Alireza Lari

Using genetic algorithm for dynamic and multiple criteria web-site optimizations

In today’s competitive electronic marketplace, companies try to create long-lasting relations with their online customers. Log files and registration forms generate millions of online transactions. Companies use new techniques to ‘‘mine’’ these data and establish optimal online storefronts to maximize their web presence. Several criteria, such as minimization of download time, maximization of web-site visualization and product association level, can be used for the optimization of virtual storefronts. This paper introduces a genetic algorithm, to be used in a model-driven decision-support system for web-site optimizations. The algorithm ensures multiple criteria web-site optimizations, and the genetic search provides dynamic and timely solutions independent of the number of objects to be arranged. � 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An integrated information system for quality management

The current information system use in quality management and ISO 9000 certification process is typically utilized in administration and documentation. The existing software do not satisfy the technical information needs for ISO 9000. There is a need for tools that can help management to decide on technical aspects such as proper corrective and preventive actions or design verification and validation activities. This paper analyzes the information requirements of ISO 9000 standards and identifies the areas where a decision support system can be used. Further, it proposes a conceptual framework for company‐wide information management, while it explains the modular approach to the system development by introducing and empirically testing the prototype model for a corrective and preventive actions module. The proposed system will provide the conceptual structure for a quality assurance information system within organizations.

Quality cost management support system: an effective tool for organisational performance improvement

The purpose of this study was to bring into focus the relationship between the cost of quality (COQ) and performance-improvement measurements, and to suggest that the total COQ be used as an overall measure of organisational performance. Previous research has examined quality costs and different cost minimisation methods, and introduced a variety of methods for measuring the performance of organisations. With a clear understanding of the importance of these two areas of research, the present study links quality costs to operational processes. The authors introduce a prototype management support system that helps measure, monitor, and improve quality costs associated with operational processes. The results of the pilot study conducted in this research show that the quality cost model can be used to measure the overall performance of organisations. In addition, the study links this management support system to the requirements of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and quality awards such as Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and European Foundation of Quality Management.

A decision support system for solving quality problems using case-based reasoning

This study discusses an intelligent system designed to assist companies in decisions regarding the corrective and preventive action (CPA) process, the most fundamental component of quality-management systems. Without an effective CPA programme, problems will repeat themselves, continuous improvement will be difficult and it is unlikely that any of the other quality-system elements will work effectively. The system employs both case-based reasoning (CBR) and decision-support systems (DSS) components. The knowledge is represented as cases in the system, which can be reused to produce new solutions. The effectiveness of the proposed concept is demonstrated by applying the system to a CPA decision-making example.

Application of AHP model for selection of technology licensor

A major issue in the area of technology licensing is the problem of selection of the potential licensor. This study discusses the application of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model for selection of a technology licensor. This is a new application for AHP and can assist companies in the selection of a technology licensor by the use of a quantitative decision aid. The effectiveness of the proposed concept is demonstrated by applying the model to help the management of a large car manufacturer in a developing country select the best partner among available alternatives.

Optimizing the Technology Licensure Process: An Empirical Study

ABSTRACT Developing countries have already set in motion a process of industrialization similar to that of highly industrialized nations. As a result, technology licensing has become an area of increasing significance and importance. Assessing search problems for potential partners by licensees is a very complicated task. A bad selection can cause many problems. In this paper, some experiences of less industrialized countries in cases of technology transfer (TT) are studied and the important factors for proper selection of licensors in the Car Manufacturing Industry are discussed. A decision support system (DSS) using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is developed to help the management of a large car manufacturer in a less industrialized country select the best partner among chosen alternatives. Findings can also serve the potential licensors in understanding the expectations of developing countries in this respect.

The transformational effects of technology on operations management

Over the years, advances in technology have transformed key aspects of operations management. New tools and technologies have been incorporated into the design and operation of service and production systems. Textbooks play an integral role in documenting the transformational effects of technology in specific fields. In this paper, the evolution of technology, its transformational effects, and influence on operations management is studied. Samples of the textbooks published within the last 35 years are searched and the results concluded.