Computing vector partition functions

A vector partition function is the number of ways to write a vector as a non-negative integer-coefficient sum of the elements of a finite set of vectors $\Delta$. We present a new algorithm for computing closed-form formulas for vector partition functions as quasi-polynomials over a finite set of pointed polyhedral cones, implemented in the ``calculator'' computer algebra system. We include an exposition of previously known theory of vector partition functions. While our results are not new, our exposition is elementary and self-contained.Comment: Includes computer-generated appendi

AN ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR THE INDEXATION AND ANALYSIS OF ONLINE PUBLICATIONS

The article studies the methodological issues related to assessing the information systems for the indexation and analysis of information available on the Internet. The comparative analysis of such information systems can be performed only after we define in advance assessment indicators and experts determine their levels of significance (weighted coefficients) in addition to providing access to the necessary data sources. In this research, the latter are represented by a number of Internet resources, which provide characteristics and information about the architecture solutions effective on the market nowadays. As a result of the determined weaknesses and disadvantages of the implemented systems, the last part of the research offers a concept for the development of a similar information system. Based on this, the article outlines the advantages of this concept in comparison with the existing alternative solutions

Does South Africa have the potential to emerge as an attractive outsourcing-offshoring destination for information and technology services?

Weathering turbulent economic environment in the past decade, the global Information, Communications Technology industry is restructuring and the low-income nations are becoming the major suppliers in it. This study aims to assess the attractiveness of South Africa as an outsourcing location for IT services. The idea for the study emerged from a preliminary research on the topic. As a result it became evident that the topic is not fully covered yet. Therefore, the study is exploratory in its nature, where the fieldwork and the data collection are the main building elements in the theoretical propositions. This study emphasizes on the concept of outsourcing practice, the relevant benefits and constrains, and the motivation of the companies to pursue an internationalization strategy. The macro-economic analysis depicts the relevant trends that affect the performance of ICT sector in South Africa and the factors that shape the national competitiveness. In pursue to confirm the validity of the findings, the opinion of three local IT companies is collected in the form of in-depth interviews. Based on the previous findings, a general recommendation about the attractiveness of South Africa is prepared. The study suggests that South Africa has the potential to emerge as an attractive location for outsourcing of IT services. The outcomes aims to attract the attention of both scholars and business practitioners in pursue to serve as a prelude for future, more extensive, researches.Ao passar por tempos económicos tempestuosos na última década, a industria global de informação, telecomunicações e tecnologias encontra-se em processo de reestruturação e as nações de baixos rendimentos convertem-se nos maiores fornecedores nela. A presente investigação visa avaliar a atracção da África do Sul como lugar de outsourcing para os serviços IT. A ideia da investigação surge do estudo preliminar do tema. Como resultado tornou-se claro que o tema não está ainda bem desenvolvido. Eis porque a investigação é de exploração) pelo seu carácter, onde os estudos de campo e a colheita de dados são os principais elementos edificadores nas propostas teóricas. A presente investigação sublinha o conceito da prática de outsourcing, as respectivas vantagens e limitações, bem como a motivação das empresas de implantação da estratégia de internacionalização. A análise macroeconómica ilustra as respectivas tendências que influem na apresentação do sector IKT na África do Sul e nos factores que formam a competitividade nacional. Para confirmar a validez dos resultados, as posições de três companhias IT locais foram recolhidas sob a forma de entrevistas aprofundadas. Com base em constatações anteriores foi elaborada una recomendação geral sobre a atracção da África do Sul. O estudo sugere, assim, que África do Sul tem potencial para emergir como uma localização atractiva para outsourcing de serviços de TI (Tecnologias de Informação). O estudo visa atrair a atenção tanto dos cientistas como dos círculos de negócio e servir de preâmbulo para as futuras investigações mais amplas