The paper addresses the impact of feedback information and facilitation on a decision-making process supported by a system dynamics model. Solomon Four-Group Experiment was conducted under four conditions: (a1) interrupted individual determination of a strategy supported by a simulation model and a facilitator; (a2) interrupted individual determination of a strategy supported by a simulation model and a facilitator plus group information feedback (GIF); (a3) continuous individual determination of a strategy supported by a simulation model; and (a4) continuous individual determination of a strategy supported by a simulation model plus GIF. The observed variables were criteria function, frequency of simulation runs, and insight into GIF. The hypotheses that a simulation model supports individual learning and additional GIF contributes to faster learning were confirmed. The importance of the facilitator and structure of feedback information was demonstrated and a model explaining learning in the decision process was developed.
COBISS.SI-ID: 6869779
This paper describes the development and application of a manpower planning system for the Slovenian armed forces using a system approach, system dynamics (SD) and numerical optimization. The model of the hierarchical manpower system was developed by SD methodology and formulated in discrete time space. The problem of tracking the goal trajectories in the eight topmost ranks at the prescribed boundaries was solved by application of the quadratic performance index and finite automata (FA) which was used for classification of acceptable strategies. Genetic algorithms (GA) as well as pattern search were compared at the numeric optimization. Employing SD and a system approach increases the understanding of the system control. The definition of an optimum strategy, which would consider only target values for ranks within prescribed parameter boundaries, could provide an undesired oscillatory solution. Inclusion of rules by FA to determine acceptable strategies based on the time response of a strategy provided acceptable, nonoscillatory solutions. GA and pattern search were considered where pattern search was shown to be significantly more suitable for the task of control strategy determination.
COBISS.SI-ID: 6945043
This paper investigates ERP absorption in transition and developed economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Using absorptive capacity theory and data envelopment analysis, we view organisational transformation in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) absorption as an economic production process. Despite converging ERP saturation levels, our data identifies gaps in absorption levels and performance. Organisations in transition face greater challenges, engage more in phased ERP absorptions and expect higher levels of external support.
COBISS.SI-ID: 6874131