When shorter waits increase stress
Research finds that longer waits can facilitate coping with negative events, reducing overall stress levels. Consumers prefer extra waiting time to mentally prepare and cope with the impending event.
Research Management
Articles tagged with Research Management
Marketing the South: Commercial mythmaking and reshaping of popular memories
A study by Craig Thompson and Kelly Tian investigates the interrelationships between commercial mythmaking and the reshaping of popular memories in the South. The researchers focus on two prominent New South mythmakers who seek to ideologically reconstruct the historical legacy of antebellum, confederate, and segregationist South. They...
Fortune 1000 IT investments are riskier than capital investments, says management insights
A recent study by Sanjeev Dewan, Charles Shi, and Vijay Gurbaxani found that information technology (IT) investments are substantially riskier than ordinary capital investments. This increased risk is associated with a substantial risk premium, driven in part by the lost option value of making irreversible capital investment decisions.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 28, 2007
Book on little-known species and conservation provides guidance to managers and others
The recently published book 'Conservation of Rare or Little-Known Species' by Island Press offers alternative approaches to conserving rare species. It synthesizes scientific information to apply to real-world problems, making it an excellent resource for land managers, policymakers, and scientists.
Where vets served affects frequency of ER visits but not hospital stays
A study by Indiana University found that veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War were 25% more likely to visit an emergency department than those who did not serve. The study also suggested that limited access to outpatient services or higher rates of accidents and injuries may be contributing factors.
Researchers combat slowing yields with targeted fertilizer applications
In northwest India, a study found that applying site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increased average rice grain yields by 17% compared to traditional farming practices. The approach also led to improved nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, with profits rising about 14%.
RAND study finds evidence disease management programs
A RAND Corporation study analyzed research on disease management programs for six chronic conditions, finding consistent evidence that these programs improve healthcare quality and patient-reported quality of life. However, the study found little to no evidence of cost savings, highlighting the need for further research.
MDs' reactions to pharma marketing influenced by brand, side effects: Management Insights
A study of pharmaceutical companies' marketing to physicians shows that doctors are most influenced by brand preference and marketing addressing drug side effects. Marketing efforts and patient requests affect physician decision-making differently across brands.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 10, 2007
A company's good reputation can be a bad thing
A study by Michelle L. Roehm and Michael K. Brady found that high-equity brands initially face a disadvantage after failure, but may fare better when the issue is severe. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in cognitive resources, allowing customers to focus on resolving the problem rather than re-evaluating the brand.
INFORMS names Craig Kirkwood winner of Ramsey Medal
Professor Craig W. Kirkwood is awarded the 2007 Frank Ramsey Medal for his significant contributions to decision analysis methodology, applications, and education. The medal honors his work on models of preferences involving multiple objectives, group decision analysis, and computer programs to facilitate learning.
INFORMS names Leon Schwartz winner of Fellows Award and Moving Spirit Award
Leon Schwartz, a veteran member and visiting professor at Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, has been awarded the INFORMS Fellow Award for his exceptional accomplishments in operations research. The New York Chapter's Moving Spirit Award was also presented to him for his dedicated service to the chapter over 20 years.
GSA confers 2007 Joseph T. Freeman Award to University of Maryland's Goldberg
Andrew P. Goldberg, a renowned expert in aging research, receives the 2007 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his contributions to exercise, diet, and metabolism in aging. The award ceremony will take place at GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, where Goldberg will present a lecture on his work.
New operations research paper tackles problems facing confidential databases
A new study combines data perturbation and query restriction to protect confidential information in statistical databases. The hybrid model provides accurate answers while maintaining online security.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateNov 13, 2007
Quality-of-life yardstick needed for children with serious urologic conditions, Hopkins study shows
Researchers found no real difference in quality-of-life reports between children with bladder abnormalities and healthy children, suggesting a need for fine-tuning existing quality-of-life screens. Children with chronic urological conditions scored higher than healthy children in certain areas, indicating potential adaptability.
Cmdr. Dylan Schmorrow receives first Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award
Cmdr. Dylan Schmorrow, a pioneer in Augmented Cognition, has received the first Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work. He aims to remove technology burdens and enable humans to think more freely, using techniques like brain-computer interfaces.
Computer solution to delivery problem
Researchers have developed a computer solution to cut journey times of courier services, reducing fuel consumption and improving timely drop-offs. The new approach uses a heuristic-based model that can process real-time requests and re-route vehicles to minimize distance traveled.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Logistics Systems and Management·DateOct 18, 2007
Upper Midwest forests are losing diversity, complexity, ISU study finds
ISU study reveals forests in Upper Midwest have lost tree species diversity and structural complexity since the mid-1800s. Deciduous trees like aspen and birch have replaced conifers, while smaller trees dominate modern forests.
Researchers help develop pest-resistant eggplant for South Asia
A genetically engineered eggplant has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a highly destructive pest causing up to 40% of crop losses in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Bt eggplant is expected to reduce insecticide use by 30% while doubling yield, benefiting farmers and consumers in South Asia.
File sharing does worst damage to lower ranked billboard albums, says Management Insights
A new study by Sudip Bhattacharjee and Ram D. Gopal reveals that file sharing has a devastating impact on lower ranked Billboard albums, reducing their survival time on the chart by 42%. Top debuting albums, however, remain relatively unaffected.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 1, 2007
U of M researcher finds fairness leads to better profits for manufacturers and retailers
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Tony Haitao Cui found that focusing on fairness between business partners yields higher payoffs for manufacturers and retailers in a marketing channel. By setting a consistent wholesale price throughout the channel, both firms can benefit from improved market prices.
Ecologist finds dire devastation of snake species following floods of '93, '95
Floods of '93 and '95 devastated 70% of snake populations, with larger snakes and arboreal species faring better. Ecologist Owen Sexton proposes 'islands in the stream' to provide sanctuaries for displaced species during future floods.
Oohs and aahs: Vowel sounds affect our perceptions of products
Researchers found that vowel sounds associated with positive attributes make brand names more favorable among consumers. Front vowel sounds were preferred for fast or sharp objects, while back vowel sounds were preferred for large or dull objects.
Online auctions that reveal bids good for buyers, says study in Management Insights
A new study published in Management Insights reveals that online auctions where all bids are disclosed after the bidding round benefit buyers. The research finds that buyers pay higher prices when only winning bids are disclosed, leading to better outcomes for consumers.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateSep 7, 2007
Girls who begin dieting twice as likely to start smoking
A University of Florida study found that teenage girls who start dieting are twice as likely to begin smoking. Researchers analyzed the dieting and smoking practices of 8,000 adolescents and discovered that consistent dieters were more likely to smoke.
Out beyond the horizon
The US Department of Homeland Security's Marine Asset Tag Tracking System (MATTS) uses GPS and data logging to track large cargo ships worldwide. This system helps identify potential security risks, such as explosives or biologic threats, and provides real-time alerts to authorities.
U of M researchers find that the words of a CEO can foretell a company's future innovation
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that a CEO's attention to future events and external activities significantly predicts a firm's early adoption and invention of new technologies. By analyzing annual reports, they found that CEOs who focus on future-oriented language lead to faster innovation development.
New study counts the economic cost of persistent pain in Australia
A new study is expected to reveal the true cost of persistent pain in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffering from relentless pain. The research aims to identify priority actions to ease suffering and save healthcare dollars.
Strategic alliances between firms yield more patents, innovation, says study in Management Insights
A study by Melissa A. Schilling and Corey C. Phelps found that large-scale alliance networks with high clustering and reach enhance firm innovation. The research analyzed 1,106 firms in 11 industry-level alliance networks over a six-year period.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 31, 2007
Protecting HIV patients from Hepatitis B virus
A study from the University of Alberta found that administering HBV vaccine intradermally to HIV-infected individuals who failed to respond initially shows promise, with 50% producing protective levels of anti-HBs. However, this approach is not recommended due to limited success rates.
Executive stock options tied to higher fraud rates, says new INFORMS-published study
A new INFORMS-published study reveals that executive stock options significantly increase the likelihood of financial misrepresentation. Approximately 1 in 10 corporate financial restatements are linked to fraud and illegal practices, with a 9% chance of misrepresentation over five years.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateJul 5, 2007
Wesley Research Institute study targets pharmacists to help diabetes sufferers
A new study is providing community pharmacists with education and advice on controlling blood glucose levels through individual glucose meter uploads. The project aims to determine whether lifestyle advice from pharmacists improves glycaemic control and potentially reduces the burden of Type 2 Diabetes on healthcare systems.
Therapeutic value of meditation unproven, says study
A recent study analyzed 813 studies on meditation's impact on health issues like hypertension and stress. While some types of meditation show promise, the evidence is inconclusive due to poor methodological quality. Researchers call for more rigorous studies to determine meditation's effectiveness.
Predicting danger of flu pandemic rests on differences in affected population, says O.R. Forum
A new model predicts the danger of flu pandemics by analyzing population heterogeneity. The study highlights the importance of considering individual attributes such as social interaction and susceptibility to infection. Social distancing measures may be effective in limiting the spread of disease, according to the research.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateJun 18, 2007
VA tops private hospitals in infection-control study
A survey of over 500 US healthcare centers found that VA hospitals more frequently adopted recommendations for preventing central venous catheter infections, including maximal sterile barrier precautions and chlorhexidine gluconate use. This may be attributed to centralized purchasing and communication within the VA.
Workplace bullying 50 percent higher in the US than Scandinavia
New research reveals US employees experience up to 50% more bullying than Scandinavian workers, with negative effects on non-bullied employees also widespread. The study highlights organizational and cultural structures that enable and reward bullying, stressing individualism over collaboration.
Successful tech firms open near universities, says study in May Management Insights
A study by Juan Alcacer and Wilbur Chung found that more advanced technology companies locate near universities to partner in research. These firms are attracted to regions rich with academic activity, rather than competitor-rich areas.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateMay 25, 2007
Palau's coral reefs show differential habitat recovery following the 1998 bleaching event
Researchers found that recovery rates increased over time, with sheltered bay areas supporting recovery of outer-reef sites. Effective local management practices may aid reef recovery, suggesting a promising sign for other regions.
Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies to be published by SAGE
The Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies (JLOS) will be published by SAGE, focusing on the intersection of leadership and organizational studies. The journal aims to provide scholarly understanding of effective leadership application in organizational contexts.
U of M researchers find ceiling height can affect how a person thinks, feels and acts
Researchers discovered that ceiling height influences consumer thinking, with higher ceilings promoting abstract thought and lower ceilings encouraging detailed processing. This finding has important implications for retailers seeking to optimize sales persuasion strategies.
Journal operations research introduces new 'OR forum,' spotlight on leading new research
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has introduced a new bi-monthly feature called OR Forum, which highlights important research in operations research. The first article in OR Forum examines how auction theory fails in practice, specifically combinatorial auctions.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateApr 23, 2007
Companies: Beware hazards of getting too big too fast, says study in April Management Insights
A new study in April Management Insights highlights the risks of pursuing aggressive market share expansion and rapid growth. Firms that adopt such strategies often face losses due to overcapacity when the market saturates, ultimately undermining their competitive advantages.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 23, 2007
Study projects effects of forest management in Oregon's Coast Range
The study, known as CLAMS, examines ecological, economic, and social consequences of forest policies in the Coast Range. The research found that maintaining current policies will lead to increased old-growth forests and habitat for old-forest species, but may result in declines in diverse early-successional and hardwood forests.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 17, 2007
International Best Cases Competition returns to Vancouver
The Franz Edelman Award recognizes outstanding operations research-based projects that have transformed companies, industries, and lives. This year's competition features five finalists from major organizations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises, U.S. Coast Guard, Hewlett-Packard, Chrysler Group, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
IADR/AADR meeting to highlight dental practice-based research
The symposium focuses on conducting oral health research in dental practice, discussing prominent challenges and opportunities. Representatives from PBRNs share experiences on recruitment, training, and study development.
Does God answer prayer? ASU research says 'yes'
A comprehensive analysis of 17 major studies on intercessory prayer found a positive effect, suggesting that prayer offered for the benefit of another person yields positive results. However, the study also notes that standard treatments should be used as the primary method of treatment for conditions like depression.
Confusion over right-of-way may be adding to pedestrian road trauma
A study by the University of New South Wales found that 78% of pedestrian collisions occur when pedestrians are crossing roads without marked crossings, and many people misunderstand right-of-way rules at intersections. The researchers suggest that better education and awareness are needed to reduce road trauma.
Size really matters -- new Insights for tech start-ups' survival in February Management Insights
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 26, 2007
Get your facts straight: statistical reform in psychology
Research published in Psychological Science suggests psychologists are adopting improved statistical practices, using more graphs with error bars to report their research and estimating effect sizes. The shift signals a step forward in data interpretation, leading to better conclusions.
Emerging research heralds new era of breast cancer management
Emerging research in breast cancer management includes advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography and MRI, as well as novel vaccines that stimulate the immune system to attack tumors. This new approach aims to alter current screening and treatment paradigms, improving patient care.
Inventors must counter negative effects of success on creativity, says management insights
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 26, 2007
Key to success in IS -- Quality and usefulness, not user satisfaction, says Management Insights
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 5, 2007
U of M study shows promoting self-weighing in teens is not helpful to weight management
A University of Minnesota study found that frequent self-weighing in teenage girls predicts increased rates of binge eating, smoking, vomiting, and skipping meals. The researchers suggest strategies focusing on behavioral change rather than weight may be more helpful for teens.
Stores -- Don't lock horns with e-tailers, says study in November Management Insights
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 30, 2006
Money: It's more than an incentive according to University of Minnesota researcher
Research by University of Minnesota professor Kathleen Vohs finds that exposure to money motivates individuals to achieve their own goals, leading to increased self-sufficiency. Conversely, it also negatively impacts behavior towards others, causing people to become less helpful and more stand-offish.
To prevent terror attacks, strengthen airport screening of all travelers, not just suspects
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInterfaces·DateNov 14, 2006
Study reveals ways to improve systems using new weather technology
Researchers developed a model to understand emergency manager decision-making and found that improved data from CASA radars can aid in the design of better training and visualizations. The study aims to enhance emergency management decisions about severe weather.
Warning about strategic manipulation of Internet forums appears in October Management Insights
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 16, 2006
Stock analysts likely punished for unfavorable recommendations
Researchers found that investor relations professionals give less information to analysts with unfavorable stock recommendations, hindering their ability to forecast earnings accurately. The study suggests that Regulation Fair Disclosure has reduced exclusionary tactics against analysts who issue negative reports.
Diversity training fails to boost minorities into management
A new study by Harvard University researchers finds that diversity training programs have failed to increase minority representation in management positions. In contrast, programs that establish responsibility for diversity, such as equal opportunity staff positions or diversity task forces, have proven most effective.
Journal Management Science introduces new 'Management Insights,' digest of leading new research
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.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateSep 6, 2006