Contributes to a better understanding of operations research (OR) as it can be applied in educational research and planning. Following definitions of OR and educational planning, a brief overview of a general decision model used in OR studies is presented. (Author/DN)

New model formulations and solution methods are given for the Journal Selection Problem. The results are developed in a framework that can also accommodate problems with a somewhat different structure than the Journal Selection Problem, thus providing new solution strategies for these problems as well. (32 references) (Author/NH)

An operations research method to optimize the teaching-learning process is introduced in this paper. In particular, a linear programing model is proposed which, unlike dynamic or control theory models, allows the computer to react to the responses of a learner in seconds or less. To satisfy the assumptions of linearity, the seemingly complicated…

The use of mathematical models originally developed by economists and operations researchers is described for legal process research. Situations involving plea bargaining, arraignment, and civil liberties illustrate the applicability of decision theory, inventory modeling, and linear programming in operations research. (LBH)

As part of a project designed to construct a mathematical model of the operation of an academic library, a research team determined the usefulness of a quantitative approach to making decisions about the number of copies of each item that a university library should provide. Using the reserve collection of the University of Lancaster Library as a…

Noting that mathematical modeling is a relatively new phenomenon in higher education and that much can be learned from the misdirections and mistakes that characterize modeling in general, the author describes major criticisms of modeling and suggests improvements, particularly in communication between modelers and potential model users. (JT)

The true state of the system described here is characterized by a probability vector. At each stage of the system an action must be chosen from a finite set of actions. Each possible action yields an expected reward, transforms the system to a new state in accordance with a Markov transition matrix, and yields an observable outcome. The problem of…

This is a study on the operating efficiency of the public library system in Australia. Cost functions have been fitted to library data and the results are interpreted with a view to generating insights into the functioning of the existing library system. An exploratory cost benefit analysis has also been attempted. Activities of libraries have…

Reviews arguments for and against the use of analytical modeling systems in higher education and presents findings of a national survey of user perceptions of frequently used modeling systems: CAMPUS, PLANTRAN, RRPM, and SEARCH. Concludes greatest needs are for user education, feedback to model builders, and institutional commitment to…

The author discusses some approaches to assessing the impact of inaccurate information when the planning system involves formulae of the management accounting type or models of the operational research variety. The most appropriate method for quantifying information value in management information systems is through Bayesian analysis and decision…

Presents a review of microcomputer-based software packages that have been designed for Operations Research, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management. Listed for each package are price for student use, minimum system requirements needed to run the package, and maximum capability constraints. (PK)

This book focuses on and utilizes the methodology and tools of systems analysis and operations research to demonstrate their use in planning for the future and meeting public demands for information on how tax money is being spent by educational administrators. The range of possible and relevant applications is demonstrated by a step-by-step…

This text provides educational administrators with a working knowledge of the problem-solving techniques of PERT (planning, evaluation, and review technique), Linear Programming, Queueing Theory, and Simulation. The text includes an introduction to decision-making and operations research, four chapters consisting of indepth explanations of each…

Massachusetts' Management and Information System for Occupational Education (MISOE) arrays data for its dynamic simulation model, which decides educational and instructional policies at the state, school district, and classroom levels, according to this formula: Inputs/Process/Product/Impact. In this monograph linear programed models are…

These proceedings include four articles intended to familiarize librarians with many facets of operations research and how they might be applied to their institutions. The first paper provides a brief definition of operations research. The second presentation, by Ralph Shoffner, relates, in the form of concrete examples, the questions one asks…