Towards A Method for Developing Reference Enterprise Architectures

In most economic sectors organizations face rapid environmental changes like regulations. Such changes can force them to adjust both their organizational and operational structure. For instance, in the energy utility sector numerous developments moved German Public Utilities (PUs) towards a liberalized market. Nowadays PUs have to stay competitive while managing a heterogeneous information technology (IT) landscape. We address this demand for aligning business and IT by combining the holistic perspective of Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) with the characteristic of reference modeling to reuse knowledge in a problem domain. Therefore, we utilize configurative reference modeling within Design Science Research (DSR). The artefact at hand is a method for developing a Reference Enterprise Architecture (R-EA), which is applied in the problem domain of PUs. Our contributions are the (i) adaptation of Configurative Reference Modelling (CRM) to develop a R-EA and (ii) a procedure how to elicit knowledge for R-EA development method

Scenarios for the development of smart grids in the UK: literature review

Smart grids are expected to play a central role in any transition to a low-carbon energy future, and much research is currently underway on practically every area of smart grids. However, it is evident that even basic aspects such as theoretical and operational definitions, are yet to be agreed upon and be clearly defined. Some aspects (efficient management of supply, including intermittent supply, two-way communication between the producer and user of electricity, use of IT technology to respond to and manage demand, and ensuring safe and secure electricity distribution) are more commonly accepted than others (such as smart meters) in defining what comprises a smart grid. It is clear that smart grid developments enjoy political and financial support both at UK and EU levels, and from the majority of related industries. The reasons for this vary and include the hope that smart grids will facilitate the achievement of carbon reduction targets, create new employment opportunities, and reduce costs relevant to energy generation (fewer power stations) and distribution (fewer losses and better stability). However, smart grid development depends on additional factors, beyond the energy industry. These relate to issues of public acceptability of relevant technologies and associated risks (e.g. data safety, privacy, cyber security), pricing, competition, and regulation; implying the involvement of a wide range of players such as the industry, regulators and consumers. The above constitute a complex set of variables and actors, and interactions between them. In order to best explore ways of possible deployment of smart grids, the use of scenarios is most adequate, as they can incorporate several parameters and variables into a coherent storyline. Scenarios have been previously used in the context of smart grids, but have traditionally focused on factors such as economic growth or policy evolution. Important additional socio-technical aspects of smart grids emerge from the literature review in this report and therefore need to be incorporated in our scenarios. These can be grouped into four (interlinked) main categories: supply side aspects, demand side aspects, policy and regulation, and technical aspects.

Dynamic capabilities for firm performance under the information technology governance framework

This study investigates the role of dynamic capabilities in the Information Technology (IT) governance view framework, and explores the relationship between three IT governance domains (Strategy, Management and Operations) and firm performance. It employs a mixed-methods approach with 42 interviews and survey from 134 successful European SMEs in the multi-country setting of Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain and the UK. Our findings demonstrate that various IT governance mechanisms function as dynamic capabilities and are directly associated with firm performance. The impact of each mechanism is different. This study contributes to the field of IT Governance Framework in management and the results may be generalizable to wider economies and different organization types

A method for developing Reference Enterprise Architectures

Industrial change forces enterprises to constantly adjust their organizational structures in order to stay competitive. In this regard, research acknowledges the potential of Reference Enterprise Architectures (REA). This thesis proposes REAM - a method for developing REAs. After contrasting organizations' needs with approaches available in the current knowledge base, this work identifies the absence of method support for REA development. Proposing REAM, the author aims to close this research gap and evaluates the method's utility by applying REAM in different naturalistic settings

A new system for better employment and social outcomes: report of the Reference Group on Welfare Reform to the Minister for Social Services

This review’s purpose was to identify how to make Australia’s welfare system fairer, more effective, coherent and sustainable and encourage people to work. Overview The review, which was led by Patrick McClure AO, provides a comprehensive analysis and set of recommendations on simplification of Australia’s welfare system. It recommends an integrated approach which builds on four pillars of reform: Simpler and sustainable income support system Strengthening individual and family capability Engaging with employers Building community capacity The Government will consider the Report’s recommendations and will make further decisions on these as part of a longer term vision of Australia’s welfare system

Business intelligence maturity models: opportunities and recommendations for future investigation - a systematic literature review - part 1

La globalización de la economía representa grandes desafíos. Uno de ellos es la explotación de la información y el conocimiento de la empresa. Convertir datos en información y la información en conocimiento se denomina inteligencia de negocios- BI. Se han desarrollado varias herramientas de BI para apoyar el proceso de toma de decisiones. Los modelos de madurez son una de estas herramientas. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo mostrar en dos partes, lagunas y proponer oportunidades para el avance en este campo. En general, se reveló un predominio de características genéricas y descriptivas. Se detectaron algunas lagunas relacionadas con modelos que pueden adaptarse a segmentos industriales específicos. Este campo todavía ofrece amplias posibilidades para nuevos modelos de investigación y madurez.The economy globalization represents significant challenges. One of them is information exploitation and company knowledge. Converting data into information and information into knowledge is called Business Intelligence – BI. Several BI tools have been established to support the decision-making process. Maturity Models is one of these tools. This research aims to show in two parts, breaches and to propose prospects for the progression of this field. In general, the prevalence of generic and descriptive features was revealed. Some gaps related to models that can be modified to specific industrial sectors were detected. This field offers great promises for new investigations and maturity models