Network Analysis for Management Decisions

I Introduction to Network Analysis for Management.- 1 Analytical Functions of Management.- Functions of the Manager.- Decisions Amenable to Quantitative Analysis.- The Concept of Risk Analysis.- Analysis of Strategic Decisions.- Conclusions.- 2 Project/Venture Management.- The Concept of Project Management.- The Project Life Cycle.- Parameters of Concern to Management.- Management Decisions and Information Requirements.- Project Information Processing.- Evaluating Alternative Venture Concepts.- Conclusions.- 3 Introduction to Network Models.- Management Science Models.- History of Network Models.- Key Technique Descriptions.- Comparison of Techniques.- Conclusions.- II Fundamentals of VERT.- 4 Description of the Venture Evaluation and Review Technique.- Management Overview.- The VERT-3 Model.- The VERT Process.- Conclusions.- 5 Network Construction and Logic.- Network Construction and Parameters.- Network Logic.- 6 Input Preparation.- Input Modules Overview.- Data Input Preparation.- 7 Outputs and Reports.- Outputs.- Interpretation of Statistical Measures.- Sample Reports.- Conclusions.- 8 Computer Mechanics.- Computer Equipment.- Main and Subroutine Functions.- Overlay Structure.- Data Storage Arrays.- III Applications of VERT-3.- 9 Project Management with VERT-3.- The Z-Car Project.- Vert-3 Model.- Results and Conclusions.- 10 Multiple Performance Attributes with Constraints.- Project Selection Task.- VERT-3 Model.- Results and Conclusions.- 11 New-Product Development Decisions.- VERT-3 Model.- Results and Conclusions.- 12 Decision Tree Applications.- Decision Tree Problem.- VERT-3 Modifications.- 13 Analysis of Alternative Energy Sources.- Problem Description.- Network Analysis.- Results and Conclusions.- Addendum: The Computer Input.- 14 Analysis of Strategic Decisions: Mergers and Acquisitions.- The Merger/Acquisition Problem.- VERT-3 Analysis and Results.- Conclusions.- IV Network Modeling in Perspective.- 15 Conclusions and Future Directions.- Values of VERT-3.- Limitations of VERT-3.- New Developments.- New Applications.- The Future of VERT.- Appendix: VERT-3 Computer Program.- References.