AWESOME: an auction and witness enhanced SLA model for decentralized cloud marketplaces

In recent decades, the world has witnessed cloud computing as an essential technology that changes the traditional application Development and Operation (DevOps) lifecycle. However, current cloud software DevOps and Service Level Agreement (SLA) management often face challenges of 1) selecting the best fitting service providers, customizing services and planning capacities for large-scale distributed applications; 2) guaranteeing high-quality and trustworthy SLAs among multiple service providers; 3) enhancing the interoperability of cloud services across different providers; and 4) designing effective incentive models among stakeholders. This paper proposes a novel framework called Auction and Witness Enhanced trustworthy SLA for Open, decentralized service MarkEtplaces (AWESOME) to build a trustworthy cloud marketplace and address the above challenges. The proposed framework contains four subsystems: a customizable graphical user interface, an auction-based service selection model, a witness committee management mechanism, and a smart contract factory orchestration. We developed a prototype AWESOME decentralized application (DApp) based on the Ethereum blockchain. Extensive experiments are designed to evaluate the latency and cost of our model. The experimental results demonstrate that our model is economical and feasible.publishedVersio

Network Slicing: Market Mechanism and Competitive Equilibria

Towards addressing spectral scarcity and enhancing resource utilization in 5G networks, network slicing is a promising technology to establish end-to-end virtual networks without requiring additional infrastructure investments. By leveraging Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), we can realize slices completely isolated and dedicated to satisfy the users' diverse Quality of Service (QoS) prerequisites and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This paper focuses on the technical and economic challenges that emerge from the application of the network slicing architecture to real-world scenarios. We consider a market where multiple Network Providers (NPs) own the physical infrastructure and offer their resources to multiple Service Providers (SPs). Then, the SPs offer those resources as slices to their associated users. We propose a holistic iterative model for the network slicing market along with a clock auction that converges to a robust $\epsilon$-competitive equilibrium. At the end of each cycle of the market, the slices are reconfigured and the SPs aim to learn the private parameters of their users. Numerical results are provided that validate and evaluate the convergence of the clock auction and the capability of the proposed market architecture to express the incentives of the different entities of the system

Ctrl+Alt+Age: Exploring Everyday Technologies in Caregiving for Older Adults Aging-in-Place

This qualitative research investigates the utilization and efficacy of everyday technologies among caregivers aiding older adults aging in place. Through surveys of 21 caregivers and in-depth interviews with three, the study unveils that the integration of technology in caregiving remains nascent, hindered by users\u27 lack of confidence and understanding in its application. Predominantly women, caregivers primarily assist their mothers, indicative of familial caregiving dynamics. The findings shed light on the underexplored landscape of technology adoption in eldercare, underscoring its untapped potential. By elucidating caregivers\u27 technology usage patterns, this research offers crucial insights for service providers and caregivers alike. Recognizing the transformative role of technology, future caregiving practices can be refined to harness its benefits, thereby easing the burden on caregivers and enhancing the quality of care for aging adults aging in place. This study pioneers understanding in an emerging field, providing a foundation for further research and guiding the integration of technology into eldercare practice

Chatbots and virtual assistants vs. human agents in IT customer support

While the integration of technology in customer support continues to thrive, its application in IT settings displays exciting advancements but severe limitations. For years, companies have had to balance operational efficiency with quality human interactions in providing customer support services across the globe. In the interconnected world today, end-user transparency and a seamless user experience are more critical than ever. IT customer support resides within a complicated system of technologies and human-set measures that vary across users and technological capabilities. This master’s thesis goes beyond the dynamics of chatbots and virtual assistants against human agents to research the combined impact of these service providers on customer experiences and operational efficiency. The research focuses on the proportionality of automated and human services in a Ukrainian-Swedish IT outsourcing company to offer an indicator for IT support strategies. This study explores various phenomena through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. It examines user satisfaction, the real success quotient of service technologies, and strategically customized inclusion in serious business arrangements. The focus areas cover enhancing communication efficiencies, making customer interaction deeper, and providing more advanced technology. Ultimately, this thesis predicts a future where technology and human service agents merge to produce more user-friendly, empathetic, and intuitive IT customer support. AI and machine learning skills, coupled with other managerial policy designs will help stakeholders meet users’ needs comfortably and optimally exceed user expectation levels, developing a responsive engaged customer support system

Core Support Initiative Evaluation

In 2004-05, the Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) provided over $10 million in core support funding to 175 community health clinics, clinic parent corporations, and clinic consortia/networks through its Core Support Initiative. The goal of the Initiative was to strengthen the network of front-line health care providers in California that provide care to California's low income and uninsured populations through the provision of core operating support (also known as general operating support). Grantees were provided two consecutive oneyear grants. Grant sizes ranged from$7,400 to $60,000. This evaluation report shares observations about the impact and perceptions of BSCF's investment, based on information gathered from surveys and telephone interviews

Optimising value and quality in the procurement of professional legal services : a corporate perspective

Purpose: Organisational clients engage with Professional Legal Service (“PLS”) providers for a variety of business and legal reasons. Value and quality are key elements to creating and enhancing mutually beneficial long term relationships around these services, yet there is very little guidance from the literature to demonstrate what practical actions and means should be employed by service providers and clients alike in order to create and / or improve value and quality in the specific context of PLS. This research identified the general nature of value and quality in the context of PLS and went on to recommend specific actions and means to create and improve value and quality. Design / Methodology / Approach: This research was an exploratory study in which practical actions and means to create and / or improve value and quality in the context of PLS were identified. Empirical data were collected by means of an experience survey in the form of semi – structured interviews conducted with practicing attorneys and in – house legal advisors of large corporate organisations. Results were interpreted by means of thematic analysis. Limitations: The research was limited to law firms of a minimum number of directors / partners and only publicly listed corporates. It is submitted, however, that the findings and recommendations are of broad application in the area of PLS and that size or legal status of stakeholder is immaterial, should such stakeholders wish to implement the ideas and recommendations proposed by this research. Findings: The research generated and recommended numerous practical actions and means that both the service provider and client can implement that will go to creating and improving value and quality in the delivery and procurement of PLS. In addition to the practical actions and means identified, the key findings indicated inter alia that service providers must take proactive steps in understanding the unique needs, business and industry of their clients in order to add value, while making a concerted effort to develop and manage personal relationships with clients so as to differentiate themselves in terms of quality delivery. Recommendations in respect of further areas of research were also proposed, specifically that of causal research, aimed at identifying the most effective and appropriate means of creating and or improving value and quality in the context of PLS.,/p>Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)unrestricte

Understanding Entry-Level Health Care Employment in Chicago

Restructuring within the health care industry over the past ten years has sought to improve the quality and delivery of health care services while reducing employers' costs. However, coupled with the tight local and regional labor market, these organizational changes have introduced new challenges for employers trying to find workers who are adequately prepared to deliver quality health care services.Earlier this year, the Chicago Jobs Council received funding from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and BP Amoco to conduct research in the health care industry. This report summarizes the most recent industry and occupational data on Chicago's health care industry and provides a snapshot of the entry-level recruitment and retention needs of Chicago's health care employers, job training programs, and low-income job seekers. Based on our findings, the report also makes recommendations to employers, training providers, public agencies and workforce boards

Improving Medicaid Managed Care for Youth With Serious Behavioral Health Needs: A Quality Improvement Toolkit

Profiles successful initiatives by Medicaid managed care organizations in a collaboration to implement systems of care emphasizing early identification, coordination and management, and various services and supports in the least restrictive settings

A framework and tool to manage Cloud Computing service quality

Cloud Computing has generated considerable interest in both companies specialized in Information and Communication Technology and business context in general. The Sourcing Capability Maturity Model for service (e-SCM) is a capability model for offshore outsourcing services between clients and providers that offers appropriate strategies to enhance Cloud Computing implementation. It intends to achieve the required quality of service and develop an effective working relationship between clients and providers. Moreover, quality evaluation framework is a framework to control the quality of any product and/or process. It offers a tool support that can generate software artifacts to manage any type of product and service efficiently and effectively. Thus, the aim of this paper was to make this framework and tool support available to manage Cloud Computing service quality between clients and providers by means of e-SCM.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2013-46928-C3-3-RJunta de Andalucía TIC-578