Towards finding global representations of the efficient set in multiple objective mathematical programming

We propose and justify the proposition that finding truly global representations of the efficient sets of multiple objective mathematical programs is a worthy goal. We summarize the essential elements of a general global shooting procedure that seeks such representations. This procedure illustrates the potential benefits to be gained from procedures for globally representing efficient sets in multiple objective mathematical programming. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A stochastic air combat logistics decision model for Blue versus Red opposition

Technologically advanced aircraft rely on robust and responsive logistics systems to ensure a high state of operational readiness. This paper fills a critical gap in the literature for combat models by closely relating effectiveness of the logistics system to determinants of success in combat. We present a stochastic diffusion model of an aerial battle between Blue and Red forces. The number of aircraft of Blue forces aloft and ready to be aloft on combat missions is limited by the maximum number of assigned aircraft, the reliability of aircraft subsystems, and the logistic system's ability to repair and replenish those subsystems. Our parsimonious model can illustrate important trade‐offs between logistics decision variables and operational success.     

What explains the failure of U.S. army reconstruction in Afghanistan?

ABSTRACT

This author wrote his doctorate thesis on post-conflict army reconstruction, submitting it in 2011. Continued research on the subject in the intervening seven years indicates that his theoretical propositions can be refined and improved. This article examines refinements to the model, and then applies those refinements in detail to the Afghan case. In so doing, it shifts the focus from potentially altruistic state-building to a case that was driven by pure national-strategic interests. Issues surrounding the liberal peace ideology dominate recent army reconstruction in conflict-affected states. The liberal peace underpinning is of supreme importance, so much so that in many discussions, it is internalised and accepted virtually without thought. This paper will advance the body of knowledge by establishing, for the first time, a theoretical basis for the widespread failure of army reconstruction in Afghanistan. The empirical basis builds on extensive previous research by other scholars. The resulting model can also be applied to better explain outcomes in other similar cases.     

Properties of a source location estimator in the plane

The statistical properties of an estimator of a source location were established by simulation for the case in which the source location is estimated—using transformation of lines to points—from the angles in which different observers see the source, and both the assumed locations of the observer points and the observed angles are subject to error. It was found that for normal error distributions the estimator is unbiased, and the resulting estimates are approximately normally distributed with a small standard deviation. An easy-to-use and reliable forecasting formula was suggested to forecast the parameters of the distributions of the estimates for different observer-source relationships. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Establishing Reliability Goals for Naval Major-Caliber Ammunition

We describe a decision process for establishing the threshold reliabilities for components of naval major-caliber ammunition. We present a measure of reliability performance, called ef*, which relates directly to the weapons system's performance in a naval gunfire support environment. We use a simulation model to establish this relationship, a regression metamodel to estimate its parameters, and a simple decision process to specify component reliability thresholds which ensure that the ammunition is mission effective. We present this article as an example of the integration of discrete event dynamic system analysis within a decision process. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A new heuristic solution method in resource-constrained project scheduling

A new heuristic method is presented for the resolution of multiresource constrained conflicts in project scheduling. In attempting to find a minimal makespan solution, the algorithm employs a simple procedure to generate a feasible solution with no backtracking. A postanalysis phase then applies a hill-climbing search. The solution method is different from existing heuristic methods in that it repairs resource conflicts rather than constructs detailed schedules by dispatching activities. Resource-violating sets of activities are identified which must be prevented from concurrent execution because this would violate resource constraints. Repairs are made by imposing an arc to sequence two activities in such a resource violating set. Computational results are compared with those of existing heuristics for the minimal makespan problem.     

Optimizability of utility and value functions

For more than a decade, multiattribute utility/value theory and multiobjective mathematical programming have offered different approaches to similar problems. Unfortunately, the two areas have developed with little interaction in spite of their common aims. We consider the use of utility/value functions in a mathematical programming framework, and demonstrate that these functions often possess desirable properties from an optimization point of view. We conclude that a hybridization of approaches is more viable than is perhaps commonly assumed.     

A one-dimensional infiltration game

Minimax strategies are obtained for an infiltration game in which one player must move through a one-dimensional interval defended by the other player.     

A note on the optimality conditions for the bilevel programming problem

A counterexample is given to demonstrate that previously proposed necessary conditions for the bilevel programming problem are not correct. An interpretation of the difficulty is given by appealing to a “theorem of alternative” result presented in the original work.     

Partial orderings of life distributions with respect to their aging properties

New partial orderings of life distributions are given. The concepts of decreasing mean residual life, new better than used in expectation, harmonic new better than used in expectation, new better than used in failure rate, and new better than used in failure rate average are generalized, so as to compare the aging properties of two arbitrary life distributions.