A communications framework for extended enterprise performance measurement

Copyright © 2007 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing on 19 February 2007, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09511920500340858Inter-organizational performance measurement communication is a neglected facet of the performance measurement literature. Performance measurement (PM) is undergoing a transformation in today's business environment, consistent with the development of inter-organizational paradigms, such as the virtual enterprise, extended enterprise (EE), and supply chain management. In this paper the communications issue is discussed using an EE mindset, and the concepts behind a communications framework are presented. This utilizes the concept of an EE host – the member of the EE with responsibilities for formulating, detailing and distributing information concerning the EE performance measurement system to other EE nodes. The framework design is based upon standardized intranets located at each partner in the EE. This provides the necessary elements to enable different organizations in the EE to maintain PM databases locally, while ensuring the existence of a centrally located database maintained by the EE host. A case study is presented that focuses upon the implementation of the EE performance measurement system at the EE host

Distribution of DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV Mutations Associated with Quinolone Resistance in Sediment-Associated Aeromonads

The purpose of this research was to examine the genes associated with antibiotic resistance in Aeormonas species isolated from sediment samples collected from Morgan Creek in North Carolina. The study specifically examined resistance to the quinolone and tetracycline families of antibiotics. Previous data determined that there are phenotypic antibiotic resistance traits and patterns in isolated Aeormonas species. This research attempted to build on previous data by exploring genotypic resistance patterns in Aeormonas species as well as determining the impact of urban wastewater effluent on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes within sediment-associated aeormonads. Resistance to quinolones occurs when mutations in the gyrA and parC regions of the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, respectively allow bacteria to replicate uninhibited. The mutation most associated with quinolone resistance in aeormonads occurs at codon 83 in the gyrA subunit of DNA gyrase. This study examined 150 Aeormonas isolates and determined that 83% of the isolates with amplifiable quinolone resistant determining regions contained mutations at codon 83. Although efforts to characterize mutations in the parC subunit of the topoisomerase IV enzyme and the presence of tetracycline resistance genes were of limited success, it can be said that the data from this study provides evidence of a high number of substitutions at amino acid positions that have been cited as the source of quinolone resistance in Aeormonas species isolated from Morgan Creek sediments. Additionally, there was limited evidence that wastewater effluent may have played at least a contributing a role in the observed genetic mutations associated with quinolone resistance in Aeromonads isolated from sediments of Morgan Creek in the vicinity of a municipal wastewater effluent discharge, as was hypothesized.Master of Science in Public Healt

A framework to support knowledge transfer in the service sector

This paper introduces a framework for analysing and supporting knowledge transfer in healthcare services. It argues that the individual is at the centre of the transfer process and, as such, needs to be catered-to within both teams and organisations. Within the healthcare sector, safety is critical, and the effective and efficient transfer of knowledge between healthcare professionals and patients can help to reduce the risks in the system. Furthermore, the authors hope that a clear understanding and accurate identification of the factors that impact the knowledge transfer process for individuals can have an impact on the knowledge transfer process in teams and organisations. The development of a suitable approach to support knowledge transfer for improved transfer of knowledge among these groups in the healthcare services is achieved using technology where appropriate, through the knowledge transfer framework which is presented

Toward CP-even Neutrino Beam

The best method of measuring CP violating effect in neutrino oscillation experiments is to construct and use a neutrino beam made of an ideal mixture of $\bar{\nu}_e$ and $\nu_e$ of monochromatic lines. The conceptual design of such a beam is described, together with how to measure the CP-odd quantity. We propose to exploit an accelerated unstable hydrogen-like heavy ion in a storage ring, whose decay has both electron capture and bound beta decay with a comparable fraction.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, Published versio

A Performance-Based Scenario Methodology to Assess Collaborative Networks Business Model Dynamicity

[EN] In today's business marketplace many enterprises collaborate forming a collaborative network (CN) in order to achieve competitive and sustainable advantages. In this context, CNs should have not only well-defined business models but also mechanisms and tools that help them out to assess such business models as well as other CN operations at their early stages. Due to shorter life-cycles and to the current fierce competition such an evaluation should be made as quickly as possible and analyzing real data rather than based on opinions and subjective judgments. This paper presents the application of a methodology that allows such an assessment as well as the generation of business scenarios based on the performance of the CN. Then, it first defines the appropriate CN key performance indicators (KPIs), gathering data for a certain time-period; then, it applies multivariate techniques to this data, identifying relationships between the KPIs, and being able to build the timely evolution of the CN based on this data; next, it is able to design a business scenario based on the timely evolution that the CN should have according to its business models and operations results achieved so far. With all this additional information decision-makers could decide whether the CN's business models succeeded or not so far and what actions to take in order to achieve the future desirable scenario.This work has been developed within the research project called “Design of business scenarios to improve the efficiency and management of industrial supply chain” (reference GV/2013/045).Rodríguez Rodríguez, R.; Alfaro Saiz, JJ.; Verdecho Sáez, MJ. (2015). A Performance-Based Scenario Methodology to Assess Collaborative Networks Business Model Dynamicity. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. 463:511-517. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24141-8_47S511517463Achtenhagen, L., Melin, L., Naldi, L.: Dynamics of business models – strategizing, critical capabilities and activities for sustained value creation. Long Range Plann. 46, 427–442 (2013)Chesbrough, H.: Business model innovation: opportunities and barriers. Long Range Plann. 43, 354–363 (2010)Chermack, T.J.: Studying scenario planning: theory, research, suggestions, and hypotheses. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 72, 59–73 (2005)Harries, C.: Correspondence to what? Coherence to what? What is good scenario-based decision making? Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 70, 797–817 (2003)Gunasekaran, A., Patel, C., Tirtiroglu, E.: Performance measures and metrics in a supply chain environment. Int. J. Oper. Prod. Manage. 21, 71–87 (2001)Bullinger, H.J., Kühner, M., Hoof, A.V.: Analysing supply chain performance using a balanced measurement method. Int. J. Prod. Res. 40, 3533–3543 (2002)Folan, P., Browne, J.: Development of an extended enterprise performance measurement system. Prod. Plann. Control 16, 531–544 (2005)Fink, A., Marr, B., Siebe, A., Khule, J.-P.: The future scorecard: combining external and internal scenarios to create strategic foresight. Manage. Decis. 43, 360–381 (2005)Othman, R.: Enhancing the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard with scenario planning. Int. J. Prod. Perform. Manage. 57, 259–266 (2008)Rodriguez-Rodriguez, R., Saiz, J.J.A., Bas, A.O., Carot, J.M., Jabaloyes, J.M.: Building internal business scenarios based on real data from a performance measurement system. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 77, 50–62 (2010

The Influence of Enhanced Post-Glacial Coastal Margin Productivity on the Emergence of Complex Societies

Abstract We analyze the dynamics of post-glacial coastal margin (CM) productivity and explore how it affected the emergence of six complex CM societies. Following deglaciation, global relative sea level stabilized after ~7000 BP and CM productivity significantly increased in many areas. Primary and secondary productivity (fish) likely increased by an order of magnitude or more. Aquatic animals were readily available in the CM providing sources of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, and nutrients, especially essential to human nutrition. In all six case studies, mature CMs appear to have been occupied by Neolithic agricultural and fishing villages within ~500 years of sea-level stabilization. Within a few hundred years population densities increased and roughly a millennium later social ranking and monumental architecture appeared. Sea-level stabilization and increased CM productivity in conjunction with agricultural intensification in lower alluvial floodplains were major contributors to the origins of many complex CM societies. Keyword