Using phase-type models to monitor and predict process target compliance

Processes are ubiquitous, spanning diverse areas such as business, production, telecommunications and healthcare. They have been studied and modelled for many years in an attempt to increase understanding, improve efficiency and predict future pathways, events and outcomes. More recently, process mining has emerged with the intention of discovering, monitoring, and improving processes, typically using data extracted from event logs. This may include discovering the tasks within the overall processes, predicting future trajectories, or identifying anomalous tasks. We focus on using phase-type process modelling to measure compliance with known targets and, inversely, determine suitable targets given a threshold percentage required for satisfactory performance. We illustrate the ideas with an application to a stroke patient care process, where there are multiple outcomes for patients, namely discharge to normal residence, nursing home, or death. Various scenarios are explored, with a focus on determining compliance with given targets; such KPIs are commonly used in Healthcare as well as for Business and Industrial processes. We believe that this approach has considerable potential to be extended to include more detailed and explicit models that allow us to assess complex scenarios. Phase-type models have an important role in this work.peer-reviewe

An Integer Linear Programming Solution to the Telescope Network Scheduling Problem

Telescope networks are gaining traction due to their promise of higher resource utilization than single telescopes and as enablers of novel astronomical observation modes. However, as telescope network sizes increase, the possibility of scheduling them completely or even semi-manually disappears. In an earlier paper, a step towards software telescope scheduling was made with the specification of the Reservation formalism, through the use of which astronomers can express their complex observation needs and preferences. In this paper we build on that work. We present a solution to the discretized version of the problem of scheduling a telescope network. We derive a solvable integer linear programming (ILP) model based on the Reservation formalism. We show computational results verifying its correctness, and confirm that our Gurobi-based implementation can address problems of realistic size. Finally, we extend the ILP model to also handle the novel observation requests that can be specified using the more advanced Compound Reservation formalism.Comment: Accepted for publication in the refereed conference proceedings of the International Conference on Operations Research and Enterprise Systems (ICORES 2015

On Idle Energy Consumption Minimization in Production: Industrial Example and Mathematical Model

This paper, inspired by a real production process of steel hardening, investigates a scheduling problem to minimize the idle energy consumption of machines. The energy minimization is achieved by switching a machine to some power-saving mode when it is idle. For the steel hardening process, the mode of the machine (i.e., furnace) can be associated with its inner temperature. Contrary to the recent methods, which consider only a small number of machine modes, the temperature in the furnace can be changed continuously, and so an infinite number of the power-saving modes must be considered to achieve the highest possible savings. To model the machine modes efficiently, we use the concept of the energy function, which was originally introduced in the domain of embedded systems but has yet to take roots in the domain of production research. The energy function is illustrated with several application examples from the literature. Afterward, it is integrated into a mathematical model of a scheduling problem with parallel identical machines and jobs characterized by release times, deadlines, and processing times. Numerical experiments show that the proposed model outperforms a reference model adapted from the literature.Comment: Accepted to 9th International Conference on Operations Research and Enterprise Systems (ICORES 2020

Distributionally Robust Games with Risk-averse Players

We present a new model of incomplete information games without private information in which the players use a distributionally robust optimization approach to cope with the payoff uncertainty. With some specific restrictions, we show that our "Distributionally Robust Game" constitutes a true generalization of three popular finite games. These are the Complete Information Games, Bayesian Games and Robust Games. Subsequently, we prove that the set of equilibria of an arbitrary distributionally robust game with specified ambiguity set can be computed as the component-wise projection of the solution set of a multi-linear system of equations and inequalities. For special cases of such games we show equivalence to complete information finite games (Nash Games) with the same number of players and same action spaces. Thus, when our game falls within these special cases one can simply solve the corresponding Nash Game. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our new model of games and highlight its importance.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, Proceedings of 5th the International Conference on Operations Research and Enterprise Systems ({ICORES} 2016), Rome, Italy, February 23-25, 201

Towards the development of the framework for inter sensing enterprise architecture

[EN] Inter-enterprise architecture (IEA) is a new concept that seeks to apply the tools and methodologies of enterprise architecture (EA) in a collaborative context, in order to model collaborative organizations in an inclusive manner. According to the main enterprise architectures proposed to this point, an EA should be conformed at least for a framework, a methodology and a modelling language. Sensing enterprise (SE) is an attribute of an enterprise or a network that allows it to react to business stimuli originating on the Internet. These fields have come into focus recently, and there is not evidence of the use of IEA for modelling a SE, while finding an interesting gap to work on. Thus, this paper proposes an initial framework for inter sensing enterprise architecture (FISEA), which seeks to classify, organize, store and communicate, at the conceptual level, all the elements for inter-sensing enterprise architectures and their relationships, ensuring their consistency and integrity. This FISEA provides a clear idea about the elements and views that create collaborative network and their inter-relationships, based on the support of Future Internet.This work was supported by the European Commission FP7 UNITE Project, through its Secondment Programme and the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia ADENPRO-PJP project (ref. SP20120703).Vargas, A.; Cuenca, L.; Boza, A.; Sacala, I.; Moisescu, M. (2016). Towards the development of the framework for inter sensing enterprise architecture. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 27(1):55-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-014-0901-zS5572271Adaba, G., Rusu, L., & Mekawy, M. (2010). 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GERAM: Generalised enterprise reference architecture and methodology. International Federation for Information Processing, 1(2), 30.Future Internet Enterprise Systems (FInES) Cluster. (2012). FInES Research Roadmap 2025. From http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/enet/documents/fines-research-roadmap-v30_en.pdf . Accessed 13 October 2013Henderson, J., & Venkatraman, N. (1993). Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organizations. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 472–484.Hu, Q., & Huang, D. (2006). Using the balanced scorecard to achieve sustained IT-business alignment: A case study. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 17, 181–204.ISO 15704. (2000). Industrial automation systems–Requirements for enterprise-reference architectures and methodologies.ISO/CEN 19439. (2006). Enterprise integration–Framework for enterprise modelling.Kilger, C., Reuter, B., & Stadtler, H. (2008). Collaborative planning. In H. Stadtler & C. Kilger (Eds.), Supply chain management and advanced planning-concepts, models software and case studies (pp. 263–284). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.Kosanke, K., Vernadat, F., & Zelm, M. (1999). CIMOSA: Enterprise engineering and integration. Computers in Industry, 40(2), 83– 97.Lankhorst, M. (2009). Enterprise architecture at work: Modelling, communication and analysis. New York: Springer.Luftman, J. (2004). Assessing business-IT alignment maturity. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 4, 99.Maes, R. (1999). Reconsidering information management through a generic framework. Amsterdam: Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Accountancy & Information Management.Mehandjiev, N., & Grefen, P. (2010). Dynamic business process formation for instant virtual enterprises. London.Mekawy, M., Rusu, L., & Ahmed, N. (2009). Business and IT alignment: An evaluation of strategic alignment models. In best practices for the knowledge society. 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Extending IT infrastructures in the service sector organisations through enterprise resource planning – a telecom case study

Copyright @ 2012 ISEing.Service Sector Organisations (SSOs) have significantly focused on adopting and implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to automate their prime business processes, enhance organisational productivity with lower costs and prompt service delivery to fulfil consumer demands. Thus, ERP systems are considered as a principal source to provide imperative information vital for strategic decision making process. On the contrary, ERP systems adoption and implementation is also highly considered as a challenging and expensive process that not only requires rigorous efforts but also demands to have an exhaustive investigation of influential factors that are critical to the adoption and implementation of ERP systems. As a result, the authors exhibit that it is of great significance to investigate this area within SSOs. In so doing, this paper thus focuses on the ERP critical success factors from five different categories such as: stakeholders; process; technology; organisation; and project based on the literature analysis. These perspectives comprise of 24 factors that are imperative for a successful ERP adoption and implementation. These factors are validated through an in-depth qualitative single case study based research. The findings from the literature and empirical demonstrate that most of the factors influencing the decision making process for ERP adoption and implementation are highly significant with exception to few that have either low or medium importance

An enterprise engineering approach for the alignment of business and information technology strategy

Information systems and information technology (IS/IT, hereafter just IT) strategies usually depend on a business strategy. The alignment of both strategies improves their strategic plans. From an external perspective, business and IT alignment is the extent to which the IT strategy enables and drives the business strategy. This article reviews strategic alignment between business and IT, and proposes the use of enterprise engineering (EE) to achieve this alignment. The EE approach facilitates the definition of a formal dialog in the alignment design. In relation to this, new building blocks and life-cycle phases have been defined for their use in an enterprise architecture context. This proposal has been adopted in a critical process of a ceramic tile company for the purpose of aligning a strategic business plan and IT strategy, which are essential to support this process. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.Cuenca, L.; Boza, A.; Ortiz, A. (2011). An enterprise engineering approach for the alignment of business and information technology strategy. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 24(11):974-992. https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2011.579172S9749922411(1993). CIMOSA: Open System Architecture for CIM. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-58064-2Ang, J., Shaw, N., & Pavri, F. (1995). Identifying strategic management information systems planning parameters using case studies. International Journal of Information Management, 15(6), 463-474. doi:10.1016/0268-4012(95)00049-dAvison, D., Jones, J., Powell, P., & Wilson, D. (2004). Using and validating the strategic alignment model. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 13(3), 223-246. doi:10.1016/j.jsis.2004.08.002Avgerou, & McGrath. (2007). Power, Rationality, and the Art of Living through Socio-Technical Change. MIS Quarterly, 31(2), 295. doi:10.2307/25148792Bergeron, F., Raymond, L., & Rivard, S. (2004). Ideal patterns of strategic alignment and business performance. Information & Management, 41(8), 1003-1020. doi:10.1016/j.im.2003.10.004Bernus, P., Nemes, L., & Schmidt, G. (Eds.). (2003). Handbook on Enterprise Architecture. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-24744-9Bleistein, S. J., Cox, K., Verner, J., & Phalp, K. T. (2006). B-SCP: A requirements analysis framework for validating strategic alignment of organizational IT based on strategy, context, and process. Information and Software Technology, 48(9), 846-868. doi:10.1016/j.infsof.2005.12.001Buchanan, S., & Gibb, F. (1998). The information audit: An integrated strategic approach. International Journal of Information Management, 18(1), 29-47. doi:10.1016/s0268-4012(97)00038-8Buchanan, S., & Gibb, F. (2007). The information audit: Role and scope. International Journal of Information Management, 27(3), 159-172. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2007.01.002Chen, D., & Vernadat, F. (2004). Standards on enterprise integration and engineering—state of the art. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 17(3), 235-253. doi:10.1080/09511920310001607087Chen, D., Doumeingts, G., & Vernadat, F. (2008). Architectures for enterprise integration and interoperability: Past, present and future. Computers in Industry, 59(7), 647-659. doi:10.1016/j.compind.2007.12.016Chen, H.-M., Kazman, R., & Garg, A. (2005). BITAM: An engineering-principled method for managing misalignments between business and IT architectures. Science of Computer Programming, 57(1), 5-26. doi:10.1016/j.scico.2004.10.002Cuenca, L., Ortiz, A., & Vernadat, F. (2006). From UML or DFD models to CIMOSA partial models and enterprise components. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 19(3), 248-263. doi:10.1080/03081070500065841Davis, G. B. (2000). Information Systems Conceptual Foundations: Looking Backward and Forward. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 61-82. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-35505-4_5Gindy, N., Morcos, M., Cerit, B., & Hodgson, A. (2008). Strategic technology alignment roadmapping STAR® aligning R&D investments with business needs. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 21(8), 957-970. doi:10.1080/09511920801927148Goethals, F. G., Lemahieu, W., Snoeck, M., & Vandenbulcke, J. A. (2007). The data building blocks of the enterprise architect. Future Generation Computer Systems, 23(2), 269-274. doi:10.1016/j.future.2006.05.004Greefhorst, D., Koning, H., & Vliet, H. van. (2006). The many faces of architectural descriptions. Information Systems Frontiers, 8(2), 103-113. doi:10.1007/s10796-006-7975-xGregor, S., Hart, D., & Martin, N. (2007). Enterprise architectures: enablers of business strategy and IS/IT alignment in government. Information Technology & People, 20(2), 96-120. doi:10.1108/09593840710758031Hartono, E., Lederer, A. L., Sethi, V., & Zhuang, Y. (2003). Key predictors of the implementation of strategic information systems plans. ACM SIGMIS Database, 34(3), 41-53. doi:10.1145/937742.937747Henderson, J. C., & Venkatraman, H. (1993). Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organizations. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 472-484. doi:10.1147/sj.382.0472Hirschheim, R., & Sabherwal, R. (2001). Detours in the Path toward Strategic Information Systems Alignment. California Management Review, 44(1), 87-108. doi:10.2307/41166112Hoogervorst, J. A. P. (2009). Enterprise Governance and Enterprise Engineering. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-92671-9Johnson, A. M., & Lederer, A. L. (2010). CEO/CIO mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and the contribution of IS to the organization. Information & Management, 47(3), 138-149. doi:10.1016/j.im.2010.01.002JONKERS, H., LANKHORST, M., VAN BUUREN, R., HOPPENBROUWERS, S., BONSANGUE, M., & VAN DER TORRE, L. (2004). CONCEPTS FOR MODELING ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES. International Journal of Cooperative Information Systems, 13(03), 257-287. doi:10.1142/s0218843004000985King, W. R. (1978). Strategic Planning for Management Information Systems. MIS Quarterly, 2(1), 27. doi:10.2307/249104Leonard, J. (2007). Sharing a Vision: comparing business and IS managers’ perceptions of strategic alignment issues. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 15(1). doi:10.3127/ajis.v15i1.299Luftman, J. N., Lewis, P. R., & Oldach, S. H. (1993). Transforming the enterprise: The alignment of business and information technology strategies. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 198-221. doi:10.1147/sj.321.0198Luftman, J., Ben-Zvi, T., Dwivedi, R., & Rigoni, E. H. (2010). IT Governance. International Journal of IT/Business Alignment and Governance, 1(2), 13-25. doi:10.4018/jitbag.2010040102Melville, Kraemer, & Gurbaxani. (2004). Review: Information Technology and Organizational Performance: An Integrative Model of IT Business Value. MIS Quarterly, 28(2), 283. doi:10.2307/25148636Newkirk, H. E., & Lederer, A. L. (2006). Incremental and Comprehensive Strategic Information Systems Planning in an Uncertain Environment. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 53(3), 380-394. doi:10.1109/tem.2006.877446Noran, O. (2003). An analysis of the Zachman framework for enterprise architecture from the GERAM perspective. Annual Reviews in Control, 27(2), 163-183. doi:10.1016/j.arcontrol.2003.09.002Noran, O. (2005). A systematic evaluation of the C4ISR AF using ISO15704 Annex A (GERAM). Computers in Industry, 56(5), 407-427. doi:10.1016/j.compind.2004.12.005Ortiz, A., Lario, F., & Ros, L. (1999). Enterprise Integration—Business Processes Integrated Management: a proposal for a methodology to develop Enterprise Integration Programs. Computers in Industry, 40(2-3), 155-171. doi:10.1016/s0166-3615(99)00021-4Panetto, H., Baïna, S., & Morel, G. (2007). Mapping the IEC 62264 models onto the Zachman framework for analysing products information traceability: a case study. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 18(6), 679-698. doi:10.1007/s10845-007-0040-xPapp, R. (Ed.). (2001). Strategic Information Technology. doi:10.4018/978-1-87828-987-2Peñaranda, N., Mejía, R., Romero, D., & Molina, A. (2010). Implementation of product lifecycle management tools using enterprise integration engineering and action-research. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 23(10), 853-875. doi:10.1080/0951192x.2010.495136Reich, B. H., & Benbasat, I. (2000). Factors That Influence the Social Dimension of Alignment between Business and Information Technology Objectives. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 81. doi:10.2307/3250980Sledgianowski, D., & Luftman, J. (2005). IT-Business Strategic Alignment Maturity. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 7(2), 102-120. doi:10.4018/jcit.2005040107Sowa, J. F., & Zachman, J. A. (1992). Extending and formalizing the framework for information systems architecture. IBM Systems Journal, 31(3), 590-616. doi:10.1147/sj.313.0590Van Grembergen, W., & De Haes, S. (2010). A Research Journey into Enterprise Governance of IT, Business/IT Alignment and Value Creation. International Journal of IT/Business Alignment and Governance, 1(1), 1-13. doi:10.4018/jitbag.2010120401Xueying Wang, Xiongwei Zhou, & Longbin Jiang. (2008). A method of business and IT alignment based on Enterprise Architecture. 2008 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics. doi:10.1109/soli.2008.468649

Leanness and agility as means for improving supply chains. A case study on Egypt

Supply chain management has received greater attention from the academics and the practitioners, however the literature review lacks a comprehensive view for supply chain management practices and how its members should act to contribute to its overall success (Li el at., 2005). In this era, where the business organisations are working in several challenging threats and opportunities, greater attention is given to supply chain management. Nowadays, companies are always searching for means to improve their supply chains. The main aim of this research is to show "how leanness and agility approaches can be used within the same enterprise as complementary means for improving its supply chain". To achieve this research objective, the research has provided an assessment and summarised the literature on the supply chain management, lean thinking and agility thinking including their importance; their definitions; their practices and the relationship between lean and agility. The resulted proposed framework deduced from the literature has been applied in the Egyptian Manufacturing Business to show the relationship between the agility principles, lean principles, entity performance and the successful supply chain