Showing papers on "Business analytics published in 2004"

Beyond data warehousing: what's next in business intelligence?

Abstract: During the last ten years the approach to business management has deeply changed, and companies have understood the importance of enforcing achievement of the goals defined by their strategy through metrics-driven management. The DW process, though supporting bottom-up extraction of information from data, fails in top-down enforcing the company strategy. A new approach to BI, called Business Performance Management (BPM), is emerging from this framework: it includes DW but it also requires a reactive component capable of monitoring the time-critical operational processes to allow tactical and operational decision-makers to tune their actions according to the company strategy. The aim of this paper is to encourage the research community to acknowledge the coming of a second era in BI, to propose a general architecture for BPM, and to lay the premises for investigating the most challenging of the related issues.

Systems and methods for benchmarking business performance data against aggregated business performance data

Abstract: An automated system for allowing a submitter business to benchmark its business performance information, including operational data against aggregated business performance information of private company industry peers through a business performance information benchmarking data center computer system over the Internet.

Visual Analytics

Abstract: The information revolution is upon us, and it is guaran-teed to change our lives and the way we conduct our daily business. The fact that we have to deal with not just the size but also the variety and complexity of this in-formation makes it a real challenge to survive the revolu-tion. Enter Visual Analytics, a contemporary and proven approach to combine the art of human intuition and the science of mathematical deduction to directly perceive patterns and derive knowledge and insight from them.

Six–Sigma: the evolution of 100 years of business improvement methodology

Abstract: Humankind has always felt a need to improve its condition right since it first came on this planet. Agriculture and athletics are two outstanding examples of the benefits of a constant focus on improvement. Since the early 1900s, there has been a focus on improvement of business performance. Statistical thinking and methods have played a key role in business improvement as they have in agriculture and athletics. Approaches to business improvement have evolved and grown over the years and today the process–focused, statistically–based Six–Sigma methodology is being used by companies such as GE, Honeywell, Motorola, DuPont, American Express, Ford and many others ? large and small ? to improve business performance. This article traces the evolution of business improvement methodology and the use of statistical thinking and methods in improving business performance. It is shown how Six–Sigma has evolved to include the best features of the improvement methods that have come before it. A case study of reducing newspaper errors is included to illustrate the use of Six–Sigma tools and methods.

System and method of predictive modeling for managing decisions for business enterprises

Abstract: A system and method is provided for predictive modeling of technical and non-technical components in a business infrastructure that implementing one or more business solutions According to a first aspect of the invention, performance metrics generated from a predictive model of a business infrastructure are translated into enterprise decision or indicators that correspond to the service, performance and financial states of a business enterprise As a result, non-technical executives can utilize the enterprise decision metrics or indicators to evaluate, support, and monitor the effect of business decisions, for example, with respect to profitability, productivity, growth, and risk of the business According to a second aspect of the invention, the accuracy of the predictive modeling is improved by mathematically expressing the dynamic characteristics and behavior of each infrastructure component as a result of direct and indirect effects of the infrastructure components impacting one another Perturbation theory can be used to express direct and indirect effects

Method for evaluating a business using experiential data

Abstract: A method for evaluating and quantifying the risk, performance and potential of a business is disclosed. Experiential data generated by the business' activities is extracted and used as source data in evaluating the business. Experiential data includes both qualitative and quantitative information compiled from operating systems, databases, interviews, paper-based files and financial records. Business activities are measured individually and then collectively to understand the business as a whole. A set of metrics and a series of algorithms are used to measure the risk, performance and potential of the business drawing from the outset on the experiential data collected and a comparison to industry best practices.

Multi-enterprise collaborative enterprise resource planning and decision support systems

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and decision support systems (DSS) have independently evolved and prospered in the marketplace as well as in academia. More recently, ERP and related systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) are incorporating decision support tools and technologies. These include business intelligence, customer intelligence, supply chain intelligence, and business analytics. At the same time, DSS are taking advantage of the data resident in ERP systems. This emerging convergence has motivated us to look at the integration of ERP and DSS. The integration of ERP and DSS provides firms with a number of advantages. First, they are able to maximise their Intelligence Density. Second, they are able to improve the quality and visibility of their information. Finally, they can form a solid foundation from which they can achieve multi-enterprise collaboration. Over the years, researchers and practitioners have proposed frameworks and architectures for ERP and DSS exclusively. However, there is little in the way of academic literature, frameworks, architectures, and implementations that integrate ERP and DSS in a coherent fashion. We address this area of research by first conducting a review of the independent and combined literature in the fields of ERP and DSS. This literature review paves the way for the proposal of a multi-enterprise collaborative conceptual ERP-DSS framework that considers SCM, enterprise management, and CRM as components. This framework brings together the ERP and DSS integrated solutions offered by a host of well-known vendors in the marketplace. We then combine our own insight with respect to multiple-enterprise collaboration via the integration of ERP and DSS to propose a set of high-level and medium-level system frameworks. These system frameworks depict the mechanisms behind the integration of ERP and DSS both within the firm, and in a multi-enterprise collaborative context.

Expanding Business Intelligence Power with System Dynamics

Abstract: This chapter explores the opportunities to expand the forecasting and business understanding capabilities of Business Intelligence (BI) tools with the support of the system dynamics approach. System dynamics tools can enhance the insights provided by BI applications — specifically by using data-mining techniques, through simulation and modeling of real world under a “systems thinking” approach, improving forecasts, and contributing to a better understanding of the business dynamics of any organization. Since there is not enough diffusion and understanding in the business world about system dynamics concepts and advantages, this chapter is intended to motivate further research and the development of better and more powerful applications for BI. This chapter appears in the book, Business Intelligence in the Digital Economy, edited by Mahesh S. Raisinghani. Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING Expanding Business Intelligence Power with System Dynamics 127 Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. INTRODUCTION Currently, Business Intelligence (BI) tools make it possible to analyze big amounts of data to get important conclusions about business processes, customer behavior, etc. The main concern is that such conclusions are presented as data correlations following a “straight-line thinking” paradigm (i.e., an outcome is expressed as a function of one or more independent variables); however, many real-world experiences show that this assumption is not always valid. This chapter explores the opportunities to expand the forecasting and business understanding capabilities of BI tools with the support of the system dynamics approach. System dynamics tools can enhance the insights provided by BI applications — specifically by using data-mining techniques — through simulation and modeling of real world under a “systems thinking” approach, improving forecasts, and contributing to a better understanding of the business dynamics of any organization. BACKGROUND Business Intelligence (BI) is a term that has been defined from several perspectives, though all share the same focus. For example, Brackett (1999) defines BI as “a set of concepts, methods, and processes to improve business decisions using information from multiple sources and applying experience and assumptions to develop an accurate understanding of business dynamics.” From a management perspective, BI involves a proactive process of information analysis focused on strategic decision making, and actually it is a critical discipline to gain business insight, as Brackett (1999) also mentions: Business Intelligence involves the integration of core information with relevant contextual information to detect significant events and illuminate cloudy issues. It includes the ability to monitor business trends, to evolve and adapt quickly as situations change and to make intelligent business decisions on uncertain judgments and contradictory information. It relies on exploration and analysis of unrelated information to provide relevant insights, identify trends and discover opportunities. As a discipline to empower a “forward-thinking” view of the world, one of the most valuable concepts within BI is the “knowledge discovery in 13 more pages are available in the full version of this document, which may be purchased using the "Add to Cart" button on the publisher's webpage: www.igi-global.com/chapter/expanding-business-intelligencepower-system/6069

Advanced search algorithm with integrated business intelligence

Abstract: The present invention is a business intelligence within an adaptive searching system. The searching system uses a business intelligence engine for communicating with a corporate database associated with a business enterprise and a consumer. The business intelligence engine compiles data about the consumer and any transaction conducted by the consumer with the business enterprise. A transaction monitor for monitors the transactions conducted by the consumer with the business enterprise. Rules are determined by a business process and rules engine derived from the data. The business intelligence engine analyzes the data to provide a personalized communication message to the consumer.

From Gaming Simulation to Case Method —Empirical Study on Business Game Development and Evaluation

Abstract: Both Gaming Simulation and Case Method are traditional and powerful tools to carry out educational courses in a business school. However, there have been few studies to integrate Gaming Simulation and Case Method methodology. This paper presents a new practical approach for this purpose. At Graduate School of Systems Management, Tsukuba University, we have ten years experiences on the business modeling course with BMDL/BMDS (Business Model Description Language/ Business Model Development System) ar-chitecture. Base on the experience, in this paper, we have developed a new business game: “Case of Asahi Super Dry”. The aim of this game is to explore managers’ decision making strategies in a quantitative business operation domain through the successful case of Japanese brewery company. Using the developed model, we tried to evaluate the effectiveness for Case Method on Gaming Simulation. The experimental results have suggested the benefits of the proposed approach.

Business analytics strategy transaction reporter method and system

Abstract: A business method and system is provided for reporting routing transactions using business strategy and tactics information. In one embodiment, a contact center evaluator, a routing rules engine and a business rules evaluator are provided. Information may be input into the contact center evaluator from a contact center and to the business rules evaluator from a business system. Further, a routing engine is provided and reports are generated based on business information and decisions made for routing a call or transaction.

Real-time business process performance management

Abstract: Execution power is competition power. Facing dynamic market, real-time business process performance management (RTBPPM) is much important to enterprise success. This paper provides a RTBPPM framework and discusses relevant design issues. This framework allows for easy redesign of performance control formula and proactive respondence to unpredictable business situation. It is an effective method to meet the agility and intelligence requirements of contemporary enterprises

Strategic Business Planning: As a Water Resource Management Tool

Abstract: A BUSINESS MODEL CAN BE USED IN A TECHNICAL ENVIRONMENT TO ACHIEVE HIGH-LEVEL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT.

Electronic Business Models: Five Cases from Five Industries

Abstract: The term business model has been used loosely several times for describing a company’s strategies, revenue model, processes and overall business logic both by researchers and practitioners. Several authors have defined a business model concept and described the constructs of a business model. Still, only a few studies, if any, concentrate on the evaluation of business models. Hence, this paper attempts to shed more light on this issue by evaluating five electronic business models from five different industries including travelling, media, logistics, telecommunication, and manufacturing. Within electronic business model evaluation, we have emphasised the evolution and maturity of success in terms of critical success factors (CSF) and customer need factors (CNF). Results deriving from the five case studies indicate that traditional business fundamentals, such as running business at profit, abilities of personnel and long customer relationships, are essential in order to gain success in electronic business models. Furthermore, we noticed that success factors, CSFs and CNFs, are different depending of the maturity phase of an electronic business model. Finally, we argue that B2B and B2C businesses have, in fact, very similar kind of features in e-business.

System, method, and computer program product for managing interoperable data processing system services

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product that enables a complete view of all system components, including system management, application management, and other system metrics. Further disclosed is the functional architecture for an Interoperable Service Management Platform (ISMP) that enables fulfillment (310), assurance (315), billing (320), and business analytics (325) of enterprise services, including but not limited to desktops, applications, and networks, in a utility-based model.

Agent action: business cases with individualised information services in a business intelligence context

Abstract: Information services for business intelligence are becoming more integrated in day-to-day operations. This paper describes how the use of intelligent agent-enabled decision support in conjunction with the organisational trends of more dispersed and decentralised organic organised enterprises, enables new practice in the field of business intelligence (BI). The two business cases, illustrate the evolving area of business intelligence information services for large global enterprises. The information services in the cases aim to provide different levels of personalisation features through the use of intelligent agents. Traditional ideas of how to provide the organisation with right information at the right time and place according to the corporate communications top-down strategy and editorial process, or through business intelligence professionals who produce high-end reports, are undergoing change shown in the cases. Employees and managers start to get the information needed directly from the Internet, and are becoming more self-sufficient when it comes to business intelligence.

The Success Strategies for Hybrid Business Model

Abstract: The advent of Internet technologies has impacted the way we do business. It was once believed that the Internet would bring about a business revolution and all business would be e-business. However, the revolution of the Internet has not yet turned out to be anything we once thought it would be. There is evidenced indicating that not all businesses have transformed to online business and not all consumers prefer to engage in online activities. In fact, some consumers still prefer to engage in traditional business processes. The reality is a hybrid model, which is convergence of traditional and online methods. This paper aims to analyze hybrid consumer behavior and develop a theoretical model, which serves as a guideline to better understanding hybrid consumer behavior and their needs.

A Methodology for Developing Business Intelligence Systems

Abstract: Recent years have seen significant advances in systems development methodologies. Structured systems analysis and design approaches have been complemented and often substituted by a variety of new approaches such as prototyping, Object-Oriented Analysis and Design methodologies (OOADM), and Rapid Application Development (RAD), among others. System development methodologies and methods have always reflected the available toolsets, e.g., Fourth Generation languages and CASE tools, which enabled rapid application development. Organizational focus has also shifted over the years from Transaction systems to decision support and competitive intelligence. The frequent, expensive occurrences of implementation failures are a stark reminder of the need for appropriate methodological approaches to implementing BI systems. This chapter examines the peculiar methodological needs of BI systems and contrasts those systems with earlier transactional and reporting systems. Based on this comparison and analysis, a methodological framework and approach is proposed for effectively developing and implementing BI information systems.

The Concept of Document Warehousing and Its Applications on Managing Enterprise Business Intelligence

Abstract: During the past decade, data warehousing has been widely adopted in the business community. It provides multi-dimensional analyses on cumulated historical business data for helping contemporary administrative decision-makings. Nevertheless, it is believed there is only about 20% information can be extracted from data warehouses concerning numeric data only, the other 80% information is hidden in non-numeric data or even in documents. Therefore, many researchers now advocate it is time to conduct research works on document warehousing to capture complete business intelligence. Document warehouses, unlike traditional document management systems, include extensive semantic information about documents, cross-document feature relations, and document grouping or clustering to provide a more accurate and more efficient access to text-oriented business intelligence. In this paper, we discuss the basic concept of document warehousing and present its formal definitions. Then, we elaborate some useful applications to illustrate the importance of document warehousing. The work is essential for establishing an infrastructure to help combining text processing with numeric OLAP processing technologies. The combination of data warehousing and document warehousing will be one of the most important kernels of knowledge management and customer relationship management applications.

GenGraph: A Multi-Grammar and Multi-Perspective Business Modeling Tool - Overview of Conceptualization and Implementation.

Abstract: Within the information systems field, modeling of business systems results in complex information models which demand appropriate tool support. This paper discusses the motivation and development of a generic editor for information modeling. Our approach enables the user to configure the concepts of the utilized modeling grammars. So, this approach does not implement a specific set of modeling grammars. Instead it is based on a flexible meta-model which uses typed graph descriptions and allows multi-perspective modeling of business systems. Furthermore, we introduce the concepts of modules and links as means to deal with complex business models. Shortcomings and problems with graph-based descriptions of modeling grammars are discussed.

Assessment of the Business Case

Abstract: All our findings indicate that there is indeed a business case for corporate sustainability, but to varying degrees. One objective of our research was to examine managers’ perception of the business case. While most sustainability managers acknowledge its existence it is never as clearly defined as in the ‘smart zone’ (see Figure 2.1 in Chapter 2) and is more difficult to measure than we had expected. There are many indications that the business case has not yet been fully exploited by most companies. There are many ideas floating around that have the potential to improve sustainability performance and boost profits.

e-Learning Business Research Methods.

Abstract: This paper outlines the development of a generic Business Research Methods course from a simple name in a box to a full e-Learning web based module. It highlights particular issues surrounding the nature of the discipline and the integration of a large number of cross faculty subject specific research methods courses into a single generic module. The design philosophy of the e-Learning course is then outlined and the rapid development task force event that was central to the final development is described. The paper concludes with five key reflections on the whole development process.

Designing a simulated interactive online business environment for developing business communication skills

Abstract: The challenge in the instructional design of a Business Communication course is that the course should be able to effectively address the performative and experiential nature of the subject matter. The Business Communication course at HKUST faces another challenge, that is the large student population. The project in the present paper attempts to deal with both challenges by designing a simulated interactive online business environment, i.e., a virtual office in the context of a business-simulation scenario. By structuring the entire learning-and-teaching process around the business-simulation scenario, it is hoped that students’ development of business communication skills can be more effective.