Showing papers on "Digital firm published in 2007"

A strategy for knowledge management

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of organizational environment on the selection of knowledge management strategies. The paper focuses particularly on the relationship between business and knowledge management strategy and the success of the knowledge management initiatives., – This paper is a case study researching 11 German and Swiss companies. The knowledge management initiatives were categorized by six criteria (objectives, processes, problems, content, strategy, knowledge type) and their fit with the respective business strategy of the organizational unit was evaluated., – The findings in this paper suggest a relationship between the success of knowledge management and the alignment of knowledge management and business strategy. The paper also shows that an organization whose business strategy requires process efficiency should rely primarily on a codification strategy. An organization whose business strategy requires product/process innovation should rely primarily on a personalization strategy. The most successful knowledge management projects were driven by a strong business need and with the goal to add value to the organizational unit operations., – The paper shows there are limitations due to the qualitative nature of the research: logical rather than statistical conclusions, small sample size, and subjectivity of interpretations., – The paper sees that a manager should be aware of the objectives and business processes of the organizational unit and chooses the knowledge management strategy and objective in accordance to the business strategy and objective., – The paper enhances understanding about the influence of organizational environment factors on the success of knowledge management initiatives.

An RFID-based remote monitoring system for enterprise internal production management.

Abstract: The disconnected flow of inventory and information will lead to a lack of real-time information and a build-up of excess inventory to buffer uncertainties in supply and demand. In this paper, a radio frequency identification (RFID) based remote monitoring system over the Internet is proposed to provide a transparent and visible information flow for supply chain and enterprise internal resource management. RFID technology has been a hot technology to replace barcodes in supply chain management in recent years. Actually, it has been successfully applied by the US Army in military logistics in 1991. Recently, the superman of the supermarket, Wal-Mart, mandates that its top 100 suppliers must equip RFID tags on their supplied items. However, RFID technology is still not a standard form acceptable for global use. The first big problem is to select a global universal radio frequency (RF) for active and passive RFID systems, but because of the advantages of RFID technology, it is unassailable that it will be popularly used in various fields very soon, such as supply chain management, enterprise resources planning (ERP), sales management, and so on. In this paper, the RFID-based monitoring system for enterprise internal production management is introduced. The RFID technology, Bluetooth, and Internet technology are employed to form a remote system for the monitoring of the production status of a factory. Based on this system, the management department can transparently master and control the status of the production line and supply chain, including raw materials and outsourcing supply/consumption status, production status of parts and components, production status of the finished products, etc. This system will be of benefit to greatly improve the productivity and reduce the cost for the enterprise.

Preface to Supply Chain Management – Concepts, Techniques and Practices: Enhancing Value Through Collaboration

Abstract: Integrating theory and practices of supply chain management, this book incorporates more than 15 years of supply chain and operations management research and industry consulting experience to both government and industry firms.The coverage focuses on how to build a competitive supply chain using viable management strategies, operational models, decision-making techniques, and information technology. It includes a core presentation on supply chain management and new initiatives such as e-commerce, collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR), data mining, knowledge management, and business intelligence.

Knowledge and Technology Management in Virtual Organizations: Issues, Trends, Opportunities and Solutions

Abstract: "Knowledge and Technology Management in Virtual Organizations: Issues, Trends, Opportunities and Solutions" presents a collection of the most recent contributions in the areas of organization, knowledge, and technology management in the context of virtual enterprises. This book contains important and in-depth information on four dimensions: semantic, managerial, technological, and social. The semantic dimensions covered in this book are ontological and organizational approaches, concepts, organizational models, and knowledge management models. In respect to managerial dimensions, this book covers process management, integration management, relationship management, process integration, knowledge management, technology integration management, and information integration. "Knowledge and Technology Management in Virtual Organizations: Issues, Trends, Opportunities and Solutions" presents the technological dimension by explaining the infrastructures and technologies to support technology and information integration standards and protocols. Lastly, this title highlights the social dimension, including human resources management, human resources integration, social issues, social impact, social requirements, and communities of knowledge.

Relationships and performance of trade intermediaries: an exploratory study

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of relationship coordination on the performance of trade intermediaries.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a model of interfirm governance involving multiple members – customers, suppliers and a firm's internal members. In supply chains involving more than two members, the dyadic approach to studying business relationships is inadequate. Dyadic relationships are often influenced by other connected relationships. Thus, this study provides a broader understanding of relationship management in the supply chain.Findings – A major task of intermediaries is to facilitate the flow of materials, information and resource along the supply chain. Growth in outsourcing and competition between supply chains have created a need for intermediaries to manage relationships with other members in the supply chain. How should intermediaries manage these relationships for success? Are there positive linkages between supplier relationship management, custo...

Managing electronic documents and work flows: Enterprise content management at work in nonprofit organizations

Abstract: Web management and knowledge management systems have made significant technological advances, culminating in large information management systems such as enterprise content management (ECM). ECM is a Web-based publishing system that manages large numbers of electronic documents and other Web assets intended for publication to Web portals and other complex Web sites. Work in nonprofit organizations can benefit from adopting new communication technologies that promote collaboration and enterprisewide knowledge management. The unique characteristics of ECM are enumerated and analyzed from a knowledge management perspective. We identify three stages of document life cycles in ECM implementations—content, reification, and commodification/process—as the content management model. We present the model as a mechanism for decision makers and scholars to use in evaluating the organizational impacts of systems such as ECM. We also argue that decision makers in nonprofit organizations should take care to avoid overly commodifying business processes in the final stage, where participation may be more beneficial than efficiency.

A Theoretical Model and Framework for Understanding Knowledge Management System Implementation

Abstract: The study’s objective is to arrive at a theoretical model and framework to guide research into the implementation of KMS, while also seeking to inform practice. In order to achieve this, the paper applies the critical success factors (CSF) method in a field study of successful KMS implementations across 12 large multinational organisations operating in a range of sectors. The paper first generates a ‘collective set’ of CSFs from extant research to construct an a priori model and framework: this is then empirically validated and extended using the field study findings to arrive at a ‘collective set’ of CSFs for all 12 organisations. These are then employed to refine and extend the theoretical model using insights from the literature on capability theory. It is hoped that the model and framework will aid theory building and future empirical research on this highly important and relevant topic.

Linking knowledge management and innovation management in e-business

Abstract: Knowledge lies at the very heart of innovation. A firm's ability to create, store and transfer knowledge about technologies, customer needs, and the innovation process itself may well determine success in bringing new products or services to the market. Systemic innovations requiring multiple companies to change in a coordinated fashion include recent advances in supply chain management, increasing use of enterprise resource planning, and the prefabrication of component system. One such conceptualisation is proposed in this paper, a framework for developing organisational knowledge management system for e-business model innovation, including theory framework of knowledge, innovation management, and e-business. It closed with a conclusion with innovative model at enterprise operation.

Managing digital enterprise

Abstract: Traditional manufacturing and service environments have been transformed into more physically distributed enterprise environments, which include supply chains, e-commerce and virtual enterprises. This places tremendous pressure on managers to change the ways in which they control the manufacturing and service enterprises in which they work. The role of managers has changed from managing physical assets and people to managing knowledge assets in digital enterprise environments. Therefore, it has become critical to look into the management function and the role of managers in the so-called 'digital enterprise' environment. It is our hope that this article will generate debate and further discussion on management functions in digital enterprises and subsequently will lead to additional research on the subject.

Editorial Overview---The Digitally Enabled Extended Enterprise in a Global Economy

Abstract: This special issue of Information Systems Research includes six papers that investigate the role of information technology for the management of the extended enterprise in the global economy These papers contribute to our theoretical and practical understanding of how IT is restructuring occupations and industries and how firms can leverage IT for the management of their supply, production, and logistics and distribution networks

Organizational characteristics, knowledge management strategy, enablers, and process capability: knowledge management performance in united states software companies

Abstract: Currently, the effect of knowledge management has not been clearly defined or understood and a proper framework for assessing the status of knowledge management is lacking. Most studies examined the relationships among critical factors of knowledge management separately and the empirical research is based on only a few cases or small samples where generalizing the results is significantly reduced. The development of a universal model is necessary as a means to measure relevant constructs. This correlational (explanatory) online survey research is the first to explore the relationships among organizational characteristics, knowledge management strategy, knowledge management enablers, knowledge management process capabilities, and knowledge management performance. Two research questions and 14 hypotheses and related sub-hypotheses were examined. The survey consisted of an 8-item Knowledge Management Strategy Scale, a 26-item modified Knowledge Management Enablers Scale, a 27-item Knowledge Management Process Capability Scale, and a 5-item Knowledge Management Scale. Using a simple random sampling plan, 212 participants from U.S software companies completed an online survey. Multiple regression, moderated multiple regression, and two way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Of the 14 hypotheses and sub-hypotheses, ten were supported, one was partially supported, and three were not supported. Findings indicated that (a) system orientation and human orientation strategies are significant positive explanatory variables of knowledge management process capability, knowledge management enablers, and knowledge management performance; (b) technology and organizational culture of knowledge management enablers are significant positive explanatory variables of knowledge management process capability and knowledge management performance; (c) the decentralization dimension may inversely affect knowledge management process capability and knowledge management performance; (d) annual sales in dollars was a significant positive explanatory variable of knowledge management strategy and knowledge management process capability; (e) knowledge management process capability is a mediator between knowledge management strategy and organizational characteristics, and knowledge management performance; and (f) companies with a balance of a high degree of human orientation and system orientation strategies have a positive significant relationship with knowledge management performance. The limitations of the study regarding generalization, and recommendations for future research to replicate the study in other countries, are also included.

Toward the Realization of Policy-Oriented Enterprise Management

Abstract: A goal-driven approach to business process composition uses generic, logic-based strategies, descriptions of Web services, and formalized business policies to generate business processes that satisfy the stated business goals. The approach is based on an enterprise physics metaphor, in which business objects are analogous to physical objects and policies are analogous to physical laws. Medium and large businesses use traditional enterprise software systems to manage diverse operations in modules that are part of a unified software reflection (that is, how the software represents the enterprise's organizational structure). Each of these modules typically provides support for an entire business department. Examples of such modules include 1) a business intelligence suite (information warehouse and analytics), 2) customer relationship management, 3) supply chain management, and 4) enterprise resource planning.

IT for Corporate Crisis Management: Findings from a Survey in 6 different Industries on Management Attention, Intention and Actual Use

Abstract: This paper reports the findings of a survey on the use of information technology (IT) in crisis management in six different industrial sectors in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The survey was sent to 1245 Belgian and 1450 Dutch companies with 50 employees or more, resulting in a response rate of 9%. Statistical analysis of the result demonstrate that although the development of crisis management plans leads to a higher awareness of the company risks, it is especially the creation of a crisis management team that leads to a higher degree of actions taken, for instance training or simulations. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the level of IT use in crisis management is predominantly related to the presence of a member in the crisis management team with an IT background

Knowledge Workers as an Integral Component in Global Information System Design

Abstract: Analyzing an information system through knowledge’s point of view causes a change that, inevitably, engenders the awareness of the importance of the human and sociocultural dimensions to improve its performances. This chapter, based on a Model for Global Knowledge Management within the Enterprise (MGKME) helps to stress the need of integrating the knowledge worker, both at once, as a component, and a user of the information systems within extended companies. Actually, this challenge, put out by a knowledge management's vision that is centered on the core business processes, and the people, ought to be included in the strategies for information resources management.

Towards a New Model of Supply Chain Risk Management: the Cross-Functional Process Mapping Approach

Abstract: Supply chains bring companies economies of scale; at the same time, they also carry some risks. Recently risk management has become one of the principles of supply chain management. As discussed by other authors, they attribute process management to both Supply Chain Management (SCM) and risk management. Based on this proposition, this research mainly applies one of process mapping tool, Cross-Functional Process Mapping (CFPM), to constructs a new theoretical model of risk management in supply chain. The procedure of this model, which is a eight-step continuous process cycle from team organising to reporting, aims at not only reducing loss during risk occurrence but also redesigning and improving the whole business process to resist the risk loss.

Relationship management in the business of quality and communication

Abstract: Enterprise quality systems represent an indispensable development for modern businesses: the procedures formalisation seems to produce more direct effects on the operations rationalisation, while it also proposes several critical observations (and less direct effects) on proposal management. This study offers an analysis of a set of questionnaires that have been proposed to entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs that operate only in B2B markets. The research highlights that personal relationships play a fundamental role in business relations, in which technical aspects of communication prevail on emotional ones. The research target verifies that business customer loyalty is mainly due to effective relationship-marketing policies, most of all for SMEs, which are more vulnerable to the aggression of moneyed advertising and information campaigns on behalf of large competitors. Thus, the suggestion is to provide proposal management procedures with CRM systems.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Managing the Digital Firm - 9th edition, authors: Keneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon (Book Review)

Abstract: MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Managing the Digital Firm - 9th edition Authors: Keneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 97458. ISBN 0-13-153841-1; XXXII+641+22+14+2+21 pags.

Enterprise digital asset management system pilot: Lessons learned

Abstract: Enterprise digital asset management (DAM) systems are beginning to be explored in higher education, but little information about their implementation issues is available. This article describes the University of Michigan’s investigation of managing and retrieving rich media assets in an enterprise DAM system. It includes the background of the pilot project and descriptions of its infrastructure and metadata schema. Two case studies are summarized—one in healthcare education, and one in teacher education and research. Experiences with five significant issues are summarized: privacy, intellectual ownership, digital rights management, uncataloged materials backlog, and user interface and integration with other systems.

Metrics for End-to-End Monitoring and Management of Enterprise Systems

Abstract: Within an enterprise system, there exist many specific service-based metrics that apply to end-to-end monitoring and management of information. To assist network operators and service providers in understanding end user issues, it is helpful to group related service-based metrics together into larger metric categories. This paper addresses the lack of consistent and meaningful metric terminology for network operations personnel who manage enterprise systems running multiple protocols over a diverse set of multi-technology components that must implement distributed applications methodologies in a network centric (net-centric) environment. This paper establishes metrics categories into which the information collected during the monitoring activities may be grouped, and it defines and rationalizes these categories. Examples are provided to demonstrate the usefulness of this categorization for enterprise systems.

Knowledge management process in the local government.

Abstract: Knowledge management is an important issue. The employ of new information technologies, like content management systems contribute to the improvement of knowledge management process. But it is not enough. It is why in this context, communication genres are used. In fact, with this approach is possible identifying communication genres actually used in local government. Communication genres approach may be used in requirement analysis and then in the analysis and design activities of information system development and customization.

Application of Systemic Management Conception to Organization's Management Decisions Structuring

Abstract: The developing conception of systemic management conditions the new understanding of organization management. Systemic viewpoint to management and economic processes is one of the new management theories, which in most cases are striving for profound viewpoint to processes of management and their administration‘s principles. System viewpoint is important factor in some business areas, such as tourism, sport management, etc, where business processes are based on various organizations’ constant collaboration. Systemic viewpoint firstly characterizes the structure of individual organization, which is the base for further system theory development in management area. The summarized analysis of various views to systemic organization management, which is used to determine the basic elements of systemic organization management, is presented in this article. Many authors, who have been analyzing the conception and principles of behavior of system, treat system as the unit of elements, related interdependent by the same character connection, which functions as an individual object of environment. Management of organization in a context of systems‘theory can be treated as a complex process of information in which process employees of management‘s structure pursue functions of management by regulating all processes that happen in the organization. The analysis of Boulding (2004); Gregory, Stuart (1989); Cerniak (1975); Zakarevicius (2002); Lydeka (2001) and other authors’ viewpoint in systemic management analysis allows stating that system can be described according to three dimensions: 1) system‘s inside structure‘s features; 2) specific systemic features’ attribute and 3) system‘s behavior features. But this viewpoint does not characterize the social system aspect of organization. Social structure can be defined as basic element of organization. Social structure in general involves members (participants) of organization which are an important part of complex organization as a social system. All parts of organization function facing environment, elements that do not belong to any particular system which in some cases complement system or become limiters of system‘s functioning, all the time. Therefore, structure of organization as a system can be expressed by evaluating reciprocity of inside elements of an organization and organization‘s as a system connection with elements of outside environment. Summarizing the analysis of systemic management, it is true to say that it is purposeful to relate management of an organization as a system with management of inside environment‘ s elements (social structure, technology, strategy and human resources) of organization, joining these elements into solid environment, which proximately contacts with outside environment of organization, using incoming (resources necessary for organization) and outgoing (result of organization‘s activity) connections.

Enterprise Architecture: Challenges and Implementations

Abstract: Enterprise Architecting (EA) is the process of developing enterprise Information Technology architecture -- both its description and its implementation. An EA description focuses on a holistic and integrated view of the why, where, and who uses IT systems and how and what they are used for within an organization. An enterprise architect develops the strategy and enables the decisions for designing, developing, and deploying IT systems to support the business operations as well as to assess, select, and integrate the technology into the organization?s infrastructure. Alignment between business and IT is one of the top issues for CIOs and IS managers for several years as report.

An Enterprise Content Management Solution Based on Open Source

Abstract: Spread out on the Internet, mail servers, and hard-drives everywhere, unstructured information in the form of Web pages, email, RSS feeds, office documents, images, video, and sound, accounts for approximately ten times the structured information stored in databases. Seeking to organize their large volume of non-structured content, companies implement Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems to make this information more accessible for users and make these systems communicate with relational database backed solutions through a single interface. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local governments also have the same need for unstructured information organization. However, most of times, they cannot afford the high acquisition and customization costs, or don’t want to become dependent of proprietary ECM solutions. This paper aims to present NSI2, an ECM solution totally built on top of open source software that offers the functionalities demanded by this kind of system.

The impact of ERP implementation on corporate supply chain performance

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) represent important technology investment options for operations managers, and have been acclaimed in the practitioner and academic literature for their potential to improve business performance. ERP systems provide benefits in the area of transaction automation; SCM systems provide more sophisticated planning capabilities. This paper focuses on the interactions between ERP and SCM A conceptual framework was proposed. The framework is featuring the ERP benefits, firm competences, and supply chain performance. It became clear that there exists close interrelations in benefits of implementing ERP system and SCM performances. We apply rough set theory (RST) to discover important ERP attributes leading to the success of SCM.