Showing papers on "Enterprise systems engineering published in 2014"

Internet of Things for Enterprise Systems of Modern Manufacturing

Abstract: Design and operation of a manufacturing enterprise involve numerous types of decision-making at various levels and domains. A complex system has a large number of design variables and decision-making requires real-time data collected from machines, processes, and business environments. Enterprise systems (ESs) are used to support data acquisition, communication, and all decision-making activities. Therefore, information technology (IT) infrastructure for data acquisition and sharing affects the performance of an ES greatly. Our objective is to investigate the impact of emerging Internet of Things (IoT) on ESs in modern manufacturing. To achieve this objective, the evolution of manufacturing system paradigms is discussed to identify the requirements of decision support systems in dynamic and distributed environments; recent advances in IT are overviewed and associated with next-generation manufacturing paradigms; and the relation of IT infrastructure and ESs is explored to identify the technological gaps in adopting IoT as an IT infrastructure of ESs. The future research directions in this area are discussed.

Integration of Distributed Enterprise Applications: A Survey

Abstract: Many industrial enterprises acquire disparate systems and applications over the years. The need to integrate these different systems and applications is often prominent for satisfying business requirements and needs. In an effort to help researchers in industrial informatics understand the state-of-the-art of the enterprise application integration, we examined the architectures and technologies for integrating distributed enterprise applications, illustrated their strengths and weaknesses, and identified research trends and opportunities in this increasingly important area.

Multi-perspective enterprise modeling: foundational concepts, prospects and future research challenges

Abstract: The paper presents a method for multi- perspective enterprise modeling (MEMO) and a corresponding (meta-) modeling environment. An extensive analysis of requirements for enterprise modeling serves to motivate and assess the method. The method is based on an elaborate conception of multi-perspective enterprise models and on an extensible language architecture. The language architecture is comprised of a meta modeling language and an extensible set of integrated domain-specific modeling languages (DSML). The DSML are supplemented with process models and with guidelines for their reflective use. The corresponding modeling environment integrates editors for various DSML into multi-language model editors. It includes a meta model editor which enables the convenient use, development and extension of the set of supported DSML and supports the generation of respective graphical model editors. Thus, it also serves as a foundation for method engineering. MEMO covers both software engineering as well as social, managerial and economic aspects of the firm. The presentation of MEMO is supplemented with a comparative overview of other approaches to enterprise modeling. The paper concludes bys summarizing fundamental technical, epistemological and political challenges for enterprise modeling research and discusses potential paths for future research.

Enterprise Modeling: Tackling Business Challenges with the 4EM Method

Abstract: Enterprise modeling (EM) methods and techniques are indispensable for understanding the present situation of an enterprise and for preparing for its future particularly in times of continuous organizational change, an increasing pace of innovation, new market challenges or technology advances. The authors combine a detailed description of the 4EM methodology with their concrete experience gathered in projects. Their book addresses the modeling procedure, modeling language and modeling practices in a uniquely integrated approach. It provides practical advice on common challenges faced by enterprises and offers a flexible EM method suitable for tackling those challenges. Much of the work presented stems from actual research projects and has been validated with scientific methods. The 4EM methodology has proven its practical value in a large number of successful development and/or change management projects in industry and the public sector. The book was written for anyone who wants to learn more about EM, with a specific focus on how to do it in practice and/or how to teach it. Its main target audience thus includes instructors in the field of EM or business information systems, students in Information Systems or Business Administration, and practitioners working in enterprise or change management. The authors describe a clear reading path for each of these audiences and complement the work with a set of slides and further teaching material available under www.4em-method.com.

The role of information systems in transport logistics

Abstract: The information can be a "good" or "phenomena" without which, the proper functioning of the company, would not be possible. In the era of today's solutions for the acquisition and transmission of information, information systems play an increasingly important role in the enterprise’s processes realization. This paper presents the role of the information system, it plays in the implementation of transport processes in the enterprise.

Formal Aspects of Enterprise Modeling Methods: A Comparison Framework

Abstract: For the design of work and knowledge systems it is today common to revert to enterprise modeling methods. These methods not only support the representation and analysis of complex interactions between technical services and human actors. The resulting models also provide value through acting as knowledge bases themselves. Thereby, the formalization of modeling methods is essential to unambiguously define their structure, behavior, and semantics, and enable an inter subjective understanding and machine-process ability. In this paper we analyze and compare six common enterprise modeling methods in regard to the formalization of their process-related aspects. From this comparison we derive implications for choosing an appropriate method when designing work and knowledge systems.

Claiming the future of enterprise education

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of enterprise educators working collectively to develop a unique scholarship of teaching. The authors argue that the time is right for educators in this domain to secure the future of enterprise education. Acknowledging the debate between "entrepreneurship education" and "enterprise education," the authors set out to develop a unification model through which educators can act collectively to demonstrate the leadership required to secure the autonomy of the domain. Design/methodology/approach The authors bring several pertinent ideas (pedagogical content knowledge, heutagogy and academagogy) to the attention of academics/researchers involved in the design, development and delivery of enterprise education. The innovative approach to combine these ideas with prevailing thinking in this domain has facilitated a model for collective action. Findings It is at the level of the shared philosophical positions that the authors can best cooperate to shape the future direction of enterprise education. The authors argue against dwelling upon how the authors differ in terms of context and process issues. Such matters can only fragment the theory and practice of enterprise education. The authors need to develop greater appreciation of shared philosophical positions and leverage this understanding into a unique scholarship of teaching, specific to enterprise education. Practical implications – As enterprise education becomes more global, it is also likely to become more attractive to business schools that long for a new positioning tool in the increasingly overcrowded markets that they compete in. Originality/value This paper encourages enterprise educators to reflect upon the knowledge they hold of their own practice, and that of other enterprise educators.

Analysis of Architecturally Significant Requirements for Enterprise Systems

Abstract: In designing and developing enterprise systems, systems engineers must consider the requirements that drive the important architecture decisions. Architecturally significant requirements tend to have a global impact on the underlying software infrastructure, and therefore need to be thoroughly examined. Despite the increasing effort in engineering enterprise systems' requirements, little is known about the analysis of architecture interactions and tradeoffs. In this paper, we propose a framework consisting of an integrated set of activities to help tackle requirements analysis in practice. Specifically, we leverage the quality attribute scenarios to elicit implicit yet significant requirements, to model requirements interplays, to manage terminological interferences, and to determine change impacts. We apply the proposed framework to a customer relationship management software system. The results show that the framework offers concrete insights and can be incorporated into an organization's systems practice with a moderate cost.

How ontologies benefit enterprise applications

Abstract: This paper contributes an argumentation line for how technological features of ontologies lead to benefits for enterprise applications. Although many features are also available in precursory or alternative technologies, we claim that combinations of specific features are uniquely provided by ontologies. A careful elicitation of the available features therefore is a prerequisite for the argumentation line. As a second contribution, this paper reports on several challenges that frequently occur when trying to adopt ontologies in existing enterprise settings. These challenges have to be contrasted with the often overstressed benefits in Semantic Web literature. Together with reports for several SAP Research case studies, this paper channels back experiences to the Semantic Web community. As a third contribution, we give several recommendations for future research directions based on the gathered experiences.

The business of being a user: the role of the reference actor in shaping packaged enterprise system acquisition and development

Abstract: The paper extends the concept of "user" to account for a new, more formalized role that some client organizations play in the diffusion of packaged enterprise systems. Package vendors are attempting to draw parts of their user base into activities related to the promotion, selling, and commodification of systems. Users, in turn, appear willing to help construct these systems as objects of consumption for others. This can appear to be rather idiosyncratic behavior. Information Systems scholars have argued that relations between packaged enterprise system vendors and users are attenuated. Why might the user help the vendor market its systems in this way? What benefits accrue from it? And what role are users performing in carrying out this work? To show how this is becoming a general facet of the work of some packaged enterprise system users, we develop the notion of "reference actor," which is an extension of the earlier Information Systems concept of "social actor." In combining insights from the social shaping of technology and the biography of artifacts, and drawing on long-term qualitative fieldwork, we analyze this new actor role in relation to expectations and commitments coming from the wider packaged enterprise system community. In return for the help provided to prospective adopters, reference actors are also able to gather various kinds of benefits for themselves and others. In particular, they build closer relations with vendors such that they can influence product development strategies.

Enterprise Information Systems Engineering : The MERODE Approach

Abstract: The increasing penetration of IT in organizations calls for an integrative perspective on enterprises and their supporting information systems. MERODE offers an intuitive and practical approach to enterprise modelling and using these models as core for building enterprise information systems. From a business analyst perspective, benefits of the approach are its simplicity and the possibility to evaluate the consequences of modeling choices through fast prototyping, without requiring any technical experience. The focus on domain modelling ensures the development of a common language for talking about essential business concepts and of a shared understanding of business rules. On the construction side, experienced benefits of the approach are a clear separation between specification and implementation, more generic and future-proof systems, and an improved insight in the cost of changes. A first distinguishing feature is the methods grounding in process algebra provides clear criteria and practical support for model quality. Second, the use of the concept of business events provides a deep integration between structural and behavioral aspects. The clear and intuitive semantics easily extend to application integration (COTS software and Web Services). Students and practitioners are the books main target audience, as both groups will benefit from its practical advice on how to create complete models which combine structural and behavioral views of a system-to-be and which can readily be transformed into code, and on how to evaluate the quality of those models. In addition, researchers in the area of conceptual or enterprise modelling will find a concise overview of the main findings related to the MERODE project. The work is complemented by a wealth of extra material on the authors web page at KU Leuven, including a free CASE tool with code generator, a collection of cases with solutions, and a set of domain modelling patterns that have been developed on the basis of the methods use in industry and government.

A conceptual framework for research into co-operative enterprise

Abstract: This paper outlines a conceptual framework for approaching research into the co-operative enterprise business model and its sustainability. The model examines the co-op from three perspectives, that of the member, that of the co-op as a business entity, and the wider systems level. Key units of analysis for each level are outlined. Also considered within the model are three primary objectives for the co-op: the need to build identity; the need to build social capital and the need to build sustainability. The application of resilience architecture to help understand the dynamic behavior of the co-operative enterprise over time is also discussed.

Enterprise Architecture as Capability: Strategic Application of Competencies to Govern Enterprise Transformation

Abstract: Enterprise Architecture is increasingly seen as transcending enterprise-wide IT architecture. In its exalted conceptualization, EA provides the link between strategy and execution and is driven by strategic considerations such as business transformation and business agility. However, academic research on the topic is still relatively incipient. In particular, there is a gap in the literature as to what is EA's scope in terms of the organizational structure. In this paper, we define EA as strategic capability: it pertains to the strategic application of competencies to organize and utilize the organization-specific resources towards desired ends. Its "area of value ownership" is at the organizing level, linking between strategy and execution, and guiding the evolution of the operational core. Anything "lower" is mere design, while anything "higher" goes beyond a single organization's scope. This platform of competencies is essentially socio-technical and calls for enterprise engineering perspective with qualitatively different kind of disciplinary premises than information systems perspective, in which EA has its roots. Furthermore, we posit that EA as capability is required to properly govern business-driven, value-oriented enterprise transformation.

Agile enterprise architecture: a case of a cloud technology-enabled government enterprise transformation

Abstract: Australian government enterprises have shown a significant interest in the cloud technology-enabled enterprise transformation. Australian government suggests the whole-of-a-government strategy to cloud adoption. The challenge is how best to realise this cloud adoption strategy for the cloud technologyenabled enterprise transformation? The cloud adoption strategy realisation requires concrete guidelines and a comprehensive practical framework. This paper proposes the use of an agile enterprise architecture framework to developing and implementing the adaptive cloud technology-enabled enterprise architecture in the Australian government context. The results of this paper indicate that a holistic strategic agile enterprise architecture approach seems appropriate to support the strategic whole-of-a-government approach to cloud technology-enabled government enterprise transformation.

Applying a Systems Model to Enterprise Risk Management

Abstract: :Enterprise risk management (ERM) has emerged as the new paradigm in risk management with the goal of holistically managing all risks facing an enterprise. Yet organizations still manage risks in a piece-meal fashion and struggle to effectively implement ERM and manage complex strategic risks. This article proposes a solution to this problem: ERM implementation using a system dynamics approach, which enables integrating risks in a causal modeling environment that includes feedback and delays. The methodology is then described using the ISO 31000 Risk Management Standard and illustrated using an example.

Research paradigms and topics in Enterprise Engineering analysis of recent conferences and workshops

Abstract: Enterprise Engineering (EE) is about purposeful design of enterprises and their transformative activities. It is an interdisciplinary domain, which draws largely on information systems and organizational science. Not unlike these fields, EE would benefit from a variety of research approaches to study the engineering of socio-technical systems. To analyze the prevalence of different research paradigms and the composition of research topics in the EE field, we examined 115 research papers in the field as presented in four pertinent conferences in 2009-2013: the Practice-Driven Research on Enterprise Transformation (PRET), Enterprise Engineering Working Conference (EEWC) as well as relevant tracks in the Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS) and in the European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). As per this analysis, the social aspect seems to be under-investigated and the interpretive paradigm under-represented in the EE research, while there seems to be a bias towards technical focus and the functionalist paradigm. The analysis ascertained the need for further evolvement of the EE discipline through more attention to social aspects and a more balanced variety of research approaches. We view that this will balance the course of advancing EE theories with the integration of gathered insights. With this paper, we want to instill a debate on the need for alternative research paradigms and for research on social aspects in the field of EE.

The Flexible Enterprise

Abstract: This inspiring book becomes one that is very booming. After published, this book can steal the market and book lovers to always run out of this book. And now, we will not let you run out any more to get this book. Why should be flexible enterprise? As a book lover, you must know that enjoying the book to read should be relevant to how you exactly need now. If they are not too much relevance, you can take the way of the inspirations to create for new inspirations.

Enterprise Architecture - Towards essential sensemaking

Abstract: In this position paper, we discuss our view on the past and future of the domain of enterprise architecture. We will do so, by characterising the past, and anticipated future, in terms of a number of trends. Based on these trends, we then discuss our current understanding of the future concept and role of enterprise architecture. We conclude by suggesting vantage points for future research in the field of enterprise architecture.

The Concept of a Flexible Enterprise

Abstract: In the wake of globalization of business, the enterprise is supposed to be highly adaptive, responsive, and agile. This chapter presents the conceptual framework for a flexible enterprise in terms of its definition and composition. The SSS (Strategy-Structure-Systems) framework is used as a basis to propose the concept of a flexible enterprise. It provides a selective review of various aspects of flexibility in the enterprise. A flexible enterprise is expected to have flexibility at the levels of strategy, structure, systems, and people. The various types of flexibilities in an enterprise such as strategic flexibility, organizational flexibility, human resources flexibility, marketing flexibility, financial flexibility, and information systems flexibility are conceptualized and illustrated in this chapter. This chapter presents the concept of a flexible enterprise with the help of case examples on various fronts. Finally, it concludes by outlining the possibilities and directions of a flexibility maturity model for assessing the flexible enterprise.

The RQ-Tech methodology: a new paradigm for conceptualizing strategic enterprise architectures

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to report on a new system-theoretic based methodology and corresponding model for Enterprise Architecture development. This model captures the essence of the strategic, conceptual, doctrinal layer of the organization. Reusable Quality Technical Architectures (RQ-Tech) graphically reveals a comprehensive array of enterprise decision alternatives in easily understandable views; all while maintaining the hyperlinks to its provenance in strategic authoritative documentation. The RQ-Tech method has combined the practice of Enterprise Architectures with a modern perspective grounded in Systems Theory and the theory regarding the computer science-oriented Semantic Web. This recombination results in a distinctive methodology for developing models. This new methodology supports the conclusion that system-specific solutions produce islands of technology and can be prevented by employing better enterprise change planning. A review of the literature in three major areas illustrates the ov...

Applying Agility and Living Service Systems Thinking to Enterprise Architecture

Abstract: Adaptive enterprise architecture capability plays an important role in enabling complex enterprise transformations. One of the key challenges when establishing an adaptive enterprise architecture capability is identifying the enterprise context and the scope of the enterprise architecture. The objective of this paper is to develop and present an adaptive enterprise service system (AESS) conceptual model, which is a part of The Gill Framework for Adaptive Enterprise Service Systems. This model has been developed using a "Design Research" approach. The AESS conceptual model assimilates agility, service, and living systems thinking (following multi-agent system modelling) for describing and analyzing the enterprise context and scope for establishing an adaptive enterprise architecture capability. The target audience of this AESS model driven approach includes both, enterprise architecture researchers and practitioners.

Integration of System-Dynamics, Aspect-Programming, and Object-Orientation in System Information Modeling

Abstract: Contemporary information modeling of enterprise systems only focuses on the technical aspect of the systems, though it is known that they are social-technical (socio-tech) systems in essence. In fact, there are many lessons that can be learned from failures in the management of enterprise systems, which range from a small one (e.g., failure to install a printer driver) to a large one (e.g., nuclear power plant post-accident management). This paper, therefore, proposes that the enterprise system should be viewed as a socio-tech system. The paper presents a novel integrated approach to information modeling of socio-tech enterprise systems. In particular, the approach integrates object-orientation, systems-dynamics (as a means to represent high-level dynamics), and aspect-programming. The paper discusses an example to illustrate how the proposed approach works.

Information Provision as a Success Factor in the Architectural Support of Enterprise Transformations

Abstract: Enterprise transformations (ET) fail in many cases or do not accomplish the expected goals Enterprise architecture management (EAM) is often considered to be an appropriate means to tackle this problem by providing information that is relevant to ET managers Therefore, we analyze, which types of information provided during an ET contributes to its success In addition we discuss if EAM can appropriately support ETs by providing relevant information The results show that value can be provided to ET management when business-related information on a detailed level is offered Examples are business requirements, business functions, or qualitative measures We find information that can be provided by EAM to be an important success factor for ETs

Integrating adaptive user interface capabilities in enterprise applications

Abstract: Many existing enterprise applications are at a mature stage in their development and are unable to easily benefit from the usability gains offered by adaptive user interfaces (UIs). Therefore, a method is needed for integrating adaptive UI capabilities into these systems without incurring a high cost or significantly disrupting the way they function. This paper presents a method for integrating adaptive UI behavior in enterprise applications based on CEDAR, a model-driven, service-oriented, and tool-supported architecture for devising adaptive enterprise application UIs. The proposed integration method is evaluated with a case study, which includes establishing and applying technical metrics to measure several of the method’s properties using the open-source enterprise application OFBiz as a test-case. The generality and flexibility of the integration method are also evaluated based on an interview and discussions with practitioners about their real-life projects.