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Morgan, Jac F. "The design of a small business database using the Semantic Database Model." Thesis, Kansas State University, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/9867.
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Mallalieu, Gillian Margaret. "A critical approach to business process modelling in small to medium sized enterprizes." Thesis, Durham University, 2003. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1078/.
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The research issue for this thesis was founded within the RAMESES project, but is specifically concerned with the necessity for SMEs to undertake the activity of business process modelling. The need to understand the `as is' position of an organisation is fundamental to the development, change or implementation of any information or communication technologies (ICT). The primary research question was `are SMEs able to model business processes in such a way that will enable the effective analysis of the organisation in order to enable information systems development change or implementation'. The objective of the research was to develop a method by which this business process modelling activity could be supported in a fashion which was accessible and effective within the target environment. This thesis expounds the benefits of using a critical approach utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods within the bounds of a multi-disciplinary research team to enable effective exploration and investigation. The concept of the research life-cycle has developed the notion of appropriateness in method and approach: this is discussed against the values of the critical and realist paradigms. The issues reported in this thesis have been identified as a result of detailed case study analysis of six small organisations in the North-east of England. The conclusions are presented in three sections firstly the conclusions relating to the SME and the appropriateness of the BAM technique developed within the RAMESES project. Secondly conclusions are given in regard to the research methodology and reflections given as to the efficacy of the process. Thirdly reflections and conclusions are presented that relate to the work in relation to its overall critical aims and finally makes suggestions as to how future work could be improved.
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Yeung, Ka-wing Ricky, and 楊家榮. "IT implementation in small and medium manufacturing enterprises." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1997. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31268432.
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Ahmat, Abd-al Malik Madina. "The effective application of information systems within SMMEs for long term competitive advantage." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2413.
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Thesis (MTech (Information and Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.It has been shown that the South African insurance landscape takes up an important place in the African continent, contributing nearly three quarters of the total African insurance sector (Paul, Twala & Marwala, 2012). The industry landscape has shown development at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% between 2004 and 2008. The life insurance industry is assumed to grow at a CAGR of 8.3%. Small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) are important role players in every economy and provide a major contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. Many South African enterprises have in the past focused on local markets, but more recently SMMEs have been forced to respond to competition in the global market as markets expand. The role of SMMEs is considered critical in terms of poverty alleviation, employment creation, and international competitiveness. However, resource limitations have made it difficult for many SMMEs to enter new markets and compete effectively. The effective application of information systems (IS) are viewed as a way for SMMEs to become more competitive and drive business benefits such as cost reduction, improved profitability, enhanced customer service, new market growth opportunities, and more efficient operating relationships with trading customers and partners. There are an increasing number of new opportunities and competition in the marketplace because of business globalisation. The marketplace and business globalisation dynamics have a major influence on SMMEs and their operations. SMMEs require a critical evaluation of their internal processes and seek out solutions to be able to sustain their growth and competitiveness. This research study adopted an inductive approach to describe the rational process of establishing a general proposition on the basis of observing particular facts. An in-depth case study is used to explore the multiple perspectives of the complexity and uniqueness of SMMEs. One-on-one interviews were conducted to collect data from 17 financial advisors using an interview guide with semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analysed through the process of thematic coding which is common in case study research, and labels were assigned to form and organise the themes in groups and categories. Ethical consideration was presented before data collection commenced, and the autonomy, self-respect and human dignity of all respondents during the data collection process were considered. The findings reveal that financial service providers (FSPs) have a different understanding of IS, what competitive means, and what it can do for a business.
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Gaskin, Shelley L. "An analysis of the impact of a small business development center consulting program on the attitudes of small business owners toward computers in their firms." Virtual Press, 1993. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/897464.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate and report on the impact and effectiveness of a Small Business Development Center consulting program. The consulting program consisted of two individualized, self-paced, interactive computer courseware sets which were designed to deliver information about business computer systems to small business owners. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature, utilizing a pre- and post-experience application of an attitudinal instrument. The participants were small business owners in Indiana.The primary research question related to the impact that the Indiana Small Business Development Center computer assistance consulting program had upon the attitudes of small business owners toward computers in their firms. The attitude of the participants toward computers was positive prior to the experience and remained so after the experience. Other major findings regarding small business owners' perceptions of the consulting program were as follows:1. Nearly 90 percent of the participants indicated that an individualized, self-paced, interactive computer courseware set was a useful way to obtain instruction about business computer systems, and 96.2 percent indicated that they would recommend the program under investigation to other small business owners.2. Although the majority of the participants had not used an integrated software package that contains word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications under one software umbrella prior to this study, following their interaction with the courseware sets almost 74 percent indicated that an integrated package would be practical for their businesses.3. Almost all (96.2 percent) of the participants found a graphical user interface to be useful in helping them understand the computer software.4. Participants preferred to use business associates and seminars or courses as sources of information for learning about computers for their firms, but lack of time prevents them from learning as much as they would like.Results of this study indicate that as adult learners, small business owners are a fragmented population, and therefore difficult to reach via traditional adult education programs. More emphasis by government and educational institutions on providing small business owners with training and education regarding computers and more research conducted in developing programs are suggested.Department of Educational Leadership
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Chan, Ki-hung, and 陳己雄. "Implementation of information technology in small and medium retail and wholesale enterprises." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1997. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31267853.
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Kazanis, Phillip, University of Western Sydney, of Science Technology and Environment College, and School of Computing and Information Technology. "Methodologies and tools for etransforming small- to medium-size enterprises." THESIS_CSTE_CIT_Kazanis_P.xml, 2004. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/543.
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The 21st century is an age of conducting business electronically. The benefits of dealing electronically with customers, suppliers, government and others is a fact that will continue the push towards further use of digital technology. This research work aims to address the following research question. How can a small to medium size enterprise (SME)etransform to be competitive in a globalised, rapidly changing, digital world? There are two components to this question; firstly the nature of competitiveness in a globalised environment, and secondly, the issue of how an orgaisation can etransform.The background material investigated at the initiation of this work can be broadly categorised into two types (1)theoretical possibilities; proposing 'potential' uses of internet technologies and (2)case studies reporting on existing ebusinesses. A detailed literature review of eBusiness was conducted to discover what made these organisations different from a traditional business. The next phase in this research work involved development of the eTransformation Roadmap, a tool that served two purposes. Firstly, to measure the current Information Technology sophistication of a business. Secondly, to show the steps that an organisation can take to become an eBusiness. The Roadmap was also used to analyse data collected from a survey of Western Sydney businesses. Overall, this research has provided a holistic view of how an organisation can transform itself to compete in a rapidly changing, digital world.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Chauma, Crecencia Naison. "The application of project management tools and techniques in ICT SME projects in Western Cape." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2546.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Introduction The research looked at the application of project management tools and techniques in ICT SME projects in the Western Cape. Problem Statement Previous literature revealed that small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital to developing economies as they provide employment and contribute to overall sustainable economic productivity. Literature further alludes that project management tools and techniques enhance SME’s ability to innovate, grow and compete in industry. However, it is unclear if ICT SMEs in Western Cape are applying project management tools and techniques in their projects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether ICT SMEs in Western Cape applied these tools and techniques in their projects. Aims / Objectives The primary objective of the research was to determine the extent to which ICT SMEs in Western Cape were using project management tools and techniques. The secondary research objectives were: to determine the extent to which ICT SMEs in Western Cape knew about the project management tools and techniques and how to use them; to establish the extent to which the ICT SMEs knew the benefits of using project management tools and techniques; and to determine the extent to which project management tools and techniques were used by SMEs to achieve success. Methodology The research was non experimental. An electronic questionnaire was distributed using Survey Monkey and Mail Chimp to collect responses. Some questionnaires were hand delivered to ICT SMEs based in the Cape Town CBD areas accessible to the researcher. The results presented in the research were based on a survey of ICT SMEs, located in Western Cape. Out of the 341 responses targeted a total of 210 responses were obtained. The results obtained represent 60- 70% of the population interviewed. The sample was chosen using stratified random sampling that classified the respondents according to organisational hierarchy, and the amount per strata was noted. The respondents within each stratum were chosen using simple random sampling thus eliminating bias.
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Westerlund, Elisabeth, and Hanna Persson. "Implementation of Business Intelligence Systems : A study of possibilities and difficulties in small IT-enterprises." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-255915.
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This thesis is written at the department of Business Studies at Uppsala University. The study addresses the differences in possibilities and difficulties of implementing business intelligence (BI)-systems among small IT-enterprises. BI-systems support enterprises in decision-making. To answer the aim of this thesis, theories regarding organizational factors determining a successful implementation of a BI-system were used. Theories regarding components of BI- systems, data warehouse (DW) and online analytical processing (OLAP) were also used. These components enable the decision-support provided by a BI-system. A qualitative study was performed, at four different IT-enterprises, to gather the empirical material. Interviews were performed with CEOs and additional employees at the enterprises. After the empirical material was gathered an analysis was performed to draw conclusion regarding the research topic. The study has concluded that there are differences in possibilities and difficulties of implementing BI-systems among small IT-enterprises. A difference among the enterprises is the perceived ability to finance an implementation. Another difference is in the managerial- and organizational support of an implementation, but also in the business need of using a BI- system in decision-making. There are also differences in how the enterprises use a DW. Not all enterprises benefits from the ability of a DW to manage complex and large amounts of data, neither from the advanced analysis performed by OLAP. The enterprises thus need to examine further if the use of a BI-system is beneficial and would be used successfully in their company.
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Langenhorst, Don Gregory. "Comparisons of current practices of computer use and training by industry type of small businesses in the Portland area." PDXScholar, 1989. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3910.
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Ndiege, Joshua Rumo Arongo. "Quality assessment of information systems in SMEs: a study of Eldoret Town in Kenya." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000973.
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Iruria, Daniel Muriuki. "An information systems study on the generation, communication, and utilisation of information on agricultural technology and innovations for small-scale farmers in Kenya." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.299078.
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Ngoqo, Bukelwa. "Small hospitality enterprises and the internet: an IT governance model for conducting business online." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/382.
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The Internet has made a considerable impact on how business is conducted. Empowered by technology consumers are using the Internet as a tool to communicate and transact online. E-commerce (electronic commerce) presents opportunities for business to gain a competitive advantage, however it also posses certain challenges. Small and Medium Hospitality Enterprises (SMHEs) sector within the tourism industry, is one of the sectors which stands to benefit from using the Internet for business. Researchers agree that the contribution made by the tourism sector in developing economies is substantial. However, SMHEs are noted for their failure to derive optimal benefits from using the Internet for business to improve their competitiveness. This study which seeks to develop a model for use by SMHEs as a guide when making the decision to adopt technology was necessitated by the importance of SMHE’s contribution in the economy of developing countries. This model is based on the examination of existing theories and models such as; the Delone and McLean IS success model (2004), and the ITGI’s (2007) IT governance focus areas model. To elicit the desired outcomes, additional data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The collected data was analysed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by SMHEs in order to derive value from IT and to gain a competitive advantage.
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Anthonissen, Carel Aaron. "Market requirements of a hosted MES for small and medium size manufacturers in South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95645.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.As small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) grow, the complexity of their manufacturing operations are likely to increase to a point where they can benefit from manufacturing specific information systems, such as a manufacturing execution system (MES), to manage the complexity of their operating environment. Unfortunately, the capital expense required to implement an MES may prohibit smaller enterprises from adopting this potentially advantageous technology. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a developing delivery channel that promises to realise the same economies of scales of large software implementations by hosting software centrally and allowing access by multiple customers through the internet. This delivery model promises, amongst its many benefits, access to advanced software at a subscription based fee, which reduces its capital expense and makes it affordable to smaller enterprises. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that would influence the adoption of SaaS based MESs in South-African manufacturing SMEs. A literature survey was conducted to understand the characteristics of SaaS, the functionality and benefits that can be derived from an MES and the characteristics of SMEs that differentiate them from larger organisations. Instruments were identified which can be used to assess the propensity of SMEs to adopt new technology. An internet survey of South-African manufacturing SMEs was conducted to determine their perceptions and beliefs regarding SaaS and MES, and their intent to implement licensed or SaaS based MES within the next 12 months. The survey results were analysed to determine which beliefs were the most influential in determining an SME’s intention to adopt an MES and particularly which beliefs bias their decision towards either a licensed or a SaaS based MES implementation. The perceived benefits of an MES were found to be the most significant factor in driving the intent to adopt an MES. It was found that some beliefs regarding SaaS and licensing may influence the choice of delivery channel, and the perceptions of industry peers and customers were also found to influence the decision to adopt either a licensed or a SaaS based MES. A simple screening of input variables was effective in improving the predictive ability of the research model. While a full set of variables was able to explain 9.4% of the variation in the intent to adopt MES, a screened set of variables was able explain 15.5%. Further improvement in screening techniques could further improve the predictive power of the model. Since the model was only able to explain around 15.5% of the variation in the intent to adopt an MES, it is likely that there may be other significant factors that drive the intention to adopt an MES that are not covered in this study. These could include personal attitudes of the owner that are independent of the enterprise itself.
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Kazanis, Phillip. "Methodologies and tools for etransforming small- to medium-size enterprises." Thesis, View thesis, 2004. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/543.
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The 21st century is an age of conducting business electronically. The benefits of dealing electronically with customers, suppliers, government and others is a fact that will continue the push towards further use of digital technology. This research work aims to address the following research question. How can a small to medium size enterprise (SME)etransform to be competitive in a globalised, rapidly changing, digital world? There are two components to this question; firstly the nature of competitiveness in a globalised environment, and secondly, the issue of how an orgaisation can etransform.The background material investigated at the initiation of this work can be broadly categorised into two types (1)theoretical possibilities; proposing 'potential' uses of internet technologies and (2)case studies reporting on existing ebusinesses. A detailed literature review of eBusiness was conducted to discover what made these organisations different from a traditional business. The next phase in this research work involved development of the eTransformation Roadmap, a tool that served two purposes. Firstly, to measure the current Information Technology sophistication of a business. Secondly, to show the steps that an organisation can take to become an eBusiness. The Roadmap was also used to analyse data collected from a survey of Western Sydney businesses. Overall, this research has provided a holistic view of how an organisation can transform itself to compete in a rapidly changing, digital world.
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Azogu, Olajumoke Oluwaseye. "The Acceptance and Use of Cloud Computing Services by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2017. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc984117/.
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This study explored the acceptance of cloud computing (CC) services by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria, which has been missing from CC services literature. It aimed to understand the motivations for adoption, the uses of the services, and the benefits they derive from it. The uses and gratification theory was applied as the theoretic framework for this endeavor. An online survey with close-ended and open-ended questions was distributed to 1200 randomly selected participants through email. In total, 392 valid responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and categories. The results found that SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria had a low level of awareness and appreciation of CC services. The adoption rate was also low. Unlike their counterparts in other regions, SMEs primary concerns were service downtime, stable power supply, and better internet access. The study found that SMEs were not taking full advantage of the capabilities of CC services. Some sections, however, were doing better than others, such as the information and communications sub-sector. This study suggested that targeted interventions should be conducted to raise the awareness of CC services in SMEs, and to improve their efficient and effective use of CC services. The uses and gratification theory was appropriate for guiding this study to understand the acceptance and use of CC services by SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Leung, Lai-chun Fiona, and 梁麗珍. "Information technology implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises: a cross-country comparison ofHong Kong and Singapore." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1997. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31268122.
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Mashapa, Job. "An investigation into user interface factors impacting on user experience: Pastel accounting case study." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1184.
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The purpose of this research is to propose metrics to evaluate the user interface factors that impact on the user experience of Software Accounting Applications (SAAs) used to support the accounting business activities in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in developing countries. The research commences by outlining the conceptual background that introduces the study. In the introductory chapter, the problems together with the objectives that motivate the significance of the study are presented. In the same chapter, the overall research focus and how each of the research questions are treated to accomplish the intended goals are defined. In Chapter 2, the typical accounting business activities for SMMEs operating in developing countries are investigated. Findings from the preliminary survey revealed that Pastel accounting is the commonly used SMME accounting application used in developing countries. Inventory management, cash book processing, preparation of financial statements, customer and supplier documents processing are revealed as the most prevalent SMME accounting activities. This chapter highlights the problems that inhibit the implementation and the delivery of full benefits of using these SAAs. After indentifying the SAA problems, user experience aspects of the SAA are addressed in Chapter 3. User experience (UX) is defined and existing UX evaluation criteria are discussed. The findings form the basis for choosing the applicable criteria for evaluating the User Interface (UI) factors impacting on the UX of Pastel accounting. The proposed user experience evaluation metrics are described in Chapter 4. A discussion on how the metrics are implemented and what UI aspect they measure is presented. The research design and methodology followed is discussed in Chapter 5. The chapter outlines the possible research philosophy, strategy, methods and data collecting methods. A choice is made about the appropriate approach to answer the stated research questions to satisfy the intended overall research objective. A phenomenologist, qualitative inductive approach is adopted in the study. A contextual inquiry case-study strategy is chosen as applicable to this research. Data is collected using expert reviews, user observation and subjective questionnaires. After the choice of the research techniques, the case study results are presented and analysed in Chapter 6. It is found that Pastel UI is attractive and the users are happy with the visual design of the application. The major factors that impact on Pastel accounting are its lack of 4 feedback and its complexity which makes it difficult for first time users to use the application and the paucity of the help function. After the observed findings, the conclusions and recommendations of the research are presented in Chapter 7. It has been concluded that Pastel accounting UI fails to captivate a positive user experience for first-time users; the users do not find the expected help from the Help function and are often left wondering about the status of the system and the outcome of their actions on a task. Recommendations on how designers would make Pastel user interface more helpful, easy to use, and provide adequate feedback are presented in Chapter 7.
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Sabovčik, František. "Data Mining in Small Business." Master's thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta informačních technologií, 2018. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-385997.
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Tato práce si klade za cíl vyhodnotit techniky získávání znalostí pro využití v prostředí malého podnikání. Po prozkoumání dat a konzultace s doménovymi experty byly vybrány dvě úlohy: analyza nákupního košíku a predikce prodejů. Pro analyzu nákupního košíku byl využit algoritmus Relim pro vyhledávání častych itemsetů a metriky určující zajímavost asociačních pravidel. Pro úlohu predikce prodejů byl implementován dekompoziční model, SARIMA, MARS a neuronové sítě s časovym oknem. Modely byly vyhodnoceny. Pomocí optimalizace hyper-parametrů bylo dosaženo přijatelnych vysledků. Oproti předpokladům nedošlo při dodání dat o počasí a využití nelineárních modelů ke zlepšení oproti SARIMA. Predikce byla implementována jako služba na straně serveru pro testování v produkčním prostředí.
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Amarilla, Rosemara Santos Deniz. "Identificação e análise dos processos de negócio de empresas de pequeno porte do setor da construção civil." Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 2013. http://repositorio.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/586.
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CapesO presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar e analisar comparativamente os principais processos de negócio de empresas de pequeno porte do subsetor de edificações da construção civil. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de pesquisa qualitativa e estudo de casos múltiplos como técnica principal. Participaram deste trabalho, cinco empresas que estão localizadas na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. Para a coleta de dados, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, análises de documentos e observações diretas. A partir das informações obtidas, desenvolveu-se graficamente o mapeamento dos processos de negócio de cada empresa utilizando-se a notação BPMN. O estudo mostrou que os processos e as atividades das empresas deste setor apresentam características comuns, facilitando assim, a padronização das melhores práticas. Com o estudo de outros casos, surgirão outros aspectos semelhantes que poderão ser utilizados na elaboração de um modelo de referência que apresenta orientação específica sobre como os processos de negócio podem ser gerenciados nas organizações do subsetor de edificações.
The present study has as objective to identify and analyze comparatively the main business processes of small companies of the subsector of edifications of the civil construction. Therefore, was used the qualitative research method and multiple case study as the main technique. Participated of this work, five companies that are located in the city of Curitiba, Paraná. For data collection were performed semi-structured interviews, document analysis and direct observations. From the information obtained, developed graphically mapping the business processes of each company using the BPMN notation. The study showed that the processes and activities of companies in this sector present common characteristics, thus facilitating the standardization of best practices. With the study of other cases will arise other similar aspects that could be used in the preparation of a reference model that provide specific guidance on how business processes can be managed in organizations of the subsector of edifications.
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Saber, Jennifer. "Determining Small Business Cybersecurity Strategies to Prevent Data Breaches." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4991.
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Cybercrime is one of the quickest growing areas of criminality. Criminals abuse the speed, accessibility, and privacy of the Internet to commit diverse crimes involving data and identity theft that cause severe damage to victims worldwide. Many small businesses do not have the financial and technological means to protect their systems from cyberattack, making them vulnerable to data breaches. This exploratory multiple case study, grounded in systems thinking theory and routine activities theory, encompassed an investigation of cybersecurity strategies used by 5 small business leaders in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The data collection process involved open-ended online questionnaires, semistructured face-to-face interviews, and review of company documents. Based on methodological triangulation of the data sources and inductive analysis, 3 emergent themes identified are policy, training, and technology. Key findings include having a specific goal and tactical approach when creating small business cybersecurity strategies and arming employees with cybersecurity training to increase their awareness of security compliance. Recommendations include small business use of cloud computing to remove the burden of protecting data on their own, thus making it unnecessary to house corporate servers. The study has implications for positive social change because small business leaders may apply the findings to decrease personal information leakage, resulting from data breaches, which affects the livelihood of individuals or companies if disclosure of their data occurs.
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Moore, Ronald K. (Ronald Kenneth). "Prediction of Bankruptcy Using Financial Ratios, Information Measures, National Economic Data and Texas Economic Data." Thesis, North Texas State University, 1987. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc331133/.
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The main purpose of this study is to develop a bankruptcy prediction model for the small business firm. Data was collected from the Dallas Small Business Administration (SBA), making this study specific to its decision makers. Existing research has produced models which predominately use financial ratios and information measures either independently or combined, and a few research models have used economic trends. This study varies from past studies in that it includes regional economic variables from the states of Texas.
A sample of three-year data for 138 firms included fifteen bankrupt firms. This proportion of bankrupt/nonbankrupt firms approximates the proportion of repayed/defaulted loans in the SBA. Stepwise regression, set at the .15 level of significance, reduced a total of fifty-three variables to nine. These nine variables were then used to test twelve predictive models. All twelve models tested improved the SBA repayment rate and only two of the twelve would have caused the SBA to deny loans to applicants who eventually repaid.
The study determined the model that included financial ratios, information measures, and Texas economic variables as best. It was also demonstrated that some of the variables used in this model could be eliminated without decreasing the predictive power of the model. The best of twelve models improved the SBA default rate by 40 percent without denying a loan to any applicant that eventually repaid.
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Meyer, Andreas, Sergey Smirnov, and Mathias Weske. "Data in business processes." Universität Potsdam, 2011. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2011/5304/.
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Process and data are equally important for business process management. Process data is especially relevant in the context of automated business processes, process controlling, and representation of organizations' core assets. One can discover many process modeling languages, each having a specific set of data modeling capabilities and the level of data awareness. The level of data awareness and data modeling capabilities vary significantly from one language to another.
This paper evaluates several process modeling languages with respect to the role of data. To find a common ground for comparison, we develop a framework, which systematically organizes process- and data-related aspects of the modeling languages elaborating on the data aspects. Once the framework is in place, we compare twelve process modeling languages against it. We generalize the results of the comparison and identify clusters of similar languages with respect to data awareness.Prozesse und Daten sind gleichermaßen wichtig für das Geschäftsprozessmanagement. Prozessdaten sind dabei insbesondere im Kontext der Automatisierung von Geschäftsprozessen, dem Prozesscontrolling und der Repräsentation der Vermögensgegenstände von Organisationen relevant. Es existieren viele Prozessmodellierungssprachen, von denen jede die Darstellung von Daten durch eine fest spezifizierte Menge an Modellierungskonstrukten ermöglicht. Allerdings unterscheiden sich diese Darstellungenund damit der Grad der Datenmodellierung stark untereinander. Dieser Report evaluiert verschiedene Prozessmodellierungssprachen bezüglich der Unterstützung von Datenmodellierung. Als einheitliche Grundlage entwickeln wir ein Framework, welches prozess- und datenrelevante Aspekte systematisch organisiert. Die Kriterien legen dabei das Hauptaugenmerk auf die datenrelevanten Aspekte. Nach Einführung des Frameworks vergleichen wir zwölf Prozessmodellierungssprachen gegen dieses. Wir generalisieren die Erkenntnisse aus den Vergleichen und identifizieren Cluster bezüglich des Grades der Datenmodellierung, in welche die einzelnen Sprachen eingeordnet werden.
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Smirnov, Sergey, Matthias Weidlich, Jan Mendling, and Mathias Weske. "Action patterns in business process models." Universität Potsdam, 2009. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2009/3358/.
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Business process management experiences a large uptake by the industry, and process models play an important role in the analysis and improvement of processes. While an increasing number of staff becomes involved in actual modeling practice, it is crucial to assure model quality and homogeneity along with providing suitable aids for creating models. In this paper we consider the problem of offering recommendations to the user during the act of modeling. Our key contribution is a concept for defining and identifying so-called action patterns - chunks of actions often appearing together in business processes. In particular, we specify action patterns and demonstrate how they can be identified from existing process model repositories using association rule mining techniques. Action patterns can then be used to suggest additional actions for a process model. Our approach is challenged by applying it to the collection of process models from the SAP Reference Model.Die zunehmende Bedeutung des Geschäftsprozessmanagements führt dazu, dass eine steigende Anzahl von Mitarbeitern eines Unternehmens mit der Erstellung von Prozessmodellen betraut ist. Um trotz dieser Tendenz die Qualität der Prozessmodelle, sowie ihre Homogenität sicherzustellen, sind entsprechende Modellierungshilfen unabdingbar. In diesem Bericht stellen wir einen Ansatz vor, welcher die Prozessmodellierung durch Empfehlungen unterstützt. Jene basieren auf sogenannten Aktionsmustern, welche typische Arbeitsblöcke darstellen. Neben der Definition dieser Aktionsmuster zeigen wir eine Methode zur Identifikation dieser Muster auf. Mittels Techniken der Assoziationsanalyse können die Muster automatisch aus einer Sammlung von Prozessmodellen extrahiert werden. Die Anwendbarkeit unseres Ansatzes wird durch eine Fallstudie auf Basis des SAP Referenzmodells illustriert.
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Avadhani, Umesh D. "Data processing in a small transit company using an automatic passenger counter." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/45669.
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This thesis describes the work done in the second stage of the implementation of the Automatic Passenger Counter (APC) system at the Roanoke Valley - Metro Transit Company. This second stage deals with the preparation of a few reports and plots that would help the transit managers in efficiently managing the transit system. The reports and plots give an evaluation of the system and service operations by which the decision makers can support their decisions.
For an efficient management of the transit system, data on ridership activity, running times schedule information, and fare revenue is required. From this data it is possible to produce management information reports and summary statistics.
The present data collection program at Roanoke Valleyâ Metro is carried by using checkers and supervisors to collect ridership and schedule adherence information using manual methods. The information needed for efficient management of transit operations is both difficult and expensive to obtain. The new APC system offers the management with a new and powerful tool that will enhance their capability to make better decisions when allocating the service needs. The data from the APC are essential for the transit propertys ongoing planning and scheduling activites. The management could easily quantify the service demands on a route or for the whole system as desired by the user.
Master of Science
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Hoffman, A. R. "Information technology decision making in South Africa : a framework for company-wide strategic IT management." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15854.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliography.The area of interest in which this Study is set is the linking of a company's business strategies with its strategic planning for IT (information technology). The objectives of the Study are: to investigate how the IT planning environment is changing for business enterprises in South Africa; to establish how successfully South African companies are managing IT strategically; to propose a new approach to strategic IT decision making that will help South African management deal with the major issues; to propose a way of implementing the approach. In Chapter 2, conclusions are drawn from an examination of the key strategic IT planning literature. It appears that fundamental changes are indeed taking place, and are producing significant shifts in the way researchers, consultants and managers think about IT. The survey of South African management opinion is described in Chapter 3. The opinions analyzed range over environmental trends, strategic decision making practices, and what an acceptable strategic IT decision making framework would look like. The need for a new, comprehensive approach to strategic IT decision making in South Africa is clearly established. In Chapter 4, a theoretical Framework is proposed as a new, comprehensive approach to strategic IT decision making. The Framework covers five strategic tasks: analysing the key environmental issues; determining the purposes and uses of IT in competitive strategy and organizational designs; developing the IT infrastructure, human systems, information systems, and human resources to achieve these purposes and uses; implementing the strategic IT decisions; and learning to make better strategic IT decisions. In Chapter 5, ways of implementing the Framework in practice are .identified. A means of evaluating its acceptability in a specific company is also proposed. The general conclusions of the Study are presented in Chapter 6. The Framework developed in this Study is intended for use, not directly by the IT decision makers themselves, but by the persons responsible for designing the IT decision making processes of the company. It is not, however, offered as a theory or a methodology. The aim is· simply to provide a conceptual "filing system", to help designers uncover and classify the IT strategy problems of their own company, to identify the tools their decision makers need, and to put appropriate problem solving processes in place.
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Smirnov, Sergey, Hajo A. Reijers, Thijs Nugteren, and Mathias Weske. "Business process model abstraction : theory and practice." Universität Potsdam, 2010. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2010/4178/.
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Business process management aims at capturing, understanding, and improving work in organizations. The central artifacts are process models, which serve different purposes. Detailed process models are used to analyze concrete working procedures, while high-level models show, for instance, handovers between departments. To provide different views on process models, business process model abstraction has emerged. While several approaches have been proposed, a number of abstraction use case that are both relevant for industry and scientifically challenging are yet to be addressed. In this paper we systematically develop, classify, and consolidate different use cases for business process model abstraction. The reported work is based on a study with BPM users in the health insurance sector and validated with a BPM consultancy company and a large BPM vendor. The identified fifteen abstraction use cases reflect the industry demand. The related work on business process model abstraction is evaluated against the use cases, which leads to a research agenda.
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徐順通 and Sung-thong Andrew Chee. "Computerisation in Hong Kong professional engineering firms." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1985. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31263124.
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Eid-Sabbagh, Rami-Habib, Marcin Hewelt, and Mathias Weske. "Business process architectures with multiplicities : transformation and correctness." Universität Potsdam, 2013. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2013/6678/.
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Business processes are instrumental to manage work in organisations. To study the interdependencies between business processes, Business Process Architectures have been introduced. These express trigger and message ow relations between business processes. When we investigate real world Business Process Architectures, we find complex interdependencies, involving multiple process instances. These aspects have not been studied in detail so far, especially concerning correctness properties. In this paper, we propose a modular transformation of BPAs to open nets for the analysis of behavior involving multiple business processes with multiplicities. For this purpose we introduce intermediary nets to portray semantics of multiplicity specifications. We evaluate our approach on a use case from the public sector.
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Liu, Xuan, and 刘璇. "Workflows for identifying differentially expressed small RNAs and detection of low copy repeats in human." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10722/208038.
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With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing NGS technology, we are able to investigate various aspects biological problems, including genome and transcriptome sequencing, genomic structural variation and the mechanism of regulatory small RNAs, etc. An enormous number of associated computational methods have been proposed to study the biological problems using NGS reads, at a low cost of expense and time. Regulatory small RNAs and genomic structure variations are two main problems that we have studied.
In the area of regulatory small RNA, various computational tools have been designed from the prediction of small RNA to target prediction. Regulatory small RNAs play essential roles in plants and bacteria such as in responses to environmental stresses. We focused on sRNAs that in act by base pairing with target mRNA in complementarity. A comprehensive analysis workflow that is able to integrate sRNA-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis and generate regulatory network haven't been designed yet. Thus, we proposed and implemented two small RNA analysis workflow for plants and bacteria respectively.
In the area of genomic structural variations (SV), two types of disease-related SVs have been investigated, including complex low copy repeats (LCRs, also termed as segmental duplications) and tandem duplication (TD). LCRs provide structural basis to form a combination of other SVs which may in turn lead to some serious genetic diseases and TDs of specific areas have been reported for patients. Locating LCRs and TDs in human genome can help researchers to further interrogate the mechanism of related diseases. Therefore, we proposed two computational methods to predict novel LCRs and TDs in human genome.published_or_final_version
Computer Science
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
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Mathias, Henry. "Analyzing Small Businesses' Adoption of Big Data Security Analytics." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6614.
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Despite the increased cost of data breaches due to advanced, persistent threats from malicious sources, the adoption of big data security analytics among U.S. small businesses has been slow. Anchored in a diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this correlational study was to examine ways to increase the adoption of big data security analytics among small businesses in the United States by examining the relationship between small business leaders' perceptions of big data security analytics and their adoption. The research questions were developed to determine how to increase the adoption of big data security analytics, which can be measured as a function of the user's perceived attributes of innovation represented by the independent variables: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and trialability. The study included a cross-sectional survey distributed online to a convenience sample of 165 small businesses. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were used to statistically understand relationships between variables. There were no significant positive correlations between relative advantage, compatibility, and the dependent variable adoption; however, there were significant negative correlations between complexity, trialability, and the adoption. There was also a significant positive correlation between observability and the adoption. The implications for positive social change include an increase in knowledge, skill sets, and jobs for employees and increased confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data for small businesses. Social benefits include improved decision making for small businesses and increased secure transactions between systems by detecting and eliminating advanced, persistent threats.
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Emmelhainz, Margaret A. "The impact of electronic data interchange on the purchasing process /." The Ohio State University, 1986. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487267024994616.
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Fang, Yuan, and 方媛. "A cost-based model for optimising the construction logisticsschedules." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2011. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B46080351.
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Luster, Eric L. "Reducing Internal Theft and Loss in Small Businesses." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5748.
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Every year, several documented data breaches happen in the United States, resulting in the exposure of millions of electronic records. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore strategies some information technology managers used to monitor employees and reduce internal theft and loss. The population for this study consisted of 5 information technology managers who work within the field of technology in the southwestern region of the United States. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling. The conceptual framework for this study included elements from information and communication boundary theories. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, company standard operating procedures, and policy memorandums, which provided detailed information about technology managers' experiences with data security. The collected data were transcribed, member checked, and triangulated to validate credibility and trustworthiness. Two themes emerged from data analysis: the development of policies, procedures, and standards on internal theft and loss, and the use of technology-driven systems to monitor employees and control theft and loss. Technology-based interventions allow leaders within an organization to protect the integrity of systems and networks while monitoring employee actions and behaviors. Study findings could be used by leaders of business organizations to identify and respond to theft and fraud in the workplace. Business leaders may also be able to use study findings to develop employee monitoring programs that help to prevent the loss of both organizational and customers' data, enhancing public trust as a potential implication for positive social change.
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Hylton, Donna G. "Small computer planning and selection in the organized sports environment." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/45798.
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Sports organizations, like other businesses, have a need to ingest data and therefrom to produce serviceable information for purposes of communications and decision making. However, sports personnel and general business personnel typically differ in educational background and
computer experience, the sports person often unaware of the advantages offered by computers. Consequently, this thesis's purpose is to:
l. Introduce sports organizations to the potential
usefulness of small computer systems,
2. Present a definitional review of basic small computer
hardware components and software concepts,
3. Provide a methodical procedure for planning and selecting
a computer system appropriate for the organization's data
processing requirements, and
4. Illustrate, via case study, use of the proposed
methodology in an actual organized sports environment.Master of Science
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Ho, Wai-cheong, and 何偉昌. "Business and information technology alignment." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1998. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31268833.
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Tran, Thao Thanh Thi. "Genomic data mining for the computational prediction of small non-coding RNA genes." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/33966.
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The objective of this research is to develop a novel computational prediction algorithm for non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes using features computable for any genomic sequence without the need for comparative analysis. Existing comparative-based methods require the knowledge of closely related organisms in order to search for sequence and structural similarities. This approach imposes constraints on the type of ncRNAs, the organism, and the regions where the ncRNAs can be found. We have developed a novel approach for ncRNA gene prediction without the limitations of current comparative-based methods. Our work has established a ncRNA database required for subsequent feature and genomic analysis. Furthermore, we have identified significant features from folding-, structural-, and ensemble-based statistics for use in ncRNA prediction. We have also examined higher-order gene structures, namely operons, to discover potential insights into how ncRNAs are transcribed. Being able to automatically identify ncRNAs on a genome-wide scale is immensely powerful for incorporating it into a pipeline for large-scale genome annotation. This work will contribute to a more comprehensive annotation of ncRNA genes in microbial genomes to meet the demands of functional and regulatory genomic studies.
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Kongoro, Engelhardt Zevarua. "Strategy formulation and the Internet : what are the issues? : a critical literature review." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53066.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study has reviewed the current literature and debates on the relevance of conventional strategy formulation given the turbulence in the business environment. Conventional strategy formulation is under attack as a result of the advancement of disruptive technologies such as the Internet. Many have gone further, and referred to this digitization of the business environment as a "new" economy. This study has reviewed a range of literature from academicians as well as practitioners on the relevance of strategy in an Internet environment. Many of the authors, while admitting that real-time fine-tuning of some of the analytical tools currently in use was warranted, still feel that most of the conventional concepts still apply. Businessesare still affected by the same competitive forces of rivalry, substitutes, new entrants and the bargaining powers of suppliers and buyers. Organisations must still look for distinctiveness for them to have a sustainable competitive edge over their rivals. This study has reviewed the impact of the Internet on industry structure, the value chain, and the implications for competitive advantage. The conclusion that can be gleaned from these reviews is that doing business on the Internet will not save businessesfrom failure if they are not applying the correct strategies. The convergence of views appears to be that there is nothing new about the "new" economy, but the technological platform created by the Internet presents major opportunities that can be used in a hybrid form of online practices such as online order processing with established models of brick and mortar such as warehousing. While the study did not intend to produce new or validate existing empirical insights, it is has recommended that the Internet must be used as an enabler and integrated within existing businessprocesses.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie hersien die huidige literatuur en bespreek die toepaslikheid van die konvensionele strategieformulasie gegewe die onvoorspelbaarheid in die besigheidsomgewing. Konvensionelestrategieformulering is onder aanval as gevolg van die vordering van omverwerpende tegnologie soos die Internet. Verskeie menings gaan verder, met verwysing na die rekenarisering van die besigheidsomgewing as 'n "nuwe" ekonomie. Hierdie studie hersien 'n reeks van literatuur van akademeci, asook praktisyns oor die toepaslikheid van strategie in die Internet omgewing. Baie van die outeure, terwyl hulle erken dat intydse verfyning van sekere van die analitiese modelle("tools") tans in gebruik geldig is, is hulle terselfdertyd van mening dat die konvensionele konsepte steeds toepaslik is. Besighede word steeds beinvloed deur dieselfde kompeterende drywers van kompetisie, subtitusie, nuwe mark toetreders en die onderhandelingsmag van verskaffers en aankopers. Organisasies moet steeds op die uitkyk bly vir iets wat volhoubare kompeterende voordele inhou oor mededingers. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie oorsigte is dat besighede nie suksesvol bedryf kan word op die Internet sonder die toepaslike strategie nie. Die herleiding van sieninge wil voorgee dat daar geen verandering is in die "nuwe" ekonomie, maar dat die tegnologiese platform geskep deur die Internet materiële geleenthede bied wat gebruik kan word as deel van intydse praktyke en bestelprosesse met bestaande basiese"briek and mortar" modelle, soos pakhuise. Terwyl die studie nie bedoel om nuwe empiriese insigte te genereer of te staaf nie, word dit aanbeveel dat die Internet gebruik moet word as deel van bemagting van huidige besigheidsmodelle.
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Issa, Carla Mounir. "Data warehouse applications in modern day business." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2002. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2148.
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Data warehousing provides organizations with strategic tools to achieve the competitive advantage that organazations are constantly seeking. The use of tools such as data mining, indexing and summaries enables management to retrieve information and perform thorough analysis, planning and forcasting to meet the changes in the market environment. in addition, The data warehouse is providing security measures that, if properly implemented and planned, are helping organizations ensure that their data quality and validity remain intact.
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Leung, Wing-sze, and 梁穎思. "Filtering of false positive microRNA candidates by a clustering-based approach." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41633908.
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Perkins, Brian Russell. "A Business Model for a Red Oak Small Diameter Timber Processing Facility in Southwest Virginia." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36333.
Full textAbstract:
The conversion of red oak small diameter timber (SDT) into solid wood products was investigated. The objectives of this research were to
1) determine the yield of lumber, pallet and container parts, and residues from SDT and the market potential for these products;
2) determine the economic feasibility of a SDT sawmill and pallet part mill located in Southwest Virginia;
3) develop a business plan for a SDT sawmill and pallet part mill located in Southwest Virginia.
The methods for this research consisted of resource, yield and economic analyses, and the development of a business model. The resource analysis indicated an ample supply of red oak SDT available in Southwest Virginia. The yield analysis used red oak SDT logs, which were manufactured into lumber, container parts and wood residues. The yield of 3" wide container parts from cants varied from 63% to 66%. The 1" nominal lumber produced was mainly 2A and 3A, 74%, and 24% was 1 common. The economic analysis utilized break even, net present value and internal rate of return analyses to determine the economic feasibility of utilizing red oak SDT.
The results of the study indicated that the sawmill-only processing level scenario is not economically feasible given the specified conditions and assumptions. However, the results showed that the sawmill and pallet part mill, actual yield scenario at $35/ton delivered log cost is economically feasible. The hypothetical business model for Southwest Custom Hardwoods was economically feasible. The final net present value was calculated to be over $750,000 and the final internal rate of return was 11%. Future yield studies should weigh logs so that the yield of residues and solid wood products can be directly compared. Future research into the utilization of hardwood SDT should include yield studies of other species and other product mixes.Master of Science
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陳煜民 and Yuk-man Brian Chan. "Strategy for information management in re-engineering the logistics business." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1995. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B3126637X.
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Kirkham, Thomas David. "Business data integration framework for small to medium enterprises (BDIFS) : a service-based framework to support eBusiness data interoperability for small to medium enterprises (SMEs)." Thesis, Bangor University, 2007. https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/business-data-integration-framework-for-small-to-medium-enterprises-bdifs--a-servicebased-framework-to-support-ebusiness-data-interoperability-for-small-to-medium-enterprises-smes(41d3b1aa-d2ff-483c-b9c5-162b11e23ac1).html.
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Šídlo, Petr. "Návrh projektu business intelligence." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2007. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-15865.
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This dissertation titled Designing Project Business Intelligence focuses on data warehouse in a medium-sized company. The theoretical portion of the thesis describes the topic of data warehouse and dimensional modeling. In the first theoretical chapter, I compare and contrast two approaches to datawarehouse building - Bill Inmon's and Ralph Kimball's. Then, basic terminology used in the field, principles of dimensional modeling and various approaches of database use will be described. Furthermore, the thesis illustrates the role of the Mondrian system as a mediator between the relational database and the OLAP server. Possible uses of the MDX language in working with multidimensional databases are outlined. The theoretical portion of the thesis ends with a description of the applicational interface XMLA, which can be used for facilitation communication between applications and the OLAP server. The practice-oriented portion of the thesis includes a complete design of the Business Intelligence project. The project is divided into the following parts: Feasibility Study, Project Planing, Business Requirements, Design and Development, and Deployment and Maintenance. The entire project operates exclusively on Open Source Software. Consequently, the project shows that small and medium-sized companies can afford to run a fully operating Business Intelligence system.
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Welcker, Laura Joana Maria. "The impact of domain knowledge-driven variable derivation on classifier performance for corporate data mining." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5009.
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The technological progress in terms of increasing computational power and growing virtual space to collect data offers great potential for businesses to benefit from data mining applications. Data mining can create a competitive advantage for corporations by discovering business relevant information, such as patterns, relationships, and rules. The role of the human user within the data mining process is crucial, which is why the research area of domain knowledge becomes increasingly important. This thesis investigates the impact of domain knowledge-driven variable derivation on classifier performance for corporate data mining. Domain knowledge is defined as methodological, data and business know-how. The thesis investigates the topic from a new perspective by shifting the focus from a one-sided approach, namely a purely analytic or purely theoretical approach towards a target group-oriented (researcher and practitioner) approach which puts the methodological aspect by means of a scientific guideline in the centre of the research. In order to ensure feasibility and practical relevance of the guideline, it is adapted and applied to the requirements of a practical business case. Thus, the thesis examines the topic from both perspectives, a theoretical and practical perspective. Therewith, it overcomes the limitation of a one-sided approach which mostly lacks practical relevance or generalisability of the results. The primary objective of this thesis is to provide a scientific guideline which should enable both practitioners and researchers to move forward the domain knowledge-driven research for variable derivation on a corporate basis. In the theoretical part, a broad overview of the main aspects which are necessary to undertake the research are given, such as the concept of domain knowledge, the data mining task of classification, variable derivation as a subtask of data preparation, and evaluation techniques. This part of the thesis refers to the methodological aspect of domain knowledge. In the practical part, a research design is developed for testing six hypotheses related to domain knowledge-driven variable derivation. The major contribution of the empirical study is concerned with testing the impact of domain knowledge on a real business data set compared to the impact of a standard and randomly derived data set. The business application of the research is a binary classification problem in the domain of an insurance business, which deals with the prediction of damages in legal expenses insurances. Domain knowledge is expressed through deriving the corporate variables by means of the business and data-driven constructive induction strategy. Six variable derivation steps are investigated: normalisation, instance relation, discretisation, categorical encoding, ratio, and multivariate mathematical function. The impact of the domain knowledge is examined by pairwise (with and without derived variables) performance comparisons for five classification techniques (decision trees, naive Bayes, logistic regression, artificial neural networks, k-nearest neighbours). The impact is measured by two classifier performance criteria: sensitivity and area under the ROC-curve (AUC). The McNemar significance test is used to verify the results. Based on the results, two hypotheses are clearly verified and accepted, three hypotheses are partly verified, and one hypothesis had to be rejected on the basis of the case study results. The thesis reveals a significant positive impact of domain knowledge-driven variable derivation on classifier performance for options of all six tested steps. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the classification technique influences the impact of the variable derivation steps, and the bundling of steps has a significant higher performance impact if the variables are derived by using domain knowledge (compared to a non-knowledge application). Finally, the research turns out that an empirical examination of the domain knowledge impact is very complex due to a high level of interaction between the selected research parameters (variable derivation step, classification technique, and performance criteria).
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Schmid, Timo [Verfasser], and Ralf [Akademischer Betreuer] Münnich. "Spatial Robust Small Area Estimation applied on Business Data / Timo Schmid ; Betreuer: Ralf Münnich." Trier : Universität Trier, 2012. http://d-nb.info/1197806121/34.
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Ngary, Clency. "The role of business informatics in business transformation : a case of a company in Cape Town." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2354.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The objective of the thesis is to determine the role Business Informatics plays in transforming an organisation using a selected organisation in Cape Town as a case study. Business informatics is an emerging discipline that combines various aspects of business management, information technology and informatics. Informatics is broadly defined as the science of processing information; thus, increasingly, it involves processing and analysing information digitally with the aid of computers. Therefore the aim of the research was to understand what components of business informatics are being leveraged to transform businesses, and the challenges thereof. This was done using a social theory – duality of technology from Orlikowski adapted from Giddens’ Structuration Theory (ST) as a theoretical framework, particularly, the dimensions of duality of structure. The theory was used as a lens to understand and interpret this social phenomenon - the role business informatics can play in business transformation. It is argued that business informatics concepts are able to assist in business transformation through effective use of information systems and business management concepts. In that regard, ERP system in a Cloud platform was recommended to illustrate these concepts. The concepts helped to device guidelines for determining the challenges of a business to use informatics to transform and become sustainable and competitive. Therefore, the research explained and recommended why business entities have begun to move from an application-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to cloud computing-based ERP (cloud-ERP) system. The study used the interpretive approach where qualitative philosophy was applied together with the underpinning theory and literature reviewed to design a semi-structured interview schedule as a data collection instrument. It was a case study of an Organisation where the units of analysis were the IT, Finance, HR and Sales and Marketing departments and object of analysis was 50 employees. The output is a general framework to guide businesses as to how to apply the concepts of business informatics to achieve improved business transformation.
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胡九如 and Jiuru Hu. "Virtual property agency: electronic market with negotiation supports." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2000. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31222699.
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Al-Bugami, Moteb Ayesh. "Executive information systems in large businesses in Saudi Arabia : an exploratory study." Thesis, University of Hull, 1998. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:7023.
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In the developed countries, executives who carry the mam responsibility for the achievement of organizational objectives, are introducing Executive Information Systems (EIS), user-friendly software products designed especially to meet executives' internal and external information needs. The use of technology and the need for reliable information on which to base decision-making are issues currently attracting attention in Saudi Arabia, as prerequisites for attaining national development objectives. This is especially true of the private sector, which faces new challenges as a result of the increased role recently given to it by government policy. However, little or nothing is known about the availability and use of EIS in Saudi Arabia. This study, therefore, presents an overview, with international comparisons, of development in EIS, with a detailed investigation of the current situation of EIS in large companies in Saudi Arabia, in particular. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the 100 largest companies (measured by turnover for 1995) in which executives and IS personnel were asked about availability of EIS in their companies, patterns of information use, EIS development approaches and utilization, and users' satisfaction with EIS. The survey revealed that EIS were available in 52% of the 73 responding companies. Companies used and valued internal more than external information, and made little use of the EIS to gain external information. Development of EIS was usually in-house; little use was made of commercial EIS packages. Data tended to be centralized at head office. A major increase in EIS use appears to have occurred between 1991 and 1995 though there are still some "resisters" who do not use the EIS, despite having access to it. Few companies had experienced EIS failure, and respondents were highly satisfied with their systems' usability, cost-effectiveness, development and controllability. The companies' approach to developing EIS and experience with using it were related to company age, turnover, region and type (stock or non-stock). The Saudi experience appears to broadly similar to that reported in Western studies, except in the area of development approach and type of software used. The study concludes by highlighting significant results in terms of the comparison of EIS experience in Saudi Arabia with international experiences, especially in the U.K. and U.S.A.; and factors which may be expected to affect further development of EIS in Saudi Arabia, as well as having implications for education and research in this field.
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Yusof, Normah. "An empirical study of the use of computer-based material for the teaching of the listening skill in English as a second language to students of a higher education institution in Malaysia." Thesis, University of Hull, 1999. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:3881.
Full textAbstract:
The primary concern of the present study was to investigate the effective uses of computer-based software in teaching the listening skill in English as a Second Language (ESL) at higher education institutions. It aimed to find out if computer-based software can be used as a teacher replacement or supplement, either at the beginning or end of the listening lesson. This study also aimed to measure students' motivational reactions to instructional materials, to examine students' computer background, to examine any significant relationships between any of the variables and also to see if there are gender differences in any of these. In order to assess the effect of CALL use, an experimental study was carried out.The respondents consisted of 80 post-SPM students enrolled in Intensive English course at KUSZA, Malaysia. Two achievement post-tests and two sets of questionnaires were administered for data collection. The data results were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) with statistical techniques of ANOVA, analysis of covariance, Pearson's product-moment correlation and t-tests for independent samples. The results of the study revealed that the way computerised material was used made a considerable effect on the achievement of the students. When it was used as a supplement at the beginning of the lesson, the students scored better results than those students received computerised treatment at the end of the lesson. When it was used as a teacher replacement, the students did not score well in the tests. The results also showed that non-computerised treatment was effective for teaching the listening skill.In the light of these results, certain recommendations were made for the teaching of the listening skill in ESL at KUSZA. It was recommended that computerised instruction be used as a supplement to teacher teaching at the beginning of the lesson rather than at the end of it. Further research is needed to be carried out with larger groups of respondents so that the findings can be generalised to other situations.