Single Evaluation Model Research Articles

An improved theory of constraints

PurposeThe primary aim in this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory of constraints (TOC) model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors propose an integrated model by combining Laplace criterion and TOC into a single evaluation model in a multiproduct constraint resource environment. A case study is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. The outsourcing decision model compares three alternatives: standard cost accounting, standard theory‐of‐constraints, and our own solution.FindingsThe numerical results show that the new approach is superior to Standard cost accounting and Theory of Constraints and presents a more realistic state of optimum allocation of resources and measures the performance of the model.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the production processes that do not have multiple constraints.Originality/valueThis is the first time that the integrated model comprising of Laplace‐TOC model has been used to maximize the product throughput. Instead of calculating $return per constraint minute, this method decides the priority of product that maximizes the product throughput in the constraint resource environment. It makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing Organization where one can compare the financial performance of the Organization by selecting the right decision model.

A holistic approach for production outsourcing

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate an outsourcing model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes an integrated model by combining the Hurwicz criterion, the theory‐of‐constraints (TOC) and linear programming (LP) into a single evaluation model in a multi‐product constraint resource environment. A case study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. The decision model compares four alternatives: standard cost accounting, standard TOC, LP analysis, and our own solution, which is an approach that combines TOC, LP, and the Hurwicz criterion.FindingsThe numerical results show that this model is superior and more realistically optimizes resource allocation and measures the performance of the model.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the production processes that do not have multiple constraints.Originality/valueThis is the first time that the integrated model comprising of Hurwicz‐TOC‐LP model has been used to maximize the product throughput. Instead of calculating $ return per constraint minute, this method decides the priority of product and resource center that maximizes the product throughput in the constraint resource environment. It makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing organization where one can compare the financial performance of the organization by selecting the right decision model.

Managing software process measurement: A metamodel-based approach

The evaluation of software processes is nowadays a very important issue due to the growing interest of software companies in the improvement of the productivity and quality of delivered products. Software measurement plays a fundamental role here. Given the great diversity of entities which are candidates for measurement in the software process improvement context (process models, projects, resources, products) this measurement must be performed in a consistent and integrated way. This will facilitate the making of decisions in process improvement. In this paper, a proposal for the integrated management of the software measurement is presented. The goal is to provide companies with a generic and flexible environment for software measurement which facilitates and establishes the basis for a common and effective measurement process and which is not restricted to only one kind of software entity or to a single quality or evaluation model. In order to achieve this, the proposal adopts the Model Driven Engineering philosophy and provides: a metamodel for the definition of software measurement models; a flexible method to measure any kind of software entity represented by its corresponding metamodel and GenMETRIC, which is the software tool that supports the framework.

Conceptual Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Agriculture

SUMMARY Evaluation of outcomes is arguably one of the most critical and challenging tasks of research and education programs in agriculture. Assessing research and education in sustainable agriculture is particularly complex because of the need to assess interactive social, environmental, and economic factors within farming systems. Definitions and indicators of sustainability vary widely among practitioners, and indirect and non-tangible factors are difficult to measure. No single evaluation model has been found to serve as an adequate tool for assessing investments in sustainable agriculture. This article describes challenges and issues in sustainable agriculture evaluation and proposes the incorporation of elements of two frameworks: the Program Evaluation (Bennett's Hierarchy) and the Driving Force-State-Response (DSR) models. These models help organize indicators and facilitate evaluation in light of the complexity of sustainability.

Stage approach for the evaluation and selection of R&D projects

Sequentiality in decision making is an inherent characteristic of the R&D process. Conceptual changes are noted during the course of the project which represent a continuous improvement in the quality of the data available during the various project stages. When using single evaluation models, a contradiction is observed in that the same tool is used for varying conditions such as levels of R&D cost, time needed, and degree of risk and uncertainty at a given stage, with the result that the technique does not always fit the need. It is proposed, instead, to use a combination of differentiated models based on a stage approach for project screening, evaluation, and selection. The bases of this approach are: a) identification and utilization of specific attributes characterizing the individual R&D stage. b) selection of differentiated qualitative-quantitative models for evaluation at each stage. The selected models must be commensurate with the quality and quantity of data available at each stage. c) correlation of the magnitude of resources committed and the chance of project success. The proposed methodology is based on the adaptation of available models.