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Maintenance management consists of an aggregate effort to perform maintenance by effectively utilizing manpower and material through the application of standard procedures. It is a complex and multifaceted task. An ever‐growing number of computerized maintenance management information systems are available on the market to facilitate this task. In order to install a computerized maintenance management system, a company has two options: either to buy or to develop such a system. Briefly describes the major functions of maintenance management and suggests an instrument to evaluate comparatively the available computerized maintenance management systems.

In a period of rapid environmental change, banks recognise that their survival hinges on their ability to innovate and be responsive to the needs of their customers. Partially spawned by such recognitions, private banks have grasped computer‐based management information systems and incorporated them into all facets of their operations. Their public sector counterparts, however, have been rather tentative in adopting computerised information systems. A proposed computerised quality assurance information system (CQAIS) is described. The system was designed after systematically studying the internal operations of a public agency charged with regulating the activities of banks in a Southeastern state in the United States. The objectives and components of the CQAIS are presented and requirements for its successful implementation are discussed.

Examines computerised marketing information systems and considers the implications of their role and the major characteristics of such systems and discusses the DEMON model in detail. States that a system is a set of components which interact in a certain manner to achieve its goals; an open system is distinguished from a closed one by the fact that interaction exists with its environment; since most organisations must be considered as open systems, their environment becomes a dialectic part of any systems definition. Concludes that computerised marketing information systems will never be able to replace the questioning human mind.

Examines how important social and technical choices become part of the history of a computer‐based information system (CBIS). Argues that CBIS should be developed in terms of their social, as well as their information‐processing characteristics. Demonstrates that developing CBIS as an institutional system is important because: the useability is more critical than the technology; a well‐used CBIS with a stable structure is more difficult to replace than an unstable, ill‐used one; and CBIS vary from one social setting to another. Illustrates with a case study of a failed attempt at conversion.

Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey which examined the use of computers in maintenance management. Identifies the various maintenance activities that have been computerized, reviews the level of use of computers across the building management industry and assesses the level of user satisfaction with computerized maintenance management systems. Concludes that, although many maintenance organizations are using computers for many aspects of their work, there is considerable potential for future development.

The efficiency and effectiveness of hospital emergency rooms depend on the effectiveness of the information and communication system as well as on the physical facility itself. Describes the role of information technology in the design of contemporary ER systems. A computerized information board is one system that can enhance the operation of an ER facility. Describes the structure of this system, as well as its integration with other computerized systems. Also describes design features that may help to reduce ER delays/frustration. Because many types of professionals are involved in the daily operations of an ER facility, their input to the design is essential. For this reason, also describes a group decision‐making process.

Preface The functions of business divide into several areas and the general focus of this book is on one of the most important although least understood of these—DISTRIBUTION. The particular focus is on reviewing current practice in distribution costing and on attempting to push the frontiers back a little by suggesting some new approaches to overcome previously defined shortcomings.

A total of 41 top executive managers in large organizations/enterprises were interviewed about factors affecting their demands on, attitudes towards and use of, information and communication technology (ICT) when making strategic decisions in their work. Poor knowledge management, i.e. poor possibilities to store, reuse, and share knowledge in an organized and disciplined way due to inefficient ICT, was reported to be an obstacle in supporting the decision‐making process effectively. Problems with accessibility, accuracy and trust of the information in the ICT‐systems were prevalent. Furthermore, ICT did not provide much help with respect to the necessary social interactions in the decision‐making process. Implications of these findings are discussed for the design of future decision‐support systems.

Many researches have been conducted on the production planning problems. Recently, genetic algorithms have been applied to solve this problem. No studies have been discussed to solve the production planning problem in the operations of fabric spreading and cutting in garment manufacturing. A non-optimized spreading-table planning will directly causes poor work balance with idle time on the computerized fabric-cutting system. As a result, delay for delivery of cut pieces to the sewing operations happens. One of the factors greatly influencing the final spreading and cutting planning is the quantities of spreading tables installed. This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) approach to investigate an optimized spreading-table planning for the computerized fabric-cutting system and the effects of different quantities of spreading table on the spreading-table planning. The results show that GA is an effective approach to find out the optimized planning for the cutting system and predict the effects of different number of spreading tables on the production planning.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.