Robust ordinal regression for value functions handling interacting criteria

We present a new method called UTA^GMS–INT for ranking a finite set of alternatives evaluated on multiple criteria. It belongs to the family of Robust Ordinal Regression (ROR) methods which build a set of preference models compatible with preference information elicited by the Decision Maker (DM). The preference model used by UTA^GMS–INT is a general additive value function augmented by two types of components corresponding to “bonus” or “penalty” values for positively or negatively interacting pairs of criteria, respectively. When calculating value of a particular alternative, a bonus is added to the additive component of the value function if a given pair of criteria is in a positive synergy for performances of this alternative on the two criteria. Similarly, a penalty is subtracted from the additive component of the value function if a given pair of criteria is in a negative synergy for performances of the considered alternative on the two criteria. The preference information elicited by the DM is composed of pairwise comparisons of some reference alternatives, as well as of comparisons of some pairs of reference alternatives with respect to intensity of preference, either comprehensively or on a particular criterion. In UTA^GMS–INT, ROR starts with identification of pairs of interacting criteria for given preference information by solving a mixed-integer linear program. Once the interacting pairs are validated by the DM, ROR continues calculations with the whole set of compatible value functions handling the interacting criteria, to get necessary and possible preference relations in the considered set of alternatives. A single representative value function can be calculated to attribute specific scores to alternatives. It also gives values to bonuses and penalties. UTA^GMS–INT handles quite general interactions among criteria and provides an interesting alternative to the Choquet integral.     

Good and bad market research: A critical review of Net Promoter Score

Net Promoter Score, touted as the “single customer metric you need” and calculated from customers' answer to one simple question about their loyalty, has been in use since 2003 and adopted in a wide variety of settings. However, it has not lived up to its claimed benefits. This article evaluates the NPS approach in terms of its positive and negative results. This article is for people interested in NPS, still considering implementing NPS in their company, or interested in its technical underpinnings. It points out the benefits and shortcomings and explains why, and it describes what can be done to achieve the outcomes NPS theory claimed it would produce, but has not. The article is written in two parts for quite distinct audiences: firstly, for executives and managers who need customer data and information to make marketing decisions; and secondly, for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts who are responsible for capturing and providing reliable, understandable, and meaningful customer data to the executives and managers who need the information. Consequently, the two sections are written in two different styles. The first section takes the form of a summary for managers and executives of our findings and recommendations in language aimed at business leaders; the second section provides a detailed analysis and critical review of NPS for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts. Both sections present a better solution than NPS for understanding what customers value, delivering the best value to customers, winning market share, and creating truly loyal customers.     

Semiconcavity of the value function for the Bolza control problem

In this paper we investigate the regularity of the value function of the Bolza control problem. We propose sufficient conditions for the value function to be semiconcave or locally Lipschitz when the controls are unbounded.     

论袋映射及其结构

本文论述了袋映射的缘起，给出了袋映射的对称函数列表示法，并在此基础上证明了Ｖａｌｕｅｆｕｎｃｔｉｏｎａｌ的袋映射可用一个一元函数和一个二元对称函数来表达，从而进一步明确了这类袋映射的构造。     

耐用消费品拥有量预测的研究

本文在分析耐用消费品拥有量增长特性基础上，提出三种假设模型，并给出三个例子，说明应用这些假设模型对我国主要耐用消费品的拥有量进行预测的方法。     

Zero-sum stochastic games with stopping and control

We study a zero-sum stochastic game where each player uses both control and stopping times. Under certain conditions we establish the existence of a saddle point equilibrium, and show that the value function of the game is the unique solution of certain dynamic programming inequalities with bilateral constraints.     

Approximation of average cost optimal policies for general Markov decision processes with unbounded costs

The aim of the paper is to show that Lyapunov-like ergodicity conditions on Markov decision processes with Borel state space and possibly unbounded cost provide the approximation of an average cost optimal policy by solvingn-stage optimization problems (n = 1, 2, ...). The used approach ensures the exponential rate of convergence. The approximation of this type would be useful to find adaptive procedures of control and to estimate stability of an optimal control under disturbances of the transition probability.Research supported in part by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT) under grant 0635P-E9506.Research supported by Fondo del Sistema de Investigatión del Mar de Cortés under Grant SIMAC/94/CT-005.     

对体操运动价值的探讨

体操是体育的一个重要组成部分,在我国有着悠久的历史.它的内容丰富.形式多样.易于普及.对青少年的成长发育、人的形体美及强自健体具重要的运动价值.     

织物风格测试的因子分析

利用因子分析的方法，对２５块精纺毛织物的ＫＥＳ－ＦＢ测试结果进行了分析并对简化织物风格测试指标的结构体系进行了探讨。