Influence of ISO 9001 certification on project management performance in software industry

For the success of software projects, the Project Management is considered as an important tool. Organizations can understand Project Management Performance in an improved way if they exercise Quality Management System. This empirical study investigates the impact of ISO 9001 certification on Project Management Performance (six constructs of PMP) and how PM Performance varies for ISO-certified software houses and Non-certifies software houses. Data was collected from project managers of both ISO-certified and Non-certificated software organizations registered under P@SHA and PSEB of Pakistan. 192 questionnaires were used for analysis. Independent Sample t-test was used for conducting the analysis and results concluded that software houses with ISO-certification shows a better PM Performance than with no certification

Estudo de caso da aplicação de método multicritério para priorização de projetos

Tendo em vista a limitação de recursos humanos e financeiros, as empresas devem ser capazes de selecionar os projetos a serem conduzidos de forma a maximizar seus benefícios. Porém esse processo nem sempre é trivial, pois diversos critérios de escolha devem ser levados em consideração e o impacto de cada um sobre o benefício do projeto é muitas vezes pouco linear. Isso pode ser identificado, por exemplo, na seleção de pontos de venda de varejistas de grande porte a serem reformadas, já que as lojas impactam no desempenho da empresa e o estado físico delas fica deteriorado com o passar do tempo. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo discutir os principais aspectos relacionados com a aplicação de um método estruturado multicritério para seleção de projetos de reforma de loja. Para isso, foi conduzido um estudo de caso em uma empresa de varejo de grande porte. O método se mostrou útil para escolha das lojas a serem reformadas, apoiando a tomada de decisão da empres

Econometric framework for electricity infrastructure modernization in Saudi Arabia, An

2017 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.The electricity infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is facing several challenges represented by demand growth, high peak demand, high level of government subsidies, and system losses. This dissertation aims at addressing these challenges and proposing a multi-dimensional framework to modernize the electricity infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The framework proposes four different scenarios—identified by two dimensions—for the future electric grid. The first and second dimensions are characterized by electricity market deregulation and Smart Grid technologies (SGTs) penetration, respectively. The framework analysis estimates global welfare (GW) and economic feasibility of the two dimensions. The first dimension quantifies the impact of deregulating the electricity market in Saudi Arabia. A non-linear programming (NLP) algorithm optimizes consumers surplus, producers surplus, and GW. The model indicates that deregulating the electricity market in Saudi Arabia will improve market efficiency. The second dimension proposes that allowing the penetration of SGTs in the Saudi electricity infrastructure is expected to mitigate the technical challenges faced by the grid. The dissertation examines the priorities of technologies for penetration by considering some key performance indicators (KPIs) identified by the Saudi National Transformation Program, and Saudi Vision 2030. A multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) algorithm—using the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)—evaluates the prioritization of SGTs to the Saudi grid. The algorithm demonstrates the use of triangular fuzzy numbers to model uncertainty in planning decisions. The results show that advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technologies are the top priority for modernizing the Saudi electricity infrastructure; this is followed by advanced assets management (AAM) technologies, advanced transmission operations (ATO) technologies, and advanced distribution operations (ADO) technologies. SGTs prioritization is followed by a detailed cost benefit analysis (CBA) conducted for each technology. The framework analysis aims at computing the economic feasibility of SGTs and estimating their outcomes and impacts in monetary values. The framework maps Smart Grid assets to their functions and benefits to estimate the feasibility of each Smart Grid technology and infrastructure. Discounted cash flow (DCF) and net present value (NPV) models, benefit/cost ratio, and minimum total cost are included in the analysis. The results show that AAM technologies are the most profitable technologies of Smart Grid to the Saudi electricity infrastructure, followed by ADO technologies, ATO technologies, and AMI technologies. Considering the weights resulting from the fuzzy AHP and the economic analysis models for each infrastructure, the overall ranking places AAM technologies as the top priority of SGTs to the Saudi electricity infrastructure, followed by AMI technologies, ADO technologies, and ATO technologies. This dissertation has contributed to the existing body of knowledge in the following areas: • Proposing an econometric framework for electricity infrastructure modernization. The framework takes into account technical, economic, environmental, societal, and policy factors. • Building an NLP algorithm to optimize a counterfactual deregulation of a regulated electricity market. The algorithm comprises short run price elasticity of electricity demand (ε), level of technical efficiency improvement, and discount rate (r). • Proposing an MCDM model using AHP and fuzzy set theory to prioritize SGTs to electricity infrastructures. • Adapting a Smart Grid asset-function-benefit linkage model that maps SGTs to their respected benefits. • Conducting a detailed CBA to estimate the economic feasibility of SGTs to the Saudi electricity infrastructure, This work opens avenues for more analysis on electricity infrastructure modernization. Measuring risk impact and likelihood is one area for future research. In fact, risk assessment is an important factor in determining the economic feasibility of the modernization. Probabilistic economic analysis can be applied to assess the risk associated with the implantation of the previously mentioned dimensions. The parameters used for the economic analysis, such as economic life of a project, and the discount rate, are usually deterministic. However, a probabilistic method can be applied to capture the uncertainty of the parameters. Another area for future research is the integration of both dimensions into one model in which GW resulted from market deregulation and SGTs insertion are summed

Should I stay or should I go?: apoio multicritério à internacionalização de PMEs

Atualmente, fruto das condições económicas vividas nos mercados domésticos, as empresas sentem uma grande necessidade de se envolver no comércio internacional. Contudo, para além das restrições financeiras e intelectuais que as Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEs) enfrentam para se internacionalizar, os processos de internacionalização são por natureza muito complexos, sendo muitos os fatores que os decisores têm que ter em consideração para fundamentar as suas decisões. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo propõe a elaboração de um modelo de avaliação multicritério que, através da combinação de técnicas de mapeamento cognitivo com a metodologia Decision Expert (DEX), permite a identificação e a avaliação dos fatores que influenciam a capacidade de internacionalização das PMEs. Os resultados obtidos comprovam que as metodologias adotadas permitem a construção de modelos de avaliação transparentes e com uma grande utilidade no apoio à tomada de decisão. Em termos práticos, foi possível compreender que as características do produto representam o fator que maior influência tem na capacidade de internacionalização das PMEs; e que os fatores internos têm uma influência significativamente maior que os fatores externos. O processo de construção do modelo é também abordado, bem como respetivas vantagens e limitaçõesDue to the current economic conditions of domestic markets, companies feel an increasing need to become actively involved in international trading. Typically, however, there are several financial and intellectual constraints that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face during their internationalization process. This means that decision makers should consider a wide range of different variables before deciding on internationalization. This study sought to integrate cognitive mapping and the Decision EXpert (DEX) methodology to develop a multiple criteria decision model that may prove suitable for the identification and assessment of the variables that influence SMEs’ internationalization capability. The results show that the dual methodology adopted allows for the development of robust evaluation models that are able to improve the decision-making process in this study context. Specifically, the model identifies product features as the most relevant factor for SMEs’ internationalization capability. Additionally, internal factors are significantly more relevant than external factors. The model building process is discussed, including its advantages and limitation

Applications of decision analysis in the assessment of energy technologies for buildings

The transition to sustainable energy system calls for changes in both the production and consumption of energy, including issues such as the implementation of sustainable technologies and practices for energy conversion and the improvement of energy efficiency at the demand side. This Thesis i) identifies the need of decision support in the commercialization of sustainable energy technologies in buildings, ii) characterizes decision-making problems related to the above context, iii) develops and implements a methodology to assess energy technologies for buildings, and iv) presents two fields of application where the above assessment is essential. The decision-making problem is characterized by i) multiple objectives, ii) several interest groups with different preferences, iii) new alternatives with the lack of operational experiences and thus plenty of uncertainties, and iv) a broad portfolio of applicable technologies that have to be combined into a workable entity. Hence, an interdisciplinary decision support framework is required that combines basic theories of life cycle and decision analyses including sensitivity assessments. In this Thesis, the above methodological framework is implemented in terms of two applications: i) the assessment of heating systems for a single-family house and ii) the selection of technology portfolio in a retrofit project that results in improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort, and reduced environmental burdens. Specifically, the competitiveness of a natural gas heating system containing a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is examined with respect to residential heating systems containing no electricity generation. Moreover, a multi-criteria portfolio model is applied to determine the most preferred retrofit measures in an apartment building. The above examples are selected because i) they represent a new field of research and ii) they are interesting due to the challenges they provide in decision-making. In the assessment of heating systems that incorporate new technologies, the mutual ranking of alternatives often must be established on the basis of incomplete information. Here, the extensive framework of decision-making was useful. In the second application, the multi-criteria portfolio model was suitable in the search of optimal technological solutions in retrofit projects. According to computational studies, a small (1 kWe) SOFC heating system is an attractive alternative to traditional heating systems and simple, inexpensive measures with good price-quality ratio were preferred as retrofit actions. While the methodological framework is generally applicable, the computational examples are mainly indicative and illustrative.reviewe

The effectiveness of project portfolio management as a decision-making tool : a case of a project based state owned company in South Africa

Proponents of the concept of project portfolio management (PPM) suggest that, the best way to achieve long-term goals is to group and manage projects as a portfolio, as opposed to managing them as individual entities. In this way, projects facilitate the achievement of the organisation’s intended strategy and business objectives. They continue to argue that this is also true for state-owned companies (SOC). SOCs are in most cases intended to drive both a political and social-economic development agenda. However, despite the growing body of knowledge on PPM, there is still a lack of guidance on how best to use the PPM concept, especially in SOCs, where projects are implemented in a dynamic environment with limited resources and yet there are a multitude of stakeholders with competing and conflicting interests. Against this background, the study investigated the effectiveness of PPM as a decision-making tool in a selected state owned organisation in South Africa, code named ABC SOC. A multiple data collection method was used consisting of first, reviewing key documents relating to the PPM process and associated practices. Second, key informants working in ABC SOC, in upper and middle management positions were interviewed to comprehend the PPM process and practices and hence assess its effectiveness. The multi-method was necessary in facilitating an in-depth inquiry through triangulation of data sources. . The major finding was that, PPM was inadequate to implement projects in a successful manner in an environment characterised by variabilities and political interference. Three major factors were identified as the major causes of the deficiency. First, the current approaches were ineffective in selecting projects that are aligned to the strategy to provide intended benefits; second, the PPM was not appropriately configured to adapt to an environment dominated by excessive variability and third, there was insufficient application of PPM methods and practices. Resulting from these gaps and as part of the contribution to knowledge, the study developed a PPM framework to guide decision-making in ABC SOC to ensure that optimal and balanced portfolios are implemented. The framework is intended to provide a balanced, structured, and holistic view of the PPM process to enable the decision-makers to consider key factors, especially those hinging on political and social-economic agendas of the state.Graduate School of Business LeadershipD.B.L