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Books in Decision sciences

Our decision sciences titles care essential reading for students and professionals, and cover key topics in decision support systems, and global logistics, among other areas of research and practice

BooksJournals
141-150 of 321 results in All results

Messing About In Problems

  • 1st Edition
  • C. Eden + 2 more
  • English
Aimed at all those who need to think systematically and creatively about 'messy' problems. The authors have pioneered research in this area for many years, based on direct consulting experience. They suggest ways of thinking about problems in an organizational context, and techniques to handle them which combine the explicitness of many quantitative techniques with the sensitivity and flexibility of some qualitative approaches. Each chapter is followed by a case study which is continued throughout the book.

Planning for Effective Business Information Systems

  • 1st Edition
  • E. E. Tozer
  • English
This book presents a proven, practical approach to the effective planning of business information systems designed to meet the needs and priorities of senior management. It offers a way of making the most effective use of information technology by presenting both an overview of the methodology of IS strategy planning, and a clear guide through its various phases from the evaluation of business needs to the implementation of a set of cost-justified plans for delivering the new or revised applications. The author includes extended versions of some of the case problems he has dealt with during many years as an independent consultant. The book will be indispensable to organizations wishing to support their business planning cycle with a link to an information systems planning function; organizations with a mature planning approach who wish to upgrade it to incorporate current ideas; project managers about to undertake work in this area; business schools with a course in the field; and individuals who wish to develop their careers towards business and information systems planning. A free software package to accompany the text is available directly from the publisher.

Concise Encyclopedia of Information Processing in Systems & Organizations

  • 1st Edition
  • A. P. Sage
  • English
Expert systems are playing an increasingly important role in management and decision making in the world of industry and commerce. This Concise Encyclopedia addresses these concerns, collecting together for the first time in a handy single volume format recent research by practitioners of information processing and problem solving in systems and organizations. Clearly illustrated, the 68 articles deal with knowledge acquisition and representation, simulation technologies, decision making and modelling with particular emphasis on the use of the computer in all spheres of choice assignment.

The Risk Ranking Technique in Decision Making

  • 1st Edition
  • John C. Chicken + 1 more
  • English
This book develops a comprehensive approach, known as the Ranking Technique, for the assessment of decision options. It aims to provide a way of presenting a decision maker with a consistent method of making a thorough assessment of all the factors associated with complex decisions. The Ranking Technique is based on a detailed analysis of all the issues involved and presents the results in a simple manner which should be understandable by the lay public not versed in the complexities of the issues involved. Ranking Technique is illustrated by application to four major decisions that have caused controversy and one fuel resource evaluation, although it is stressed that the Technique is applicable to all decision-making situations. The study describes how technical, economic and socio-political factors can be evaluated and their significance integrated to give a comprehensive assessment of the decision options.

Mathematical Modelling

  • 1st Edition
  • D.N.P. Murthy + 2 more
  • English
The critical step in the use of mathematics for solving real world problems is the building of a suitable mathematical model. This book advocates a novel approach to the teaching of the building process for mathematical models, with emphasis on the art as well as the science aspects. Using a case study approach, the book teaches the mathematical modelling process in a comprehensive framework, presenting an overview of the concepts and techniques needed for modelling. The book is structured in three parts; the first dealing with the science aspect; the second dealing with the art aspects; and the third combining self learning exercises for the student and supplementary resource material for the instructor.

Logistics: Where Ends Have to Meet

  • 1st Edition
  • C. F. H. van Rijn
  • English
In the logistics management of continuous process industries significant competitive advantage may be obtained by using decision support systems based on recent advances in information technology. However, the subject is receiving far less attention in literature than that in the manufacturing industry. The papers in this volume were presented at the seminal Shell Conference on Logistics. Topics covered include vehicle routing, logistics-related operations research, large-scale control systems, parallel computing in large-scale optimization, software development, and management issues in flexible process manufacturing.

Operational Research '90

  • 1st Edition
  • Hugh E. Bradley
  • English
IFORS (International Federation of Operational Research Societies) is the confederation of OR societies from around the world. Its major activities are its triennial conferences. The proceedings provide an invaluable record of the state of operations research worldwide. This volume contains 67 selected papers from the conference held by IFORS in Athens in 1990. These include plenary papers, national contributions, and outstanding papers that were refereed. The papers present a wide variety of applications of OR methodology as well as the latest developments in fundamental theory. The theme of the conference was "OR: Wisdom for the Problems of Today". Among the topics covered are OR around the world; decision systems; public services; energy and natural resources; transportation and location; manufacturing; maintenance and replacement; and modelling foundations. Both French and English abstracts are provided.

Decision Support Systems: Myth or Reality?

  • 1st Edition
  • C. Carlsson
  • English
This book gives an insider's view of the construction and use of decision support systems for various parts of the management process. Decision support systems are studied in their use as supporting tools for planning, problem solving and decision-making in a real-life, business context, and as research instruments for developing conceptual frameworks and methodologies for management research. Real life DSSs are explored and described; the competitive edge achievable with DSSs is formulated and tested; and DSSs as part of the management process and as developments of the management research tradition are discussed. With over 200 references to literature up to 1989 and in part to 1990, Decision Support Systems: Myth or Reality? gives insight into the essence and substance of DSSs and both an intuitive and a conceptual grasp of the use of DSSs in management.

Ethics in Modeling

  • 1st Edition
  • W.A. Wallace
  • English
The use of mathematical models to support decision making is proliferating in both the public and private sectors. Advances in computer technology and greater opportunities to learn the appropriate techniques are extending modeling capabilities to more and more people.As powerful decision aids, models can be both beneficial or harmful. At present, few safeguards exist to prevent model builders or users from deliberately, carelessly, or recklessly manipulating data to further their own ends. Perhaps more importantly, few people understand or appreciate that harm can be caused when builders or users fail to recognize the values and assumptions on which a model is based or fail to take into account all the groups who would be affected by a model's results.This volume provides a setting for a dialogue about ethics and shows the need to continue and define a vocabulary for exploring ethical concerns. It will become increasingly important for model builders and users to have a clear and strong code of ethics to guide them in making the ethical decisions they surely will have to face.