Management Science Decision-making through systems thinking

by Daellenbach, Hans; Mcnickle, Donald; Dye, Shane

• ISBN13: 9780230316478
• ISBN10: 0230316476
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781137075123
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-02-05
• Publisher: Red Globe Pr

Summary

Written for a wide range of mathematical abilities this book emphasizes the conceptual aspects of decision-making rather than mathematical techniques or computer methods. It shows how hard 'OR' incorporates basic systems into its modelling process - then suggests how models incorporate the ambiguities of real world decision-making. ~

Author Biography

HANS DAELLENBACH worked for several years as an operations researcher for Standard Oil of California after gaining his PhD. He taught at the Universities of California and Washington before joining the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, where he introduced Operations Research as a separate discipline. He launched the Canterbury MBA Program more than twenty-five years ago, and served as its first director.DONALD McNICKLE is a senior lecturer in the Department of Management at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. SHANE DYE is a senior lecturer in Management Science at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
PART I: SYSTEMS AND SYSTEMS THINKING: INTRODUCTION
Systems Thinking and Systems Methodology
Systems Concepts
The Problem Situation
System Models and Diagrams
PART II: MANAGEMENT SCIENCE METHODOLOGIES: INTRODUCTION
Overview of Hard OR Methodology
Soft System Thinking
Implementation and Code of Ethics
PART III: ASSESSING COSTS AND BENEFITS, DEALING WITH TIME
Relevant Costs and Benefits
Discounted Cash Flows
Decision Making Over Time
PART IV: HARD MS/OR METHODS
Marginal and Incremental Analysis
Constrained Decision Making
Multiple Constraints - Linear Programming
Uncertainty
Waiting Lines: Stochastic Systems
Simulation in Management Science
Decision and Risk Analysis
Decisions with Multiple Objectives
Bibliography
Glossary of Technical Terms
Index