Problem Formulation in Planning and Design

Article Abstract:

Defining the problem is the main theme. A 'problem-purpose expansion' technique is examined for its effectiveness in reformulating problems. The factors in the defining of problems are discussed, as well as some strategies for reducing complexities in diagnosis. Two groups of students, each divided into high and low creativity groups, brainstormed with and without the 'problem- purpose expansion' technique. The results, compared to a control group, showed that the technique helped the highly creative participants to come up with thirty-three per cent more solutions to the problem. Suggestions about further research are given. Two appendices show the technique and the problems used.

Business planning, Design, Systems development, Creativity, Brainstorming, System Development, Definitions, Problem Complexity, Reducibility, Project Conception

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A Branch and Bound Algorithm for Assembly Line Balancing Problems with Formulation Irregularities

Article Abstract:

An assembly line balancing problem with nine modifications is discussed. The objective is to minimize the required number of assembly stations, given a cycle time, a set of tasks with deterministic performance times, and between-task precedence relationships. An algorithm which solves problems conforming to the modified formulation is presented.

Manufacturing, Applications, Assembly Line

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On Balut's Algorithm and NP-Completeness for a Chance- Constrained Scheduling Problem

Article Abstract:

In 1973, Balut presented an algorithm to solve an n-job one machine scheduling problem. Random procession times are used to minimize the number of tardy jobs. However, the algorithm does not give an optimal schedule. The problem can be shown to be NP- complete so there does not seem to exist any such efficient algorithm.

Statistics (Data), Optimization, Stochastic Model, Statistics, NP-Complete Problems

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