Operational research Books

Book SynopsisBased on unique access interviews with leading chairmen and senior executives, All Above Board examines the key functions of the ideal 21st century board, how and why badly led boards fail, and what changes can be made to improve board behavior and efficiency for best practice.Trade Review'Corporate Governance has come to the forefront as a key to corporate success or failure. In this book Ulf Lindgren summarizes the issues around the board such as the composition, its role and responsibilities as well the relationships between the chairman, CEO and the rest of the board. But most importantly he gives very good real examples of what works and what doesn't. This is a must read for anyone engaged in corporate boards or corporate governance.' - Dr. Lars Thunell, Board member of Standard Chartered Bank ltd. Former Executive Vice President and CEO of the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group 'This book is equally valuable for Owners, Board Members and CEOs. All Above Board offers concrete insights and compelling examples of models that enable these three parties to not only achieve effective synchronization and communication of their core mission and strategy, but to excel in the execution of this beyond the mere sum of their collective competence. It is highly readable and full of practical takeaways.' - Nick Kaye, Executive Director, Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship 'Ulf Lindgren clearly knows his topic well and he gives many practical examples how to improve the role of the board in creating value for the corporation. All Above the Board has many real life stories and will be a must read for any business leader. The book summarizes in an excellent way practical lessons learned on the issues any board could have.' - Kjell Spångberg, Founder of Canyon Equity and chairman of the board of HEG 'As a member of multiple Boards I highly recommend anyone interested in, or, engaged in the functioning of corporate Boards to read All Above Board. The author gives, with his vast experience, very valuable insight into the actual and real functioning of the Board and the experiences learned in some of the world's leading corporations. This book is a must for both practitioners and academics interested in good governance!' - Dr. Laurent Leksell, Executive Director and Founder of Elekta AB 'The impact of the Board of Directors on corporate values is powerful and often overshadowed. This book is a must-read tool for all companies aiming to enhance theirs and create enduring organisations.' - Ann O'Leary, Co-founder of O'Learys Bar and Restaurants and EntrepreneurTable of ContentsIntroduction The Board of the Future Enhancing the Chairman's Value Chairman and CEO - Tandem at the Top The One Team Board Challenge The Board and Innovation Boosting Peak Performance Setting Strategic Agendas Summary and Conclusions Research Methodology

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Book Synopsisto multi-objective forest planning.- Measurement of preferences in multiple criteria evaluation.- Multiple criteria decision support methods in forest management. An overview and comparative analyses.- Multidimensional measurements and approaches to forest sustainability assessments.- Using GIS to support multi-objective decision making in forest management. An experience from Ghana, West Africa.- Heuristics in multi-objective forest management.- Spatial optimisation in forest planning. A review of recent Swedish research.- Measuring non-wood forest outputs in numerical forest planning. A review of Finnish research.Table of ContentsIntroduction to multi-objective forest planning; T. Pukkala. Measurement of preferences in multiple criteria evaluation; J.M. Altho, P. Korhonen, P. Leskinen. Multiple criteria decision support methods in forest management. An overview and comparative analyses; J. Kangas, A Kangas. Multidimensional measurements and approaches to forest sustainability assessments; G.A. Mendoza, R. Prabhu. Using GIS to support multi-objective decision making in forest management. An experience from Ghana, West Africa; P.A. Kwaku Kyem. Heuristics in multi-objective forest management; J.G. Borges, H.M. Hoganson, A.O. Falcão. Spatial optimisation in forest planning. A review of recent Swedish research; K. Öhman. Measuring non-wood forest outputs in numerical forest planning. A review of Finnish research; T. Pukkala.

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Book SynopsisAuthored by two of the field's most prominent researchers, this new edition has been comprehensively updated, with new material on contemporary models and methods including stochastic DEA models, material on Sharpe-ratio, and asset liability management.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Basics.- Chapter 2. Single-stage SLP models.- Chapter 3. SLP models with recourse.- Chapter 4. Algorithms.

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Book SynopsisAs technocratic public policy analysis approaches evolve to include greater sensitivity to political contexts, this volume synthesizes these former methods with new multi-actor, multiple perspective and poly-centric modes of analysis that are more inclusive.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: “Thissen, Walker, and their colleagues aim to present a way of incorporating rational analysis in political policy and decision making, where power play is common. … this book is a welcome addition to the literature. OR/MS practitioners working in the private sector might learn something by reading it; those working in public policy will certainly do so, as will students.” (Michael Pidd, Interfaces, Vol. 44 (1), January-February, 2014)Table of ContentsIntroduction.- A Policy Sciences View on Policy Analysis.- Perspectives on Policy Analysis: A Framework for Understanding and Design.- Diagnosing Policy Problems and Situations.- Designing the Policy Analysis Process.- Organizing the Policy Analysis Process.- System Models for Policy Analysis.- Actor Models for Policy Analysis.- Uncertainty in the Framework of Policy Analysis.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive up-to-date presentation of some of the classical areas of reliability, based on a more advanced probabilistic framework using the modern theory of stochastic processes.Trade Review This is an excellent book on mathematical, statistical and stochastic models in reliability. The authors have done an excellent job of unifying some of the stochastic models in reliability. The book is a good reference book but may not be suitable as a textbook for students in professional fields such as engineering. This book may be used for graduate level seminar courses for students who have had at least the first course in stochastic processes and some knowledge of reliability mathematics. It should be a good reference book for researchers in reliability mathematics.--Mathematical ReviewsTable of ContentsIntroduction.- Basic Reliability Theory.- Stochastic Failure Models.- Availability Analysis of Complex Systems.- Maintenance Optimization.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides up-to-date analytical tools to address challenging operational problems in renewable energy production facilities, such as wind- and solar-based generation units. It includes many illustrative examples.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Renewable Energy Sources - Modeling and Forecasting.- Clearing the Day-Ahead Market with a High Penetration of Stochastic Production.- Balancing Markets.- Managing Uncertainty with Flexibility.- Impact of Stochastic Renewable Energy Generation on Market Quantities.- Trading Stochastic Production in Electricity Pools.- Virtual Power Plants.- Facilitating Renewable Integration by Demand Response.- Random Variables and Stochastic Processes.- Basics of Optimization.- Introduction to Stochastic Programming.- Introduction to Robust Optimization.- GAMS Codes.

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Book SynopsisThe introduction of digital applications into businesses has revolutionized the way employees and managers carry out their jobs while also benefiting them socially. Smartphone and App Implementations that Improve Productivity looks at the benefits of apps in the workplace and introduces academic perspectives that link prospective advantages with practical commercial examples. The analysis is structured into chapters that include real world application while at the same time critically assess implied benefits of the new app technology and draw out the main findings and conclusions. Tahir M. Nisar brings into focus the emerging role of digital applications and big data in enterprise decision making. Readers will learn how companies can achieve more efficiency and effectiveness in their business operations through new types of organizational design strategies and mechanisms of employee mobility and work-life balance that draw on digital apps.Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1 Introduction Uber: A mobile application Performance evaluation – App rating system The drivers – not employees but partners Flexibility – a key word in Uber’s digital practices What it all comes down to Chapter outlines Chapter 2 Mobile Communications and Big Data Chapter 3 Management of Enterprise Resource Systems APP types Enterprise resource planning Large and small firms and apps Chapter 4 Technology and Firm capabilities Web-conferencing E-learning Supply-chain Marketing Sales force automation (SFA) Customer relationship management Retailing Personalization and unison Accessibility Transparency Chapter 5 Management Processes and Decision Making Management Knowledge Management Teams Work design Business process re-engineering Human resource management Control and coordination Motivation Communication Monitoring Training and worker skills Health and safety Strategy Chapter 6 Apps and Performance Outcomes Productivity Workplace efficiency Overhead costs Mobility Collaboration Creative labor Chapter 7 Mobility and Work-life Balance What is work-life balance? Chapter 8 New Digital Markets and Emerging Business Models Sharing economy Mobile banking Social media Chapter 9 Conclusion References

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Book SynopsisLearn the essential supply chain management concepts and processes within Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management to become a skilled functional consultant Key Features Learn how to set up and manage core supply chain flows such as procure to pay and order to cash Create robust warehouse and transport management process flows and learn how to optimize them Plan and schedule all your supply chain tasks with planning optimization techniques to maximize resource efficiency Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook Book DescriptionMeeting delivery commitments has become increasingly challenging due to evolving demands and fluctuating material availability. As a result, establishing robust systems and processes that can adapt to this dynamic environment has become a necessity. With Becoming a Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate, you’ll understand how to initiate and implement effective supply chain management processes. This book begins with an overview of the processes and modules within Dynamics 365 and then delves into real-life case studies involving procurement, sales, and quality assurance. You’ll explore more advanced tools and core processes, such as warehouse and transportation management, which allows you to define storage flows and shipping controls. You’ll also learn about the various tools available to define solutions and discover how to work within the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management platform. The last set of chapters will take you through the planning techniques and considerations to schedule and control all supply process flows seamlessly. By the end of this book, you’ll not only be well-prepared to obtain your certification as a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate but also be equipped to solidify your expertise and pursue exciting career opportunities.What you will learn Understand the scope of the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management platform Find out how to define an effective strategy to set up and control products and inventory Implement core supply chain flows such as procure to pay and order to cash successfully Discover how to comply with quality assurance controls Define and optimize warehouse management flows and transport management shipping Plan and schedule all your replenishments with master planning Who this book is forThis book is for solution consultants working with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management or IT professionals looking to gain expertise in supply chain management using Dynamics 365. Business users looking to learn about supply chain concepts will also find lots of useful information in this book. Basic knowledge of supply chain processes is needed to make the most of this book.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Getting Started with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Working with Product Information Management Getting Started with the Inventory Management Module Procurement and Sourcing, the Start of the Journey Working with Quality Control Processes – a Hands-On Approach Setting up and Managing Sales and Customers Warehouse Management Implementation – Best Practices and Strategies - Part 1 Warehouse Management Implementation – Best Practices and Strategies - Part 2 Transportation Management – From Planning to Execution Master Planning Implementation – A Guide to Streamlining Operations Master Planning Implementation – Advanced Scenarios

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Book SynopsisThis book develops a general theory of managerial decision making on the basis of a few elementary postulates. It employs logic as the method of reasoning, systems science in general and the systemic YoYo Model in particular, as the intuitive playground. By doing so, the authors take individually background-based guesswork out of processes of decision making. All established conclusions are expected to be generally employable in real-life applications. At the same time, the book is user friendly to a wide range of audience, coincides with people's intuition, and provides applicable results and insights for practical purposes.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Facing the Challenge Holistically.- Chapter 2. Basics of Systems Science.- Chapter 3. The Dynamics of Market Competition.- Chapter 4. Market Entry and Market Partition.- Chapter 5. What is Happening?- Chapter 6. Successfully Ride Waves of Transient Competitive Advantages.- Chapter 7. Effects of Strategies.- Chapter 8. Impacts of Culture, Structure and Leadership.- Chapter 9. The Procedure that is Supported by Solid Theories.- Chapter 10. International Trade and Firm performance.- Chapter 11 Trade Dumping and Anti-dumping.

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Book SynopsisThis tutorial introduces readers to several variants of routing problems with profits. In these routing problems each node has a certain profit, and not all nodes need to be visited. Since the orienteering problem (OP) is by far the most frequently studied problem in this category of routing problems, the book mainly focuses on the OP. In turn, other problems are presented as variants of the OP, focusing on the similarities and differences. The goal of the OP is to determine a subset of nodes to visit and in which order, so that the total collected profit is maximized and a given time budget is not exceeded.The book provides a comprehensive review of variants of the OP, such as the team OP, the team OP with time windows, the profitable tour problem, and the prize-collecting travelling salesperson problem. In addition, it presents mathematical models and techniques for solving these OP variants and discusses their complexity. Several simple examples and benchmark instances, together with their best-known results, are also included. Finally, the book reviews the latest applications of these problems in the fields of logistics, tourism and others.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Definitions and Mathematical Models of Single Vehicle Routing.- Definitions and Mathematical Models of OP Variants.- State-of-the-Art Solution Techniques for PTP and PCTSP.- State-of-the-Art Solution Techniques for OP and TOP.- State-of-the-Art Solution Techniques for OPTW and TOPTW.- Applications of the OP.- Other Orienteering Problem Variants.

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Book SynopsisThis title provides managers, executives and other professionals with an innovative method for critical decision-making. The book explains the reasons for decision failures using the Law of Unintended Consequences. This account draws on the work of sociologist Robert K. Merton, psychologists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, and economist Herbert Simon to identify two primary causes⁠: cognitive biases and bounded rationality. It introduces an innovative method for “test driving” decisions that addresses both causes by combining scenario planning and “what-if” simulations. This method enables professionals to learn safely from virtual mistakes rather than real ones. It also provides four sample test drives of realistic critical decisions as well as two instructional videos to illustrate this new method. This book provides leaders and their support teams with important new tools for analyzing and refining complex decisions that are critical to organizational well-being and survival.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Critical decisions.- Chapter 2. The Law of Unintended Consequences (LUC).- Chapter 3. Psychology of Critical Decision-Making.- Chapter 4. Rational Decision-Making.- Chapter 5. Defending Your Critical Decisions…Against You.- Chapter 6. BI, Analytics, and Their Discontents.- Chapter 7. Tools of the Decision Support Trade.- Chapter 8. Test Drive Your Critical Decisions.- Chapter 9. Competitive Marketing Strategy.- Chapter 10. Disruptive Growth.- Chapter 11. Managing Enterprise Risk.- Chapter 12. Enabling Organizational Change.- Chapter 13. Pragmatics.- Chapter 14. Conclusions.

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