OMEGA

Thanatology is a recent field that contemplates death studies and employs an interdisciplinary approach to practice. This science emerged in a historical context marked by intense social, economic, and political changes that contributed to the concept of death being excluded from social life. This literature review aims to outline the history and evolution of thanatology in Western society, delineating the contextual circumstances that led to its origin and drawing special attention to current works on death education.

Methylomonas methanica MC09 is a mesophilic, halotolerant, aerobic, methanotrophic member of the Gammaproteobacteria , isolated from coastal seawater. Here we present the complete genome sequence of this strain, the first available from an aerobic marine methanotroph.

In this paper, a generalization is presented of the newsboy problem where an emergency lot can be ordered to provide for a certain fraction of shortage. This fraction is described by a general backorder rate function which is non-increasing with respect to the unsatisfied demand. An exponential distribution for the demand during the selling season is assumed. An expression is obtained in a closed form for the optimal lot size and the maximum expected profit. A general sensitivity analysis of the optimal policy with respect to the backorder rate function and the parameters of the inventory system is developed. When the backorder rate function is described by some particular functions, its behavior is analyzed with respect to changes in the parameters. To illustrate the theoretical results, some numerical examples are also given.

In this paper we extend the taxonomy on inner and outer approximations to a technology by assuming that price data are not available. Mimicking Varian [Econometrica, 52(3) (1984) 579] we introduce a Weak Axiom of Shadow Profit Maximization (WASPM) to test if observed production plans are compatible with technically efficient behavior. If the test fails for an observed sample, we then characterize the maximal subset of observed production plans that meets WASPM and we derive lower and upper bounds on technical efficiency for production plans that are observed but not in this subset. We also derive linear programs to implement these bounds.

Problem-solving behavior is normally depleted within a decision-making approach. The maze has been advanced as a suitable abstract model for mo~t kinds of decision-making and pcoblem-solving activity. Rather than relate to managers as decision-makers-as those who primarily explore mazes-my proposal is to consider their role in maze-building. The paper discusses a number of deficiencies in current decision-making concepts, primarily those that neglect to account for goal setting and resetting. The paper then concludes with imp|icatioas for the notion of organizational learning.

This study examined whether attitudes toward euthanasia vary with type of illness and with the source of the desire to end the patient's life. The study used a 3 (illness type: cancer, schizophrenia, depression) × 2 (euthanasia type: patient-initiated, family-initiated) between-groups experimental design. An online questionnaire was administered to 324 employees and students from a Australian public university following random assignment of participants to one of the six vignette-based conditions. Attitudes toward euthanasia were more positive for patients with a physical illness than a mental illness. For a patient with cancer or depression, but not schizophrenia, approval was greater for patient-, than, family-, initiated euthanasia. Relationships between illness type and attitudes were mediated by perceptions of patient autonomy and illness controllability. Findings have implications for debate, practices, and legislation regarding euthanasia.

We study a decentralized supply chain where only delayed market demand information is available for making replenishment decisions. The impact of this delay is quantified in a serially linked two-level supply chain where each player exploits the order-up-to replenishment policy. The market demand is assumed to be a first-order autoregressive process. It is shown that the first level of the supply chain benefits from shorter time delays; however, the benefit for the second level is quite minor at best and can sometimes even be (counter-intuitively) detrimental. We conclude that the second level does not have a strong incentive to reduce the time delays in the shared market demand information.

Hospitals are under increasing pressure to contain cost and nurse staffing has been singled out as an area with high potential for efficiency improvement. Despite the multitude of nurse staffing studies conducted, many important aspects have been neglected and few innovations have been successfully implemented. This paper presents a framework that includes all management tasks that affect staff effectiveness including systems design, forecasting, planning, coordination, and performance monitoring. A consistent terminology is developed and several previously ignored dimensions of the nurse staffing process are discussed. Finally, an outline for a decision-oriented information system is presented.

There has been tremendous Western interest in the 'Japanese' model of manufacturing, particularly in the motor industry in recent years. Western vehicle assemblers profess to be developing closer, higher trust relations with their suppliers to support practices such as just-in-time production and total quality. Comparatively little work has been carried out into the relations between first tier suppliers and their suppliers. This paper reports a study into the relations between a UK 'first tier' supplier to the European vehicle industry and 29 of its suppliers, and describes how the Japanese manufacturing model is making itself felt beyond the first tier suppliers.

We present and demonstrate a multi-criteria approach for evaluating R&D projects in different stages of their life cycle. Our approach integrates the balanced scorecard (BSC) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) and develops an extended DEA model. The input and output measures for the integrated DEA-BSC model are grouped in "cards" which are associated with a "BSC for R&D projects". The BSC is embedded in the DEA model through a hierarchical structure of constraints that reflect the BSC balance considerations. We illustrate the proposed approach with a case study involving an industrial research laboratory that selects and executes dozens of R&D projects every year. ᭧

Robert Kastenbaum was a man who helped reintroduce issues related to death, dying, and bereavement to academic, clinical, and general discourse. This article, devoted to an encounter with the observance of mourning custom and ritual in the Jewish tradition, continues the dialogue in this journal that Bob founded. The article utilizes the Two-Track Model of Bereavement to address the Jewish tradition's structuring of the loss experience. After a brief introduction, I present a schematic presentation of some of the issues operant in grief and mourning for the believer. This is followed by two responses to loss that portray the pain of loss in the tradition. The article goes on to consider the Jewish time cycle of response to loss-from preburial Aninut, to Shiva, the first week, to Shloshim, the first month, to Shanah, the first year, to the expectations for encounters across the life cycle. The Yizkor and Kaddish are also considered. In the Jewish tradition, alongside attention to...

We survey several viewpoints on the management of the planning complexity of multi-project organisations under uncertainty. A positioning framework is proposed to distinguish between different types of project-driven organisations, which is meant to aid project management in the choice between the various existing planning approaches. We discuss the current state of the art of hierarchical planning approaches both for traditional manufacturing and for project environments.

Waiting time is an important issue in service operations management because of its impact on customer satisfaction and operations capabilities. This paper examines waiting time from a social and psychological perspective. It provides a conceptual framework which identi®es social and psychological factors that aect perceptions of waiting. The conceptual framework enables service managers to rethink operational issues, such as layout design, process choices, and service delivery from customers' perceptions of waiting. Assimilation±contrast theory suggests that perceived waiting time be linked to expected waiting time and its gap leads to customers' overall evaluation of service. A customer's willingness to accept delay is related to the causes for delay as explained by attribution theory. Approaching waiting time from a stress management theory, this paper provides service managers with various stress-reduction mechanisms such as giving customers advance notice of expected waiting time, speeding up pre-process waiting time, and acknowledging customers' rights to quick service. These practical suggestions can aid service managers in reducing perceived waiting time, enhancing customers' waiting experience, and improving queue management.

In the location of ambulance bases for medical assistance, an adequate time of response must be guaranteed for each area in the region covered, incurring the minimum operating costs. Several linear models (such as the maximal covering location problem, MCLP) have been developed for designing these emergency systems which guarantee a certain cover whilst minimising determined costs. The computational difficulty involved in resolving large scale problems occasionally means trying to offer solutions using metaheuristics. This article presents the solution to the problem of locating ambulance bases in the province of Le6n (Spain), using the tabu search metaheuristic, which in its simplest version already offers good results, and which makes it a tool to be kept very much in mind when a rapid solution is needed to such problems. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd

This paper presents a critical review of research in end-user information system satisfaction (EUISS). An extensive literature search is conducted from which over 50 EUISS related papers are identiÿed. It is found that the past research is dominated by the expectation disconÿrmation approach. To provide more insights into the psychological processing of the information system performance construct and its impact upon EUISS, we propose an integrated conceptual model based on the equity and needs theories. The implications of the proposed model for EUISS are discussed, and suggestions are made for testing the model. ?

Given the rapid growth of the Internet, companies are trying to take advantage of its o erings, di erentiate themselves from their competitors and be more competitive. These objectives can be achieved by providing personalized and enhanced customer service. As di erent people can use an online service for di erent reasons, fuzzy clustering can be useful to identify homogenous groups of potential users and to develop customized strategies for each group, thus enabling companies to increase the personalization of their services and to improve their customer service. This study focuses on the online music industry and presents an application of fuzzy clustering. The results show that there exist homogeneous groups among the potential users of an online music service and that there are di erences among the groups with respect to their attitudes, interests, and opinions about the service and computers.

With a diverse sample of 462 parent survivors of their child's suicide we explored the association of the personal growth subscale of the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC) with mental health problems among longerterm survivors. In this article we offer additional validation for this scale's association with longer-term survivorship and reduced grief difficulties. We also demonstrate its negative relationship with mental health problems. In addition, we explore the demographic correlates of personal growth, which are likely to enable some survivors to experience personal growth sooner than others. Overall, the findings suggest that personal growth represents an important part in the process of healing after suicide loss.

Continuous approximations are useful in formulating models that humans can comprehend. Discrete approximations are useful in formulating models that computers can "comprehend". Applications of discrete and continuous approximations are illustrated with examples.

As the green movement spreads across the globe, organizations are under pressure to reduce the emissions across their supply chain. On the other hand, they need to cut supply costs to gain a competitive edge. This paper proposes Green DEA (GDEA), a comprehensive approach based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with carbon footprint monitoring. GDEA builds on an existing DEA model with weight restrictions and dual role factors, and introduces carbon footprints as necessary dual role factors with weight restrictions. Unlike other researches, GDEA incorporates heterogeneous suppliers and also takes into account regional emission compliance standards and laws. GDEA encourages suppliers to go green and cut down their carbon footprints and comply with emission norms along with reducing costs in order to survive competition. Results from model validation in a well-known automobile spare parts manufacturer in India are presented to verify the GDEA approach. Overall, GDEA cuts across a huge and varied supplier base, caters to almost all businesses, is environment-friendly and robust.

Serial killers have always fascinated society. A serial killer is typically defined as a perpetrator who murders three or more people over a period of time. Most reported cases of serial killers come from the United States and Canada. In India, there are few reported cases. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first Indian case in the literature. The present case is of a 28-year-old man, Surinder Koli. The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delphi handled the forensic study. We present a most unique psychological investigation into the mind of a serial killer.

The e ective deployment of technology within an organizational context is of integral concern to ÿelds associated with the management sciences. While there has been signiÿcant study of technology e ectiveness, it is often piecemeal as diverse models are hypothesized and empirically tested. This paper attempts to examine the models purporting to study the fundamental question of e ective use of technology. Models examining the technology-performance relationship are summarized and meta-analyzed in an attempt to provide a more integrated perspective of technology and the factors that interact with it to enhance performance at the individual, process, or organizational level. The models are evaluated on their common dimensions, and insights for further research are identiÿed. A research plan, along with a research model, is proposed with the hope of facilitating future work in this area of imminent and growing importance.

In recent years, numerous approaches have been proposed to improve operations performance. Three in particular, just in time, supply chain management, and quality management, have received considerable attention. While the three are sometimes viewed and implemented as if they were independent and distinct, they can also be used as three prongs of an integrated operations strategy. This study empirically examines the extent to which just in time, supply chain management, and quality management are correlated, and how they impact business performance. Results demonstrate that at both strategic and operational levels, linkages exist between how just in time, total quality management, and supply chain management are viewed by organizations as part of their operations strategy. Results also indicate that a commitment to quality and an understanding of supply chain dynamics have the greatest e ect on performance.

Despite its popularity, few attempts have been made to empirically test the stage theory of grief. The most prominent of these attempts was conducted by , who found that different states of grieving may peak in a sequence that is consistent with stage theory. The present study aimed to provide a conceptual replication and extension of these findings by examining the association between time since loss and five grief Indicators (focusing on disbelief, anger, yearning, depression, and acceptance), among an ethnically diverse sample of young adults who had been bereaved by natural (n = 441) and violent (n = 173) causes. We also examined the potential salience of meaning-making and assessed the extent to which participants had made sense of their losses. In general, limited support was found for stage theory, alongside some evidence of an "anniversary reaction" marked by heightened distress and *The views expressed here are the authors' own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.

This paper presents the results of a research project funded by a regional carrier operating inter-island services within the Canary Islands (Spain) in addition to services to Morocco and Portugal. It operates between 100 and 150 flights a day using three airline operators. The main scope of the project was to solve fleet-assignment, aircraft-routing, crew-pairing and crew-rostering problems on real-world data. The special characteristics of the carrier, flying between 7 am and 11 pm every day, have motivated us to design models and algorithms that are different than the ones addressed in the literature, typically built for large airline companies. This paper shows a solution approach for an integrated fleet-assignment, aircraft-routing and crew-pairing problem covering the flights of a single day. This is a new combinatorial problem that can be considered as a 2-depot vehicle routing problem with driver changes, where the vehicles represent aircrafts and the drivers represent crews. Adapting approaches from the vehicle routing literature, this paper describes a heuristic algorithm based on an integer programming model. In a similar way, this paper also addresses the rostering problem. This problem can be decomposed in smaller problems taking into account operators, bases and crew groups. These problems admit a compact formulation through mixed integer linear programming models which can be tracked by modern general-purpose solvers. This paper illustrates the success of our solution approaches on real-world instances. The airline carrier is currently using these approaches.

in a general flow-shop situation. ,~here all the jobs must pass through all the machines in the same order, certain heuristic algorithms propose that the jobs with higher total process time should be given higher priority than the jobs with less total process time. Based on this premise, a simple algorithm is presented in this paper, which produces very good sequences in comparison with existing heuristics. The results of the proposed algorithm have been compared with the results from 15 other algorithms in an independent study by Park [13], who shows that the proposed algorithm performs especially well on large flow-shop problems in both the static and dynamic sequencing environments.

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This paper is concerned with the meaning and measurement of potential productivity. Potential productivity is the difference between the actual and most efficient (optimal) productivity level. A number of concepts of potential productivity are outlined and their managerial implications discussed. Measures based on operating and lost time, peak output levels, estimating a capacity production function and work study (percentage utilisation of labour) are compared for the envelope-making division of a UK manufacturing company.

Given the importance the concept of productive efficiency has on analyzing the human development process, which is complex and multidimensional, this study conducts a literature review on the research works that have used the data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure and analyze the development process. Therefore, we researched the databases of Scopus and Web of Science, and considered the following analysis dimensions: bibliometrics, scope, DEA models and extensions used, interfaces with other techniques, units analyzed and depth of analysis. In addition to a brief summary, the main gaps in each analysis dimension were assessed, which may serve to guide future researches.

Through observations from real life hub networks, we introduce the multimodal hub location and hub network design problem. We approach the hub location problem from a network design perspective. In addition to the location and allocation decisions, we also study the decision on how the hub networks with different possible transportation modes must be designed. In this multimodal hub location and hub network design problem, we jointly consider transportation costs and travel times, which are studied separately in most hub location problems presented in the literature. We allow different transportation modes between hubs and different types of service time promises between origindestination pairs while designing the hub network in the multimodal problem. We first propose a linear mixed integer programming model for this problem and then derive variants of the problem that might arise in certain applications. The models are enhanced via a set of effective valid inequalities and an efficient heuristic is developed. Computational analyses are presented on the various instances from the Turkish network and CAB data set.

This article reports results from empirical tests of relationships between the pattern of innovation within a firm and certain of the firm's characteristics: the stage of development of its production process and its chosen basis of competition. The hypothesized relationships posed for the present investigation are a synthesis of prior research by the present authors on two distinct but complementary conceptual models of innovation, concerning respectively: the relationship between competitive strategy and innovation, and the relationship between production process characteristics and innovation. The empirical investigation is carried out with data available from the Myers and Marquis study of successful technological innovation in five different industry segments.

Two thorny problems have attracted the interest of work/leisure researchers in recent years: (I) the failure of previous r--=~earch to clearly isolate the relationship between work and non-work from the effects of other confounding variables, and (2) a widespread failure to distinguish between the memmtgs that people attribute to work (and non-work) and the forms of work (and non-work) people perform.

in a general flow-shop situation. ,~here all the jobs must pass through all the machines in the same order, certain heuristic algorithms propose that the jobs with higher total process time should be given higher priority than the jobs with less total process time. Based on this premise, a simple algorithm is presented in this paper, which produces very good sequences in comparison with existing heuristics. The results of the proposed algorithm have been compared with the results from 15 other algorithms in an independent study by Park [13], who shows that the proposed algorithm performs especially well on large flow-shop problems in both the static and dynamic sequencing environments.

Recovery of used products is receiving much attention recently due to growing environmental concern. Ecient implementation requires appropriate logistics structures to be set up for the arising goods¯ow from users to producers. We investigate the design of such logistics networks. As a basis for our analysis we review recent case studies on logistics network design for product recovery in dierent industries. We identify general characteristics of product recovery networks and compare them with traditional logistics structures. Moreover, we derive a classi®cation scheme for dierent types of recovery networks. 7

... of computation time and number of iterations increases with network size but exhibits no consistent pattern ... like the selfscalability and the combined effects of sample size and network architecture should be ... 3. Blurting ER and Hu MY (1989) The role of demographic factors in the ...

Bereaved individuals often experience profound social pressure to conform to societal norms that constrict the experience of grief rather than support it. This article explores grief in Western society 1 through an analysis of the underlying structures and values that are a part of this social system, utilizing the lens of critical theory. Critical theory examines social norms and conditions in order to identify and expose oppression in various contexts. This article examines the social rules that govern the expression of grief, the role of attachment, social pain, and shame as potent forces that promote compliance with social rules, and the ways that the underlying assumptions and values in Western society shape how bereaved individuals are expected to react. Implications for clinicians who work with terminally ill or bereaved individuals are then reviewed.

This research aims to investigate the current status and future direction of the use of information systems for logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) in South East Europe. The objectives are threefold: (1) to identify major challenges and developments on the use of information systems for LSCM by enterprises, (2) to examine the actual level of satisfaction of current policy on LSCM, and (3) to reveal the actual need of enterprises in South East Europe on effective use of information systems for LSCM. Mixed methodology of literature review and questionnaire survey is adopted in this research. Data collected from 79 enterprises are analysed using descriptive analysis in SPSS. The findings suggest that enterprises in Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro, face similar challenges but all are in different stages of developments of LSCM. Their use of information systems explains their heavy focus on supply chain partnership and weakness in demand chain partnership. Major findings suggest that companies and governments alike in that region do not seem to be ready for playing a significant and demanding role in global supply chains. Current deficiencies, including limited abilities in building valuable forward relations, weak strategic planning and organisation, and infrastructural problems, are major obstacles for fast development in LSCM. At the same time though, traces of changing mentalities do exist, setting the ground for improved performance and ultimately for a better position in global business. ᭧

This paper treats the problem of comparing various stocking and issuing policies for two radioactive isotopes, 1-123 and 1-131, which are used in nuclear medicine departments for the diagnosis of thyroid disease. Toc approach is based on using a combination of a cost-benefit analysis to compare the increased operating costs of stocking 1-123 versus the increased disease risk of using 1-131, and simulation to recreate the operation of a radio-pharmacy which stocks these drup. ~ required inputs to the model include: (1) estimates of the disease risks associated with radiation absorbed doses from 1-131; (2) estimates of the probability distributions of the appropriate latent periods;

In this research, forecasting of the option prices of Nikkei 225 index futures is carried out using backpropagation neural networks. Dierent results in terms of accuracy are achieved by grouping the data dierently. The results suggest that for volatile markets a neural network option pricing model outperforms the traditional Black±Scholes model. However, the Black±Scholes model is still good for pricing at-the-money options. In using the neural network model, data partition according to moneyness should be applied. Those who prefer less risk and less returns may use the traditional Black±Scholes model results while those who prefer high risk and high return may choose to use the neural network model results.

This paper disemsas the problem of production expansion planning in a soft-drink manufacturing company. We Falt formulate the problem as • larp-scale U'uspartaflon problem by making some realistic stmpli~katiom. We then program the transportation slgorithm on • spread~eet softwm'e to help solve the problem on s microcomputer. Through this case study we demonslrate how some standard OR technique can be combined with inw-cost microcompmers to become an effective m•nagement tool to handle complex management decision problems.

Customers select suppliers based on the relative importance of dierent attributes such as quality, price,¯exibility, and delivery performance. This study examines the dierence between managers' rating of the perceived importance of dierent supplier attributes and their actual choice of suppliers in an experimental setting. We use two methods: a Likert scale set of questions, to determine the importance of supplier attributes; and a discrete choice analysis (DCA) experiment, to examine the choice of suppliers. The results indicate that although managers say that quality is the most important attribute for a supplier, they actually choose suppliers based largely on cost and delivery performance. #

This article is intended to improve consultation practice by explaining the significance of models, heuristics, and diagnostic aids in organizational diagnosis. The role of diagnostic models in determining the consultant's frame of reference is explained. Evidence that organizational consultants consciously use diagnostic models is provided by citing two independent studies that revealed about 70% of the consultants reported that a diagnostic model was used. The availability, representativeness, and anchoring heuristics used by diagnosticians are summarized and examples of their use are cited. Readers are warned that bias occurs from misapplying the heuristics. However, guidance on correctly applying the heuristics is provided. The development and improvement of diagnostic expertise is explained from the perspective of learning through education as well as feedback received from clients, colleagues (as shadow consultants and as consulting team members), and self. Thus, written from the perspective of a consultant, the article provides a practical presentation on diagnostic bias, supported by theory and empirical research. It should appeal not only to a consulting constituency (i.e. practicing consultants, consultant trainers, and novice consultants), but also to the large number of potential clients (i.e. organizational decision-makers). Future research directions are discussed in terms of (I) the research that has identified relationships between consultant characteristics (e.g. Jtmgian constructs) and diagnostic information, and (2) the potential of expert systems in organizational diagnosis.

The impact of information technology on work life has been one of the most talked about issues over the recent years. Chief executive ocers spending millions of dollars on information technology face the critical issue of assessing the impact of this technology on work. Information system managers are increasingly required to justify technology investment in terms of its impact on the individual and his/her work. Measures of impact of information technology have narrowly focused on productivity impacts. This study uses a broader concept that is based on the impact of technology on the nature of work literature. This literature recognizes the multiple impacts of technology on work at the level of the individual. A review of the literature enabled us to generate thirty-nine items that were grouped into four constructs. In a pilot study, these constructs were assessed by observers in structured interviews with eighty-nine users to provide a criterion measure. Next, the users completed the thirty-nine item questionnaire. The unidimensionality, internal consistency and criterion-related validity of each construct were assessed. The pilot results suggest a four factor 12-item instrument that measures how extensively information technology applications impact task productivity, task innovation, customer satisfaction and management control. In a large scale study, a sample of 409 respondents was gathered to further explore this 12-item instrument and its relationships with other constructs (user involvement, user satisfaction, system usage). The results support the four factor model. Evidence of reliability and construct validity is presented for the hypothesized measurement model and future research is discussed. #

Few empirical studies have explored the grieving process among different ethnic groups within the United States, and very little is known about how African Americans and Caucasians may differ in their experience of loss. The purpose of this study was to examine the African-American experience of grief, with particular emphasis on issues of identity change, interpersonal dimensions of the loss, and continuing attachments with the deceased. Participants were 1,581 bereaved college students (940 Caucasians and 641 African Americans) attending classes at a large southern university. Each participant completed the Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised, the Continuing Bonds Scale, and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his or her loss. Results revealed that African Americans experienced more frequent bereavement by homicide, maintenance of a stronger continuing bond with the deceased, greater grief for the loss of extended kin beyond the immediate family, and a sense of su...