RT growth of the micrometer-size C60 crystals in the Ni-C60 nano-composite

Growth of the multiply twinned C60 particles arisen from the Ni+C60 mixture at RT after lengthy time of development is reported. 10-micrometer large C60 particles grow as facetted crystals with polyhedral shapes stacking in complex superstructures. Mechanism of the particle formation is based on structure transformation of the layer highly stressed due to the co-deposition of the immiscible Ni and C60 components

Epitaxial rectrystalization of the Ni/MgO(001)interface

Process of recrystallization of the epitaxially grown Ni layer deposited on the MgO(001) single crystal is studied. Thin Ni layer prepared by the vapor deposition of Ni on the MgO substrate kept were annealed between 500 and 1000 0C and systematically analyzed by Rutherford backscattering, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Dramatic change in evolution of the crystalline quality was observed during the thermal treatment. The strain and defect density gradually decreased and at the temperature 1000 0C the strain-free Ni/MgO(001) interface was obtained

Fabrication of periodic stripes based on self-organization of Ni and C60

Fabrication of the self-organized mesoscopic stripe system induced by co-deposition of C60 and Ni on the MgO(001) substrate is reported. It was found that a periodic array of stripe domains is formed if specific deposition kinetics is applied. As a possible mechanism of the stripe formation a step-wise relaxation of the internal stress accumulated in the hybrid composite of the immiscible Ni and C60 (a-C) phases is suggested

Moderní přístupy k optimalizaci projektových portfolií v prostředí středních a malých firem

The basic goal of Project Portfolio Management (PPM) is to establish optimal portfolios of projects. One possible method for composing investment project portfolios is using optimization models. The approach to project portfolio optimization discussed in this paper shows the effectiveness of the methodology used for normative model development that significantly contributes to meeting strategic goals and managing risks, thus increasing company financial performance and shareholder value development. The proposed methodology of optimum portfolio composition pays takes resource constraints into consideration and is closely tied to management practice in SMEs. The possibility to create a transparent basis for management decisions for effective project portfolio implementation in the environment of SMEs is exemplified in a case study.Základním cílem při řízení projektových portfolií je sestavit optimální portfolio projektů. Jednou z možných metod při sestavování investičních portfolií je použití optimalizačních modelů. Přístup k optimalizaci projektových portfolií, který je rozveden v tomto článku ukazuje efektivnost metody použité pro zavedení normativního modelu, který prokazatelně přispívá k naplnění strategických cílů a řízení rizik, čímž se zvyšuje finanční výkonnost firmy a roste hodnota pro vlastníky. Navrhovaná metodologie pro skladbu optimálního portfolia zohledňuje zdrojové limity a je blízká firemní praxi v prostředí malých a středních firem. Možnost vytvořit transparentní základnu pro manažerské rozhodování při implementaci efektivních portfolií v prostředí malé a střední firmy je demonstrována v případové studii

Project portfolio optimization as a part of strategy implementation process in small and medium-sized enterprises: a methodology of the selection of projects with the aim to balance strategy, risk and performance

This paper presents an improved managerial approach to project portfolio development using software optimization tools. A review of literature revealed a gap formed by the lack of either an established approach or a normative model of how to develop portfolios in SMEs. To bridge this gap, this paper is based on topical information and offers a method that supports decision makers in their choice of the most suitable project portfolio. This method can be implemented by the use of a simulation software tool for project portfolio optimization while considering constraints and conformity with corporate strategy. The authors conclude that the foundation of success is to formulate optimum portfolios, the configurations of which reflect all key strategic parameters. Moreover, it must be feasible to implement such a portfolio in the environment of SMEs within disposable firm resources and consider identifiable risks upon the selection of the effective project portfolio. One chosen case study evidenced the viability of this approach. The approach to project portfolio optimization discussed in this paper shows the effectiveness of the selected methodology for project portfolio optimization that in turn significantly contributes to meeting strategic goals and thus an increase in company performance and shareholders’ value. The use of a common software tool together with the right access to data collection and processing allows managers to make better decisions for the effective future allocation of resources over the chosen project portfoli