Part 3: Management and Leadership for Vision Zero.- Part 4: Tools and Technologies for Vision Zero.- Part 5: Vision Zero in Other Areas.

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Book SynopsisThis graduate-level textbook covers modelling, programming and analysis of stochastic computer simulation experiments, including the mathematical and statistical foundations of simulation and why it works. The book is rigorous and complete, but concise and accessible, providing all necessary background material. Object-oriented programming of simulations is illustrated in Python, while the majority of the book is programming language independent. In addition to covering the foundations of simulation and simulation programming for applications, the text prepares readers to use simulation in their research. A solutions manual for end-of-chapter exercises is available for instructors.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Why Do We Simulate.- Chapter 2: Simulation Programming: Quick Start.- Chapter 3: Examples.- Chapter 4: Simulation Programming with PythonSim.- Chapter 5: Three Views of Simulation.- Chapter 6: Simulation Input.- Chapter 7: Simulation Output.- Chapter 8: Experiment Design and Analysis.- Chapter 9: Simulation Optimization and Sensitivity.- Chapter 10: Simulation for Research.- References.- Index.

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Book SynopsisGet productive quickly with Pentaho Data IntegrationKey Features Take away the pain of starting with a complex and powerful system Simplify your data transformation and integration work Explore, transform, and validate your data with Pentaho Data Integration Book DescriptionPentaho Data Integration(PDI) is an intuitive and graphical environment packed with drag and drop design and powerful Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) capabilities. Given its power and flexibility, initial attempts to use the Pentaho Data Integration tool can be difficult or confusing. This book is the ideal solution.This book reduces your learning curve with PDI. It provides the guidance needed to make you productive, covering the main features of Pentaho Data Integration. It demonstrates the interactive features of the graphical designer, and takes you through the main ETL capabilities that the tool offers.By the end of the book, you will be able to use PDI for extracting, transforming, and loading the types of data you encounter on a daily basis.What you will learn Design, preview and run transformations in Spoon Run transformations using the Pan utility Understand how to obtain data from different types of files Connect to a database and explore it using the database explorer Understand how to transform data in a variety of ways Understand how to insert data into database tables Design and run jobs for sequencing tasks and sending emails Combine the execution of jobs and transformations Who this book is forThis book is for software developers, business intelligence analysts, and others involved or interested in developing ETL solutions, or more generally, doing any kind of data manipulation.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Getting Started with PDI Getting Familiar with Spoon Extracting Data Tranforming Data Loading Data Orchestrating your Work

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Book SynopsisNigel Slack is an Emeritus Professor of Operations Management and Strategy at Warwick Business School, Honorary Professor at Bath and Birmingham Universities, and Honorary Fellow of the European Operations Management Association. Michael Lewis is a Professor of Operations and Supply Management at Bath School of Management.Table of ContentsPreface Authors' acknowledgements Chapter 1 What is operations strategy? Introduction 1.1 Why is operations excellence fundamental to strategic success? 1.2 What is operations strategy and how is it different from operations management? 1.3 How should operations strategy reflect overall strategy (top-down)? 1.4 How do the requirements of the market influence operations strategy (outside-in)? 1.5 How can operations strategy learn from operational experience (bottom-up)? 1.6 How can the intrinsic capabilities of an operation's resources influence operations strategy (inside-out)? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 2 The context, content and process of operations strategy Introduction 2.1 What is the difference between the ‘context', ‘content' and the ‘process' of operations strategy? 2.2 What is the context of operations strategy? 2.3 What is the content of operations strategy? 2.4 What is the process of operations strategy? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 3 Operations performance Introduction 3.1 What is meant by operations performance? 3.2 How is operations performance judged at a societal level? 3.3 How is operations performance judged at a strategic level? 3.4 How is operations performance judged at an operational level? 3.5 Does the relative importance of performance objectives vary over time? 3.6 Do operations performance objectives trade-off against each other? 3.7 What are the advantages and disadvantages of focused operations? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 4 Responsible operations strategy Introduction 4.1 What is responsible operations strategy? 4.2 How does the environmental dimension of responsibility affect operations strategy? 4.3 How does the social dimension of responsibility affect operations strategy? 4.4 How does the economic dimension of responsibility affect operations strategy? 4.5 How does the stakeholder dimension of responsibility affect operations strategy? 4.6 How does the voluntariness dimension of responsibility affect operations strategy? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 5 Capacity strategy Introduction 5.1 What is capacity strategy? 5.2 How much capacity should an operation have? 5.3 How many separate sites should an operation have? 5.4 What issues are important when changing capacity levels? 5.5 What tasks should be allocated to sites? 5.6 Where should capacity be located? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 6 Purchasing and supply strategy Introduction 6.1 What is purchasing and supply strategy? 6.2 What should we do and what should we buy? 6.3 How we buy: what is the role of contracts and/or relationships? 6.4 How do we manage supply dynamics? 6.5 How do we manage supply networks over time? 6.6 How do we manage supply chain risks? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 7 Process technology strategy Introduction 7.1 What is process technology strategy and why is it becoming more important? 7.2 How can process technology be characterised? 7.3 How do market volume and variety influence process technology? 7.4 How can process technology be evaluated strategically? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 8 Improvement strategy Introduction 8.1 What are the different approaches to improvement? 8.2 How do the needs of the market direct the ongoing development of operations processes? 8.3 How can the ongoing management and control of operations be harnessed to develop their capabilities? 8.4 What can operations do to deploy their capabilities into the market? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 9 Product and service development strategy Introduction 9.1 What is the relationship between innovation, design and creativity? 9.2 Why is the way in which companies develop their products and services so important? 9.3 What process do companies use to develop products and services? 9.4 How should the effectiveness of the product and service development process be judged in terms of fulfilling market requirements? 9.5 What operations resource-based decisions define a company's product and service development strategy? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 10 The process of operations strategy – formulation and implementation Introduction 10.1 What is the ‘formulation' of operations strategy? 10.2 What is involved in maintaining alignment over time? 10.3 What analysis is needed for formulation? 10.4 What is operations strategy implementation? 10.5 Who can be responsible for implementation? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Chapter 11 The process of operations strategy – monitoring and control Introduction 11.1 What are the differences between operational and strategic monitoring and control? 11.2 How is progress towards strategic objectives tracked? 11.3 How can monitoring and control attempt to control risks? 11.4 How does learning contribute to strategic control? Summary answers to key questions Further reading Notes on the chapter Topics covered in case studies List of case studies Aarens Electronic Aztec Component Supplies Clever Consulting Delta Synthetic Fibres (DSF) Developing ‘Savory Rosti-crisps' at Dreddo Dan's Design house partnerships at Concept Design Services Disneyland Resort Paris Dresding Medical Hagen Style IKEA looks to the future Kaston-Trenton Services (KTS) McDonald's: half a century of growth Ontario Facilities Equity Management (OFEM) Slagelse Industrial Services (SIS) Turnround at the Preston Plant Widescale Studio and the Fierybryde development Zara's operating model Zentrill Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsForeword Maggie Jackson 1. Transparent Interaction and Human-Robot Collaboration for Military Operations Shan G. Lakhmani, Julia L. Wright, Jessie Y.C. Chen 2. On the Social Perception of Robots: Measurement, Moderation, and Implications Steven J. Stroessner 3. Robotics to Support Aging in Place George Mois, Jenay M. Beer 4. Kill Switch: The Evolution of Road Rage in an Increasingly AI Car Culture Julie Carpenter 5. Development and Current State of Robotic Surgery Rana Pullatt, Benjamin L. White 6. Regulating Safety-Critical Autonomous Systems: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives M.L. Cummings, David Britton 7. The Role of Consumer Robots in our Everyday Lives Heather C. Lum 8. Principles of Evacuation Robots Alan R. Wagner 9. Humans Interacting with Intelligent Machines: At the Crossroads of Symbiotic Teamwork Michael D. McNeese, Nathaniel J. McNeese

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Book SynopsisThe idea behind this book is to simplify the journey of aspiring readers and researchers to understand Big Data, IoT and Machine Learning. It also includes various real-time/offline applications and case studies in the fields of engineering, computer science, information security and cloud computing using modern tools.This book consists of two sections: Section I contains the topics related to Applications of Machine Learning, and Section II addresses issues about Big Data, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. This brings all the related technologies into a single source so that undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, academicians and people in industry can easily understand them.Features Addresses the complete data science technologies workflow Explores basic and high-level concepts and services as a manual for those in the industry and at the same time can help beginners to understand both basic and advanced aspects of machine learning Covers data processing and security solutions in IoT and Big Data applications Offers adaptive, robust, scalable and reliable applications to develop solutions for day-to-day problems Presents security issues and data migration techniques of NoSQL databases

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Book SynopsisAs a text for an undergraduate mathematics course for nonmajors, Mathematics and Politics requires no prerequisites in either area while the underlying philosophy involves minimizing algebraic computations and focusing instead on some conceptual aspects of mathematics in the context of important real-world questions in political science.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews of the second edition:“Mathematics and Politics is the fruit of undergraduate mathematics courses taught by the authors. The primary audience is political and social science majors. … The writing style is appropriate for the intended audience with the understanding that the students/readers have some familiarity with political science economics or sociology. … Overall the book serves as a useful quantitative introduction to several of the covered topics. … Faculty in the social sciences should strongly consider Mathematics and Politics as a resource/reference.” (J. Douglas Barrett, Technometrics, Vol. 53 (1), February, 2011)“It is intended to serve as a text for social science and humanities students that will highlight the power and utility of mathematics. … if you are considering a course as described above, this textbook deserves to be the one that will entice you into taking the plunge. And if you simply want to educate yourself in areas of social science mathematics that have only recently started to get the attention they deserve, Mathematics and Politics deserves your strong consideration.” (Edward W. Packel, SIAM Review, Vol. 52 (4), 2010)Table of ContentsSocial Choice.- Yes–No Voting.- Political Power.- Conflict.- Fairness.- Escalation.- More Social Choice.- More Yes–No Voting.- More Political Power.- More Conflict.- More Fairness.- More Escalation.

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Book SynopsisWith an emphasis on timeless essential mathematical background for optimization, this textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to convex optimization for students in applied mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Authored by two influential researchers, the book covers both convex analysis basics and modern topics such as conic programming, conic representations of convex sets, and cone-constrained convex problems, providing readers with a solid, up-to-date understanding of the field. By excluding modeling and algorithms, the authors are able to discuss the theoretical aspects in greater depth. Over 170 in-depth exercises provide hands-on experience with the theory, while the 36 ?Facts? and their accompanying proofs enhance approachability. Instructors will appreciate the appendices that cover all necessary background and the instructors-only solutions manual provided online. By the end of the book, readers will be well equipped to engage with state-of-the-art developments in optimization and its applications in decision-making and engineering.

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Book SynopsisThis new edition textbook continues down the path that the first edition, winner of the 2013 IISE/Joint Publishers Book-of-the-Year Award, successfully carved out. The textbook targets engineering students and emphasizes the use of operations research models and solution methods important in the design, control, operation, and management of global supply chains.Completely updated, Supply Chain Engineering: Models and Applications, Second Edition stresses quantitative models and methods, highlights global supplier selection and vendor risk management techniques, and discusses the use of multiple criteria decision-making models in supply chain management. The new edition includes chapters on health and humanitarian supply chains, including disaster management and logistics modeling, and on warehousing and distribution. Disruptions to global supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed throughout the book. Industry and government strategies to make the globalTable of Contents1. Introduction to Supply Chain Engineering. 2. Planning Production in Supply Chains. 3. Inventory Management Methods and Models. 4. Transportation Decisions in Supply Chain Management. 5. Location and Distribution Decisions in Supply Chains. 6. Supplier Selection Models and Methods. 7. Warehousing and Distribution. 8. Managing Risks in Supply Chain. 9. Global Supply Chain Management. 10. Health and Humanitarian Supply Chains. Appendix A. Multiple Criteria Decision Making: An Overview.

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Book SynopsisEli Goldratt is known by millions of readers worldwide as a scientist, educator and business guru. His Theory of Constraints (TOC) is taught at business schools and MBA programs around the globe. Government agencies and businesses, large and small, have adopted his methodologies. TOC has been successfully applied in almost every area of human endeavor, from industry to healthcare to education. And while Eli Goldratt is indeed a scientist, an educator and a business leader, he is first and foremost a philosopher; some say a genius. He is a thinker who provokes others to do the same.In The Choice, Goldratt once again presents his thought-provoking approach, this time through a conversation with his daughter, Efrat, as they discuss his fundamental system of beliefs. Through examples and discussions, Eli Goldratt helps us understand, holistically, how the interrelation of emotions, intuition and logic influences our ability to think clearly and problem solve when making peTable of Contents1. What Choice Do We Have? 2. Uncommon Sense 3. Why is Common Sense Not Common Practice? 4. Inherent Simplicity 5. Contradictions and Conflicts 6. Putting the Belief to Work 7. Harmony 8. Never Say "I Know" 9. Win-Win 10. Never Say "I Know" (CONTINUED) 11. How Many Opportunities Are There? 12. Short Shelf Life Products 13. The Sky is Not the Limit 14. Thinking Clearly and Tautologies 15. Comfort Zones 16. People Are Good 17. Comfort Zones (CONTINUED) 18. Emotion, Intuition and Logic

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Book SynopsisThis book does for retailing what Goldratt's international bestseller The Goal did for manufacturing.A breakthrough solution is exposed when some unexpected events force Caroline and Paul, a married couple working for their family's retail business, to make a few small changes in the way things are done. A solution that propels the family's regional chain of stores into a very profitable, rapidly growing, international enterprise. If there is a hint of Jonah, from The Goal, reappearing in this novel, it is Henry, the soon-to-retire president and majority owner of the company who logically states that, if you do not deal directly with the core problem, don't expect significant improvement. Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints is woven throughout this book but answers are not handed to you. The reader and the characters in the book work through the process together to discover solutions.Dr Goldratt deals with core problems inherent in the retail indu

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. What Is Operations Research? 2. Modeling with Linear Programming 3. The Simplex Method and Sensitivity Analysis 4. Duality and Post-Optimal Analysis 5. Transportation Model and Its Variants 6. Network Models 7. Advanced Linear Programming 8. Goal Programming 9. Integer Linear Programming 10. Heuristic and Constraint Programming 11. Traveling Salesperson Problem (TSP) 12. Deterministic Dynamic Programming 13. Inventory Modeling (with Introduction to Supply Chains) 14. Review of Basic Probability 15. Decision Analysis and Games 16. Probabilistic Inventory Models 17. Markov Chains 18. Queuing Systems 19. Simulation Modeling 20. Classical Optimization Theory 21. Nonlinear Programming Algorithms Appendix A: Statistical Tables Appendix B: Partial Answers to Selected Problems

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Book SynopsisExplores supply chain management and applied logistic theories, technology development, innovation, and transformation in various economy sectors upon current, advancing technological opportunities and market imperatives. In a world where efficiency is crucial, the applied research and developments in logistics and supply chain management included in this volume is invaluable.

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Book SynopsisWith the influence of operations research and management science, business and administration methods have made significant strides in advancing the effective application methods for decision-making processes. This examines related research in decision, management, and other behavioral sciences in order to exchange and collaborate on information among business, industry, and government.

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Book SynopsisIn order to experience significant improvement in business processes, successful organizations must launch, implement, and maintain effective transformation programs. Such programs enable companies to fully maximize benefits and avoid potential failures. Optimization of Supply Chain Management in Contemporary Organizations discusses best practices and methods in transformation initiatives that improve the overall functionality and success of supply chain processes. Focusing on performance measurement, change management, and strategy development, this book is an essential reference source for executives, managers, advanced-level students, and professionals working in the field of business transformations and supply chain development.

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Book SynopsisPresents interdisciplinary research on diverse issues related to logistics from an inclusive range of methodological perspectives. This publication focuses on original contributions in the form of theoretical, experimental research, and case studies on logistics strategies and operations management with an emphasis on military, aeronautical, and maritime environments.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on a development of optimal, flexible, and efficient models and algorithms for cell formation in group technology. Its main aim is to provide a reliable tool that can be used by managers and engineers to design manufacturing cells based on their own preferences and constraints imposed by a particular manufacturing system.Trade Review“The book under review is a very good source … continuing the long term passion of Panos Pardalos and his collaborators in exact solution of difficult problems … . It also adds a very valuable contribution to the body of knowledge of the cell formation problem that can be used in both teaching and research including in bioinformatics.” (Boris Mirkin, Optimization Letters, 2015)Table of Contents1. The problem of cell formation.- 2. ​The p-Median problem.- 3. Application of the PMP to cell formation in group technology.- 4. The minimum multicut problem and an exact model for cell formation.- 5. Multiobjective nature of cell formation.- 6. Pattern-based heuristic for the cell formation problem in group technology.- 7. Branch-and-bound algorithm for bi-criterion cell formation problems.- 8. Summary and conclusions.- A. Solutions to the 35 CF instances from [71].- Index.- References.

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Book SynopsisWith the rise of global competitiveness among industries, it has become increasingly vital to develop novel strategies to assist in optimizing value-chain networks, thus helping to secure economic success. By employing engineer-to-order practices, many enterprises have improved their manufacturing processes.Supply Chain Strategies and the Engineer-to-Order Approach evaluates innovative processes and original operational models, frameworks, and architectures in the topic areas of industrial engineering and management science. Featuring optimized enterprise chain management strategies and emergent research within the field, this book is an essential reference source for professional, academics, and researchers specializing in enterprise operations and engineer-to-order procedures.

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Book SynopsisThe issue of sustainability has become a vital discussion in many industries within the public and private sectors. In the business realm, incorporating such practices allows organizations to re-design their operations more effectively.Green Supply Chain Management for Sustainable Business Practice examines the challenges and benefits of implementing sustainability into the core functions of contemporary enterprises, focusing on how green approaches improve operations in an ecological way. Highlighting key concepts, emerging innovations, and future directions, this book is a pivotal reference source for professionals, managers, educators, and upper-level students.

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Book SynopsisVarious industries in modern society can contribute to many different sustainable development initiatives. By implementing better processes for resource usage and its impacts, businesses can play a vital role in creating a cleaner environment.Ethics and Sustainability in Global Supply Chain Management is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly material on organizational procedures and methods that ensure environmental sustainability, while maintaining effective production processes. Highlighting the most innovative topics and perspectives, such as life cycle costing, waste management, and business leadership, this book is ideally designed for professionals, academics, practitioners, graduate students, and researchers interested in developing green supply chain processes.

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Book SynopsisSecurity Risk Management is the definitive guide for building or running an information security risk management program. This book teaches practical techniques that will be used on a daily basis, while also explaining the fundamentals so students understand the rationale behind these practices. It explains how to perform risk assessments for new IT projects, how to efficiently manage daily risk activities, and how to qualify the current risk level for presentation to executive level management. While other books focus entirely on risk analysis methods, this is the first comprehensive text for managing security risks. This book will help you to break free from the so-called best practices argument by articulating risk exposures in business terms. It includes case studies to provide hands-on experience using risk assessment tools to calculate the costs and benefits of any security investment. It explores each phase of the risk management lifecycle, focusing on policies and assessment processes that should be used to properly assess and mitigate risk. It also presents a roadmap for designing and implementing a security risk management program. This book will be a valuable resource for CISOs, security managers, IT managers, security consultants, IT auditors, security analysts, and students enrolled in information security/assurance college programs.Trade Review"Evan Wheeler has developed a much needed new approach to the field of security risk management. Readers familiar with this field of study will find that it does what he says he wants it to do: shake the old risk paradigms out of their roots and plant something fresh and useful today." --Dennis Treece, Colonel, US Army (Retired)/Chief Security Officer, Massachusetts Port Authority-Boston "Wheeler’s book is predominantly a practitioner’s guide to security risk management but can also be used as a teaching text to help engineers, students of security, information assurance, or information systems more broadly. The key message that Wheeler is emphasizing is that risk is at the core of security, and at the heart of every business. Despite that the book lacks key referencing from academic literature, it can still be used as the basis for setting a large-scale team assignment on devising a risk management program from the ground up for a real organisation. Security professionals in banks will particularly find the book relevant." --Computers and Security "This book is packed with practical tips and the information contained throughout provides a good overview of the subject matter. The author explains the fundamentals of risk identification, assessment and management, exploring the differences between a vulnerability assessment and a risk assessment, and also providing rationales behind each of the subjects covered. This is not a technical book and the author generally avoids detailed technical analysis; rather it is an aide-memoir for Security Risk Management. …his book is recommended, in particular, for those beginning a career in Risk Management. It also provides a useful reference for current risk professionals who perhaps could benefit from a book that helps refine and further improve their current skillset." --Best Governance and ISMS Books in InfoSecReviews Book Awards "Evan Wheeler’s book, Security Risk Management, provides security and business continuity practitioners with the ability to thoroughly plan and build a solid security risk management program. The buzz words that are used throughout the corporate risk management industry today are often misused or overused. Wheeler breaks down such terms, translating them for the reader and articulating how they apply to a security risk management program. He believes risk managers should consider banning the term "best practices" from their vocabulary; he doesn’t think one size fits all when creating a security risk management program… Building an information security risk management program from the ground up is a monumental task that requires various business units to react and adopt change to move a business forward. This book provides valuable information for security, IT, and business continuity professionals on creating such a program." --Security ManagementTable of ContentsPart I – Introduction to Risk Management Chapter 1. The Security Evolution Chapter 2. Risky Business Chapter 3. The Risk Management Lifecycle Chapter 4. Risk Profiling Part II – Risk Assessment and Analysis Techniques Chapter 5. Formulating a Risk Chapter 6. Risk Exposure Factors Chapter 7. Security Controls and Services Chapter 8. Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Chapter 9. Reports and Consulting Chapter 10. Risk Assessment Techniques Part III – Building and Running a Risk Management Program Chapter 11. Threat and Vulnerability Management Chapter 12. Security Risk Reviews Chapter 13. A Blueprint for Security Chapter 14. Building a Program from Scratch Appendix A: Security Risk Profile Appendix B: Risk Models and Scales Appendix C: Architectural Risk Analysis Reference Tables

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHeavy industrialization in the past few decades has caused several global environmental issues including poor air quality, climate change, and outdoor air pollution-related diseases. As such, consumer pressure coupled with strict governmental policies have influenced firms to adopt and implement green practices in their supply chain and business operations in order to improve socio-environmental sustainability.Global Perspectives on Green Business Administration and Sustainable Supply Chain Management is an essential reference book that discusses innovative green practices including recycling, remanufacturing, reduction in waste and adoption of renewable energy in manufacturing. It also examines environmentally friendly policies that have been adopted by many European and Western countries. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as energy analysis, environmental protections, and logistics development, this book is ideally designed for managers, operations managers, executives, manufacturers, environmentalists, researchers, industry practitioners, academicians, and students.

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