Birth and early years of the focused-issue structure of IISE Transactions

This article records the history of an important era in the life of IISE Transactions: the conceptualization and implementation of the Focused Issue structure. It reviews the 1988-1992 process during which the structure was conceived and approved, as well as the reasons that motivated the effort and some of the main players involved. It then records the early years 1993-1996 during which the structure was implemented, discussing the editorial organization, including its staffing, policies, and practices. Primary milestones achieved during the early years as well as mixed successes are then described. To contribute to the historical record, the article identifies issues facing the journal at the time and the specific steps taken to address each of them. The article ends with an epilogue.