Khalil F. Matta

Barriers to electronic mail systems in developing countries

Abstract Proponents of electronic mail systems (EMS) claim that they increase the productivity and efficiency of operations. Their use has mushroomed in the last five years in industrialized nations. The use of such systems in less developed countries is, however, practically nonexistent. This paper examines the barriers to their use in those countries. These barriers are divided into four categories: technical, economic, political, and social. Some strategies for dealing with those barriers are also presented.

A framework for research in computer-aided instruction: challenges and opportunities

Abstract The relative effectiveness of computer-aided instruction (CAI) systems has become a popular research area. Over time, the focus has shifted from assessing the relative effectiveness of CAI (in comparison to traditional classroom teaching) to identifying factors that influence the success of CAI implementation. This paper presents a set of questions that form the basis for research in CAI. The questions evolve from a framework which suggests a set of components contributing to the effectiveness of CAI. These components are divided into four categories: student, environment, medium, and subject. As the research focus has changed, so has the technology that has been applied to instruction. Special attention is paid to the recent development of interactive videodisc (IVD) technology and the promise that it has shown as a new medium for instruction.

A Goal‐oriented Productivity Index for Manufacturing Systems

A weighted multi‐factor productivity index developed for the National Standard Company is presented. The index monitors the performance of an organisation and identifies productivity problems. Key resource factors are defined and a weighting technique, with both subjective and objective attributes, is presented. The index is dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of an organisation and is a goal‐oriented measuring tool.

Expert systems for inventory control management

Abstract An expert system for inventory management is presented in this paper. The focus is on the development of a simple, user friendly tool that can be used by managers to increase the effectiveness of their inventory control systems. The expert system is capable of deriving input parameters by performing necessary analysis on databases, implementing a set of rules for the selection of inventory models, and present the output through tables. plots, or graphs. The scope of this paper is limited to the single item, single location problem.

The design of an expert system for inventory control

Abstract An expert system for inventory management is presented in this paper. The focus is on the development of a simple, user-friendly tool that can be used effectively by managers to increase the cost-effectiveness of their inventory systems. The expert system is capable of analyzing input parameters by performing statistical analyses of data bases, generating plots and graphs, implementing a set of rules for the selection of inventory models, and choosing a solution procedure. The scope of this paper is limited to the single-item, single-location problems.

Barriers to computer-based message systems in developing countries

Proponents of compute-based message systems claim that it increases the productivity and efficiency of operations. Its use has mush roomed in the last five years in industrialized nations. The use of such systems in less-developed countries is however practically nonexistent. This paper examines the barriers in those countries to its use. These barriers are divided into four categories; technical, economic, political and social. Some strategies for dealing with those barriers is also presented.

A simulation model for repairable items/spare parts inventory systems

Abstract A Gasp IV simulation model is presented to analyze repairable item inventory control. Each item, in an increasing population size, is subject to failure, however only a percentage of those that fail can be repaired. The repair can be performed in batches or individually, and only when a repair station is available for repair. Six inventory policies are available in the model. The simulation analyzes the effects of an order quantity or an order level of inventory, number of repair stations and the time between reviews on shortages, utilization and cost. The simulation events are discussed in detail and a sample run is presented in the Appendix.

Learning style as an influence on the effectiveness of self-paced computer-assisted instruction: Preliminary results

Abstract Many have studied the relative effectiveness of self-paced, computer-assisted instruction. An experiment was conducted to investigate whether people of certain who exhibit certain learning styles are more successful using a self-paced instructional package. The preliminary results reported here indicate that differences in learning performance can be identified for different learning style categories (as measured by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

Analyzing an inventory system with multiple reorder points and periodic replenishment

Abstract This paper investigates multiple reorder point, periodic replenishment systems similar to those utilized on board some U.S. naval vessels for Selected Item Management (SIM). This inventory system is of interest since it involves both regular and priority replenishment, three reorder points, and cyclical restocking of regular orders. A simulation model is developed to study the impact of demand distribution, cycle time, priority order leadtime, and the quantity of units ordered on the performance of the system. It is found that the frequency of service and days without shortages performance measures can be maximized by setting the reorder points at equal intervals between the zero level and the high level. Also, a power approximation model is presented that estimates the high level that will lead to a desired percent days without shortage percentage.

A Structured Expert System for Model Management in Inventory Control

The focus of this paper is on the expert system design for inventory control model management. The model selection procedure uses the knowledge of inventory theory as well as user-specific heuristics and approximation rules. The models available in the model base are represented in a model selection tree using information currently present in the inventory control literature. We explore the use of a structured design methodology through incorporating knowledge modules (i.e., sub-expert system) at the nodes of the model selection tree. The knowledge base is also modularized into selection, application, and solution knowledge bases in addition to a database, each with its unique and independent set of rules and/or storage requirements. This structured design reduces the knowledge representation complexity, facilitates the search process and allows for the use of backtracking procedures to select approximate models for the problem. Implementation of the system using the expert system shell GURU is discussed ...