Considering Corporate Strategies with Self-Organizing Patent Maps and Decision Making with AHP

Previously, we proposed an approach for corporate decision making with self-organizing patent maps labeled by technical terms and AHP. First, we extracted keywords by text mining to transform patent documents into feature vectors of the companies. Second, we inputted the feature matrix of technical terms and company names into self-organizing maps to create patent maps labeled by the technical terms. Then, we considered several corporate strategies utilizing the patent maps and made a decision with AHP. We applied our approach to two patent areas (information home appliance and 3D image) to show examples of corporate decision making. However, it was unclear how to derive corporate strategies in our previous work. In this paper, we propose an approach for considering corporate strategies with self-organizing patent maps labeled by technical terms. Then, we applied our approach to two other patent areas (mobile phone and organic electro-luminescence display) to show examples of considering corporate strategies and decision making with AHP

Corporate Decision Making with Self-Organizing Patent Maps Labeled by Technical Terms and AHP

In this paper, we propose an approach for corporate decision making with self-organizing patent maps labeled by technical terms and AHP. First, we select the patent area of interest and collect pertinent patent documents in text format. Second, we extract keywords by text mining to transform patent documents into feature vectors of the companies. Third, we input the feature matrix of technical terms and company names into self-organizing maps to create patent maps labeled by the technical terms. Then, we consider several corporate strategies utilizing the patent maps and make a decision with AHP. We apply our approach to two patent areas (information home appliance and 3D image) to show examples of corporate decision making

Advancing the maturity of project portfolio management through methodology and metrics refinements

This thesis presents enhancements to the theory of and practices in project portfolio management, specifically in refinements to methodology, measurement and alignment with strategic planning. Project portfolio management is the practice for evaluating, selecting and managing in an integrated manner a portfolio, which consist of projects, programs and other related work. Several studies on current practices in portfolio management have indicated a rather low maturity level of organizations in regard to project portfolio management. From the perspective of theory, this appears to be both the result of a relatively immature discipline and a rather technical approach to what is a human decision problem. Whereas salient literature focuses on portfolio management as a constrained optimization problem, it is suggested that it is necessary to define the complexity challenge of portfolio management beyond the mathematical aspect. In this respect, the managerial aspect of dealing with uncertainty and dynamic goals and constraints, the process aspect of an iterative and complex business problem and the behavioral aspect characterized by cognitive limitations, bounded rationality and political bias need to be captured. This thesis addresses several of these complexity aspects, which are based on knowledge from the project management discipline, as well as other scientific disciplines, specifically decision, behavioral and management science. Contributions to theory and practice of project portfolio management focus on several areas. The author lays out a five-step approach toward defining the most suitable methodology for the selection of portfolios from the numerous methods and techniques that have been discussed in current literature. Although most of the methods described in the prevailing literature take a project-centric approach toward portfolio evaluation and selection, the author attempts to articulate a more holistic view by emphasizing interdependencies between projects within a portfolio. Following this notion, five types of interdependencies are proposed, and methods and techniques for identifying and addressing these interdependencies are introduced. A second theme of this thesis is the adequate selection of metrics for both outcomes and process. Even though several debates exist in management science about how, how much and what to measure, little attention has been given to the measurement topic in association with project portfolio management. This is surprising, inasmuch as portfolio management can provide a qualitative and quantitative sanity check for the attainability of strategy, the need for resources and funds to implement certain strategic themes as well as other critical information. Rather than taking a prescriptive approach toward metrics, the author focuses on a simple metrics taxonomy and the tools to develop and evaluate metrics for their relevance, quality and viability. Lastly, this work discusses the reconciliation of potential misalignments between strategy and project portfolios, and achieving strategic alignment beyond the top-down view of strategic fit. The five propositions introduced by the author are validated with the help of a case study and a human subject experimen

Sustainability, Digital Transformation and Fintech: The New Challenges of the Banking Industry

In the current competitive scenario, the banking industry must contend with multiple challenges tied to regulations, legacy systems, disruptive models/technologies, new competitors, and a restive customer base, while simultaneously pursuing new strategies for sustainable growth. Banking institutions that can address these emerging challenges and opportunities to effectively balance long-term goals with short-term performance pressures could be aptly rewarded. This book comprises a selection of papers addressing some of these relevant issues concerning the current challenges and opportunities for international banking institutions. Papers in this collection focus on the digital transformation of the banking industry and its effect on sustainability, the emergence of new competitors such as FinTech companies, the role of mobile banking in the industry, the connections between sustainability and financial performance, and other general sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) topics related to the banking industry. The book is a Special Issue of the MDPI journal Sustainability, which has been sponsored by the Santander Financial Institute (SANFI), a Spanish research and training institution created as a collaboration between Santander Bank and the University of Cantabria. SANFI works to identify, develop, support, and promote knowledge, study, talent, and innovation in the financial sector

Knowledge Capturing in Design Briefing Process for Requirement Elicitation and Validation

Knowledge capturing and reusing are major processes of knowledge management that deal with the elicitation of valuable knowledge via some techniques and methods for use in actual and further studies, projects, services, or products. The construction industry, as well, adopts and uses some of these concepts to improve various construction processes and stages. From pre-design to building delivery knowledge management principles and briefing frameworks have been implemented across project stakeholders: client, design teams, construction teams, consultants, and facility management teams. At pre-design and design stages, understanding the client’s needs and users’ knowledge are crucial for identifying and articulating the expected requirements and objectives. Due to underperforming results and missed goals and objectives, many projects finish with highly dissatisfied clients and loss of contracts for some organizations. Knowledge capturing has beneficial effects via its principles and methods on requirement elicitation and validation at the briefing stage between user, client and designer. This paper presents the importance and usage of knowledge capturing and reusing in briefing process at pre-design and design stages especially the involvement of client and user, and explores the techniques and technologies that are usable in briefing process for requirement elicitation

An Investigation on Benefit-Cost Analysis of Greenhouse Structures in Antalya

Significant population increase across the world, loss of cultivable land and increasing demand for food put pressure on agriculture. To meet the demand, greenhouses are built, which are, light structures with transparent cladding material in order to provide controlled microclimatic environment proper for plant production. Conceptually, greenhouses are similar with manufacturing buildings where a controlled environment for manufacturing and production have been provided and proper spaces for standardized production processes have been enabled. Parallel with the trends in the world, particularly in southern regions, greenhouse structures have been increasingly constructed and operated in Turkey. A significant number of greenhouses are located at Antalya. The satellite images demonstrated that for over last three decades, there has been a continuous invasion of greenhouses on all cultivable land. There are various researches and attempts for the improvement of greenhouse design and for increasing food production by decreasing required energy consumption. However, the majority of greenhouses in Turkey are very rudimentary structures where capital required for investment is low, but maintenance requirements are high when compared with new generation greenhouse structures. In this research paper, life-long capital requirements for construction and operation of greenhouse buildings in Antalya has been investigated by using benefit-cost analysis study

Proceedings of 2012 Annual Meeting of the Academy of International Business-US North East Chapter: Business Without Borders

Proceedings of the 2012 Academy of International Business-US North East Chapter Fairfield, Connecticut, October 11-13, 2012. Business Without Borders. Host, John F. Welch College of Business, Sacred Heart University. Editor, Jang\u27an Tang. AIB-NE 2012 Conference Co-Chairs, Khawaja Mamun, Ph.D. and Jang\u27an Tang

USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme business engineering model

For the purpose of completing the final project report, with regard to the USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme business engineering model, the relevant student had to focus on the development of an economic feasible solution that can be validated. The criteria for the final project report is primarily linked to the ECSA one- and ECSA three exit-level outcomes, which involve the application of problem solving tools and techniques to the project specific environment. It is of utmost importance that creative-, procedural- and/or non-procedural engineering designs are incorporated within the final project report to demonstrate competence. The USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme business engineering model project was instigated by three independent volunteers who are currently preparing two meals per day for a group of specially identified children of Blaauwbosch Primary School, situated within the Osizweni community that is based in Northern KwaZulu Natal. The individuals contacted Mr Mntambo, a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) committee member and environmental manager employed at ArcelorMittal Newcastle works, requesting company assistance related to a mobile kitchen unit. The volunteers intend to use the mobile kitchen unit to generate an additional income in order to subsidize the second meal of each day, since the first is funded by the Department of Education. In several cases it is the only two meals that are provided to the children on a daily basis. The primary objective of the USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme project was to develop a business engineering model that is related to the requested mobile kitchen. However, it was recommended that the relevant comprehensive business engineering model have to be applicable to all schools situated within the Southern African border in need of a feeding scheme. Thus, a business engineering model that is applicable to any school environment was developed and will be validated at the Blaauwbosch Primary School as a first iteration early next year. The first iteration of the USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme, which will be implemented at Blaauwbosch Primary School and the three model specific secondary schools that were identified, promises to provide food to three thousand and thirty four (3034) children. During the execution period of the USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme business engineering model final project report, thorough research was conducted, followed by a detailed investigation of the problem. The concept of the business engineering model was explored and clearly defined before the student attended to the advanced development, engineering design and evaluation of the project. In conclusion, the student considered numerous aspects related to the and post development of the project. The final project report will be summarised in a user manual format, for the future expansion of the USIZO LOMUSA Feeding Scheme business engineering model. When one candle lights another, it will not lose any of its power to produce light. Although a feeding scheme as proposed will not deliver visible profit margins as a business enterprise should, the result of this venture lead to a healthier and better educated work force that will only positively be experienced in years to come. The potential financial gain the country will experience at that point in time will be immeasurable. Many candles (feeding schemes) will undoubtedly enlighten the lives of several children in need and will eventually lead to a brighter and prosperous future.Thesis (B Eng. (Industrial and Systems Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2012