Operations researchers introduced unbiased analytical tools to study criminal justice, shedding new light on crime patterns and the effectiveness of imprisonment. Prof. Blumstein's work reveals that crime rates fell during the crack cocaine epidemic as people turned away from the drug, while imprisonment did not prevent crime.
The study found that firms with managers having more social relationships with peers at other software start-ups have a better chance of surviving external shocks. Managers who prefer to talk to larger firms, not among themselves, are also more likely to survive.
Research by Pino G. Audia and Jack A. Goncalo suggests that successful inventors' creative output decreases over time, while collaboration and exploration goals can help manage this phenomenon. The study's findings have implications for R&D managers seeking to boost their departments' productivity.
A study published in Management Science finds that system quality and perceived usefulness are key determinants of information systems (IS) success. The research suggests that developers and managers should focus on improving system quality rather than increasing user satisfaction, as this will lead to greater system use.
A new model could give an additional 10% of waiting list patients access to organs for transplant while reducing discarded kidneys from 11-15% to 3%. The system aims to achieve a better balance between efficiency and equity in kidney transplantation.
A new study recommends that brick-and-mortar retailers avoid opening online portals when facing e-tailer threats. The authors suggest that staying true to the original business model is the most effective response in markets where price consistency is crucial.
Researchers propose strengthening airport security for all travelers, rather than focusing on suspect profiles, to improve prevention of terror attacks. This approach balances security with the need to minimize delays and inconvenience for passengers.
A new study examines the implications of internet forum manipulation on policy decisions, R&D investments, and consumer trust. Strategic manipulation of online forums can have significant effects on both consumers and firms, highlighting the need for investments in technologies that discourage online manipulation.
A new study found that CEO overpayment has a higher cost than previously realized, cascading down to lower employee levels. The research also revealed that CEOs serve as a key referent for employees determining fair pay, leading to turnover effects.
Management Science has introduced a monthly feature called Management Insights, which provides a digest of important research in business and management. The September issue features studies on airline safety, entrepreneurial risk, and market valuation, offering practical insights for practicing managers.
The winning entry analyzed automobile manufacturers' sales data to optimize promotional activity, resulting in $2 billion savings. The prize recognizes outstanding implementation of marketing science concepts and methods in real-world applications.
Experts suggest airlines take preventative steps to protect against shoulder-fired missile attacks, which could have a significant economic impact of up to $250 billion. The cost-benefit analysis is crucial in making informed decisions about countermeasures.
The Warner Robins Air Logistics CTR won the 2006 Franz Edelman Award for its application of Critical Chain in reducing flow days for the C-5 aircraft line, resulting in significant revenue gains. The award recognizes the center's innovative use of Operations Research to optimize repair and overhaul processes.
The Franz Edelman competition recognizes outstanding O.R.-based projects that have transformed companies, entire industries, and people's lives. The finalists applied O.R. techniques to address complex issues such as antibiotic use in animals, aviation security, and supply chain optimization.
GM's innovative use of operations research has saved the company over $2 billion by improving productivity at 30 assembly plants worldwide. The award recognizes outstanding implemented operations research that has had a significant positive impact on GM's performance.
The Franz Edelman Award, presented by INFORMS, recognizes outstanding implemented operations research that has had a significant positive impact on client organizations. The 2005 finalists will compete for a $10,000 prize in Palm Springs, showcasing innovations such as advanced pricing techniques and online product procurement auctions.
Procter & Gamble has won the INFORMS Prize for its far-reaching integration of operations research into organizational decision making. The company's use of analytics and operations research has contributed substantially to its bottom line over the last decade, driving strategies for manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.
The study ranked prescriptive graduate decision programs based on the quality of their contributions to education and research. The highest-rated programs include Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.
Operations research and manufacturing techniques will improve healthcare delivery by reducing costs and enhancing quality. Techniques such as supply chain management and scheduling systems are being adopted in hospitals and blood banks to reduce delays and improve patient care.
The journal celebrates the Wright brothers' achievement with a special issue focusing on the application of operations research in aviation. The studies explore various aspects, including aircraft scheduling, air transport networks, and airspace planning.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has recognized 2003 Fellow Award winners for their significant contributions to the field of operations research and management science. The recipients include prominent academics, practitioners, and educators in various fields.
Operations researchers at Delta Air Lines used simulations to optimize boarding processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in aircraft turnaround time. The study's findings suggest improved utilization and increased convenience for passengers.
A new model developed by Michael Carter of the University of Toronto has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by $42 billion a year, while providing more services at the same cost. The model uses operations research techniques to optimize hospital operations and improve communication among departments.
A new study by O.R. researchers finds Scandinavian countries exhibit shorter 'time-to-takeoff' for new products, while large European economies lag behind. The authors recommend a 'waterfall strategy' to introduce new products in select countries.
A study by Columbia University and the University of Washington found that pharmaceutical sales reps have modest to very small influence on prescribing behavior. In contrast, distributing drug samples plays a more positive role in contrasting medications and helping manufacturers maintain market share.
Canadian Pacific Railway has developed a fixed-schedule operating plan that optimizes traffic patterns, resulting in reduced costs, improved service reliability, and increased profitability. The approach also enables better service for customers and sets a new standard for the industry.
A study by University of Notre Dame researchers found that increased use of Decision Support Systems (DSS) leads to lower patient death rates and increased hospital profitability, resulting in over $140 per patient in additional revenue.
A Bayer BP team introduced six decision points to help determine whether to continue developing a new drug for dissolving blood clots. The process has improved forecasting technical and market risks, allowing for more informed decisions.
The study found a 92% decline in risk of future Exxon Valdez-like spills after implementing risk management measures. The Prince William Sound team estimated the probability of accidents involving oil tankers and identified key risks, such as tanker collisions with fishing vessels.
A new risk assessment method for the space shuttle program has been developed, with findings showing that 15% of tiles contributed to 85% of identified risks. This study emphasizes the importance of considering tile failure in the overall risk management strategy.
Dr. Arnold Barnett argues that large US airlines prioritize security measures over terrorist threats, despite evidence of two major aviation-related terror attempts in the year following 9/11. New low-fare airlines, such as jetBlue and Spirit, are willing to implement voluntary security measures.
The field of operations research has a significant impact on the development of medical and telecom innovations, with 24,637 patents referencing optimization techniques between 1996-2001. The study highlights the use of simulation and queue management as critical components in inventions.
Researchers found that consumers' psychological state changes even if their economic state doesn't, with the magnitude of this 'order effect' increasing over time. The study has practical implications for marketers and regulators, who can influence consumer perceptions by altering the sequence of information presentation.
A study by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences found that young tech CEOs are more likely to invest in research and development, while older attorneys tend to be more conservative. The study suggests that CEO characteristics, such as background and tenure, have a significant impact on R&D spending.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to online banner ads can lead to future sales, even if no clicks occur immediately. The study suggests that advertisers use banner ads strategically to smooth out sales and increase basket expenditures.
A study by Prof. Praveen Kumar and colleagues found that a CEO's equity compensation is negatively related to the fraction of the firm held by the largest external shareholder who poses a takeover threat to managerial control. Mid-sized boards with majority stake challenge CEOs for greater equity, limiting raises.
Continental Airlines used operations research to generate globally optimal crew recovery solutions, recovering from terrorist attacks and inclement weather with tens of millions of dollars in benefits. The airline's partner CALEB Technologies Corp. developed the CrewSolver decision support system.
Six finalists from various industries are vying for the INFORMS Edelman Award, which recognizes outstanding examples of operations research. The winning company will have made a significant impact on their client organization's performance, with the top prize being $10,000.
A management science study finds public research has a significant impact on industrial R&D, with the pharmaceutical industry being a major beneficiary. The study reveals that public research contributes to both innovation and project completion, with materials science and computer science fields having the most widespread impact.
A new set of operations research models helps retailers identify strong and weak selling products, making targeted substitutions to increase profits. The study shows that reconfiguring a category's assortment can lead to significant improvements in profit without requiring major changes.
A study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that e-customer loyalty is driven by ease of return, timeliness of delivery, web site navigation, product availability, price, and product information. These factors have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Researchers studying eBay data identified four trends that explain price fluctuations in online auctions: the weekend effect, picture effect, reputation score effect, and auction length effect. These factors impact final prices of rare coin transactions on eBay.
Researchers propose innovative forecasting techniques using futures markets and alternative polling approaches to predict presidential election outcomes. The methods aim to improve accuracy and stability in predicting the popular vote and electoral college votes.
A new study by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences found that consumers are more likely to maintain their vehicles properly if they have high-quality auto ratings. The study reveals three key lessons for manufacturers, dealers, and distributors: pricing power, customer loyalty, and leasing operations.
A new study by O.R. researchers found that the value of the dollar significantly impacts a company's decision on whether to export or invest in foreign production facilities. In depreciated currencies, strong exports favor the choice of ownership structure, while appreciated currencies favor investments in overseas production.
Researchers found that individuals who separate their identity from negatively perceived organizations are more likely to maintain a positive distinctiveness and distance themselves from those stereotypes. This phenomenon, called disidentification, often leads to action against the organization.
A recent study suggests that surgical teams with better teamwork learn new procedures significantly faster than those without. The research found that hospitals with more cumulative experience and better team communication had faster learning curves, while those with less experienced teams took longer to master new procedures.
Researchers developed an equation using probit analysis that accurately predicted up to 97% of at-large selections from 1994-2001. The model used objective team data and RPI ratings, and was applied retroactively to predict actual tournament picks.
A new study suggests that setting aggressive deadlines can eliminate shortcut-taking and improve product quality. By separating estimates of task duration from deadlines, developers are motivated to stay focused and accurate in their work.
Researchers suggest emphasizing law enforcement at early stages of a new drug epidemic, then shifting funds to treatment when use flattens. The model is based on data from the U.S. cocaine epidemic and takes into account market and price dynamics, including the role of initiation, cessation, and treatment.