Roger L. Hayen

Simulating System Mean‐Time‐to‐Failure on a Personal Computer

Reliability is the probability that a component or system will operate successfully for a given length of time under specified conditions. Mean‐time‐to‐failure (MTTF) is the average life span of a typical representative of the system under study. We explore mathematical models of MTTF for frequently encountered configurations, including units in series, parallel, combinations, stand‐by, and m‐out‐of‐n systems. They then provide logic to simulate each of these and provide detailed examples of programs run on a personal computer. The application of such simulations provide a convenient method for evaluating and designing alternative systems. The procedures can be applied to assist managers in assessing risk and making system reliability decisions.

Multiple Case Studies of Global Enterprise System Implementation in China

This study examines and compares multiple global enterprise operations in China. Business ownership arrangement, business products and services, and IT support for those agreements and products are considered. Findings indicate business ownership as a moderator impacts the relationship between business processes and IT support choices. All global enterprises in the study were found to use the SAP enterprise software for their transaction processing and reporting. Furthermore, enterprises also use proprietary software in the creation or delivery of their primary product or service. Wholly-owned businesses are more likely to use proprietary software for their key businesses or specialty.

An MIS Design Framework for Financial Planning and Budgeting Systems

Virtually all businesses must perform financial planning and budgeting. The paper presents a normative design framework for developing a management information system to support these activities. The design sustains planning processes across organizational levels. The system may be evoked with either a modeling or budgeting orientation which supports bottom‐up, top‐down, or in‐side‐out planning. An analysis function forges alink between top‐down and bottom‐up planning. This linkage provides flexibility in developing alternative business plans. The normative design provides a standard for creating and evaluating alternative system designs, to determine the most appropriate system for a particular business situation.