Discrete Mathematics instructors and students have long been struggling with various labelling and scanning algorithms for solving many important problems. This paper shows how to solve a wide variety of Discrete Mathematics and OR problems using assignment matrices and linear programming, specifically using Excel Solvers although the same…

Operating room (OR) management differs from clinical anesthesia in that statistical literacy is needed daily to make good decisions. Two of the authors teach a course in operations research for surgical services to anesthesiologists, anesthesia residents, OR nursing directors, hospital administration students, and analysts to provide them with the…

Ideas of optimizing specific objectives were applied to the problem of allocating computer assisted instruction (CAI) time among students in an elementary school. Then, using computer simulation methodology, it was found that simply increasing the total amount of CAI time used could probably improve overall student progress more than any practical…

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 computer program is designed to optimize a Cobb-Douglas type of production function. The user of this program may choose isoquants and/or the expansion path for a Cobb-Douglas type of production function with up to nine resources. An expansion path is the combination of quantities of each resource that minimizes the cost at each production…

The effects of computer-assisted instruction on student attitudes toward computers and quantitative methods and student problem solving ability were studied. Results of the study, conducted with students in an introductory management science course, indicated use of computer-assisted instruction did positively affect students' attitudes.…

Teaching quantitative courses can be challenging. Similarly, layout modeling and lean production concepts can be difficult to grasp in an introductory OM (operations management) class. This article describes a simulation model developed in PROMODEL to facilitate the learning of layout modeling and lean manufacturing. Simulation allows for the…

This report describing the use of operations research techniques to determine which courseware packages or what microcomputer systems best address varied instructional objectives focuses on the MICROPIK model, a highly structured evaluation technique for making such complex instructional decisions. MICROPIK is a multiple alternatives model (MAA)…

A COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH SIMULATES THE GROSS OPERATIONAL FEATURES OF A LARGE URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT IS DESIGNED TO PREDICT SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY VARIABLES ON A YEAR-TO-YEAR BASIS. THE MODEL EXPLORES THE CONSEQUENCES OF VARYING SUCH DISTRICT PARAMETERS AS STUDENT POPULATION, STAFF, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, NUMBERS AND SIZES OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS, SALARY,…

Description of the Tektronix-Based Interactive Graphics System for Instruction (TIGSI), which was developed for generating graphics displays in computer-assisted instruction materials, discusses several applications (e.g., reinforcing learning of concepts, principles, rules, and problem-solving techniques) and presents advantages of the TIGSI…

THIS ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON THE INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF SIMULATION IS INDEXED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE USER. ONLY LIMITED ASPECTS OF MAN-MACHINE INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS ARE CONSIDERED. ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE ITEMS ARE RELATED TO THE INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF SIMULATION, SOME ITEMS ARE RELATED TO THE DESIGN OF INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS. THE BIBLIOGRAPHY…

A study was conducted for the purpose of clarifying decision alternatives concerning computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the Merrill Library at Utah State University. The main research questions were: (1) To what extent is the CAI system in use at present? (2) What factors have encouraged or hindered CAI usage? (3) How do people feel about the…

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)

Operational analysis is defined as a part of formative evaluation, taking place while a course is in progress. Student-perceived problems, as reflected by student-initiated reports, are the source of data for this phase of formative evaluation. The self-reporting techniques can reveal individual differences in student/learning-environment…

The development phases of an operational computer managed instruction (CMI) system include planning, when the instructional model is designed; acquisition, when instructional system specifications are prepared; implementation/operation, which provides for the resolution of operational problems; evaluation, when the system is tested; and…