The CPMS/TIMS Award for Management Science Achievement

Editorial about the CPMS/TIMS Award for Management Science Achievement by Peter J. Kolesar, Editor, Prize Competition Special Issue and Gary L. Lilien.

The vitality and impact of management science is strongly demonstrated by the 1984 Management Science Achievement Award finalist papers presented in this issue of Interfaces. Readers of these papers will find reports of

(a) A major reorientation of the entire national water management policy of the Netherlands, where water resources problems are among the most important issues faced by the country.

(b) A complete overhaul of the forecasting, production planning, and inventory management policies of Blue Bell Inc., one of the world's largest apparel manufacturers.

(c) An improved method of loading combat material and personnel into Air Force transports during contingency airlifts, which can reduce by 90 percent the manpower needed to plan airlifts, increase the responsiveness and flexibility of the operations, and increase aircraft utilization by 10 percent.

(d) New inventory planning models used at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to achieve dramatic reductions in inventory related costs while maintaining the firm's traditional commitment to the highest levels of customer service.

(e) An integer programming model used by Monsanto to optimize the operation of a maleic anhydride conversion process that produces 45 percent of the US supply of this important chemical.

(f) An application of set covering models in Austin, Texas, used to analyze the complex trade-offs between the conflicting objectives of different segments of the public for emergency ambulance service.