1,450 research outputs found
Intelligent Optimisation Agents in Supply Networks
This paper describes a model of intelligent supply network that improves efficiency within the supply chain. We argue that intelligence creates efficiency and results in chain optimisation. In particular, intelligent agents technology is used to optimise performance of a beverage logistics network. Optimisation agents can help solve specific problems of supply network: reduce inventories and lessen bullwhip effect, improve communication, and enable chain coordination without adverse risk sharing. We model the beer supply network to demonstrate that products can acquire intelligence to direct themselves throughout the distribution network. Further, they gain a capability to be purchased and sold while in transit. Overviews of the supporting technologies that make intelligent supply network a reality are fully discussed. In particular, optimisation agents have the characteristics of autonomous action, being proactive, reactive, and able to communicate. We demonstrate that agents enhance the flexibility, information visibility, and efficiency of the supply chain management. Suggestions and recommendations for further research are provided
The simplicity project: easing the burden of using complex and heterogeneous ICT devices and services
As of today, to exploit the variety of different "services", users need to configure each of their devices by using different procedures and need to explicitly select among heterogeneous access technologies and protocols. In addition to that, users are authenticated and charged by different means. The lack of implicit human computer interaction, context-awareness and standardisation places an enormous burden of complexity on the shoulders of the final users. The IST-Simplicity project aims at leveraging such problems by: i) automatically creating and customizing a user communication space; ii) adapting services to user terminal characteristics and to users preferences; iii) orchestrating network capabilities. The aim of this paper is to present the technical framework of the IST-Simplicity project. This paper is a thorough analysis and qualitative evaluation of the different technologies, standards and works presented in the literature related to the Simplicity system to be developed
A Typology of Digital Offerings
This paper develops a typology of digital offerings to shed light on the distinct characteristics of this emerging digital phenomenon. Drawing on Roman contract law, the typology focuses on digital rights offered (selling, leasing, partnering, and agencing) and digital assets involved (tangible and intangible). These two dimensions lead to eight archetypes that we illustrate through the diverse Amazon portfolio of digital offerings. The typology sets out to shape the scholarly discourse around digital offering research and practice and to provide a foundation from which the characteristics and mechanisms of digital offering value appropriation can be further understood and operationalized. Ultimately, by rejecting the traditional service vs. product distinction and instead accounting for offering variations based on the intrinsic merits of digital offerings, we are embracing a digital terminology rather than attempting to transfer the terminology of the physical world to the digital realm
Architectures for integration of information systems under conditions of dynamic reconfiguration of virtual enterprises
Tese Doutoramento Programa Doutoral em Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe aim of this thesis is to explore Architectures of information systems Integration under
conditions of dynamic reconfiguration of Virtual Enterprises. The main challenge that we identify
and which formed the basis of the research is that information technologies alone cannot support
efficiently and effectively the human knowledge and their natural way of interacting.
Already from Sausurre (1916) it could be argued that part of knowledge resides in person, and
the attempt to try to model it is sufficient for it to be misrepresented. And this is the motto of all
this work. Enhance the capabilities of emerging technologies, but in the sense that allow humanto-
human interaction, having the information system merely a means to make this possible.
Thus we argue that a communicational architecture of information systems integration (where
Pragmatics mechanisms are enabled) in virtual enterprises in dynamic reconfiguration scenarios,
are better able than the existing transactional architectures.
We propose a communicational architecture able to achieve an effective integration of
information systems, as well as designing its logical and functional model. We also define the
necessary semiotic framework in order to a communicational integration architecture could be
efficient and effective.
We implemented two prototypes to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed architecture.
The demonstration of the research hypothesis was demonstrated with the realization of two
experimentations where the ontologies have been unable to resolve disagreements or absences
of opinion inherent in people who collaborated. This was overcome with the implementation of
mechanisms that allow the co-creation between members of the group that participated in the
trial.O objectivo desta tese é explorar Arquitecturas de Integração de Sistemas de Informação em
condiçÔes de Reconfiguração Dinùmica de Empresas Virtuais. O principal desafio que
identificamos e que serviu de base da pesquisa é que as tecnologias de informação por si só não
conseguem suportar de forma eficiente e efectiva o conhecimento humano e a sua forma natural
de interagir.
JĂĄ Sausurre (1916) defendia que parte do conhecimento residirĂĄ sempre na pessoa, e a
tentativa de o tentar modelar Ă© suficiente para que seja deturpado. E esse Ă© o mote de todo este
trabalho. Enaltecer as capacidades das tecnologias emergentes mas no sentido de elas
permitirem a interacção homem-to-homem, sendo o sistema de informação meramente um meio
para que tal seja possĂvel.
Argumentamos por isso que uma arquitectura comunicacional de integração de sistemas de
informação, onde Pragmatics mechanisms are enabled, em empresas virtuais em cenårios de
reconfiguração dinùmica, são mais capazes que as actuais arquitecturas transacionais.
Propomos para isso uma arquitectura comunicacional capaz de conseguir uma integração
efectiva de sistemas de informação, assim como desenhamos o seu modelo lógico e funcional.
Definimos ainda o quadro semiĂłtico necessĂĄrio para que uma arquitectura comunicacional de
integração seja eficiente e effectiva.
Implementamos dois protĂłtipos capazes de demonstrar a aplicabilidade da arquitectura
proposta. A demonstração da hipótese de pesquisa ficou demonstrada com a realização de uma
experimentação onde as ontologias se mostraram incapazes de resolver discordùncias ou
ausĂȘncias de opiniĂŁo inerentes Ă s pessoas que colaboram. Tal foi superado com a aplicação de
mecanismos que permitiram a co-criação entre os membros do grupo que realizou a
experimentação
Knowledge brokering: an insider action research study in the not-for-profit sector
This study contributes an original, practice-based analysis of knowledge brokering in inter-organisational communities of practice in the not-for-profit sector. Defining characteristics of the not-for-profit sector include its social values, principles and practices. Existing literature understates or overlooks the significance of values and principles that are manifested in and enlivened through every day social practices and practitioner encounters. The study contributes by presenting knowledge brokering as a knowledge sharing intervention which integrates people, processes, values and principles into practice.
Knowledge brokering and other practice interventions in the not-for-profit sector have to align with its social mission, if they are to be compatible and effective. This is especially so in multi-agency partnerships and inter-organisational communities of practice where collaboration and co-existence rather than assimilation are the primary objectives. This study finds that values-compatible knowledge brokering interventions, boundary bridging, co-creation, common artefacts and knowledge sharing, enable inter-organisational communities of practice to evolve without sacrificing individual autonomy.
Foundational knowledge brokering literature emphasises the structural position of the knowledge broker, their knowledge superiority and the benefits they accrue by operating on the periphery of a social network. The study contributes by arguing that knowledge brokering processes and roles can be examined through an alternative practice lens with the knowledge broker as an internal co-practitioner located within a network.
The study was carried out in a new, time-limited multi-agency partnership project in the not-for-profit sector. The partnership constituted an inter-organisational community of practice comprising advice, information and support agencies that had agreed to work collaboratively to improve local services. The author was employed as the project s Knowledge Management Officer and carried out the study over a two year period using an insider action research approach. As an insider practitioner-researcher, the author contributed to the project s objectives, worked collaboratively with practitioners and gathered rich data. Action and research occurred simultaneously and the iterative processes enabled the cumulative learning to inform, develop and analyse the practice. The combination of using insider action research approach, an examination of knowledge brokering as a practice intervention and a multi-agency, not-for-profit setting, makes this a unique practice-based study untapping knowledge management lessons from the not-for-profit sector
AEOLIX Reference Book
This is a documentation on the AEOLIX Reference Book (ARB), a website created during the project to collect, highlight and present emerging trends, technologies and practices that are of interest to the problem domain of the project (http://reference.aeolix.eu). The purpose of this document is to present the content of the website
Entrepreneurship by Alliance
Recent years have seen the introduction of markets and a system of private property rights in China with a view to changing the composition of production and demand and enhancing welfare. Central to the success of these reforms is the rise of entrepreneurship with its potential to set the economy on a higher growth path by supplying the products which consumers need and want, creating new employment opportunities, and introducing new and more efficient technologies of production. But to what extent can we expect to see entrepreneurs in China behaving like their counterparts in the advanced industrial economies of Western Europe, Japan, and the United States? This is the question we address in this chapter. In our view, the reform programme has, indeed, opened up new opportunities for private enterprise activity; but idiosyncrasies of the business environment are at the same time generating novel institutional arrangements in support of entrepreneurs' investments. We agree, therefore, with Herrick and Kindleberger when they assert that "Development ought not to be viewed as a monotonic, stylized path, ever onward and upward, historically established and invariably repeated" (1983, p.62).entrepreneurship;economic growth;economic development;business networking;Western economies
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