scholarly journals Predicting army reserve unit manning using market demographics

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Nathan Parker ◽  
Jonathan Alt ◽  
Samuel Buttrey ◽  
Jeffrey House
Keyword(s):  
Local Population ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Army Reserve ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
Staffing Requirements ◽  
Aid Decision ◽  
Army Recruiting ◽  
Reserve Unit

Purpose This research develops a data-driven statistical model capable of predicting a US Army Reserve (USAR) unit staffing levels based on unit location demographics. This model provides decision makers an assessment of a proposed station location’s ability to support a unit’s personnel requirements from the local population. Design/methodology/approach This research first develops an allocation method to overcome challenges caused by overlapping unit boundaries to prevent over-counting the population. Once populations are accurately allocated to each location, we then then develop and compare the performance of statistical models to estimate a location’s likelihood of meeting staffing requirements. Findings This research finds that local demographic factors prove essential to a location’s ability to meet staffing requirements. We recommend that the USAR and US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) use the logistic regression model developed here to support USAR unit stationing decisions; this should improve the ability of units to achieve required staffing levels. Originality/value This research meets a direct request from the USAREC, in conjunction with the USAR, for assistance in developing models to aid decision makers during the unit stationing process.

scholarly journals A framework for optimizing sustainment logistics for a US Army infantry brigade combat team

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-165
Author(s):  
Daniel Reich ◽  
Ira Lewis ◽  
Austin J. Winkler ◽  
Benjamin Leichty ◽  
Lauren B. Bobzin
Keyword(s):  
Integer Programming ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Simulation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Entire Duration ◽  
Vehicle Fleet ◽  
Risk Curves

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help optimize sustainment logistics for US Army brigade combat teams, which may face challenges in transporting their assigned assets. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops a simulation framework with an integrated integer programming optimization model. The integer-programming model optimizes sustainment outcomes of supported battalions on a daily basis, whereas the simulation framework analyzes risk associated with shortfalls that may arise over the entire duration of a conflict. Findings This work presents a scenario reflecting the steady resupply of an infantry brigade combat team during combat operations and presents an in-depth risk analysis for possible fleet compositions. Originality/value The risk curves obtained allow decision-makers and commanders to optimize vehicle fleet design in advance of a conflict.

scholarly journals Forecasting US Army enlistment contract production in complex geographical marketing areas

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua L. McDonald ◽  
Edward D. White ◽  
Raymond R. Hill ◽  
Christian Pardo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Recruitment Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
The Us ◽  
Army Recruiting ◽  
Zip Code ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an improved method for forecasting the US Army recruiting. Design/methodology/approach Time series methods, regression modeling, principle components and marketing research are included in this paper. Findings This paper found the unique ability of multiple statistical methods applied to a forecasting context to consider the effects of inputs that are controlled to some degree by a decision maker. Research limitations/implications This work will successfully inform the US Army recruiting leadership on how this improved methodology will improve their recruitment process. Practical implications Improved US Army analytical technique for forecasting recruiting goals.. Originality/value This work culls data from open sources, using a zip-code-based classification method to develop more comprehensive forecasting methods with which US Army recruiting leaders can better establish recruiting goals.

Ranking based on optimal points multi-criteria decision-making method

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Zakeri
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Running Shoes ◽  
Mathematical Algorithms ◽  
Mcdm Method ◽  
Aid Decision ◽  
Real World Problems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new MCDM method called ranking based on optimal points (RBOP). Design/methodology/approach By employing two abstract groups of alternatives as the optimum alternatives and an optimal alternative, in order to offer the most desirable alternative, RBOP imitates human behavior in the decision-making process. RBOP policy is to find the best alternative through measuring alternatives distances from optimum alternatives and optimal alternative, thus, the best alternative must be sitting on the closest distance to its optimum points and the closest distance to the optimal points simultaneously. Findings In this paper, the author introduced a ten-step gray form of RBOP which is applied in a case of buying running shoes and results compared to the existing MCDM methods. Results showed the considerable differences. Originality/value Generally, in order to select the best alternative(s), and to aid decision makers (DMs) to make better decisions for the real-world problems, MCDM methods evaluate a number of alternatives via a number of criteria through the proposed mathematical algorithms. Frequently, for the direct impact of the DMs on the decision-making process, MCDM methods have inflexible algorithms. They only allow DMs to make an impact on the criteria analysis. The inflexibility emerges as a problem when perfect information is available for DMs and MCDM final results are not desirable. The process of the new method completely depends on DMs’ decisions, their interpretation of the periphery and their personal impressions. Hence, the output of RBOP is not necessarily the best alternative, but it offers the most desirable alternative to DM.

scholarly journals Macro Patterns and Trends of U.S. Consumer Technological Innovation Diffusion Rates

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Albert Joseph Parvin ◽  
Mario G. Beruvides
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Macro Level ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Exploratory Data ◽  
Diffusion Rates ◽  
Technological Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Aid Decision

Macro-level trends and patterns are commonly used in business, science, finance, and engineering to provide insights and estimates to assist decision-makers. In this research effort, macro-level trends and patterns were explored on the diffusion rates of technological innovations, a component of a sorely under-studied question in technology assessment: When should a technological innovation be abandoned? A quantitative exploratory data analysis (EDA)-based approach was employed to examine diffusion market data of 42 U.S. consumer technological innovations from the early 1900s to the 2010s to extract general macro-level knowledge on technological innovation diffusion rates. A goal of this effort is to grow diffusion rate knowledge to enable the development of general macro-based forecasting tools. Such tools would aid decision-makers in making informed and proactive decisions on when to abandon a technological innovation. This research offers several significant contributions to the macro-level understanding of the boundaries and likelihood of achieving a range of technological innovation diffusion rates. These contributions include the determination that the frequency of diffusion rates are positively skewed when ordered from slowest to fastest, and the identification and ranking of probability density functions that best represent the rates of technological innovation diffusion.

Medical treatment and best interests: judicial interpretation of values, wishes and beliefs under the Mental Capacity Act 2005

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-173
Author(s):  
Owen P. O'Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
Mental Capacity Act 2005 ◽  
Mental Capacity Act ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The prominence of the best interests principle in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 represented an important transition to a more resolutely patient-centred model regarding decision-making for incapable adults (“P”). This paper aims to examine the courts’ consideration of P’s values, wishes and beliefs in the context of medical treatment, reflect on whether this has resulted in a wide interpretation of the best interests standard and consider how this impacts clinical decision makers. Design/methodology/approach A particular focus will be on case law from the Court of Protection of England and Wales and the Supreme Court of the UK. Cases have been selected for discussion on the basis of the significance of their judgements for the field, the range of issues they illustrate and the extent of commentary and attention they have received in the literature. They are presented as a narrative review and are non-exhaustive. Findings With respect to values, wishes and beliefs, the best interests standard’s interpretation in the courts has been widely varied. Opposing tensions and thematic conflicts have emerged from this case law and were analysed from the perspective of the clinical decision maker. Originality/value This review illustrates the complexity and gravity of decisions of the clinical decision makers and the courts have considered in the context of best interests determinations for incapacitated adults undergoing medical treatment. Subsequent to the first such case before the Supreme Court of the UK, emerging case law trends relating to capacity legislation are considered.

The hidden power of language

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-206
Author(s):  
Philipp Hummel ◽  
Jacob Hörisch
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Accounting ◽  
Cost Reductions

Purpose Stakeholder theory research identifies changes in language as one possible mechanism to overcome the deficiencies of current accounting practices with regard to social aspects. This study aims to examine the effects of the terms used for specific accounts on company internal decision-making, drawing on the example of “value creation accounting”. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a survey based-experiment to analyze the effects of terms used for specific accounts on decision-making, with a focus on social aspects (in particular expenditures for staff) in cost reduction and expenditure decisions. Findings The findings indicate that wordings, which more closely relate to value creation than to costs, decrease cost reductions and increase the priority ascribed to the social aspect of reducing staff costs in times of financial shortage. The effects of terms used on cost reductions are stronger among female decision makers. Practical implications The analysis suggests that conventional accounting language best suits organizations that aim at incentivizing decision makers to primarily cut costs. By contrast, if an organization follows an approach that puts importance on social aspects in times of financial shortage and on not doing too sharp cost reductions, value creation-oriented language is the more effective approach. Social implications The study suggests that the specific terminology used for accounts should be chosen more carefully and with awareness for the possible effects on cost reduction decisions as well as on social consequences. Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of the relevance of language in accounting. It suggests that the terms used for accounts should be chosen purposefully because of their far-reaching potential consequences for stakeholders as well as for the organization.

The role of agency in project initiation decisions

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Mullaly
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Rules ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Organizational Dynamics ◽  
Substantive Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Board Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of decision rules and agency in supporting project initiation decisions, and the influences of agency on decision-making effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – The study this paper is based upon used grounded theory methodology, and sought to understand the influences of individual decision makers on project initiation decisions within organizations. Data collection involved 28 participants who were involved in project initiation decisions within their organizations, who discussed the process of project initiation in their organization and their role within that process. Findings – The study demonstrates that the overall effectiveness of project initiation decisions is a product of agency, process effectiveness or rule effectiveness. The employment of agency can have a direct influence on decision-making effectiveness, it can compensate for organizational inadequacies of a process or political nature, and it can be constrained in the evidence of formal and effective organizational practices. Research limitations/implications – While agency was recognized by all participants, there are clearly circumstances where actors perceive the ability to exercise agency to be externally constrained. The study is exploratory, contributing to the development of substantive theory. Theory testing as well as a more in-depth investigation of the underlying drivers of agency would be valuable. Practical implications – The study provides executives and individuals supporting the initiation of projects with insights on how to effectively influence the effectiveness of project initiation decisions, and the degree to which personal characteristics influence organizational dynamics. Originality/value – Most discussions of agency has been framed the subject as an executive- or board-level phenomenon. The current study demonstrates that agency is in fact being perceived and operationalized at all levels. Those demonstrating agency in the majority of instances in this study do so in exercising stewardship behaviours. This has important implications for how agency is perceived by executives, and by how agency is exercised by actors at all levels of the organization.

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