Governance and assessment insights in Information Technology: the Val IT Model

The purpose of this paper is the investigation of the relationship between Information Technology and value creation. In doing so, the paper presents a conceptual framework based on the Val IT model. This framework can assist companies in the selection, implementation and optimization of IT investments to create long-term value. The paper is based on a qualitative approach with the inclusion of a single-method approach. Research is developed according to the study of national and international literature. Following an initial analysis of existing literature on the evaluation of company investments, research has been conducted through the Val IT method to assess these intangible assets. The sources of research are secondary in nature (documents, reports, newspaper articles, papers and scientific books). This methodology emphasises the connection between the modern services created in the knowledge economy and the application of new technologies, especially in the field of Information Technology. Val IT is a governance framework for creating business value from IT investments. It allows companies to increase the possibility of selecting investments with a high potential of value creation, as well as with a greater possibility of success in executing, creating, strengthening and using these services

Сборник текстов по обучению профессионально-ориентированному чтению на английском языке для студентов специальностей 1-28 01 01 – "Экономика электронного бизнеса" 1-28 01 02 – "Электронный маркетинг"

Rakhuba Valery Ivanovich. Основы электронного бизнеса и маркетинга. Learning Textbook professionally oriented reading in EnglishСборник текстов по обучению профессионально-ориентированному чтению на английском языке предназначается для студентов специальностей 1-28 01 01 Экономика электронного бизнеса и 1-28 01 02 Электронный маркетинг. Тематика текстов дает достаточно полное представление о практической реализации принципов деятельности в этих сферах экономической активности

Cloud composition technologies in multimodal composition program documents

Writing programs at numerous universities—including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Iowa State University, Miami University of Ohio, Virginia Tech, and Purdue University—are incorporating more learning about multimodal communication into their curricula, including written, oral, visual, and electronic communication (WOVE). Within WOVE, electronic technologies enable students to produce, distribute, and consume written, visual, oral, and electronic communication (Ong 1982; Bush 1945; Eisenstein 1979, Lauer 2009, 2014). Integrating cloud technologies into writing programs may be difficult because it requires ongoing training, support, and maintenance, but it may be worthwhile because it helps produce a writing culture mediated by these technologies. I use activity theory (Kaptelinin & Nardi 2006, Russell 1997) to argue that participant techne—as the knowledge of an art with a focus on the method of production—is an influential component of cloud-supported composition culture. And I demonstrate how cloud technologies may be written into course overview documents with modularity and social information

ICT Infrastructure, Applications, Society and Education

Proceedings of the Annual Strathmore University ICT Conference 2006Proceedings of the Annual Strathmore University ICT Conference 200

The impact of small and medium sized tourism enterprises on the destination brand

Abstract. This study’s purpose is to build a theoretical model that enhances the understanding of the impact that small-and-medium sized tourism businesses (SME’s) can have on the destination brand. The research will describe the unique nature of destination branding that separates it from regular branding activities across other industries, how they can be developed and what architectures exist to manage the said brand management. Finally, the study describes the role of SME’s in destination branding as well as the methods with which SME’s affect the brand development of destinations. The phenomenon studies not only the processes with which SME’s affect the destination brand but the benefits and reasons why they partake in it, but also impact the said processes have on the destination brand. Through these steps, the study answers the research question: “How can tourism SME’s contribute toward the development of a destination brand?” The gap on the research is clearly defined in this case, with most tourism branding studies focusing on the role of destination management organisations (DMO), tourism networks or consumer-based brand equity (CBBE). This paper contributes to the field of branding by shedding light on the role and impact that individual tourism SME’s have on the destination branding. The study was conducted as a qualitative, semi-structured multiple case study, with three tourism SME’s of the destination, as well as the local DMC for the purpose of data triangulation. This chosen method of study ensured a thorough understanding of the role and impact of tourism SME’s in destination branding, and multiple interviews increased the validity of the study. Abductive method was chosen, which allowed new concepts to arise from the studied data and theoretical background of the research, which allows this study to contribute theoretical material on the field. This research’s key results suggest that SME’s can have significant impact on the development of destination brand. This study presents that due to the natural market orientation of these businesses and scarcity of resources, the SME’s actively connect, network and co-operate together to develop the destinations toward a desired, shared goal, oftentimes with shared values such as sustainability and responsibility acting as the foundation of these shared interests. Further, the SME’s go out their way to take steps not necessarily required by the law to ensure harmony between the locals and the tourism system, and foster personal relationship building between tourists and the entire destination, rather than separating the business and its activities from the rest of the destination. The SME’s take initiative in the absence of others and build and develop new products and services. This research’s results suggest that SME’s main tools to affect destination branding are by affecting within the surrounding brand network as well as through communicating the destination brand forward and building relationships. Further, the SME’s chosen methods benefit them in many ways such as granting them access to knowledge and shared resources

Supply chain management: a multidisciplinary content analysis of vertical relations between companies, 1997-2006

The aim of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of the research conducted on supply chain management (SCM) at a multidisciplinary level. To this end, a content analysis was performed of the most significant scientific literature about marketing, logistics, management and marketing channels published over the period 1997-2006. As a result, a database of 414 papers from 14 journals was created. Analysis of these works reveals the level of development of the main lines of research into SCM and makes it possible to detect the topics that require greater attention and which may be the object of future studies conducted by researchers and academics. It also allows managerial staff to identify the methodologies and tools that can be used to improve the management of relationships within the supply chain. One of the main conclusions reached in the study is the shortage of studies conducted on the supply chain as a network of enterprises, since most research focuses on a single enterprise or, at the most, on its relationships with its suppliers or direct customers. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.Vallet-Bellmunt, T.; Martínez-Fernández, MT.; Capó-Vicedo, J. (2011). Supply chain management: a multidisciplinary content analysis of vertical relations between companies, 1997-2006. Industrial Marketing Management. 40(8):1347-1367. doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2011.03.002S1347136740

Architectural response to environmental conflicts caused by pollution: towards a waste incineration and eco-educational facility in the South Durban Basin.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This research considers the South Durban Basin area in KwaZulu-Natal as an industrial city. It highlights the framework that moulds the city’s infrastructure, including changes that could be implemented from an ecological perspective. By responding effectively to challenges that the city faces, and essentially changing how it functions in relation to the pollution and environmental issues encountered, it can become a more sustainable city. Government, business and society alike need to gravitate towards an approach of creating environments which are adaptive to change. The concept of sustainability, Theory of Perception and the New Urban Agenda will be investigated in this research, which will help to inform the foundation for a sustainable framework for this nature of urban infrastructure. The study will also exclusively explore the South Durban Basin as a whole, and the effects of apartheid that has led to the city’s appalling environmental capacity being where it is today. Through a holistic approach, it will lead the research to accomplish a great environmental initiative through architectural design development, as well as economic and social impact

Modernization of Manufacturing with Cybersecurity at the Forefront

With the proliferation of Industrial Control Systems (ICSs), manufacturing processes have improved over the last 30 years, however, the organizational focus to securely exchange and process information to/from integrated systems has been consistently lacking. These environments continue to be susceptible to security vulnerabilities, despite history [15] showing that cybersecurity exposures in manufacturing have largely gone unaddressed and continue to rise [52]. This study evaluates cybersecurity challenges in the industry and proposes recommendations for practical and fiscally responsible defense-in-depth cybersecurity protections for manufacturing environments. The business operating model, how ICSs became pervasive, as well as the major components that enable the operational technology (OT) were evaluated. With an understanding of the traditional network architecture for the industry [37], the rapidly evolving challenges facing the industry were examined. These challenges are impactful to the traditional and slow to change manufacturing operating model that has not focused on the necessary cyber protections for their OT environments. In addition, the industry is now facing game-changing technological concepts such as advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 that bring new complex challenges and cyber threats, unfamiliar to most in the industry. This is all underpinned by an organizational divide where the personnel most knowledgeable with the modern technology and cyber risks, in the majority of cases, are not responsible for the OT architecture and security. These headwinds impact an industry which spends the least on IT and cyber security than any other industry, globally [22]. The cyber risks and challenges in the industry are diverse, spanning technological and organizational competencies, stemming from purpose built components which operate in an ecosystem where cybersecurity is an afterthought. As a means to close the gap, practical and reasonable recommendations to address these problems are discussed; some specific and unique to the manufacturing industry while others are fundamental applications discussed with a manufacturing industry lens, which are commonly ignored due to perceived complexity, cost or simply lack of awareness. Lastly, a number of these recommendations were selected for further evaluation and implementation; challenges, approach, benefits and outcomes are shared showing measureable improvements to the cybersecurity posture of the organization.Master of ScienceComputer and Information Science, College of Engineering & Computer ScienceUniversity of Michigan-Dearbornhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147433/1/49698122_CIS699 - Mangano Thesis - Modernization of Manufacturing with Cybersecurity at the Forefront - Final 121018-v4.pdfDescription of 49698122_CIS699 - Mangano Thesis - Modernization of Manufacturing with Cybersecurity at the Forefront - Final 121018-v4.pdf : Thesi