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The no‐intermediate storage flowshop scheduling problem is investigated. Six algorithms for solving this problem are developed and evaluated in terms of the quality and efficiency of the solutions they produce. Comparative test results from the application of these scheduling algorithms are statistically analysed and discussed.

Explains that, as global competition changes the expanding service sector, quality will play an increasingly pivotal role in both attracting and retaining service customers. Reveals that research into service quality has addressed two important dimensions: promoting quality through the design of improved service systems; and searching for reliable instruments for measuring service quality. Proposes a procedure to help the service provider interpret service quality data to improve the service delivery system. Additionally, evaluates a two‐step control chart procedure for evaluating service operations using SERVQUAL type instruments.

In the decade since Tillery, Rutledge and Inman reviewed the treatment of quality management in leading US production and operations management (P/OM) textbooks, attention to quality, once the watchword and driving force in world business, has faded in both the practitioner and popular press. The ultimate purpose of the present research was to establish the progress, current status, and relevancy of the treatment of quality in current US P/OM textbooks, which remain the principal source of quality information in the undergraduate P/OM core course, preparing most future US managers as well as many international managers of tomorrow. Results of the present study indicate that over the last decade US P/OM textbooks have begun to reflect a more proactive and less reactive approach to quality management. However, results also indicate that current US P/OM textbooks lack relevancy of their quality content to practitioner needs, treat TQM and other holistic approaches to quality management superficially, and have little consistency concerning quality emphases.

Time is the top priority. We now live in real time. It's no longer life in the fast lane because every lane is fast. The computer has changed the way we view time. We expect everything to occur at Pentium speed! A time lag causes stress since it is viewed as an unnecessary waste. This is not a matter of immediate gratification; rather delays—such as standing in line—are viewed as something being wrong with the system, and the company that allows it to happen is perceived as not being up to speed! (Graham, 1996, p. 4).

In a logistics system the number of possible applications of qualitative and quantitative modelling efforts is practically infinite. The situations or problems which can be analysed range from micro operations (e.g., analysing alternative order picking systems) to macro planning issues (e.g., determining the number and location of warehouses to be employed in a future distribution system). This range of potential applications not only reflects the scope of the models (micro to macro) but it also incorporates another relevant dimension: planning. The planning axis is anchored at one end by operations models which are constructed to analyse daily operating practices. The other end of the continuum is represented by long range planning models. These models are used to aid logistics managers in their attempts to design systems to cope with the future. In many situations exact classification of individual models along these two dimensions is difficult. However, this categorisation is a useful framework within which to view the scope of the modelling discussed in this paper. This presentation will focus on the macro planning models that are being employed both in military and industrial logistics to aid the systems planner in his attempts to structure logistics systems for the future.

Far too much weight seems to have been given to the Local Government Board circular which mentioned public libraries as institutions whose expenditure should be examined with a view to effecting economies. This, to the ordinary person, would seem to call on library committees to exercise special care to prevent unnecessary expenditure, and more particularly to see that capital expenditure on new buildings and extensions is not made. The first of these requirements has been common for years; had there been wasteful expenditure, and if librarians had not carefully financed their resources, half the libraries in England would have been bankrupt long ago. The second requirement is just, and would be accepted even by the most unbridled library enthusiast. But local bodies have not been content so to read the circular. They have frequently interpreted it to mean that “libraries must mark time,” are “of small value in peace and less in war,” and the war is being made an excuse by old‐standing opponents of public culture to do as much damage as possible to the library movement.

Examines the effects of service quality on customer satisfaction from two distinct methodological perspectives. Specifically, a study utilizing a sample of international private banking customers is conducted wherein service quality is operationalized via two distinct and well‐known measures – SERVQUAL and Technical/Functional Quality. These two service quality measures are subsequently compared and contrasted as to their ability to predict customer satisfaction. To further assess the validity of these findings, two moderators of the service‐quality/customer‐satisfaction relationship are introduced and evaluated. Finally, this research examines the potential utility of employing separate measures for customer satisfaction from the perspectives of both technical and functional aspects of the service delivery process. Overall, our findings are of importance to service managers as they strive to identify efficient and effective approaches for improving quality. The paper explores the theoretical and practical insights of the findings, including potential strengths and limitations of current service quality models with regard to their ability to define and explain the quality/satisfaction relationship.

Historically, US firms have increased production volumes to gain economies of scale and operating efficiencies. Quality, dependability, and flexibility have more recently become competitive weapons. In today’s dynamic, global marketplace, some have suggested that the next competitive dimension will be agility. Current research suggests cumulative and lasting improvements of strategic capabilities can be achieved if they are developed in a specific sequence. This paper reviews the historical competitive environment and changes in strategic responses; reviews relevant research on competitive capabilities and suggested trade‐offs in these capabilities; and offers a model which suggests how firms may build cumulative and lasting improvements in strategic competitive capabilities including agility.

Nearly six years have gone by since the Ministry of Food issued its well‐known report on “The Advertising, Labelling and Composition of Food”—a valuable booklet which included an Appendix of twenty‐five pages setting out details of agreed Codes of Practice. From time to time amendments have been made, in Circulars published by the Stationery Office, in sections relating respectively to (a) the use of the word “butter” in descriptions of chocolate and sugar confectionery (M.F. 21/51); (b) the description of non‐alcoholic liqueur chocolates (M.F, 2/52); (c) the cancelling of the Code relating to vinegar and acetic acid (M.F. 15/50); (d) the cancelling of the Code on flour mixtures (M.F. 19/50); and (e) the amendment of the Code on canned soups (M.F. 3/54).

Research has shown that dietary factors can mediate the transformation of latent prostate cancer into clinically apparent cancers. This paper aims to review the evidence from studies on nutrition and prostate cancer.

A literature review of studies on nutrition and cancer was undertaken.

The data showed that deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins may lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The paper shows that there appears to be a clear link with aspects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies and prostate cancer and the area merits more work.