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Events for December

  • New Models and Methodologies for Group Decision Making, Rank Aggregation, Clustering and Data Mining

    Mon, Dec 01, 2008 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    University Calendar


    DANIEL J. EPSTEIN DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SEMINARTitle: "New Models and Methodologies for Group Decision Making, Rank Aggregation,
    Clustering and Data Mining"Guest Speaker: Dr. Dorit S. HochbaumHaas School of Business and Department of IE&OR, University of California, BerkeleyABSTRACT: We introduce models for problems of group decision making, aggregate ranking and clustering techniques for data mining. The problems are modeled as graph problems. One of these problems we call the equal paths problem. This problem as well as all problems studied here have convex objective function representing penalties for deviating from specified a-priori comparison/ranking beliefs. These problems are shown to be solvable in polynomial time using network flow techniques such as parametric cut and fractional multicommodity linear programming.One application of the aggregate ranking problem is to determine the ranking of sports teams based on the outcomes of games played. Current techniques are based on finding a maximum eigenvector. Our alternative model has a number of advantages including the ability to differentiate between games based on some measure of significance. Further, the problem is stated as a combinatorial graph problem. This problem is shown to be solved in polynomial time even with a convex objective function, using flow techniques.A closely related area that addresses various forms of rankings is data mining with applications to customer segmentation, patient diagnosis and assessment of bankruptcy risk. We demonstrate new models for these problems and how to solve them with flow techniques. Similarly, the models and solution methodology are applicable to multi-criteria decision making.MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008, ANDRUS GERONTOLOGY BUILDING (GER) ROOM 309, 10:00–11:00 AM

    Location: Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center (GER) - 309

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Errors in Moodys Subprime Mortgage CDO Model

    Mon, Dec 01, 2008 @ 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    University Calendar


    Colloquium in Mathematical FinanceWhere: KAP 249When: Monday, December 1, 2:15--3:15 Title: "Errors in Moody's Subprime Mortgage CDO Model"Speaker: Dr. Bin HongSenior Vice President, Director of Quantitative Research and Development, Union Bank of CaliforniaAbstract: We begin with a brief introduction of the concepts of CDO and Moody's rating methodology (Binomial Expansion Technique-BET). We will then present an in-depth study on errors in applying BET for subprime mortgages (e.g., expected loss, loss distribution, and default correlation). Finally, we give a business behavior analysis of rating agencies in Subprime Mortgage CDOs and web of distribution channels of these CDOs. We will leave an open question to future modelers on how to prevent such costly error happening again.

    Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 249

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Q & A with Mr. Ronald Wensel

    Tue, Dec 02, 2008 @ 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    University Calendar


    Q & A with Mr. Ronald Wensel. Director of Financial Management, Adventist HealthThe Student Health Council is hosting Ron Wensel to answer questions and provide advice from his years of experience in health care contracting.Ron is Director of Financial Management for Adventist Health, a 20-hospital system with hospitals located in California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.His Financial Management responsibilities include managing financial turnaround/improvement programs at hospitals, directing the managed care financial decision support function and coordinating corporate activities related to cost accounting and expected reimbursement. Prior to Ron's Adventist Health Corporate position, Ron implemented a hospital executive decision support system at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. This included developing the systems, processes and knowledge to apply proven management accounting techniques to improve the financial and operating performance of the hospital.Ron has a Bachelor and Masters degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He started his career as a management consultant with Ernst & Young, then was a product manager of a healthcare software system and a manager in a large teaching hospital before joining Adventist Health. Throughout his career, his responsibilities and efforts have been focus on working with people to develop effective management processes in areas such as managed care operations, managed care contract negotiations, cost effective clinical practice, operations, labor productivity, cost accounting and budgets.Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 7pm, RGL 308If you would like to attend the event, please send an RSVP to mhashc@usc.edu

    Location: Ralph And Goldy Lewis Hall (RGL) - 308

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Decision Analysis for Urban Water Resources Planning Under Uncertainty: ...

    Mon, Dec 08, 2008 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    University Calendar


    SCHOOL OF POLICY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT / DANIEL J. EPSTEIN DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING JOINT SEMINAR"Decision Analysis for Urban Water Resources Planning Under Uncertainty: The Case of Phoenix, Arizona, under Possible Permanent Drought and Global Climate Change"Dr. Craig W. KirkwoodW. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State UniversityABSTRACT: Urban development requires water. Phoenix, Arizona, a rapidly growing large desert city, illustrates the complexity of urban water resources planning when there is substantial uncertainty about future water supplies. This presentation reviews research on decision analysis approaches to policy development for this risky planning situation, including such complexities as multiple stakeholders, competing objectives with difficult tradeoffs, organizational constraints, and uncertainty about future climate and water availability. This research is part of the Decision Center for a Desert City, with funding from the National Science Foundation's human and social dynamics initiative in decision making under uncertainty related to global climate change.Dr. Kirkwood has published extensively on quantitative approaches to decision making, including the book Strategic Decision Making and articles on both theory and applications. He is a Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), and he has received the Frank P. Ramsey Medal of the INFORMS Decision Analysis Society for lifetime achievement, the INFORMS George E. Kimball Medal for distinguished service, and both the Decision Analysis Society Publication and Practice Awards. He has served on NSF and Department of Energy expert panels. He has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Decision Analysis Society, Treasurer of INFORMS, and Department Chair and Acting Dean at Arizona State University. He has degrees in electrical engineering and operations research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has also served on the faculties of the University of Colorado and the University of Michigan.MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2008, RALPH & GOLDY LEWIS HALL (RGL) ROOM 308, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

    Location: Ralph And Goldy Lewis Hall (RGL) - 308

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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