Evaluation and Decision Models - A Critical Perspective (International Series in Operations Research and Management Science Volume 32) (International Series ... in Operations Research & Management Science)

Book Description

The purpose of Evaluation and Decision Models: A Critical Perspective is to provide a critical thinking framework for all individuals utilizing decision and evaluation models, whether it be for research or applications. It is axiomatic that all evaluation and decision models suffer some limitations. There are situations where a decision model will not perform to expectations. This book argues that there is no best decision or evaluation model, but that decision-makers must understand the principles of formal evaluation and decision models and apply them critically. Hence, the book seeks to deepen our understanding of evaluation and decision models and encourage users of these models to think more analytically about them.
The authors work in six different European universities. Their backgrounds are varied: mathematics, economics, engineering, law, and geology, and they teach in engineering, business, mathematics, computer science, and psychology in their universities. As a group, the authors have particular expertise in a variety of decision models that include preference modelling, fuzzy logic, aggregation techniques, social choice theory, artificial intelligence, problem structuring, measurement theory, operations research, and multiple criteria decision support. In addition to their decision analysis research, all the authors have been involved in a variety of high-impact applications which include software evaluation, location of a nuclear repository, the rehabilitation of a sewer network, and the location of high-voltage lines. It is this variety within the authorship that unifies this book into a systematic examination of how best formal decision models can be used. The monograph is an excellent tool for researchers of decision analysis and decision-makers.

Evaluating and Applying Decision Models: Vol. 1: Evaluation and Decision Models: A critical perspective; Vol. 2: Evaluation and Decision Models w. Multiple ... in Operations Research & Management Science)

Average customer rating:

Evaluating and Applying Decision Models: Vol. 1: Evaluation and Decision Models: A critical perspective; Vol. 2: Evaluation and Decision Models w. Multiple ... in Operations Research & Management Science)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Econometrics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Operations Research | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0387718885

Book Description

In the first volume of the set, Evaluation and Decision Models: A Critical Perspective, the purpose is to provide a critical thinking framework for all individuals utilizing decision and evaluation models, whether it be for research or applications. In the book, the authors criticized formal models while pointing out where these models can be useful. On the other hand, Evaluation and Decision Models with Multiple Criteria is a guide, a way of reasoning aimed at helping the analyst to choose a model and use it consistently. The authors propose, often using an axiomatic point of view, a sound analysis of techniques aimed at supporting the decision aiding process. The presentation is carried out within a unique framework that can be extended to most decision and evaluation models, as a "decision aiding methodology".

Operations Management: Critical Perspectives on Business and Management (Critical Perspectives on Business & Management)

Average customer rating:

Operations Management: Critical Perspectives on Business and Management (Critical Perspectives on Business & Management)
Michael Lewis
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Quality Control | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Research | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Operations management is concerned with one of the fundamental activities of organizations--how they provide goods and services.

This collection is international in scope, and addresses the four key areas of the subject:
* The foundations of operations management
* The interaction between operations and strategy
* The role of technology
* "Japanization" and "Just-in-time" techniques

The set includes an original introduction providing an overview of the key concepts, and an extensive index.

Book Description

How much power should shareholders have in publicly traded companies? To what extent should boards of directors be insulated from shareholder intervention? In a recent debate, which drew substantial public interest, supporters and opponents of increasing shareholder power clashed over whether shareholders should be able to place director candidates on the company's ballot. The fierce debate reflected the substantial disagreement that exists over the allocation of power between boards and shareholders.

In this book, leading scholars and practitioners debate whether shareholders should have access to the corporate ballot, as well as the broader corporate governance that firms and shareholders face. The participants include prominent academics, public officials, and practitioners in law and business, and they offer a wide range of perspectives and views. The arguments that they use and develop are ones that will continue to play a critical role in the ongoing debate about how publicly traded companies should be run.

Book Description

Here, the author who originated "Break-It" thinking techniques, describes the "THOUGHTWARE-tm" formula for successful business thinking which encapsulates the characteristics of values, beliefs and attitude. The book includes stories, anecdotes and examples from today's most successful companies.

Customer Reviews:

Bookshelf Longevity...Still a Great Read.......2006-12-11

As a consumer of business books, I can clearly separate the books in my library into read once, read more than once, and frequently referenced. In fact, I have purchased this book many times for friends and staff over the years.

To innovate we need to think differently. While Blue Ocean Strategy was last years hot book and Porter's competitive advantage is brilliant and a cure for incsomnia, Patler's common sense approach is sure to touch all readers and marketing professionals. Even better, he approaches markets from a service perspective,as real product deifferentiation is impossible to sustain in today's market.

I would make sure you have a copy in you library.

Four words - Buy It, Read It. You will not be disappointed........2001-06-23

Louis Patler is one of the world's top strategic thinkers and trend identifiers. Better yet, he is one of the world's top communicators. Not only is this book fun to read, it clearly, concisely, and anecdotally outlines straightforward and practical principles, techniques, and strategies that can be applied immediately in any organization that will produce immediate positive results and establish a base for future exponential growth.

I especially found Patler's section on perspective to be extremely enlightening and useful in my daily activities. Changing the way I view a problem or potential solution to a problem, opens my "thought-field-of-view" and changes my actions appropriately. This helps me continually stay a giant step ahead of my competition.

No business leader should be without, "Don't Compete.... Tilt the Field," in his or her bookshelf - or the bookshelves of their staff.

300 IRRELEVANT lessons..........2001-02-03

I read the book only in part and I wouldn't buy it again. The author tries to "teach" with stories and anecdotes. Very basic...

Don't Compete...Tilt the Field.......2000-03-16

This is an incredibly powerful book packed full of knowledge. Some of the questions that are asked can be very thought provoking, such as asking the question, What business(es) am I really in? What are my core competencies and strengths? Are the two answers in alignment?

256 Pages of Wisdom for survival in the Brave New eWorld!.......1999-08-30

When I first started this book I thought that it was really quite entertaining. By the time I was half way through I found myself e-mailing bits and pieces to friends, collegues and clients. But, it was when I got to the latter part of the book devoted to !eadership that the power of Louis Patler's insight and wisdom really hit home for me. This is where the threads he wove came together to show us how his 300 lessons for tomorrow can be applied to create the kinds of organizations worthy of our loyalty and commitment. Thanks Louis... You wrote one heck of a book!

Average customer rating:

Didn't see any Quick or Easy recipes in it

Excellent cookbook,more than recipes, but how to cook too.

The Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet: Delicious, Healthy Meals Without Meat, Wheat, Dairy, or Sugar
Leslie Cerier
Manufacturer: Barrytown Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Healthy | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Natural Foods | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Organic Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Chef's Garden

30 Secrets of the World's Healthiest Cuisines: Global Eating Tips and Recipes From China, France, Japan, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Scandinavia

The Vegetarian Sports Nutrition Guide: Peak Performance for Everyone from Beginners to Gold Medalists

Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long

Eat Smart, Play Hard: Customized Food Plans for All Your Sports and Fitness Pursuits

ASIN: 1886449007

Customer Reviews:

Didn't see any Quick or Easy recipes in it.......2001-10-06

This is LITERALLY gourmet, not for the everyday cook trying for a better diet!

When I decided to get this book I was expecting to do a little more cooking than average since it had gourmet in the title. And when I got it, it was cool that there were helpful things about different grains and so on that I didn't know before.

But as I looked through the recipes I knew I was never going to make any of them. They had ingredients that were not only hard to find but I wouldn't want to eat them in the first place. (I noticed sea vegetables were in there a bit, ick) I was hoping more for a cookbook that used everyday ingredients from the home and local supermarkets.

All in all it was a nice look see, and a few facts that were new. But I returned mine for a refund.

Excellent cookbook,more than recipes, but how to cook too........1997-04-14

I have hundreds of cookbooks and have been cooking a long time. This cookbook stands out on my shelf. I could never make a really good stir fry until Leslie explained the steps and possible stir fry combinations to me in her cookbook. She also has excellent recipes for sometimes difficult to find vegan,wheatless and sugarless recipes. I love this cookbook

Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet, The : Quick and Delicious, Healthy Meals Without Meat, Wheat, Dairy or Sugar

Average customer rating:

Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet, The : Quick and Delicious, Healthy Meals Without Meat, Wheat, Dairy or Sugar
Leslie Cerier
Manufacturer: Barrytown, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXM8CU

Average customer rating:
First Crochet
Lesley Stanfield
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Crocheting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Needlework | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask (Answer Book)

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Teach Yourself Visually Crocheting (Teach Yourself Visually)

Easy Crocheted Accessories: 30 + fun and Fashionable Projects (Quarto Book)

Essential Crochet: Create 30 Irresistible Projects with a Few Basic Stitches

ASIN: 1564776204

Book Description

Curious about crochet? This comprehensive introduction will guide beginners from first loop to last seam. Start with basic stitches; then move on to creating fashion-forward designs or warm and cozy gifts—both guarantee success on the first try.

· Twenty projects include stylish garments, baby clothes, and decor items

· Illustrated "workshops" present techniques with close-up photos and easy-to-understand text

· Foldout flaps reveal key information for quick reference—never get lost in a pattern

Average customer rating:
Baby's first Christmas to crochet: 9 designs (Leisure Arts leaflet)
Anne Halliday
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006QMIV2

Average customer rating:

Beginning Crochet? This is the Book for You!

First steps in crochet
Mary Thomas
Manufacturer: American School of Needlework
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 088195019X

Product Description

Oversized paperback, magazine format, fully illustrated with drawings, the basics of crochet and beginners projects

Customer Reviews:

Beginning Crochet? This is the Book for You!.......2007-03-22

The instructions and illustrations in this little book could not be a clearer guide to learning to crochet for the absolute beginner. The diagrams and text are straightforward and completely without ambiguity. If you are interested in learning to crochet, you will not find a better guide to accomplish this than this little book.

Lovely big book of crochet designs,: For the first time anywhere

Average customer rating:

Lovely big book of crochet designs,: For the first time anywhere
Elizabeth Hiddleson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007GXQ0S

Crochet Native American Family (11 earth tone accessories using worsted-weight yarn make a familiar display celebrating the first Americans)

Average customer rating:

Crochet Native American Family (11 earth tone accessories using worsted-weight yarn make a familiar display celebrating the first Americans)

Manufacturer: Annie's Attic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GU7PT8

Crochet world omnibook First Lady dolls: Complete set of our 40 First Ladies

Average customer rating:

Crochet world omnibook First Lady dolls: Complete set of our 40 First Ladies
Tomi Alderman
Manufacturer: [House of White Birches/Tower Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006ELWHA

Average customer rating:

First Crochet

Manufacturer: COLLINS & BROWN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTPJ0Q

Average customer rating:

FIRST CROCHET; PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS.
Lesley. Stanfield
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N7EK7O

Book Description

The renowned biographer and New York Times bestselling author of The Kennedy Women returns with this first volume in a multigenerational history that will forever change the way America views its most famous family ...

Customer Reviews:

Bad........2007-05-10

Didn't like it. Basically refers to President Kennedy and his time in office. Too boring.

Not bad.......2004-01-13

I give this book a borderline 3 - 4 stars. It isn't bad - it explored all of the Kennedy men adequately but none very extensively. Leamer does do a great job of explaining the relationships among the Kennedy men, especially the complicated relationship that Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. had with all of his children.

The author offers up stunning and excruciating details about Joe Kennedy Jr's. death, as well as Kathleen's death. These instances were painful to read, but very insightful about the patriarch's emotions.

I feel Leamer did concentrate a bit too much on JFK's sexual trysts, but that is a topic that no book on the Kennedys will neglect, so it's not really a complaint.

It would have been nice had the book ended in 1968 and not 1963. Another 100 pages would have given the reader much more great reading on RFK following the president's death and also his run for the presidency in 1968.

All in all, this is a good book for diehard Kennedy aficionados.

A Refreshing Change From the "Kennedy Myths".......2003-06-30

In the years since John F Kennedy was elected President two kinds of "Kennedy Myths" have developed. The positive one portrays John, Robert and Ted Kennedy as liberal "saints" committed to a progressive revolution in America. The negative one shows the Kennedys to be rapacious libertines who throw off all social conventions in their personal and political lives. Leamer's book transcends these over-simplistic views and covers the lives of patriarch Joseph P Kennedy and his four sons, bringing out the complexity of this unique group of people.

Those who hold a negative view of the Kennedys will find much material to confirm their beliefs. In truth, Joe Kennedy seems to be a man with almost no redeeming virtues, a virulent anti-Semite and pro-Nazi, greedy and miserly, manipulative man. The second generation of Kennedys learned not to ask where the family's money came from. Yet Joe Kennedy went on to implement needed reforms in the Security and Exchange commission to which he was appointed, supported the progressive FDR and became the most powerful Catholic in the US.

Similarly, JFK went on to be an incredibly reckless philanderer who possibly compromised the very security of the US with liasons with women involved with organized crime and possibly even East German intelligence, but at the same time, he inspired young people to volunteer for the Peace Corps and set American on course to landing on the Moon. RFK goes to work for family friend Senator Joe McCarthy and works with the Mafia in order to destablize Castro's regime in Cuba, but then also works vigorously against the same Mafia and institutionalized racial discrimination (and somehow escapes the taint of his association with McCarthy).

Leamer show that JFK and RFK were definitely not "soft liberals". JFK was the best friend the "military-industrial complex" ever had, pouring unprecedented amounts of money into defense and space projects. They supported a very tough anti-Communist policy in Cuba and Vietnam which almost led to nuclear war and did lead to the quagmire in Southeast Asia. One important point about the book is that Leamer does not demonize various "bad guys" from the positive Kennedy Myth, such as General Curtis Lemay and other military men from the Cuban Missile Crisis, FBI Director J Edgar Hoover who was friendly for many years with Joe Kennedy and showed great forebearance with the many indiscretions of his sons and had good reason to be concerned with JFK's behavior and finally Lyndon Johnson who loyally served the Kennedy Administration and yet was treated with contempt by RFK and many of JFK's advisors (although not by JFK himself).

Finally, the author has come to the same conclusion that other investigators have arrived at regarding JFK's assassination, namely, that it is very likely that the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald was motivated, either with or without the knowledge of agents of Fidel Castro, to kill Kennedy in revenge for the Kennedys' attempt to kill him.

It is not easy to cover the lives of five different men in a singel book, and much had to be left out, but as an introduction to this remarkable tribe of American aristocracy, this book is indispensable.

not very good.......2003-06-15

I've read 64 biographys and it's one of the worse.
There are a few photos.
some informations are odd, because the author invents them.
buy not this book, but buy better book like a common good, the thirteen days, the kennedys and the fitzgerald, robert kennedy and his time...

Informative, appraochable style.......2002-05-30

I read The Kennedy Women a few years ago and found it to be one of the most impressive biographical works that I had ever encountered. I was most impressed with Leamer's ability to fully chart the lives of so many diverdse characters.

I eagerly awaited the Kennedy Men. If I had not read his previous work, this probably would have seemed better. I felt that the Kennedy Women had a broader scope dealing with a longer (and earlier!) time frame and more individuals. This started, really with Joe Kennedy and didn't focus on too many others. A very minor complaint, is that the Kennedy women had a comrehensive time line in the beginning. It would have been useful to include one here as well.

Otherwise, this is an extaordinarily well rearched volume. What I enjoyed most was the conversational approach taken by Leamer. It is a pleasure to read. I wish that the final chapter "Requiem for a President" was slightly more detailed, but this was a chance to learn not about invididuals, but about complex family relationships and bonds.

I am glad that I read it and look forward to volume 2!

Average customer rating:
Kennedy Men - 1901-1963 - Laws Of The Father
Laurence Leamer
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KIPAUC

Book Description

TO SAY THAT the MacMillans have achieved financial success would be understating the fact considerably. The MacMillans, with their Cargill cousins, are today the owners of the largest privately held company in the world: Cargill, Inc. An engrossing saga of pluck and daring, love and loss, triumph and failure, "MacMillan" is the last great American success story with its roots in the nineteenth century.

Customer Reviews:

Great selection if you love biographies. Enjoyable reading.......1998-07-24

Great summer reading, especially if you love biographies. Tells all about the MacMillans starting in Scotland and up to the present. Another family like the Rockefellers or Kennedys but started much earlier and still going strong. Today one of the wealthiest families in the world. Most people have never heard of them.

Average customer rating:

Smart thinking DOES come with an instruction manual

The Essence of Leadership in today's Economy

Finally

Invaluable Handbook for Senior Managers

Psycho-Business Babble

The Problem Solving Journey: Your Guide for Making Decisions and Getting Results
Christopher W. Hoenig
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to Making Better Decisions

Decisions, Decisions: The Art of Effective Decision Making

101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques: The Handbook of New Ideas for Business

The Thinker's Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving

Wharton on Making Decisions

ASIN: 0738202800
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Book Description

In an economy where knowledge is power, no one can expect to succeed without the ability to solve problems-to gather information, weigh options, make decisions, and take effective action. Drawing from his practical expertise in information management, Chris Hoenig offers a hands-on guide to the art and science of problem solving-featuring examples of successful problem solvers such as Colin Powell and Lou Gerstner, and leading organizations as diverse as VISA, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and NASA. Using a wide variety of diagnostics, self-assessment tools, and other interactive elements, Hoenig helps you identify your own problem-solving profile and navigate the six dimensions of the problem-solving journey, from "creating the mindset" to "delivering the results." For executives and entrepreneurs, front-line supervisors and project leaders, The Problem Solving Journey will be an indispensable resource.

Customer Reviews:

Smart thinking DOES come with an instruction manual.......2005-12-27

This is one of those books that every entrepreneur, business manager or anyone making high-stakes decisions should read.

I have to admit that it sat on my shelf for quite some time before I picked it up. But, when my curiosity was sparked by Enron, Tyco and other tales of implosion that made me wonder "What were they thinking?" I wanted to know what comprises smart decisions and why so many fail to do it. That's when I picked up this book. And, if you really do want to take The Problem Solving Journey, this is the definitive guide.

Having studied quantitative decision-making, I wasn't sure I would walk away with anything new. But, pleasantly, this book inspired a shift in my own thinking. It was very affirming to have models that showed that decision-making is dynamic, a process not only in pursuit of information, but responsivly reformative to quality information.

I don't believe that anyone has done such a probing and thorough job of identifying the steps, procedures, impediments and skills involved in smart decisions as Hoenig has done. The beauty of this book, and what makes it slog-through worthy, is it's analytical approach. While such an approach may not make for the highest form of entertainment, it does provide the utmost in useability. Instead of decision-makers being defensive or cavalier about their own decisions (which, of course, "bad" decision-makers can be), they can better accept frameworks, concepts, maxims and attributes. This book delivers that...and a promise of transformation.

The Essence of Leadership in today's Economy.......2002-05-22

Not many authors take the trouble to look at the best problem solving approaches from business, science, art, government, engineering, medicine and other disciplines -- exploring the commonalities and distilling the common elements in how great problem solvers think, work and communicate. The key principles are illustrated with brief, compelling stories, which give the reader not only practical advice but an enjoyable way to think about how to apply it. This is one for the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in improving the way they get things done.

Finally.......2001-03-20

Great book with excellent theory...you'll wish you'd picked it up sooner

Invaluable Handbook for Senior Managers.......2001-02-24

The Problem Solving Journey is terrific -- packed with subtantive ideas, interesting stories of great problem solvers and useful "how to" guidance material. Must have for senior managers looking to improve organizational performance. Great resource for personal improvement. Mr. Hoenig has started an important inquiry into a topic with profound implications for people and business: Can we define world-class problem solving? Can we learn how to be better problem solvers? Can the organizations to which we belong improve their collective problem solving capacity?

Psycho-Business Babble.......2001-02-04

This book will not help you solve business problems. The author outlines his way of thinking about problem solving. But an outline about something as general as problem solving is simply not useful.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books