Biomedical subjects

J P Stinson

Publications and source records attributed to J P Stinson.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1988

Use of the microcomputer to determine direct costs of menu items.

Recent developments brought about by the government's prospective payment system as well as by new restrictions on hospitalization imposed by private insurance companies are placing greater emphasis on cost-containment measures within hospital foodservice systems. The research reported in this article focuses upon the development of a microcomputer technique that produces direct (labor and ingredient) cost information on menu items. Such information can assist foodservice directors in identifying and controlling costs associated with their current menu offerings. In addition, this information can assist in planning and decision making for future menu planning efforts as well as in make-or-buy decisions.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMed1982

Use of a branch and bound algorithm to schedule food production in a semi-conventional food service system.

A new computerized technique for solving the problem of production scheduling in a semi-conventional food service system was found to be a branch and bound algorithm. The primary objective was to minimize, on a daily basis, the overall time required for noon-time production from the start of hot food preparation to the completion of all menu items. The second objective was, through modification of the algorithm, to produce right-through modification of the algorithm, to produce right-shifted schedules so that all menu items would be completed as close to meal time as possible. Benefits of the computerized procedure include increased productivity through more efficient utilization of resources and enhancement of nutritional, organoleptic, and microbiological properties of foods.

Computers↗

PubMed1980

Computer simulation for production scheduling in a ready foods system.

On the basis of an operations research technique of simulation, a model of a theoretical ready foods system was described. The model was translated into a code executed on a computer, and the sequences, i.e., production schedules, that emerged were compared with designated measures of performance. The priority dispatch rules tested, based on time standards developed for this theoretical ready foods system, would apply only to this facility. Similar studies might be made for other foodservice systems to reach conclusions applicable to thos operations. The SOT (shortest operation time) decision rule appeared to be most useful in enhancing the effectiveness of this theoretical ready foods system in accordance with the chosen measures of performance.

Computers↗