Linking Government Data provides a practical approach to addressing common information management issues. The approaches taken are based on international standards of the World Wide Web Consortium. Linking Government Data gives both the costs and benefits of using linked data techniques with government data; describes how agencies can fulfill their missions with less cost; and recommends how intra-agency culture must change to allow public presentation of linked data. Case studies from early adopters of linked data approaches in international governments are presented in the last section of the book. Linking Government Data is designed as a professional book for those working in Semantic Web research and standards development, and for early adopters of Semantic Web standards and techniques. Enterprise architects, project managers and application developers in commercial, not-for-profit and government organizations concerned with scalability, flexibility and robustness of information management systems will also find this book valuable. Students focused on computer science and business management will also find value in this book.

A big amount of important, 'economically relevant' information, is buried within the huge mass of multimedia documents that correspond to some form of 'narrative' description. Due to the ubiquity of these 'narrative' resources, being able to represent in a general, accurate, and effective way their semantic content - i.e., their key 'meaning' - is then both conceptually relevant and economically important. In this book, we present the main properties of NKRL ('Narrative Knowledge Representation Language'), a language expressly designed for representing, in a standardised way, the 'meaning' of complex multimedia narrative documents. NKRL is a fully implemented language/environment. The software exists in two versions, an ORACLE-supported version and a file-oriented one. Written from a multidisciplinary perspective, this exhaustive description of NKRL and of the associated knowledge representation principles will be an invaluable source of reference for practitioners, researchers, and graduates.

Tailoring information systems development to operations management and business strategy is an important way to bolster the effectiveness and efficiency of any institution s managerial success. Innovations in Information Systems for Business Functionality and Operations Management offers a vital compendium of the latest research in IS/IT applications to business and operations management. With experts from around the world giving contributions in the form of case studies, methodologies, best practices, frameworks, and research, this critical collection of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art technological references will serve practitioners and academics alike.

Motivation for the Book This book aims to describe a comprehensive methodology for service-oriented inf- mation systems planning, considered in particular, in eGovernment initiatives. The methodology is based on the research results produced by the Italian project "eG- ernment for Mediterranean Countries (eG4M)," granted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research from 2005 to 2008. The concept of service is at the center of the book. The methodology is focused on quality of services as a key factor for eGovernment initiatives. Since its grou- ing is in a project whose goal has been to develop a methodology for eGove- ment in Mediterranean countries it is called eG4M. Furthermore, eG4M aims at encompassing the relationships existing between ICT technologies and social c- texts of service provision, organizational issues, and juridical framework, looking at ICT technologies more as a means than an end. eG4M satis es a real need of constituencies and stakeholders involved in eGovernment projects, con rmed in the eG4M experimentations and in previous preliminary experiences in the Italian P- lic Administrations. A structured process is needed that provides a clear perspective on the different facets that eGovernment initiatives usually have to challenge and disciplines the complex set of decisions to be taken. The available approaches to eGovernment usually provide only one perspective to public managers and local authorities on the domain of intervention, either te- nological, organizational, legal, economic, or social.

Based on the 2005 publication The Financial Appraisal Profile Model , this book discusses how the FAP model can present an integrated process for the appraisal of financial and strategic benefits and the assessment of risk in ICT (Information Communication Technology) project proposals.

Claudio Ciborra was one of the most innovative thinkers in the field of information systems. This book explains the intellectual contribution of Ciborras work in a substantial introductory chapter, contains the most significant of his articles, and provides a sample of research that draws from his ideas.

Recent years have seen a number of introductory texts which focus on the applications of modern stochastic calculus to the theory of finance, and on the pricing models for derivative securities in particular. Some of these books develop the mathematics very quickly, making substantial demands on the readerOs background in advanced probability theory. Others emphasize the financial applications and do not attempt a rigorous coverage of the continuous-time calculus. This book provides a rigorous introduction for those who do not have a good background in stochastic calculus. The emphasis is on keeping the discussion self-contained rather than giving the most general results possible.

Over the past decade, platforms have spread through many industries and generated an increasing share of the global economy. Many of the world's most valuable companies have adopted a platform-based business model and today, we find that platforms pervade our everyday lives. So far, however, the existing management literature has failed to provide professionals and students with appropriate tools to understand the business models that make those platforms successful. This book offers rigorous analysis of the complexity of platforms, as well as practical strategic guidance and tools to help you deal with this complexity. Written in an accessible style and based on a comprehensive approach, Platform Strategies is self-contained and does not require the reader to have specific prior knowledge. The book is both academically rigorous and a pragmatic and efficient guide, incorporating path-breaking insights from academic research on platforms with real-world applications of concepts and tools. The book engages with case studies and highlights important take-aways that can be implemented in practice. You'll learn how to use new tools of strategic management and how to adapt well-established ones. This book is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs (experienced or aspiring), managers of existing platforms and businesses, professionals, and students in business, management and economics.

Th s book developed as the collective product of the Internat onal Federat on for Informat on Process ng (IFIP) Wo k ng Group 8 6, a workmg group ded cated to the study of d ffus on and adoptlon of nformat on technology nnovat ons The book proceeds from the IFIP Workmg Conference on Busmess Aglhty and IT D ffus on held In Atlanta, Georg a, In May of 2005 The conference employed a p bl c call for papers and attracted a total of 42 subm ss ons These ncluded 27 full research papers, and 15 other papers, case stud es, pract t oner experlence reports, posters, and panels The conference program committee efereed subm ss ons In a double-blmd revlew process Select on of the papels for ncluslon In thls book (and appearance at the conference) was d fficult, as the quahty of these subm ss ons led to an Impresswe number of pos t ve revlews Ult mately we selected 13 research papers, two case stud es, and three experlence reports, along with three panels The papers s ibm tted by the conference's three keynote speakers here ed torlally rev ewed and also appear In th s book Staglng a conference and p oduclng a book 1s never poss ble w thout the commitment and hard work of many nd v duals and organlzatlons We want to thank IFIP and the sponsors for promotmg the confe ence and prov d ng support and fimdmg for ts lmplementat on The sponsors are IFIP, Georg a State Unners ty, Rob nson College of Busmess, Gartner, M crosoft, and Intel Also the conference has been supported by the Computer Informat on Systems Department and Center for Process Innovat on at Georg a State Unl ers ty

This book seeks to promote the structured, standardized and accurate use of software measurement at all levels of modern software development companies. To do so, it focuses on seven main aspects: sound scientific foundations, cost-efficiency, standardization, value-maximization, flexibility, combining organizational and technical aspects, and seamless technology integration. Further, it supports companies in their journey from manual reporting to automated decision support by combining academic research and industrial practice. When scientists and engineers measure something, they tend to focus on two different things. Scientists focus on the ability of the measurement to quantify whatever is being measured; engineers, however, focus on finding the right qualities of measurement given the designed system (e.g. correctness), the system's quality of use (e.g. ease of use), and the efficiency of the measurement process. In this book, the authors argue that both focuses are necessary, and that the two are complementary. Thus, the book is organized as a gradual progression from theories of measurement (yes, you need theories to be successful!) to practical, organizational aspects of maintaining measurement systems (yes, you need the practical side to understand how to be successful). The authors of this book come from academia and industry, where they worked together for the past twelve years. They have worked with both small and large software development organizations, as researchers and as measurement engineers, measurement program leaders and even teachers. They wrote this book to help readers define, implement, deploy and maintain company-wide measurement programs, which consist of a set of measures, indicators and roles that are built around the concept of measurement systems. Based on their experiences introducing over 40,000 measurement systems at over a dozen companies, they share essential tips and tricks on how to do it right and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Highly praised for its exceptional clarity, conversational style and useful examples, Introductory Business Statistics, 7e, International Edition was written specifically for you. This proven, popular text cuts through the jargon to help you understand fundamental statistical concepts and why they are important to you, your world, and your career. The text's outstanding illustrations, friendly language, non-technical terminology, and current, real-world examples will capture your interest and prepare you for success right from the start.

Corporate success has been changed by the importance of new developments in Business Analytics (BA) and furthermore by the support of computational intelligence- based techniques. This book opens a new avenues in these subjects, identifies key developments and opportunities. The book will be of interest for students, researchers and professionals to identify innovative ways delivered by Business Analytics based on computational intelligence solutions. They help elicit information, handle knowledge and support decision-making for more informed and reliable decisions even under high uncertainty environments.Computational Intelligence for Business Analytics has collected the latest technological innovations in the field of BA to improve business models related to Group Decision-Making, Forecasting, Risk Management, Knowledge Discovery, Data Breach Detection, Social Well-Being, among other key topics related to this field.

The Handbook of Service Description introduces an in-depth overview of service description efforts. The book also highlights the recent Unified Service Description Language (USDL) in detail and discusses its methods.

The Handbook of Service Description is the normative scientific reference for the upcoming standardization of the Unified Service Description Language (USDL). Complete documentation is included.

The Handbook of Service Description is designed for those working in the service science industry as a reference book. Advanced-level students focused on computer science, engineering and business will also find this book a valuable asset.

One of the major challenges for European governments is to solve the dilemma of increasing the security and reducing fraud in international trade, while at the same time reducing the administrative burden for commercial as well as public administration organisations. To address these conflicting demands, the ITAIDE project has developed a large set of innovative IT-related tools and methods that enable companies to be better in control of their business operations. These tools and methods have been integrated in the ITAIDE Information Infrastructure (I3) framework. By using the I3 framework, companies are better positioned to apply for the Trusted Trader status, and enjoy trade facilitation benefits such as simplified customs procedures and fewer inspections of their goods. Hence, the I3 framework can contribute to making global supply chains faster, cheaper, and more secure. The I3 framework has been tested and validated in five real-life Living Labs, spanning four different sectors of industry, and conducted in five different EU countries. National Tax & Customs organizations from various European countries have actively participated in the Living Labs. The United Nations CEFACT group, experts from the World Customs Organization and representatives of key industry associations have also provided valuable feedback and ideas for the Living Labs and the project in general. www.itaide.org

Practical Goal Programming is intended to allow academics and practitioners to be able to build effective goal programming models, to detail the current state of the art, and to lay the foundation for its future development and continued application to new and varied fields. Suitable as both a text and reference, its nine chapters first provide a brief history, fundamental definitions, and underlying philosophies, and then detail the goal programming variants and define them algebraically. Chapter 3 details the step-by-step formulation of the basic goal programming model, and Chapter 4 explores more advanced modeling issues and highlights some recently proposed extensions.

Chapter 5 then details the solution methodologies of goal programming, concentrating on computerized solution by the Excel Solver and LINGO packages for each of the three main variants, and includes a discussion of the viability of the use of specialized goal programming packages. Chapter 6 discusses the linkages between Pareto Efficiency and goal programming. Chapters 3 to 6 are supported by a set of ten exercises, and an Excel spreadsheet giving the basic solution of each example is available at an accompanying website.

Chapter 7 details the current state of the art in terms of the integration of goal programming with other techniques, and the text concludes with two case studies which were chosen to demonstrate the application of goal programming in practice and to illustrate the principles developed in Chapters 1 to 7. Chapter 8 details an application in healthcare, and Chapter 9 describes applications in portfolio selection.

This timely book offers rare insight into the field of cybersecurity in Russia -- a significant player with regard to cyber-attacks and cyber war. Big Data Technologies for Monitoring of Computer Security presents possible solutions to the relatively new scientific/technical problem of developing an early-warning cybersecurity system for critically important governmental information assets. Using the work being done in Russia on new information security systems as a case study, the book shares valuable insights gained during the process of designing and constructing open segment prototypes of this system. Most books on cybersecurity focus solely on the technical aspects. But Big Data Technologies for Monitoring of Computer Security demonstrates that military and political considerations should be included as well. With a broad market including architects and research engineers in the field of information security, as well as managers of corporate and state structures, including Chief Information Officers of domestic automation services (CIO) and chief information security officers (CISO), this book can also be used as a case study in university courses.

Papers in this unique volume were developed from the 2006 conference hosted by IBM, Service Science, Management, and Engineering (SSME) Education for the 21st Century. The book incorporates a variety of perspectives, informed by an international background in SSME experience and education, including management, business, social science, computer science and engineering. Readers will derive an understanding of education needs and program offerings in SSME.

This book shows the patterns of the fuzzy front end of innovation and how it can be managed successfully. Topics in this book cover traditional instruments and processes such as technology monitoring, market-oriented research management, lead-user developments, but also modern approaches such as frontloading, user community-driven innovation, crowdsourcing, anthropological expeditions, technological listening posts in global R&D settings, cross-industry innovation processes, open innovation, and IP cycle management. Contributions are based on latest research and cases studies on this new paradigm. The authors investigate this phenomenon, linking the practice of the early innovation phase to the established body of innovation research. Conceptional articles complement case studies to provide the reader with insight on managing the fuzzy front end of innovation.Lessons learned with success factors and checklists complement each chapter. "

The book presents state of the art knowledge about Decision-Making Support Systems (DMSS). Its main goals are to generate a compendium of quality theoretical and applied papers on decision-making support systems, to help diffuse scarce knowledge about effective methods and strategies for successfully designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating decision-making support systems, and to create an awareness among academicians and practitioners about the relevance of decision-making support systems in the current complex and dynamic management environment. Decision-Making Support Systems: Achievements and Challenges for the New Decade is a comprehensive compilation of DMSS thought and vision, dealing with issues such as decision making concepts in organizations.

This book provides a conceptual framework for systemic flexibility and business agility, drawing on a basis of research/case applications in various types of flexibility and agility in business. The selected papers address a variety of issues concerning the theme of systemic flexibility and business agility and are organized into following five parts: (i) Systemic and Strategic Flexibility; (ii) Information and Business Agility; (iii) Flexibility, Innovation and Business Excellence; (iv) Flexibility in Value and Supply Chains; and(v) Financial Flexibility and Mergers & Acquisitions. Flexibility and agility in business are emerging as key dimensions of business excellence that encompass the requirements of both choice and speed. The two concepts, flexibility and agility, have been used in multiple ways and often interchangeably, both in literature and in practice. The growing need for flexibility/agility in business can be seen from reactive as well as proactive perspectives. A business enterprise is expected to possess reactive flexibility/ agility (as adaptability and responsiveness) in order to cope with the changing and uncertain business environment. It may also endeavor to intentionally generate flexibility/agility as a strategic change in a variety of ways, such as leadership change, reengineering, innovation in products and processes, use of information and communication technology, and learning orientation.

This book presents different use cases in big data applications and related practical experiences. Many businesses today are increasingly interested in utilizing big data technologies for supporting their business intelligence so that it is becoming more and more important to understand the various practical issues from different practical use cases. This book provides clear proof that big data technologies are playing an ever increasing important and critical role in a new cross-discipline research between computer science and business.

This book presents a framework through transformation and explains how business goals can be translated into realistic plans that are tangible and yield real results in terms of the top line and the bottom line. Process Transformation is like a tangram puzzle, which has multiple solutions yet is essentially composed of seven 'tans' that hold it together. Based on practical experience and intensive research into existing material, 'Process Tangram' is a simple yet powerful framework that proposes Process Transformation as a program. The seven 'tans' are: the transformation program itself, triggers, goals, tools and techniques, culture, communication and success factors. With its segregation into tans and division into core elements, this framework makes it possible to use 'pick and choose' to quickly and easily map an organization's specific requirements. Change management and process modeling are covered in detail. In addition, the book approaches managed services as a model of service delivery, which it explores as a case of process transformation. This book will appeal to anyone engaged in business process transformation, be it business process management professionals, change managers, sponsors, program managers or line managers. The book starts with the basics, making it suitable even for students who want to make a career in business process management.

Concentration tendencies, globalization, increasing cost pressure and well-informed customers all make up the hard competition faced by today's businesses. The "right" products, a successful market image, a strong positioning between suppliers and customers, efficient logistics and optimum organization structures contribute to a company's survival. Achieving this goal requires flexible information and communication systems that are fully adaptable to the specific situation. Modern retail information systems are not bound by organization borders but support both business partner cooperation and electronic commerce. This book presents the architecture of retail information systems, as well as the functions of SAP Retail, and in so doing links modern retail management with the implementation strategies based on innovative software systems.

The second edition of this reference work describes key international business reference sources and databases, and provides the instructive analysis needed to effectively use them. It lists and explains the most important resources - both electronic and print - for use by professional researchers, business instructors, reference and business librarians, and student researchers. The authors also describe business practices in various regions and countries, the basics of international trade and finance, international business organizations, and relevant political departments and agencies. The book features an extensive number of exhibits and tables, and the appendixes include glossaries, checklists for evaluating sources, and sample disclosure documents.

The growth in Internet and Information Technology (IT) has led to revolutionary changes in the way businesses are managed and operated. These IT changes have been largely characterized with the term, globalization, and these globalized changes in modern business are increasing at a rapid pace. Moreover, globalization requires rapid growth and dramatic changes in the business and market environments.

Enterprises must be scalable to support such changes and unprecedented growth. Hence, there is an immediate need for a single reference book that identifies the multiple dimensions of scalability and enterprise systems. This book will fulfill this need. Its objectives are as follows:
*To create a single source of literature to address the emerging area of scalable enterprise systems.
*To address the multi-disciplinary research needs stemming from engineering, computer science and business.
*To address the design, modelling, analysis, implementation and experimentation needs of scalable enterprise systems.
*To act as a springboard for much of the ongoing research in the field of Scalable Enterprise Systems.

Scalable Enterprises Systems: An Introduction to Recent Advances addresses six key ideas related to scalable enterprise systems. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 address the modelling aspects of enterprise systems. Chapter 4 discusses distributed control of such systems. Chapter 5 discusses the information systems modelling and implementation of the enterprise system with a transportation example. Given that enterprise systems produce and deal with large volumes of data, data mining is taken as a topic in Chapter 6. The need for a research test-bed is critical to study andanalyze enterprise systems and this is the topic of Chapter 7. Implementation level details play a vital role in studying the scalability of large-scale systems. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 deal with several applied and implementation aspects, such as publish-subscribe middleware, auctions in the context of reverse logistics, and value net implementation.

This book will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in the field of logistics, supply chain management, transportation, and enterprise integration. It will be of special interest to professionals in IT at the detailed implementation level and at the strategic level.