Research at the Schol of Commerce is alive and thriving. Professors pursue projects that are diverse in nature and in reach, in fields that include (but are not limted to) Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Behaviour, Management Science, Marketing, and electronic business. The annual Research Bulletin located on the Faculty of Management webpage presents the published output.
Research is supported by a grant from the Certified General Accountants of Canada.
To facilitate interdisciplinary research, professors with a common interest have formed two groups:
DARG
The research interest of the Decision Aid Research Group members is related to the areas of decision making processes within organizations, organizational performance, analysis of information technology and analysis of decision support systems. They are also interested in methodological foundations on which such factors operate. The methodologies may include epistemology, the organizational theory, information systems, strategic management, multi criteria analysis, mathematical programming, applied probabilities, statistics, dynamic programming, and information technology. The principal objectives of DARG are therefore to contribute to the development and dissemination of theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge in the above mentioned areas as well as training and development of a highly qualified researchers.
The research program of DARG relates to the understanding of the above factors and promotes the development of methodologies and experimentation of decision support tools prescribed for planning problems. Public organizations, associations and business enterprises are subjects of DARG’s research. The targeted problems encompass four important characteristics: multicriteria aspect (i.e. search for efficient compromises solution), uncertainty (how to deal with risk), complexity (management of non-homogenous and large organizations) and presence of information technology.
The major part of research activities are directed at developing decision support systems for situations where all four aspects are present. Research in the area of group decisions encompasses several tasks. We plan to develop an interactive tool providing support for negotiation process. We intend to develop applications for management of natural resources, particularly water management, where the public consultation and input from several stakeholders is essential.
The projects examine the industrial practices directed at analysis and optimization of the exploitation of natural resources. Our jobshop research include optimization of machine regrouping, rational utilization of tools, production schedule, and Kanban systems as well as integration of human factors such as (human relations and expertise management). The above research intends to optimize the utilization of industrial equipment in a complex and competitive environment.