Some Firms Cut Costs Without Resorting to Layoffs
It's interesting to see how management is coping with the economic recession and how organizational behavior differs from company to company. Organizations' measures to cut costs are correlated to company traditions, size and type of industry.
Full WSJ Article
New Bass: Ibanez SR 405QM
Got myself a new bass over the break. Can't beat the sound and quality of the Soundgear line by Ibanez. It's very light for a 5 string, has a fast and smooth scale, along with active pickups. Too bad they aren't Bartolini (like the model above), but it's still awesome quality. Got a good deal on it too since I traded in a bunch of gear.
An Introduction to Linear Programming
Linear Programming was the last of 4 major topics covered in the Decision Support Systems class I took at U.C.F. over the Fall 2008. Here you'll find a brief overview of how useful this technique can be for managers, and you'll find my final project attached.
What is Linear Programming
Linear Programming is a technique that helps in resource allocation decisions. Problems seek to maximize or minimize an objective. Common solutions to problems seek to maximize profit and/or minimize costs.
In Linear Programming, variables are assumed to have a linear relationship. In very simple terms, it all comes down to setting up a linear equation and a set of constraints you need to meet (you can take a look at the attached report for an overview of how all this works). Common constraints include non-negativity, integer required, one/zero required (or yes/no). Then, this information can be inserted into DSS software such as POM-QM for windows.
My DSS Final Project
My final project for the class consisted of the preparation of 3 reports with the results of my linear programming analysis of the tasks given. The first task asked for the analysis of Promo Marketing data. The client wanted to exposure as many ads as possible at the lowest cost possible, with several age constraints involved. The second task consisted of the data analysis of a park upgrade project, in which the client wanted to know what the best course of action to take, given costs, customer satisfaction and profit.
Conclusion
Linear Programming is not an easy concept to grasp. Setting up of the initial LP maximization/minimization equation is the most important step. Then, with the assistance of DSS software, the results provided are of extreme usefulness for management.
Sources
Fred Duarte's Redwood D - Final
Quantitative Analysis for Management 10th Edition
Wiki Linear Programming
2008: Great Year for Metal Music
This was a pretty awesome year for metal music. There's a lot I haven't had a chance to check out yet, like the latest from Darkthrone, AC/DC, Exodus, Unearth, etc. However, the stuff I've had a chance to listen to is fantastic.
- Opeth - Watershed
- Gojira - The Way of All Flesh
- Metallica - Death Magnetic
- Meshuggah - obZen
- Testament - The Formation of Damnation
- Soulfly - Conquer
- Jeff Loomis - Zero Order Phase
- Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted
- In Flames - A Sense of Purpose
- Slipknot - All Hope is Gone
- Bleeding Through - Declaration
Greg | 2008-12-27 15:14:56
These were also good:
Iced Earth - The Crucible of Man - Something Wicked Part II
Evergrey - Torn
Mercenary - Architect of Lies
Soccer Flop Practice
Hot Damn Happyness
Best Soccer Player in the World!
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Manchester United) just won the the Golden Ball, an award of great prestige in the Soccer world. Last season, Cristiano Ronaldo was considered the best player playing in the English Championship (which is the best soccer league in the planet, and by planet I really do mean planet, not like the "World Series"...). He won the English Championship with Manchester United and later won the European Champions League. This kid makes me proud!
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester Utd), 446 pontos
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona), 281 pts
3. Fernando Torres (Espanha, Liverpool), 179 pts
4. Iker Casillas (Espanha, Real Madrid), 133 pts
5. Xavi Hernandez (Espanha, Barcelona), 97 pts
6. Andreï Archavine (Russia, Zenit St. Petersburgo), 64 pts
7. David Villa (Espanha, Valência), 55 pts
8. Kaka (Brasil, Milan), 31 pts
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Suécia, Inter), 30 pts
10 Steven Gerrard (Inglaterra, Liverpool), 28 pts
Gotta save the Internets!
allan | 2008-12-14 20:31:12
This is nice wahahah go save the internet.
www.icpep.org
Delete Windows
Bye Detroit!
Is there any other industry that generates as much greed as the auto industry? Mitt Romney's article puts this in perspective. "Getting more and more pay for less and less work is a dead-end street."
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About Me
I am a Web Developer for cloudspace - a web software company based in Orlando, FL. I have a B.S. in Information Systems, and am currently pursuing a
M.S. in Management Information Systems degree at the University of Central Florida. I blog about topics related to the IT field and business, occasionally about soccer, comedy and music. More info...
Email: Freddy@FreddyDuarte.com
MSN IM: FreddyDuarte
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