77,223 research outputs found
Investigating the use of semantic technologies in spatial mapping applications
Semantic Web Technologies are ideally suited to build context-aware information retrieval applications. However, the geospatial aspect of context awareness presents unique challenges such as the semantic modelling of geographical references for efficient handling of spatial queries, the reconciliation of the heterogeneity at the semantic and geo-representation levels, maintaining the quality of service and scalability of communicating, and the efficient rendering of the spatial queries' results. In this paper, we describe the modelling decisions taken to solve these challenges by analysing our implementation of an intelligent planning and recommendation tool that provides location-aware advice for a specific application domain. This paper contributes to the methodology of integrating heterogeneous geo-referenced data into semantic knowledgebases, and also proposes mechanisms for efficient spatial interrogation of the semantic knowledgebase and optimising the rendering of the dynamically retrieved context-relevant information on a web frontend
Will IMP Save The World? : Reflections on the role of networks in sustainable marketing
Purpose of the paper and literature addressed â This paper is a conceptual paper that builds on Ryan et al (2008) proposition that the IMP perspective supports the creation of a Sustainable Marketing framework. The author raises concerns over the suitability of a firm-centric perspective for Sustainable Marketing and the reliability of networks to deliver environmentally beneficial innovation. The paper suggests that government intervention, in the form of regulation, taxation and incentives, and contribution from âthink tanksâ that own the necessary knowledge are essential to guide the learning of networks towards sustainable business practices. We suggest that a special form of network, called innovation network, needs to be involved in this process of knowledge creation. Main contribution â This paper aims to extend the theoretical discourse initiated by Ryan et al (2008). It is the authorâs intention to further investigate how the IMP current of thought can be applied to Sustainable Marketing, and with what adaptation. This is thought to be an important contribution as it aims at informing changes in marketing theory and suggests directions for the design of a new theoretical framework for Sustainable Marketing.Non peer reviewe
The national cloud computing strategy
Executive summary
On 5 October 2012 the Prime Minister announced that the Australian Government would develop a National Cloud Computing Strategy. This announcement recognised the synergies between the National Broadband Network (NBN) and cloud computing, but also the important role for government in providing the tools that small business, individuals and government agencies need to realise the promise of cloud computing. This strategy has been developed in a partnership between government, industry and consumer groups and outlines a vision for cloud computing in Australia:
Australians will create and use world-class cloud services to boost innovation and productivity across the digital economy.
When organisations adopt cloud services, they are generally more productive, innovate better and operate with greater agility. As a nation, Australia is well placed to take advantage of cloud computing for a range of reasonsâincluding a stable socio-economic system, a strong rule of law, and a highly diverse and skilled Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
At the individual level there are many organisations across the economy that have implemented innovative cloud computing services that have transformed the way they operate. However, as a group, Australian small business and not-for-profit organisations lag behind their counterparts in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the use of online technology. This places these organisations at a competitive disadvantage, which could be overcome through the use of cloud computing services.
One reason for this has been insufficient access to the necessary infrastructure to support sophisticated cloud servicesâthe relatively slow download or upload speeds in many parts of Australia have limited the adoption of cloud services. The NBN is changing this and is a key enabler of the digital economy more broadly. There are other reasons that cloud computing has not been adopted more generally in Australia, including a lack of awareness of how to make best use of cloud computing and a lack of confidence that some organisations and individuals have in adopting cloud computing services.
This strategy has identified three core goals and a set of actions to achieve the governmentâs vision. However, as the cloud services market continues to evolve, users and providers of cloud services must remain responsive to change. Likewise, the government will continue to adapt its strategy in response to market and technological changes
Developing Walvis Bay Port into a logistics gateway for southern Africa: Issues, challenges and the potential implications for Namibiaâs future
Many developing countries wish to become the âgatewayâ to a region or part of a continent.One strategy involves encouraging logistics cluster development. These hubs support global supply chains and may enable the economic growth of the host country through the resulting trade, as well as providing direct and indirect employment opportunities during the build and subsequent operation of the hub. Namibia intends to develop the Port of Walvis Bay to be come the preferred gateway to southern Africa and the Southern African Development Community region. This article builds on research on Caribbean cluster potential and Namibian logistics to identify the potential benefits and impact on development, as well as the drawbacks and risks of such a strategy
Continuity or change in business representation in Britain? An assessment of the Heseltine initiatives of the 1990s
Britain has a fragmented, overlapping, and underresourced system of business representation. Attempts at reform, however, have proved difficult and largely unsuccessful. A coherent and logical system is relevant, in terms of both an effective dialogue between government and business, and the promotion of competitiveness and productivity. Through interviews and archival evidence, I look at how government has attempted to reform business associations. The main focus is the Heseltine initiatives of the 1990s: I outline the various initiatives taken, reveal the extent to which policy represented continuity or change, and consider whether the initiatives were effective. I show that they had a degree of success but that they would have made greater impact if they had been sustained over a longer period of time. A consideration of the historical context, moreover, suggests there may be limits to the role of government intervention in business association reform
Childhood and Marketing: A Briefing
The â©presentâ© briefingâ© overviewsâ© andâ© samplesâ© a â©number â©of â©issuesâ© relating â©toâ© childhoodâ© and â©businessâ© marketing
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Potentialities of customer relationship management in the building of government reputation
Community Economic Development and the Paradox of Power
This article starts from the premise that poverty is a growing problem in the United States. Intergenerational poverty, the entrenchment of a class of very poor people, is a major sub set of that problem and is tied very closely to the issue of race. The author claims that missing in the fight by the poor and their allies against stratified poverty is the creation and utilization of power. This paper examines the disparate ways in which commentators have defined power. It suggests that those seeking to obtain power must understand the conceptâs varying meanings and direct their activities to meet their own understanding of the concept. Community Economic Development (CED) may be nothing more than a re-affirmation of existing power relationships or it may be the cause and the result of a change in those relationships. This paper attempts to make sense of this apparent paradox
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