A Real Case Application of Game Theoretical Concepts in a Complex Decision-Making Process: Case Study ERTMS

2022 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Bekius, Femke; Meijer, Sebastiaan; Thomassen, Hugo

Abstract: Engineering systems are complex, amongst others due to the interdependencies bet ... Expand

Abstract: Engineering systems are complex, amongst others due to the interdependencies between actor and technical aspects. This complexity has consequences for the way of designing such systems and, in particular, for the decision-making process. Recognizing the impossibility of having an optimal system design in such complex systems, this article explores how a game theoretical characterization of a decision-making process assists in the organization and design of the process itself. In contrast to a game theoretical analysis, which results in optimal outcomes, the characterization is fed back to the designers of the decision-making process during the course of the process. The study analyses how the game concept characterization was used, i.e., which strategies were defined during the game theory interventions, and what the consequences of these strategies were for the design of the decision-making process. The design of a new safety system ERTMS for the Dutch railway sector is the context in which the study was performed. The contribution is a successful approach to complex decision-making in multi-actor systems by identification of multiple game concepts over time, with periodic feedback into the designing system, and not the actual decision-making itself. In short, it supported adapting to an actor focus on the process, it affected the role and responsibilities of the program management, it contributed to (de)coupling of issues, and it influenced the capability of creating awareness amongst actors of the urgency of the decision window. The paper ends with reflections on the experience of intervening in a decision-making process with game theoretical concepts. Collapse

Topics: decision making decision support systems design business process management

Methods: qualitative interview action research game theoretical model case study theory development

Theories: game theory lemon market theory general systems theory

Do you have confidence in how your rolling stock has been maintained? A blockchain-led knowledge-sharing platform for building trust between stakeholders

2020 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Abbas, Yawar; Martinetti, Alberto; Moerman, Jan-Jaap; Hamberg, Ton; van Dongen, Leo A.M.

Abstract: This study explores the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing trust am ... Expand

Abstract: This study explores the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing trust among the stakeholders responsible for the maintenance of rolling stock. Although the technology has been widely successful in the financial sector, it is still novel in the maintenance field. Given the customized nature of maintenance processes, it is unclear if a suitable consensus protocol can be identified that can enhance trust among stakeholders. This problem is investigated through the lens of the Design Science Research Methodology. First, the theoretical background of blockchain technology and its role in enhancing trust are explained, followed by the analysis of a current case at a Railway company to test the proof of concept. A business network archive is developed for the maintenance management of the sliding step of the train door system. The archive encompasses the business logic and transactional data required to enhance trust among stakeholders in the quality of performed maintenance. The developed archive is deployed on Hyperledger Fabric and the effectiveness of the solution is evaluated through a survey. The results show that the developed business network, deployed on a customized Hyperledger Fabric consensus protocol, enhanced trust among the stakeholders involved. Collapse

Topics: blockchain Hyperledger information management anonymity knowledge management

Methods: survey design artifact design science computational algorithm

Where Are Your Thoughts? On the Relationship between Technology Use and Mind Wandering

2019 | HICSS | Citations: 12

Authors: Oschinsky, Frederike Marie; Ressel, Nina

Abstract: Mind wandering is an important brain activity that fosters creativity and produc ... Expand

Abstract: Mind wandering is an important brain activity that fosters creativity and productivity. Research suggests that individuals spend up to 50% of their waking time thinking about things that are unrelated to the present situation or task. Previous literature has acknowledged the importance of mind wandering in technology-related contexts by investigating its mediating role between task and individual performance. In this study, we go one step further and investigate the direct relationship between technology use and mind wandering. In particular, we investigate if different types of technology use (hedonic use vs. utilitarian use) have an impact on mind wandering. Results from a factorial survey study (n=90) suggest that there is a significant difference between hedonic use and utilitarian use when it comes to mind wandering. Based on these insights, we discuss the role of mind wandering for IS research and potentials for future research. Collapse

Topics: information system use electronic mail Facebook hedonistic information system perceived usefulness

Methods: post-hoc analysis survey parametric test descriptive statistic ANOVA

Theories: dual-system theory

Solving Practical Railway Crew Scheduling Problems with Attendance Rates

2017 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 0

Authors: Hoffmann, Kirsten; Buscher, Udo; Neufeld, Janis Sebastian; Tamke, Felix

Abstract: Arising from a practical problem in German rail passenger transport, a prototype ... Expand

Abstract: Arising from a practical problem in German rail passenger transport, a prototype for a multi-period railway crew scheduling problem with attendance rates for conductors is developed and evaluated in this paper. The consideration of attendance rates is of increasing importance in regional transport networks and requires decision support. For this purpose business analytics is applied in order to offer an approach to transform real-world data to concrete operational decision support (action). The focus here is on the analysis step using a new set covering model with several essential restrictions integrated for the first time. A hybrid column generation approach is applied, which solves the pricing problem by means of a genetic algorithm. The artifact is evaluated with the help of a case study of three real-world transport networks. It is shown that the hybrid solution approach is able to solve the problem more effectively and efficiently compared to conventional approaches used in practice. Collapse

Topics: decision support analytical information system price management programming language decision making

Methods: computational algorithm case study design artifact integer programming integer linear programming

Effects of Consumer Learning and Channel Choice in Loyalty Programs

2015 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Meiseberg, Brinja

Abstract: Based on a large-scale, unique longitudinal dataset comprising more than four mi ... Expand

Abstract: Based on a large-scale, unique longitudinal dataset comprising more than four million individual transactions, we study linkages between consumer learning, channel choice, and purchase behavior. We focus on online versus traditional over the counter channels. First, we investigate how the occurrence of consumer ‘learning’ is related to ‘unlearning’ in loyalty programs, and how (un)learning depends on the chosen channel. Second, we study how (un)learning effects, along with other contingent factors, impact customer loyalty, and explore whether the strength and/or significance of effects change over time. Hypotheses are tested in the context of two-part pricing schemes in travel services that are particularly intended to create loyalty, and offer a rare opportunity for an objective assessment of learning effects. Results show that (un)learning, as well as channel choice, and pricing issues, are significantly associated with contract cancelation. We provide managerial implications that help retailers re-develop, communicate and fine-tune loyalty programs more effectively. Collapse

Topics: price management internet technology customer loyalty information system use electronic commerce

Methods: statistical hypothesis test longitudinal research chi squared test Student's t-test literature study

Do Online Customers Make Better Purchases? – An Analysis of Point of Sale Choice, Purchase Decision Quality and the Effectiveness of Customer Loyalty Programs

2013 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Meiseberg, Brinja

Abstract: Based on a large-scale, unique longitudinal dataset comprising more than 4m tran ... Expand

Abstract: Based on a large-scale, unique longitudinal dataset comprising more than 4m transactions, I first investigate drivers of customers’ point of sale choice (online vs. counter PoS). Second, I study which PoS yields higher purchase decision quality. I establish whether linkages hold across different customer segments and pricing contexts, and examine consumers’ learning effects over time. Third, I study customer loyalty in both distribution channels, and explore how loyalty develops across different segments, pricing contexts, and levels of decision quality. Hypotheses are tested in the context of two-part pricing schemes in travel services. Purchase decision quality is in fact dependent on the chosen PoS. Besides, it largely varies across customer segments; however, learning effects do occur over time. Loyalty depends on pricing contexts and segments as well as on previous decision quality and PoS choice. The results provide implications for upgrading consumers’ purchase behavior and acquisition and retention in each channel. Collapse

Topics: decision quality price management customer loyalty internet technology electronic market

Methods: chi squared test longitudinal research statistical hypothesis test Student's t-test theoretical contribution

Theories: signal detection theory