Showing papers on "Business analytics published in 2008"

Business Intelligence: An Analysis of the Literature

Abstract: This research collects, synthesizes, and analyzes 167 articles on a variety of topics closely related to business intelligence (BI) published from 1997 to 2006 in ten leading Information Systems (IS) journals. We found a generally increasing level of activity during the 10-year period and a focus on exploratory research methodologies. We noted that several methodologies were either underrepresented or absent from the pool of BI research. We also identified several subject areas that need further exploration.

Defining the business model in the new world of digital business

Abstract: Recent rapid advances in ICTs, specifically in Internet and mobile technologies, have highlighted the rising importance of the Business Model (BM) in Information Systems (IS). Despite agreement on its importance to an organization’s success, the concept is still fuzzy and vague, and there is no consensus regarding its definition. Furthermore, understanding the BM domain by identifying its meaning, fundamental pillars, and its relevance to other business concepts is by no means complete. In this paper we aim to provide further clarification by first presenting a classification of definitions found in the IS literature; second, proposing guidelines on which to develop a more comprehensive definition in order to reach consensus; and third, identifying the four main business model concepts and values and their interaction, and thus place the business model within the world of digital business. Based on this discussion, we propose a new definition for the business model that we argue is more appropriate to this new world.

Method and System for Tracking and Coaching Service Professionals

Abstract: A method and system for tracking and managing a service professional's business includes a server coupled to the Internet for receiving business parameter data from a service professional on a remote computer. Business parameter data includes a variety of data of relevance to the service professional's particular type of business. Current and historical business parameter data are subjected to a multivariate regression analysis to determine a business model equation's coefficients which may be linear or polynomial. Current week business parameter data can be applied to the business model to determine whether the business is operating within the business model or is achieving performance goals. The business model equation can be used to suggest measures to improve business performance. Coefficients of other service professional business models may be mined to provide peer comparisons. Analysis results can be used to generate coaching suggestions which the server can deliver to the service professional.

Business intelligence: an analysis of the literature

Abstract: This research collects, synthesizes, and analyzes 167 articles on a variety of topics closely related to business intelligence (BI) published from 1997 to 2006 in ten leading Information Systems (I...

Applied visual analytics for economic decision-making

Abstract: This paper introduces the application of visual analytics techniques as a novel approach for improving economic decision making. Particularly, we focus on two known problems where subjectspsila behavior consistently deviates from the optimal, the Winnerpsilas and Loserpsilas Curse. According to economists, subjects fail to recognize the profit-maximizing decision strategy in both the Winnerpsilas and Loserpsilas curse because they are unable to properly consider all the available information. As such, we have created a visual analytics tool to aid subjects in decision making under the Acquiring a Company framework common in many economic experiments. We demonstrate the added value of visual analytics in the decision making process through a series of user studies comparing standard visualization methods with interactive visual analytics techniques. Our work presents not only a basis for development and evaluation of economic visual analytic research, but also empirical evidence demonstrating the added value of applying visual analytics to general decision making tasks.

Inventing Less, Reusing More, and Adding Intelligence to Business Process Modeling

Abstract: Recently, a variety of workflow patterns has been proposed focusing on specific aspects like control flow, data flow, and resource assignments. Though these patterns are relevant for implementing Business Process Modeling (BPM) tools and for evaluating the expressiveness of BPM languages, they do not contribute to reduce redundant specifications of recurrent business functions when modeling business processes. Furthermore, contemporary BPM tools do not support process designers in defining, querying, and reusing activity patterns as building blocks for process modeling. Related to these problems this paper proposes a set of activity patterns, evidences their practical relevance, and introduces a BPM tool for the modeling of business processes based on the reuse of these activity patterns. Altogether our approach fosters reuse of business function specifications and helps to improve the quality and comparability of business process models.

Quantitative Literacy for Undergraduate Business Students in the 21st Century

Abstract: The current business environment is awash in vast amounts of data that ongoing transactions continually generate. Leading-edge corporations are using business analytics to achieve competitive advantage. However, educators are not adequately preparing business school students in quantitative methods to meet this challenge. For more than half a century, business schools have relied mostly on a course in calculus and a course in statistics to meet the needs of their students despite an information-based business climate that has changed significantly. The authors propose that educators prepare students in the areas of mathematical modeling and risk management and quantitative skills, teaching them in the context of meaningful business problems.

System and method of competitive business analysis

Abstract: A system and method are provided for performing competitive business and/or financial analyses. The systems accept input concerning a specific business such as the industries and geographical markets in which the business operates. Based on the type of report selected, the system retrieves business and financial data concerning the industries and markets, and then computes a number of relevant statistical factors. Tabular and/or narrative reports are generated based on the computed statistical factors.

Essentials of Business Driven Information Systems

Abstract: Essentials of Business Driven Information Systems discusses various business initiatives first and how technology supports those initiatives second. The premise for this unique approach is that business initiatives should drive technology choices. Every discussion first addresses the business needs and then addresses the technology that supports those needs. Table of contents Chapter 1 Information Systems in BusinessChapter 2 Strategic Decision MakingChapter 3 E-BusinessChapter 4 Ethics and Information SecurityChapter 5 IT ArchitecturesChapter 6 Databases and Data WarehousesChapter 7 Networks, Telecommunications, and Wireless ComputingChapter 8 Supply Chain ManagementChapter 9 Customer Relationship ManagementChapter 10 Enterprise Resource Planning and Collaboration SystemsAppendix A Business Basics (on the OLC only)Appendix B Business Process (on the OLC only)

The research & application of Business Intelligence system in retail industry

Abstract: In modern retail business, increasing standards, automation, and technologies have led to vast amounts of data becoming available, however, business decision-making process has become complicated. Traditional database system has been unable to meet userspsila demand in mass data intelligent analysis & forecast. How to change the existing situation of ldquomass data, poor knowledgerdquo, support better business decision-making and help enterprises increase profits and market share become the business and IT sector issues of mutual concern. Business intelligence technologies emerge as the times require. Business intelligence is a very wide-ranging set of the collection, consolidation, analysis and information access capabilities for a solution, including ETL, data warehouse, data query and reporting, multidimensional data analysis, data mining and other technologies. This article sets out an overview of Business Intelligence, the key technology of Business Intelligence, as well as the establishment & application of Business Intelligence System in retail industry. Business subject and dimension design, ETL tool design, data display middleware design and the main innovation are the key points of the system.

Towards a Critical Success Factor Framework for Implementing Business Intelligence Systems: A Delphi Study in Engineering Asset Management Organizations

Abstract: This paper presents the results of three rounds Delphi study with 15 BI systems experts in the domain of engineering asset management. The study provides a CSF framework that consists of seven dimensions and 22 factors crucial for successful BI system implementation. The seven critical dimensions of CSFs are management commitment and championship, user-oriented change management, business vision, project planning, team skills and composition, data and infrastructure-related dimensions. These findings allow BI stakeholders to optimize their scarce resources on those key areas that are most likely to have an impact on the implementation of the BI systems.

A Privacy-Protecting Business-Analytics Service for On-Line Transactions

Abstract: Analysis of consumer-related and consumer-generated data is a very important way to measure the success of on-line retailing. The software packages for data analysis have two major shortcomings: (1) solutions are not offered as a service reachable by standard procedures over the Internet, but as isolated standalone applications or ERP system modules; (2) privacy restrictions need to be integrated into a framework of business analytics for Web retailers. The first aspect can be addressed with standardized developer software for Web services, but the second must consider privacy legislation, privacy specifications on Web sites (P3P), and data reidentification problems. These shortcomings are addressed by a proposed formal model of these problems and an implementation of the model as a declarative specification of privacy constraints, expressed as an extension of P3P. The constraints are complemented by a logic identifying the elements in a given set of Web analytics that might lead to data reidentification and therefore violate implicit privacy constraints. A Web-based service is presented that uses these components to automatically adapt the set of available Web analytics to an on-line retailer's P3P policy. The system was tested on a large data set from a major European multichannel retailer.

Method, apparatus, and system for providing business intelligence

Abstract: The novel business intelligence system disclosed herein provides companies with an out of the box enterprise worthy business intelligence solution or environment. The business intelligence system encompasses all of the processes that are involved in the implementation of a business intelligence solution with maximum flexibility but minimizes the need for building a customized system

Linking Business Intelligence into Your Business

Abstract: IT departments are under pressure to serve their enterprises by professionalizing their business intelligence (BI) operation. Companies can only be effective when their systematic and structured approach to BI is linked into the business itself.

Formal structures for data mining, knowledge discovery and communication in a knowledge management environment

Abstract: Current Business Intelligence (BI) initiatives customize DM-KDD techniques into business analytics, which cannot be used in applications other than business. A review of current methodology at the strategic level of the KM/KDD domains indicates that there exists no general formal framework which can be adopted in new applications, or new application areas. There are no established procedures for the domain expert to express their prior knowledge, understanding and aims in a way which can be linked to KDD/DMM processes and subsequent deployment of discovered knowledge. It is suggested that the sequential life-cycle project-management approach of CRISP-DM needs to be complemented by a dynamic interactive view of a conceptual data/information/knowledge hierarchy in the KM context. It is also suggested that a graphical/visual knowledge representation framework needs to be developed as the basis of a knowledge and discovery and communication framework (KDCF). A review of the limitations in DM methodology at the technical/technological level leads to the conclusion that there is no coherent DM methodology to guide the choice of models and their evaluation, that the DM discipline is fractionated, and that the fundamental search and sampling paradigms have been insufficiently utilized in DM development. It is proposed that development of linked data and model ontologies, together with a DM-epistemology, and associated with full exploitation of search and sampling could lead to improved cohesion and efficacy of the DM discipline.

Managing Data Quality in Business Intelligence Applications.

Abstract: Business Intelligence (BI) solutions commonly aim at assisting decision-making processes by providing a comprehensive view over a company’s core business data and suitable abstractions thereof. Decision-making based on BI solutions therefore builds on the assumption that providing users with targeted, problemspecific fact data enables them to make informed and, hence, better decisions in their everyday businesses. In order to really provide users with all the necessary details to make informed decisions, we however believe that – in addition to conventional reports – it is essential to also provide users with information about the quality, i.e. with quality metadata, regarding the data from which reports are generated. Identifying a lack of support for quality metadata management in conventional BI solutions, in this paper we propose the idea of quality-aware reports and a possible architecture for quality-aware BI, able to involve the users themselves into the quality metadata management process, by explicitly soliciting and exploiting user feedback.

Business Intelligence Center Concepts

Abstract: The approach of Business Intelligence (BI) as a support function for management decisions is established in practice and theory. BI can not just be considered as a simple sequence of isolated single projects. Its coordination requires permanent efforts to keep the BI function and the business organization in alignment. In the context of the present empirical study, BI organizations have been analyzed for the diffusion of BI units and their distinct characteristics. Furthermore these organizations have been classified in different types of BI centers based on development and operational tasks. The results indicate a wide spread implementation of BI units in companies with a multifaceted range of duty. Thereby conclusions for the practical constitution of BI centers are deduced from the results.

Data center topologies for mission-critical business systems

Abstract: In this paper we examine the ways in which data center topology choices affect mission-critical business system availability and we propose a methodology for ensuring business resilience by assessing the risks to the mission-critical business systems and then designing a data center topology to mitigate these risks. This methodology is based on the IBM Business Resilience Framework, a framework that accounts for a wide range of concerns, from data center facilities to the business strategy and vision.

Method of business valuation and data processing system

Abstract: A method for valuing a business based on the business generating an acceptable return to an owner during a defined investment period, the method including the steps of assessing the business background for the business to be valued, establishing value optimisation factors that determine business value in the light of the business background and the relevant industry of the business to be valued, establishing a business capitalisation rate (BCR) appropriate for the business and industry of the business to be valued, calculating a weighted average notional earning before interest and tax (WANEBIT) based on historical financial records of the business to be valued, and calculating the net business value using the WANEBIT and the BCF.

Modeling a Business Process and Querying the Resulting Database: Analyzing RFID Data to Develop Business Intelligence

Abstract: This case supports the high‐level objective of learning to model business situations to design databases and query them to solve business problems. Students analyze Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and related fulfillment data to develop business intelligence for a grower of bedding plants selling to big‐box retailers. Students prepare a business process diagram to understand the business process; identify objectives for detecting and correcting data errors and analyzing business performance; construct a Resource, Event, Agent (REA) diagram to specify a database design; implement the database and query it to satisfy business objectives; communicate results; document data error correction procedures; and prepare adjusting journal entries. The case is appropriate for students with moderate database querying proficiency. The case's managerial and financial accounting and internal control implications make it suitable for courses in Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and database systems for ...

Decision Support Based on Process Mining

Abstract: Process mining techniques allow for the analysis of business processes based on event logs. For example, the audit trails of a workflow management system, the transaction logs of an enterprise resource planning system, and the electronic patient records in a hospital can be used to discover models describing processes, organizations, and products. Moreover, such event logs can also be used to compare event logs with some a-priori model to see whether the observed reality conforms to some prescriptive or descriptive model. This chapter takes the MXML format as a starting point, i. e., a format that stores event logs in a unified manner. Based on this format, we will show how process mining techniques can be used to support decision making in business processes.

Management Information Systems, Sixth Edition

Abstract: With a clear emphasis on the business and management elements of information technology, Management Information Systems, Sixth Edition continues to be the ideal resource for upper-level business students and MBA students. Updated to include the latest information technologies, practices, and trends, this book uses more real-world examples and case studies than ever before, providing skills and knowledge that are easily transferable to the business world. From overviews of the information age to online business and business intelligence, readers will gain a sound balance of the technical and business elements of information technology.

Systems and methods for identifying business opportunities

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying a business opportunity in a target market. In one embodiment, a business may implement a method to define a target market based on one or more business characteristics. The method may include receiving a first set of company data for companies associated with the target market and building an industry profile associated with the target market based on the first set of company data. The method may also include generating a second set of company data based on the industry profile, the second set of company data reflecting the business opportunity in the target market. The method may further include summarizing the first set and the second set of company data based on the business characteristics associated with the target market, and presenting the business opportunity in the target market based on the one or more business characteristics.

Improving Business Intelligence: The Six Sigma Way

Abstract: Business Intelligence has never been examined with the same rigor as demanded for any other organization investments. Although global investment in Business Intelligence has reached over 6 billion dollars, business managers continue to follow tradition and leave the management of business intelligence to the technocrats. In this paper, the author proposes that a critical need exists to apply the same six sigma methods, which have worked for the rest of the organization to business intelligence operations and products. This proven structured approach, including the associated rigor and metrics, can be customized and integrated into a program which will allow effective management of business intelligence. The proposed Six Sigma program for business intelligence will ensure that an organization can gain control, improve understanding of operations and products, and improve the value of this crucial organization investment.

Alerting strategies in computerized physician order entry: a novel use of a dashboard-style analytics tool in a children's hospital.

Abstract: Utilizing a commercially available business analytics tool offering dashboard-style graphical indicators and a data warehouse strategy, we have developed an interactive, web-based platform that allows near-real-time analysis of CPOE adoption by hospital area and practitioner specialty. Clinical Decision Support (CDS) metrics include the percentage of alerts that result in a change in clinician decision-making. This tool facilitates adjustments in alert limits in order to reduce alert fatigue.