Showing papers on "Resource management published in 1999"

Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Management

Abstract: This book deals with the topic of traditional ecological knowledge specifically in the context of natural resource management. An issue of today is how humans can develop a more acceptable relationship with the environment that supports them. Growing interest in traditional ecological knowledge is perhaps indicative of two things: the need for ecological insights from indigenous practices of resource use; and the need to develop a new ecological ethic in part by learning from the wisdom of traditional knowledge holders. This book explores both of these ideas together by treating traditional ecological knowledge as a knowledge-practice-belief complex. This complex looks at traditional knowledge at four interrelated levels: local knowledge (species specific); the resource management system; social institutions; and worldview (religion, ethics, and defined belief systems). Divided into three parts that deal with concepts, practices and issues, respectively, the book examines many traditional knowledge systems. It discusses the usefulness of traditional ecological knowledge in terms of providing an understanding, not merely information, which is complementary to scientific ecology. At the same time, the book explores a diversity of relationships that different groups have developed with their environment, using extensive case studies.

The Impact of Environmental Technologies on Manufacturing Performance

Abstract: Management of the natural environment is becoming an increasingly important issue to manufacturing firms, yet their managers are also challenged to implement changes that improve competitiveness. T...

Terabit burst switching

Abstract: Demand for network bandwidth is growing at unprecedented rates, placing growing demands on switching and transmission technologies. Wavelength division multiplexing will soon make it possible to combine hundreds of gigabit channels on a single fiber. This paper presents an architecture for Burst Switching Systems designed to switch data among WDM links, treating each link as a shared resource rather than just a collection of independent channels. The proposed network architecture separates burst level data and control, allowing major simplifications in the data path in order to facilitate all-optical implementations. To handle short data bursts efficiently, the burst level control mechanisms in burst switching systems must keep track of future resource availability when assigning arriving data bursts to channels or storage locations. The resulting Lookahead Resource Management problems raise new issues and require the invention of completely new types of high speed control mechanisms. This paper introduces these problems and describes approaches to burst level resource management that attempt to strike an appropriate balance between high speed operation and efficiency of resource usage.

A resource management architecture for metacomputing systems.

Abstract: Metacomputing systems are intended to support remote and/or concurrent use of geographically distributed computational resources. Resource management in such systems is complicated by five concerns that do not typically arise in other situations: site autonomy and heterogeneous substrates at the resources, and application requirements for policy extensibility, co-allocation, and online control. We describe a resource management architecture that addresses these concerns. This architecture distributes the resource management problem among distinct local manager, resource broker, and resource co-allocator components and defines an extensible resource specification language to exchange information about requirements. We describe how these techniques have been implemented in the context of the Globus metacomputing toolkit and used to implement a variety of different resource management strategies. We report on our experiences applying our techniques in a large testbed, GUSTO, incorporating 15 sites, 330 computers, and 3600 processors.

The politics of tek: power and the "integration" of knowledge

Abstract: This paper takes a critical look at the project of "integrating" traditional knowledge and science. The project of integration has been and continues to be the cornerstone of efforts to involve northern aboriginal peoples in processes of resource management and environmental impact assessment over the past 15 years. The idea of integration, however, contains the implicit assumption that the cultural beliefs and practices referred to as "traditional knowledge" con- form to western conceptions about "knowledge." It takes for granted existing power relations be- tween aboriginal people and the state by assuming that traditional knowledge is simply a new form of "data" to be incorporated into existing management bureaucracies and acted upon by scientists and resource managers. As a result, aboriginal people have been forced to express themselves in ways that conform to the institutions and practices of state management rather than to their own beliefs, values, and practices. And, since it is scientists and resource man- agers, rather than aboriginal hunters and trappers, who will be using this new "integrated" knowledge, the project of integration actually serves to concentrate power in administrative centers, rather than in the hands of aboriginal people.

Rethinking Collaboration and Partnership: A Public Policy Perspective

Abstract: Issues of coordination, collaboration and partnership are now at the forefront of much tourism research on finding new solutions to resource management and destination development problems. However, despite the value of such attention in possibly improving destination management and the development of more sustainable forms of tourism, the concepts have remained relatively poorly critically analysed from a public policy perspective. The paper argues that the emphasis associated with network concepts is related to the changing role of the state in Western society and the attempt to find market or semi-market solutions to resource and production problems. However, the paper argues with reference to examples from various Western countries, and Australia in particular, that caution needs to be applied in the utilisation of these concepts because of the implications that they may have for notions of governance and the public interest. In addition, the paper argues that the predominance of narrow corporatist no...

Institutional Analysis and Ecosystem-Based Management: The Institutional Analysis and Development Framework

Abstract: / Scholars, government practitioners, and environmentalists are increasingly supportive of collaborative, ecosystem-based approaches to natural resource management. However, few researchers have focused their attention on examining the important administrative and institutional challenges surrounding ecosystem-based management. This paper describes how the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework can be used to better understand the institutional arrangements used to implement ecosystem-based management programs. Some of the observations emanating from previous research on institutional design and performance are also discussed. The paper's central argument is that if this new resource management paradigm is to take hold and flourish, researchers and practitioners must pay closer attention to the questions surrounding institutional design and performance. This should help improve our understanding of the relationship between science and human values in decision making. It should also help researchers avoid making faulty policy recommendations and improve the implementation of ecosystem-based management programs.KEY WORDS: Ecosystem management; Watershed management; Common pool resources; Implementation; Institutional analysis; Evaluation; Policy analysishttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n4p449.html

A control-based middleware framework for quality-of-service adaptations

Abstract: In heterogeneous environments with performance variations present, multiple applications compete for and share a limited amount of system resources and suffer from variations in resource availability. These complex applications are desired to adapt themselves and to adjust their resource demands dynamically. On one hand, current adaptation mechanisms built within an application cannot preserve global properties such as fairness; on the other hand, adaptive resource management mechanisms built within the operating system are not aware of data semantics in the application. In this paper, we present a novel middleware control framework to enhance the effectiveness of quality-of-service (QoS) adaptation decisions by dynamic control and reconfiguration of internal parameters and functionalities of a distributed multimedia application. Our objective is to satisfy both system-wide properties (such as fairness among concurrent applications) and application-specific requirements (such as preserving the critical performance criteria). The framework is modeled by the task control model and the fuzzy control model, based on rigorous results from the control theory, and verified by the controllability and adaptivity of a distributed visual tracking application. The results show validation of the framework, i.e., critical application quality parameters can be preserved via controlled adaptation.

Self-regulated resource management of distributed computer resources

Abstract: A distributed system for the management of distributed resources interconnected by a computer network and comprised of a plurality of limited supply resources (such as those associated with multimedia content servers, e.g., bandwidth, CPU, storage, etc.,). The system comprises a plurality of server resources, preferably with target multimedia content, real time processing engines, etc., and a plurality of intermediary system resources (such as directories and resource monitors). The resources in any particular server are classified or partitioned as global or local, where the ratio of global to local is specified and controlled by the system. The system assigns clients across local and global resources and coordinates the placement of replicas of target content across global resources. The placement is dynamic and performed when necessary based on the analysis of utilization patterns of target content and replicas by pluralities of clients.

A Resource-Based Approach to Strategy Analysis in Small-Medium Sized Enterprises

Abstract: Few articles have been published that specifically deal with how to support strategic analysis and management in small-medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In the last decade, however, literature on strategic management has paid considerable attention to the resource-based theory, which seems to fit well the needs of owners and executives of SMEs. The objective of this article is twofold: (i) to present a resource-based view of an SME's sustainable competitive advantage; (ii) to propose an approach to strategy analysis based on such a view.

Managing risks in strategic alliances

Abstract: Executive Overview Managing the different kinds of risk in strategic alliances is a complex task. We propose a comprehensive framework of risk management with two components. First, we discuss the roles of relational risk and performance risk in alliance resource management. The overall goal is to gain access to partner firms' valuable resources while keeping one's own resources intact. To that end, alliance managers may choose from four orientations—control flexibility, security, and productivity. The second part of the framework focuses on various risks in the alliance management process, including the stages of partner selection, structuring, operation, and performance evaluation. Within each stage, we identify the key risk that may affect alliance success. These risks are related to fit, flexibility, collaboration, and planning for the future. Together, the two components of the framework provide insights and guidelines for managers to effectively deal with the major risks in the management of alliances.

Human resource management outsourcing: The make or buy decision

Abstract: Executive Overview Just-in-time human resource (HR) management, sell and lease-back human resource programs, and do-it-yourself HR—all of these phrases characterize how companies manage outsourced HR functions. This article reports results of interviews conducted with senior HR executives and professionals in 25 organizations to identify outsourcing rationales and consequences. Companies were found to use HR outsourcing for both operational and strategic reasons. Based on these findings, we present guidelines for selecting vendors, managing the outsourcing transition, managing vendor relations, and monitoring vendor performance. HR outsourcing is not a fad, and it can enhance the HR value chain as well as support the development of HR as a business partner and strategic contributor to the organization's goals.

Resource co-allocation in computational grids

Abstract: Applications designed to execute on "computational grids" frequently require the simultaneous co-allocation of multiple resources in order to meet performance requirements. For example, several computers and network elements may be required in order to achieve real-time reconstruction of experimental data, while a large numerical simulation may require simultaneous access to multiple supercomputers. Motivated by these concerns, we have developed a general resource management architecture for Grid environments, in which resource co-allocation is an integral component. We examine the co-allocation problem in detail and present mechanisms that allow an application to guide resource selection during the co-allocation process; these mechanisms address issues relating to the allocation, monitoring, control, and configuration of distributed computations. We describe the implementation of co-allocators based on these mechanisms and present the results of microbenchmark studies and large-scale application experiments that provide insights into the costs and practical utility of our techniques.

The Legion Resource Management System

Abstract: Recent technological developments, including gigabit networking technology and low-cost, high-performance microprocessors, have given rise to metacomputing environments. Metacomputing environments combine hosts from multiple administrative domains via transnational and world-wide networks. Managing the resources in such a system is a complex task, but is necessary to efficiently and economically execute user programs. The Legion resource management system is flexible both in its support for system-level resource management but also in their adaptability for user-level scheduling policies.

Communities, wildlife and the 'new conservation' in Africa

Abstract: Over the last decade the concepts, policies and practices of conservation in Africa have begun to shift towards what has been viewed as a community-based approach. This introductory paper to the Policy Arena argues that the ideas underpinning this shift—a greater interest in local level and community-based natural resource management, the treatment of conservation as simply one of many forms of natural resource use and a belief in the contribution that markets can make to the achievement of conservation goals—are better understood as a ‘new conservation’. This new conservation is presently diffusing through Africa both challenging ‘fortress conservation’ and working alongside it. It is no panacea for the problems that conservation faces but it does provide a basis from which more effective policies and institutions can evolve. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

System and method for enterprise workflow resource management

Abstract: A method and a system for providing resource management in workflow processing of an enterprise include a multi-level resource manager hierarchy. An upper level includes at least one resource manager having data that represents an enterprise-wide view of resource capabilities. A subordinate second level of resource managers provides partial views of the resource capabilities of the enterprise. These partial views may be based upon organizational or physical boundaries. At a lowermost level of resource managers are local resource managers (LRMs) that include data to track individual resources. Above this lowermost level, the resource managers in the hierarchy track the resources based upon types of resources. Thus, a second level resource manager is configured to be aware of availability of a resource type, but not the availability of an individual resource. Also above the lowermost level, the resource managers are configured to exchange requests for the resources using a number of different messages. A Plead message is used to send a request to a higher level manager. On the other hand, a Delegate message is used to send a request to a lower level manager. A Refer message allows a request to be sent horizontally. Report messages are sent among resource managers to allow updates of cache entries regarding capabilities of other resource managers.

Cellular Disco: resource management using virtual clusters on shared-memory multiprocessors

Abstract: Despite the fact that large-scale shared-memory multiprocessors have been commercially available for several years, system software that fully utilizes all their features is still not available, mostly due to the complexity and cost of making the required changes to the operating system. A recently proposed approach, called Disco, substantially reduces this development cost by using a virtual machine monitor that leverages the existing operating system technology.In this paper we present a system called Cellular Disco that extends the Disco work to provide all the advantages of the hardware partitioning and scalable operating system approaches. We argue that Cellular Disco can achieve these benefits at only a small fraction of the development cost of modifying the operating system. Cellular Disco effectively turns a large-scale shared-memory multiprocessor into a virtual cluster that supports fault containment and heterogeneity, while avoiding operating system scalability bottle-necks. Yet at the same time, Cellular Disco preserves the benefits of a shared-memory multiprocessor by implementing dynamic, fine-grained resource sharing, and by allowing users to overcommit resources such as processors and memory. This hybrid approach requires a scalable resource manager that makes local decisions with limited information while still providing good global performance and fault containment.In this paper we describe our experience with a Cellular Disco prototype on a 32-processor SGI Origin 2000 system. We show that the execution time penalty for this approach is low, typically within 10% of the best available commercial operating system for most workloads, and that it can manage the CPU and memory resources of the machine significantly better than the hardware partitioning approach.

Communication Skills for Conservation Professionals

Abstract: This is a practical, inspiring book on achieving conservation goals through effective communication. Whether you are managing wetlands, protecting endangered species, or restoring ecosystems, you need to be able to communicate effectively in order to solve conservation and resource management problems. "Communication Skills for Conservation Professionals" can help you do just that - it is a practical and inspiring book that provides user-friendly guidance on achieving conservation goals through effective communication. Following introductory chapters that draw on research from communication, psychology, sociology, and education to highlight elements critical for effective communication, the book describes how to gather background information and target audiences, explains how public relations can influence attitudes and behaviours, and outlines how to design and conduct a communications campaign. In addition, it provides step-by-step guidance for using print, broadcast, and electronic mass media; demonstrates methods for developing public talks, interpretive brochures, exhibits, and trails; and, explores long-term conservation education strategies for students and adults. This second edition of a widely praised book, originally published in 1999, includes new material on working with stakeholders, volunteers, and other groups to multiply conservation success. It also expands on the use of electronic media with examples of conservation Web pages, blogs, e-newsletters, and other new media. The book's citations have been updated to include a host of Web sites and other electronic sources useful for planning and implementing communication programmes. "Communication Skills for Conservation Professionals" is a valuable addition to the conservationist's toolbox that will help scientists, managers, concerned citizens, and students communicate more effectively.

Three Faces of Ecosystem Management

Abstract: The debate over the objectives and methods of ecosystem management has been confusing, in part because people truly mean different things when they use the term ecosystem management. These different meanings reflect differences in interests, values, and knowledge. I organized these meanings into three sets: "environmentally sensitive multiple use," an "ecosystem approach to resource management," and "ecore- gional management." Environmentally sensitive multiple use takes an anthropocentric perspective that seeks to foster multiple human uses subject to an understanding of environmental constraints that goes beyond that considered in traditional multiple-use management. An ecosystem approach incorporates a biocentric view in which ecosystems are understood as a metaphor for holistic thinking requiring an expanded consid- eration of the dynamism and complexity of ecological systems, scale phenomena, and the need for manage- ment across ownership boundaries. Ecoregional management takes an ecocentric perspective that focuses on the management of specific landscape ecosystems defined as real geographic spaces and that shifts manage- ment focus toward ecosystem processes and away from biota. Understanding these three conceptualizations as different points along a continuum of resource management paradigms helps clarify the different visions of ecosystem management held by different groups. Because different places and groups are at various points on the continuum, progress comes from moving along the continuum and not necessarily by seeking a single state called "ecosystem management." Policy prescriptions, such as changes in law, incentives, and informa- tion provision, can be targeted more effectively to the realities of different settings. Ultimately, the conceptual- ization suggests that heterogeneity of ecosystem management approaches is desirable, as long as we learn from the diverse experiences that result. Tres Caras del Manejo de Ecosistemas

Platforms for collective action in multiple-use common-pool resources

Abstract: Collective action processes in complex, multiple-use common-pool resources (CPRs) have only recently become a focus of study. When CPRs evolve into more complex systems, resource use by separate user groups becomes increasingly interdependent. This implies, amongst others, that the institutional framework governing resource use has to be re-negotiated to avoid adverse impacts associated with the increased access of any new stakeholders, such as overexploitation, alienation of traditional users, and inter-user conflicts. The establishment of “platforms for resource use negotiation” is a way of dealing with complex natural resource management problems. Platforms arise when stakeholders perceive the same resource management problem, realize their interdependence in solving it, and come together to agree on action strategies for solving the problem (Roling, 1994). This article sets the scene for a discussion in this Special Issue about the potential of nested platforms for resource use negotiation in facilitating collective action in the management of complex, multiple-use CPRs. The article has five objectives. First, we define “collective action” in the context of this paper. Second, we discuss the importance of collective action in multiple-use CPRs. Third, we introduce the concept of platforms to coordinate collective action by multiple users. Fourth, we address some issues that emerge from evidence in the field regarding the role and potential of nested platforms for managing complex CPRs. Finally, we raise five discussion statements. These will form the basis for the collection of articles in this special issue.

ERP: Tools, Techniques, and Applications for Integrating the Supply Chain

Abstract: ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT History of Enterprise Resource Planning The Theory of Constraints and ERP Sales and Operations Planning Buffer Resource Strategy Enterprise Resource Management Integrating the Supply Chain to Reap the Rewards Strategic Sourcing and Procurement OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Operations Planning (Material and Capacity Requirements Planning Product Life Cycle Management Manufacturing Execution System Distribution ERP SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION ERP System Requirements Selecting the Right ERP System Data Record Accuracy Implementation - Generalized Industry Application Repetitive Manufacturing Application Process Industry Application Remanufacturing Project Manufacturing Customer Relationship and Service APPLICATION Appendix Introduction to ERP-MICSS The Tutorial Guided Runs The ERP-MICSS Case Study - An Overview Using the CD Installing the Software Index

Agriculture, fertilizers and the environment

Abstract: The global challenge to feed the world plant nutrient demand and sources benefits and concerns relating to fertilizer use practices and challenges in different regions of the world. (Part contents)

The Role of Adaptive Management as an Operational Approach for Resource Management Agencies

Abstract: In making resource management decisions, agencies use a variety of approaches that involve different levels of political concern, historical precedence, data analyses, and evaluation. Traditional decision-making approaches have often failed to achieve objectives for complex problems in large systems, such as the Everglades or the Colorado River. I contend that adaptive management is the best approach available to agencies for addressing this type of complex problem, although its success has been limited thus far. Traditional decision-making approaches have been fairly successful at addressing relatively straightforward problems in small, replicated systems, such as management of trout in small streams or pulp production in forests. However, this success may be jeopardized as more users place increasing demands on these systems. Adaptive management has received little attention from agencies for addressing problems in small-scale systems, but I suggest that it may be a useful approach for creating a holistic view of common problems and developing guidelines that can then be used in simpler, more traditional approaches to management. Although adaptive management may be more expensive to initiate than traditional approaches, it may be less expensive in the long run if it leads to more effective management. The overall goal of adaptive management is not to maintain an optimal condition of the resource, but to develop an optimal management capacity. This is accomplished by maintaining ecological resilience that allows the system to react to inevitable stresses, and generating flexibility in institutions and stakeholders that allows managers to react when conditions change. The result is that, rather than managing for a single, optimal state, we manage within a range of acceptable outcomes while avoiding catastrophes and irreversible negative effects.