Search results

Present and potential uses of microcomputers in teaching operations and production management are examined. Microcomputers are generally available to most students and managers. Difficulties lie in developing the most effective learning methods using microcomputers instead of expecting students to self‐learn entirely by working their way through a program manual in front of a screen. Potential uses of microcomputer‐based simulations and the possible learning benefits are explored. Uses of an aggregate planning case study are given as an example, involving manual calculations, group discussion and a microcomputer spreadsheet. The example shows how small groups can learn more effectively about the power and speed of microcomputers by using them in a real situation. The simulation emphasises the useful role of micro‐computers as an integral part of operations planning systems and decision‐making processes.

Study teams, including industry representatives, themselves experienced in the use of microcomputers in logistics, report on a survey of such use.

Susan Martin identified in 1986 three factors responsible for a dramatic change in automated networking environment; the first of which was the use of microcomputers, which enable libraries to accomplish locally, what once could be achieved only by joining with others. Microcomputers are used either in a stand‐alone mode or in connection with mainframes. There are no longer microcomputers for small libraries and mainframes (or minis) for large libraries; both use microcomputers. But we can wonder if there is not an automation configuration for poor libraries with stand‐alone functions on microcomputers, and another for wealthy libraries integrating functions in a total information system.

The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories:

Microcomputers are increasingly being used in libraries and information units and this paper provides an overview of the software available for these applications. A description of a computer system's software is given as well as a checklist of points to consider when acquiring software. The available software is described under the headings of basic software, word processing software, database management systems, inhouse information retrieval software, software for assisting with the searching of external online information retrieval systems, inhouse library housekeeping software, and financial and management software. Many references are given as well as the names and addresses of organisations supplying software.

Microcomputers are rapidly becoming commonplace in libraries today and will become even more so as prices fall and capabilities increase. Microcomputers can provide a wide range of services, from being an integral part of a circulation system to serving as terminals to access online databases and information utilities such as the Source or CompuServe. Software can be purchased or developed to assist in online literature searching (record keeping or standardization of database commands). Database packages, or even word processing programs, can be used to help compile local newspaper indexes or other local information files. Statistical packages can be used to analyze library usage. Even the laborious task of writing reports or letters can be greatly aided by word processing programs. Even though the availability of software is a determining factor in choosing a microcomputer, this paper will concentrate on meeting the hardware needs of individual libraries.

This article intends to provide a quick overview of microcomputer use in American libraries. It also speculates about future trends in library microcomputer applications in the light of the rapid development in micro‐based hardware, peripherals and software.

Presents a review on implementing finite element methods on supercomputers, workstations and PCs and gives main trends in hardware and software developments. An appendix included at the end of the paper presents a bibliography on the subjects retrospectively to 1985 and approximately 1,100 references are listed.

The area of distribution has enjoyed a long history of application of computer modelling to the solution of its problems. For more than 30 years, the areas of terminal analysis, routing and scheduling, inventory control, facility location and system design have been subjected to a multitude of modelling solutions. These modelling solutions include a variety of optimisation, heuristic and simulation models. The vast majority of these models, however, have been mainframe‐based. With the advent and popularisation of the microcomputer, considerable latitude exists in building microcomputer‐based, as opposed to mainframe‐based, distribution‐planning models. Since, in many cases, microcomputer‐based models can be more effective for distribution modelling than mainframe models, this application of microcomputers represents a new generation in the maturation of distribution‐planning models. However, guidelines for the use and development of microcomputer‐based models are needed.

Information is presented on the uses of microcomputers in libraries in Australia. Word processing is the most popular use according to the respondents to a request for information put out by the author. The dBase II database management system is predictably popular, but information retrieval systems are also in use. Library housekeeping packages developed both in Australia and overseas are available. Microcomputers are connected to mainframes for library and information retrieval applications and there is activity in school libraries. The Australian Microcomputer Industry Clearing House (AMIC) is described.