Michael N. Chanin

A Study of the Relationship between Jungian Personality Dimensions and Conflict-Handling Behavior

This study investigated potential personality predispositions to interpersonal conflict-handling behavior. The design of the study represents an advancement over previous research as both males and females were studied in a controlled context of conflict introduced via a business simulation game. Jungian personality dimensions and conflict-handling modes were assessed and a significant relationship was found between subjects decision-making preference (thinking-feeling) and their choice of conflict-handling behavior. Some sex differences in conflict-handing behavior were also found. The findings of this study have implications for conflict management, personnel selection, and placement of individuals in organizations.

The integration of functional and strategic management skills in a business game learning environment

The need for expressing both functional and strategic management skills was examined in a game-based strategic management learning environment. Those possessing high skill levels outperformed those possessing low skill levels. Players possessing intermediate levels or diverse combinations of the two skills obtained intermediate economic results. All groups, regardless of their initial skill levels, improved their knowledge.

Manifest Needs as Personality Predispositions to Conflict-Handling Behavior

This investigation examines manifest needs (affiliation, dominance, achievement, and autonomy) as personality predispositions to conflict-handling behavior. The design of the research represents an improvement over previous studies by utilizing a large heterogeneous sample within a controlled context of conflict introduced via a computerized business simulation. The research findings reveal a relationship between the need for dominance and affiliation and conflict-handling mode preference. These findings have implications for personnel placement and selection, conflict management, and organizational interventions.

A regression metamodel of a maintenance float problem with Erlang-2 failure distribution

This paper presents a framework for constructing regression metamodels for maintenance float systems (MFSs) with an Erlang-2 failure distribution. The metamodel is used in predicting the average equipment utilization (EU) of a maintenance float system for any given combination of repairpersons and standby units. It is shown that the regression metamodel from a 25 – 1 factorial experiment yields close approximations to simulation results. The EU metamodel is further applied in a cost structure to determine the optimum number ofstandby units, and the number of repairpersons. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis on EU can be conducted with the metamodel presented in this paper.

Using Taguchi design, regression analysis and simulation to study maintenance float systems

SUMMARY This paper proposes a new strategic approach for the maintenance float decision models. This new approach incorporates Taguchi experimental design, Taguchis ANOVA procedure and regression analysis. Taguchi experimental design is used to generate the input variables into the simulation program. The results are analysed using Taguchis ANOVA procedure. Input variables found significant are subsequently applied in a regression model. Predictor models for the system utilization are developed and their validity tested. Cost oriented decision models are further developed to show the applicability of our models to decision situations. The major advantage of the strategic approach proposed here is that it saves time and reduces the cost of running simulation. This approach will also offer a decision support and improve the effectiveness of maintenance float decisions.

Coefficient of variation: a critical factor in maintenance float policy

Abstract This study investigates the effects of equipment failure variability on the performance of a maintenance float system. Existing maintenance float policy models assume the rates of equipment failure and repair to follow an exponential(β) distribution. This assumption implies a coefficient of variation of 1 (CV = 1). In this paper, the gamma(α,β) and the Weibull(α,β) failure distributions are used to generate a wide range of values for the coefficient of variation. The effect of these values on the average equipment utilization, server utilization, and on the average waiting time to repair are assessed via experimental simulation with subsequent statistical analysis. The results indicate significant departures in the performance measures of the maintenance float system under both a decreasing failure rate (DFR) and an increasing failure rate (IFR). Thus, there is a need to generate new sets of models for these cases. A full factorial experimental design is followed and the simulation output used to generate metamodels for the gamma and Weibull distributions. The limits of these models are also discussed and it is shown how they can be used to reach optimum decisions. The model also showed a significant interaction between the coefficient of variation and the number of servers in determining average equipment utilization (EU). The number of standbys (F) was not found significant in determining EU.

An empirical investigation of integrated multicriteria group decision models in a simulation/gaming context

This article proposes two models of group decision making that integrate mathematical and behavioral concepts. Further, the results of an empirical test of these two integrated spatial proximity multicriteria decision-making-problem-solving technology models are presented. The performance of these models is compared to the performance of a nonintegrated multicriteria model for two strategic operations decisions: plant location and process selection. The empirical test utilized free simulation methodology and was conducted in the context of the Business Management Laboratory simulation game. Results include the finding that both the integrated and nonintegrated models generally described choices more accurately than a random process did. Findings relating the performance of the integrated models to that of the nonintegrated model were mixed. For the process selection decision, one integrated model, TOPSIS-PST, outperformed the others. Additional results indicate that the number of decision criteria might be a critical factor to consider when selecting a multicriteria decision-making model Finally, the study showed free simulation to be a valuable methodology for the study of multicriteria decision making.

Research note: group decision making using knowledge-based systems. An experimental study

The authors present results of their preliminary study of the value of a knowledge-based system (KBS) on the effectiveness of group decision making in a business gaming environment. The authors developed a KBS that provided recommendations to the experimental groups regarding the quality of their decision making. The experiment involved 24 groups with 3-4 members per group. Twelve groups used the KBS in their decision making. The remaining groups were control groups. In KBS groups, the authors detected no significant effect on intragroup conflict, but found marginally increased group performance and decreased group member satisfaction and confidence with the decisions of their groups.

Maintenance Float Policy: A Critical Component of Capacity Strategy

Several options exist for operations managers to control maintenance intensity. The effects of the maintenance department capability and the redundancy options within the context of capacity strategy are examined. In viewing the operations manager as a monitoring specialist, the firm′s choice is shown to depend on the economic, social, and technological implications inherent in the design of maintenance float policy.