WorldWideScience

Sample records for small software companies

  1. Dynamic Capabilities and Project Management in Small Software Companies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nørbjerg, Jacob; Nielsen, Peter Axel; Persson, John Stouby

    2017-01-01

    A small software company depends on its capability to adapt to rapid technological and other changes in its environment—its dynamic capabilities. In this paper, we argue that to evolve and maintain its dynamic capabilities a small software company must pay attention to the interaction between...... dynamic capabilities at different levels of the company — particularly between the project management and the company levels. We present a case study of a small software company and show how successful dynamic capabilities at the company level can affect project management in small software companies...

  2. IT Project Management in Very Small Software Companies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Shakir, Shahid Nadeem; Nørbjerg, Jacob

    2013-01-01

    In developing countries very small software companies (VSSCs) with only 1-10 employees play an important role both in the local economy and as providers of software and services to customers in other parts of the world. Understanding and improving their IT project management (ITPM) practices...... and challenges are, therefore, important in the local as well as the larger context of globalized software development. There is, however, very little research into small shop software practices in developing countries. The current paper explores actual ITPM practices in Pakistani VSSCs based on a qualitative...... study of seven Pakistani VSSCs. We find that some Pakistani ITPM practices are similar to what is reported from VSSCs in other parts of the world, while others seem to be related to the companies' position in the global software development chain. This paper is part of a larger research project aiming...

  3. Improving the Product Documentation Process of a Small Software Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Valtanen, Anu; Ahonen, Jarmo J.; Savolainen, Paula

    Documentation is an important part of the software process, even though it is often neglected in software companies. The eternal question is how much documentation is enough. In this article, we present a practical implementation of lightweight product documentation process resulting from SPI efforts in a small company. Small companies’ financial and human resources are often limited. The documentation process described here, offers a template for creating adequate documentation consuming minimal amount of resources. The key element of the documentation process is an open source web-based bugtracking system that was customized to be used as a documentation tool. The use of the tool enables iterative and well structured documentation. The solution best serves the needs of a small company with off-the-shelf software products and striving for SPI.

  4. Employees' Motivation for SPI: Case Study in a Small Finnish Software Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Valtanen, Anu; Sihvonen, Hanna-Miina

    In small software companies the resources available for SPI are often limited. With limited resources, the motivation of the employees becomes one of the key factors for SPI. In this article, the motivational factors affecting a small company's SPI efforts are discussed. In the research, we carried out interviews and a survey in a small Finnish software company considering the motivation towards SPI. The results are presented here and compared with earlier motivation research. There were differences revealed while comparing the motivating factors of smaller companies to those of larger ones. In large companies the focus seems to be on the business related motivators and in small ones the motivators related to comfortability of work are emphasized. Motivation survey and the interviews proved to be useful tools in planning the future SPI strategy. A lot of valuable information was discovered for planning and implementing the next steps of SPI.

  5. Why are small software organisations different?

    OpenAIRE

    Richardson, Ita; Gresse von Wangenheim, Christiane

    2007-01-01

    peer-reviewed Small software organizations independently financed and organized companies with fewer than 50 employees are fundamental to many national economies' growth. In the US, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Finland, Ireland, Hungary, and many other countries, small companies represent up to 85 percent of all software organizations. However, to persist and grow, small software companies need efficient, effective software engineering solutions.

  6. Corporate rebranding processes in small companies:a multiple case study from the B2B software industry

    OpenAIRE

    Juntunen, M. (Mari)

    2011-01-01

    Abstract The purpose of the present study is to build a theoretically based and empirically grounded framework that enables a better understanding of corporate rebranding processes among small companies. Corporate rebranding is addressed from a visual viewpoint concentrating on changes to corporate name and logo. The theoretical background is based on corporate branding, corporate rebranding and organisational change literature. The research setting is small software companies that op...

  7. Understanding the Perception of Very Small Software Companies towards the Adoption of Process Standards

    Science.gov (United States)

    Basri, Shuib; O'Connor, Rory V.

    This paper is concerned with understanding the issues that affect the adoption of software process standards by Very Small Entities (VSEs), their needs from process standards and their willingness to engage with the new ISO/IEC 29110 standard in particular. In order to achieve this goal, a series of industry data collection studies were undertaken with a collection of VSEs. A twin track approach of a qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative data collection (questionnaire) were undertaken. Data analysis was being completed separately and the final results were merged, using the coding mechanisms of grounded theory. This paper serves as a roadmap for both researchers wishing to understand the issues of process standards adoption by very small companies and also for the software process standards community.

  8. Knowledge management as a support mechanism for improving software programmes in micro, small and medium-sized companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Joanna Capote

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available Organisations have been forced to change their philosophy due to the vast amount of information made available when running software process improvement (SPI programmes and working in a way leading to maintaining and converting this information into knowledge in order to adapt and integrate changes quickly and thereby ensuring re-maining in the competitive market. This article presents some of the most significant antecedents in defining and im-plementing knowledge management (KM in SPI programmes which have been adapted for use in small software companies, as such management represents a philosophy of true organisational capital for companies involved in software improvement projects. The advisability of implementing KM in SPI programmes or projects arising from pri-mary knowledge management targets is analysed, as is its adaptation for such projects according to identified needs, especially related to documenting and manipulating tangible and intangible products produced in an SPI pro-gramme.

  9. FUZZY LOGIC BASED SOFTWARE PROCESS IMPROVIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR INDIAN SMALL SCALE SOFTWARE ORGANIZATIONS

    OpenAIRE

    A.M.Kalpana; Dr.A.Ebenezer Jeyakumar

    2010-01-01

    In this paper, the authors elaborate the results obtained after analyzing and assessing the software process activities in five small to medium sized Indian software companies. This work demonstrates a cost effective framework for software process appraisal, specificallytargeted at Indian software Small-to-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Improvisation deals with the unforeseen. It involves continual experimentation with new possibilities to create innovative and improved solutions outside cu...

  10. Software-as-a-Service and Cloud Computing, a solution for small and medium-sized companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bajenaru, A.

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available Small and medium-sized companies are an important part of today’s world economy, for their ability to offer new jobs but also for their capacity of innovation. At the same time, they are in a constant struggle with larger companies that take advantage of their negotiating power to impose their way of doing business to the SMEs. In an ICT enabled world, most large companies being intense ICT users, the lag of ICT adoption in SMEs may create a strong barrier between SMEs and large companies, promoting an over growing digital divide, the SMEs being in danger of being left out in some economic sectors. This paper aims at finding a possible solution in the Software-as-a-Service and Cloud Computing model, a rather new solution, yet more and more sought off by SMEs but also larger companies, especially considering the global financial and economic crisis, as well as evaluating the European Union’s main views and policies regarding the SAAS – Cloud model.

  11. Innovation Initiatives in Large Software Companies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Edison, Henry; Wang, Xiaofeng; Jabangwe, Ronald

    2018-01-01

    empirical studies on innovation initiative in the context of large software companies. A total of 7 studies are conducted in the context of large software companies, which reported 5 types of initiatives: intrapreneurship, bootlegging, internal venture, spin-off and crowdsourcing. Our study offers three......Context: To keep the competitive advantage and adapt to changes in the market and technology, companies need to innovate in an organised, purposeful and systematic manner. However, due to their size and complexity, large companies tend to focus on the structure in maintaining their business, which...... can potentially lower their agility to innovate. Objective:The aims of this study are to provide an overview of the current research on innovation initiatives and to identify the challenges of implementing those initiatives in the context of large software companies. Method: The investigation...

  12. The 1988 Directory of Educational Software Publishing Companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Electronic Learning, 1988

    1988-01-01

    Based on questionnaires sent to educational software companies in January 1988, this directory lists 78 companies. Information given includes company address, curriculum subject areas for which the company publishes software, types of machines and operating systems on which the software operates, and grade level for which it is targeted. (LRW)

  13. XP in a Small Software Development Business

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Babb, Jeffry; Hoda, Rashina; Nørbjerg, Jacob

    2014-01-01

    While small software development shops have trended towards the adoption of Agile methods, local conditions and high iteration pressure typically cause adaptations and appropriations of Agile methods. This paper shares evidence from a study concerning how a small software development company adopts...... and adapts, XP to suit their business. Based on a Dialogical Action Research project, the study reflects on the conditions leading to Agile process adaptation, and why ad hoc and “a la carte” approaches may be problematic. Limitations and drawbacks to aspects of XP are also discussed. The Agile practices...

  14. Active Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Software Enterprises - Cases of French Software Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maurício Floriano Galimberti

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Implementations of software production processes usually ignore organizational, market, and economical attributes of products that are to be inserted in international markets. Software engineering has begun to deal with the business aspects of software products only recently. The Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge v3.0 presents two concepts of life cycle: the software development life cycle and the software product life cycle. The second is more concerned with business issues related to software products, but research on those issues is still due. In this sense, this paper aims to answer the following question: what factors allow small and medium software enterprises to offer high value added products in order to enter and remain in the international market? This work selects four research dimensions from literature and explores a number of variables inside those dimensions, which are considered as candidates to help explaining a successful process of active internationalization. The paper presents a multiple case study that shows that although innovation, entrepreneurship, and foreign market knowledge are important dimensions for the active internationalization, networking is not as relevant as it could be thought.

  15. EXPERIENCES INITIATING SOFTWARE PRODUCT LINE ENGINEERING IN SMALL TEAMS WITH PULSE

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mærsk-Møller, Hans Martin; Jørgensen, Bo Nørregaard

    2010-01-01

    Small teams of software engineers are represented both in small companies and semi-independent fractions in medium and large companies. Even though some results and experience papers have been published in the context of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), there is a lack of experience pa...... an existing methodology, PuLSETM, drew advantages of NetBeans Rich Client Platform, and based the product line on the existing application....

  16. Aplicação do método ágil scrum no desenvolvimento de produtos de software em uma pequena empresa de base tecnológica Implementation of scrum agile methodology in software product project in a small technology-based company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bernardo Vasconcelos de Carvalho

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho apresenta o resultado de uma pesquisa-ação, realizada em uma pequena empresa de base tecnológica, na qual se aplicou o método ágil Scrum em um projeto de desenvolvimento de um produto de software. A empresa objeto desta atua em Itajubá/MG e seus principais produtos são sistemas de software. Estudos indicam que a indústria de produção de software é ineficiente e ineficaz. E as micro e pequenas empresas de base tecnológica (MPEBT têm um desafio ainda maior devido aos seus recursos restritos. Além disso, os métodos tradicionais de desenvolvimento de produtos de softwares demandam muitos custos. Tendo em vista a importância estratégica das MPEBT no desenvolvimento regional, seria importante que o Scrum fosse compatível com seus processos, para que elas pudessem se tornar mais competitivas e usufruir de seus benefícios. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a implantação do método ágil Scrum nos projetos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos de software de uma MPEBT, além de compreender e mensurar o impacto desta implantação na empresa. Concluiu-se que os resultados alcançados sugerem que o método melhorou a comunicação e aumentou a motivação do time, diminuiu o custo, o tempo e o risco do projeto e aumentou a produtividade da equipe. Com esses resultados alcançados, a organização tende a se tornar mais competitiva, pois a bem-sucedida gestão de desenvolvimento de produtos é ponto crucial para o sucesso de uma empresa de base tecnológica.This study presents the result of an action research that was carried out in a small technology-based company, in which the Scrum agile methodology was applied in software product project. The company object of this research operates in Itajubá/MG, and its main products are software systems. Studies have shown that the software industry is inefficient and ineffective. Micro and small technology-based companies have an even greater challenge, considering their

  17. THE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN INTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTS OF KNOWLEDGE: THE SMALL INCUBATED SOFTWARES COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Greyce Krambeck

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available This article discusses the understanding and behavior of entrepreneurs incubated for software companies (development of information systems, provide services in information technology - hardware and software, and advise on the implementation of administrative management systems in relation to knowledge, in the obtaining and facilitating the use of knowledge and availability of media. Initially, it sought a fundamental concept for the study and is based contextualise the issue, making the connection with the knowledge of the views of academic and business. After an analysis was conducted based on applied research to executives on their understanding of the concept of knowledge regarding the way in which it operates (professional and personal, concluding with the importance of knowledge for business growth from the person.

  18. Open source in Finnish software companies

    OpenAIRE

    Seppä, Arto

    2006-01-01

    This paper explores survey data focusing on open source software supply collected from 170 Finnish software firms using descriptive statistical analysis. The first half of the report contains general data about software companies and the differences between proprietary and open source firms. The second half focuses on open source firms. A subject of analysis are copyrights, products and services supply, the firms’ relationships with the open source community, and their views on opportunities ...

  19. Minimizing total tardiness in a software developing company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ícaro Ludwig

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available Small companies in service sectors, such as software developers, usually rely on manual-based programming tasks. That programming yields satisfactory results for small task lists, but leads to managerial difficulties as a large number of tasks increases task delays. This paper aims at using scheduling tools to minimize such delays. For that it proposes two heuristics for task scheduling based on the following steps: (i define an initial order for tasks, (ii distribute each task to development teams, and (iii schedule the tasks in each development team aimed at minimizing total tardiness. The proposed approach reduced the total tardiness in simulated in real data, simplified the process of scheduling and provided better tracking of the development process.

  20. Competitive intelligence information management and innovation in small technology-based companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tanev, Stoyan

    2007-05-01

    In this article we examine how (i) company type and (ii) the competitive intelligence information used by small technology-based companies affect their innovation performance. The focus is on the specific information types used and not on the information sources. Information topics are classified in four groups - customers (10), company (9), competitor (11) and industry (12). The sample consists of 45 small new technology-based companies, specialized suppliers, and service companies from a variety of sectors - software, photonics, telecommunications, biomedical engineering and biotech, traditional manufacturing etc. The results suggest that the total number of intelligence information topics companies use to make decisions about innovation is not associated with the number of their new products, processes, services and patents. Therefore the companies in our sample do not seem to have the resources, processes or value systems required to use different competitive intelligence information when making decisions on innovation or may rely more on their own internal logic than on external information. Companies are classified using a Pavitt-like taxonomy. Service companies are considered as a separate company type. This allows for explicitly studying both, the innovative role of new services in product driven companies, and the role of new product development in service companies.

  1. Examining the Use of Usability Results in a Software Development Company

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Høegh, Rune Thaarup; Stage, Jan

    2004-01-01

    This paper presents the first results of a study on a usability evaluation for a Danish software development company. The use of the results from the usability evaluation is examined through interviews with two developers from the software company. It is through an interview with a project leader...... from the company found that the traditional usability report plays a very little role for the development team. Initial results suggest that textual feedback proves more valuable when accompanied with video and oral feedback.......This paper presents the first results of a study on a usability evaluation for a Danish software development company. The use of the results from the usability evaluation is examined through interviews with two developers from the software company. It is through an interview with a project leader...

  2. MEASUREMENT PROCESS OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR SUPPORTING STRATEGIC BUSINESS OBJECTIVES IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPING COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sandra Lais Pedroso

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available Software developing companies work in a competitive market and are often challenged to make business decisions with impact on competitiveness. Models accessing maturity for software development processes quality, such as CMMI and MPS-BR, comprise process measurements systems (PMS. However, these models are not necessarily suitable to support business decisions, neither to achieve strategic goals. The objective of this work is to analyze how the PMS of software development projects could support business strategies for software developing companies. Results taken from this work show that PMS results from maturity models for software processes can be suited to help evaluating operating capabilities and supporting strategic business decisions.

  3. Using Clinical Decision Support Software in Health Insurance Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Konovalov, R.; Kumlander, Deniss

    This paper proposes the idea to use Clinical Decision Support software in Health Insurance Company as a tool to reduce the expenses related to Medication Errors. As a prove that this class of software will help insurance companies reducing the expenses, the research was conducted in eight hospitals in United Arab Emirates to analyze the amount of preventable common Medication Errors in drug prescription.

  4. STRATEGICAL ALIGNMENT OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO SMALL SOFTWARE’S COMPANY BUSINESS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Érika Suzuki

    2006-06-01

    Full Text Available Currently with the technological innovations, the high investment of the companies with the modernization, the search for intelligent solutions, the high competitiveness of the market in general, they together are the tools, solutions and products required by companies that want to stand out in the competitive market, however, the fast adoption of these solutions could cause a disordered growth of sectors, purchases and acquisitions of unnecessary resources, on the other hand, with a strategical planning the majority of these problems could be eliminated. Small software’s companies have great difficulty in adopting a methodology that can be applied to its reality. Following this point of view, the present paper proposes a model that offers a pratical strategical planning to companies that focus the Information Technology in a simplified and understandable way, making visible the benefits, problems, solutions and the learning that a strategical planning can offer, considering also aspects such as cost, time and formalization degree was important, because the biggest problems to small software companies are their small budget to implement a strategical planning and their expectation for a short answer time. Key-words: Planning, alignment, information technology.

  5. An Empirical Study of a Free Software Company

    OpenAIRE

    Pakusch, Cato

    2010-01-01

    Free software has matured well into the commercial software market, yet little qualitative research exists which accurately describes the state of commercial free software today. For this thesis, an instrumental case study was performed on a prominent free software company in Norway. The study found that the commercial free software market is largely driven by social networks, which have a social capital in its own that attracts more people, which in turn become members of the ...

  6. Distinctive Innovation Capabilities of Argentine Software Companies with High Innovation Results and Impacts

    OpenAIRE

    María Isabel Camio; María del Carmen Romero; María Belén Álvarez; Alfredo José Rébori

    2018-01-01

    The software sector is of growing importance and, due to its degree of dynamism, the identification of capabilities for innovation is vital. This study identifies capabilities variables that distinguish Argentine software companies with high innovation results and high innovation impacts from those with lesser results and impacts. It is applied to a sample of 103 companies, a measurement model and the component variables of an innovation degree index for software companies (INIs) formulated i...

  7. 75 FR 11918 - Hewlett Pachard Company, Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business Software Division...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-03-12

    ... Pachard Company, Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business Software Division, Openvms Operating... Colorado, Marlborough, Massachuetts; Hewlett Pachard Company, Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical... Company, Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business Software Division, OpenVMS Operating System...

  8. Internal control activities in small Turkish companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ismail Bilgi

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is to present major outcomes from an empirical study concerning internal control activities in small Turkish companies, as to propose the improvement guidelines. Methods of analysis and synthesis, descriptive statistics, and statistical comparison were used. The collected data was processed with the help of the SPSS software. Тhe study is limited to organizations based in the European part of Turkey. Most of them operate in areas around large cities, such as Istanbul, Edirne, Kırklareli, and Tekirdağ. They employ on average 19-20 people and have a turnover of about TRY 3 million (≈€715,000, https://sdw.ecb.europa.eu on average. The survey concentrates mainly on small family businesses, which have been present on the market for more than ten years, with managers of good education and other characteristics that presuppose availability of internal control systems. The research results were used to compile main points of a SWOT analysis, as a part of the broader effort to help modernizing the internal control system in Turkish small businesses.

  9. Leveraging intellectual capital through Lewin's Force Field Analysis: The case of software development companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alexandru Capatina

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available This article presents an original conceptual framework for the strategic management of intellectual capital assets in software development companies. The framework is based on Lewin's Force Field Analysis. The framework makes it possible to assess software company managers’ opinions regarding the way driving and restraining forces affect the pillars of intellectual capital. The capacity to adapt to change is vital for companies in knowledge-intensive industries. Accordingly, this study examined a sample of 74 Romanian software development companies. The aim was to help companies benefit from managing the driving and restraining forces acting upon the pillars of intellectual capital (human, structural, and relational. The effects of the driving forces, quantified by PathMaker software's Force Field Tool, were observed to be greater than the restraining forces for each pillar of intellectual capital. This paper contributes by showing the explanatory power of this framework. The framework thus offers a tool that helps managers drive change in their organizations through effective intellectual capital management. Furthermore, this article describes how to encourage the implementation of changes that create value for software development companies.

  10. Management of the Technological Innovation Process in Software Companies from Sinaloa, Mexico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alejandra MIRANDA FELIX

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available The objective of this paper is to explain the management process of technological innovation within certified software companies from Sinaloa, considering their strategic technology plan, innovative processes, and intellectual capital. This work is based on the study of 9 software companies located in Sinaloa and certified through the CMMI (Capability Maturity Model for Integration process. Their problems are grouped into three areas: 1 strategic technology plan, 2 innovation and 3 intellectual capital. We propose a model of innovation management to explain and evaluate the integration of those three areas applying a mixed methodology, theoretical foundations, and the analysis of the results. The overall results reveal that the certified software companies from Sinaloa manage innovation informally, through an internal, costly and independent innovation process without considering alliances with other companies, educational institutions, government agencies, technology parks or research and development centers.

  11. Towards a New Paradigm of Software Development: an Ambassador Driven Process in Distributed Software Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumlander, Deniss

    The globalization of companies operations and competitor between software vendors demand improving quality of delivered software and decreasing the overall cost. The same in fact introduce a lot of problem into software development process as produce distributed organization breaking the co-location rule of modern software development methodologies. Here we propose a reformulation of the ambassador position increasing its productivity in order to bridge communication and workflow gap by managing the entire communication process rather than concentrating purely on the communication result.

  12. Some key principles in implementing knowledge management: the views of employees in a small software company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Clair Wagner

    2002-09-01

    Full Text Available As the Knowledge Era replaces the Information Age the challenge is to transform information into knowledge and use this knowledge to create and sustain the competitive advantage of organisations. In this article four key principles for implementing knowledge management are discussed. These principles were derived from a survey and discussions with employees at a small software company. The four principles are: the need for a common definition of and vision for knowledge management, the interdependence between the human and technology track, the way employees punctuate ‘knowing’ and the structure of a reward system for sharing knowledge. Opsomming Organisasies word gekonfronteer met unieke uitdagings soos wat die Kennisera die Inligtingsera vervang. Een van die grootste uitdagings is om inligting te verander na betekenisvolle kennis en om die kennis te gebruik om ‘n kompeterende voorsprong te skep en te bou. In hierdie artikel word vier kern beginsels vir die implementering van kennisbestuur bespreek. Die beginsels is geskoei op ‘n opname van en onderhoude met werknemers in ‘n klein sagteware besigheid. Die vier beginsels is: die behoefte aan ‘n definisie en visie van kennisbestuur, die interafhanklikheid tussen mense en tegnologie, die wyse waarop werknemers kennis punktueer en die skep van ‘n beloningstruktuur vir die deel van kennis.

  13. THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE SOFTWARE MARKET: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR BRAZILIAN COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Oscar Roberto Burzynski

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available This paper deals with the potential for internationalization of the Brazilian software industry from the perspective of software developers and service providers. The purpose of the study conducted was to better understand the way Brazilian software companies relate to the international software market by comparing the perceptions of entrepreneurs and those of government agency officials responsible for increasing Brazil's participation in the international software market. Data collection took place by means of semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and government agency officials. The data gathered was subjected to content analysis. Results show that Brazilian software companies perform poorly with regard to levels of exporting their products and services for a number of reasons, among which the most outstanding is that they still think that the internal market offers enough challenges and opportunities.

  14. BENEFITS AND SUCCESS FACTORS OF OPEN-SOURCE WEB SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS FOR SMALL SOFTWARE HOUSES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Valter de Assis Moreno Jr.

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available It is usually difficult for companies to keep up with the development of new information technologies and adapt to them in face of the opportunities and threats their advances may represent. This is especially true for small and medium enterprises (SME in emerging economies, where resources tend to be scarce and markets more volatile. This paper describes an action research conducted in a small Brazilian software house that adopted an open-source Web Services development platform in order to improve its software development process. Data analysis revealed critical success factors (CSF in the adoption process, as well as specific benefits and barriers prone to be faced by small software houses in their adoption efforts. In the process of overcoming such barriers, SME may acquire intellectual capital that represents an essential resource to ensure their competitiveness and survival in emerging economies.

  15. Distinctive Innovation Capabilities of Argentine Software Companies with High Innovation Results and Impacts

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María Isabel Camio

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available The software sector is of growing importance and, due to its degree of dynamism, the identification of capabilities for innovation is vital. This study identifies capabilities variables that distinguish Argentine software companies with high innovation results and high innovation impacts from those with lesser results and impacts. It is applied to a sample of 103 companies, a measurement model and the component variables of an innovation degree index for software companies (INIs formulated in previous studies. A Principal Component Analysis and a biplot are conducted. In the analysis of results and impacts, 100% of the variability within the first two components is explained, which shows the high correlation between variables. From the biplots, it appears that companies with high results have higher degrees in the variables of motivation, strategy, leadership and internal determinants; and those with high impacts present higher degrees of structure, strategy, leadership, free software and innovation activities. The findings add elements to the theory of capabilities for innovation in the software sector and allow us to consider the relative importance of different capabilities variables in the generation of innovation results and impacts.

  16. A Decision Frameworkon Small and Medium Enterprises to Adopt Cloud Software as a Service

    OpenAIRE

    Lu Hsi-Peng; Liu Yao-Yuan

    2016-01-01

    Software as a service (SaaS)is the future trend in software services. However, only a few successful SaaS providerscurrently exist. This study investigated how Taiwanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can utilize SaaS, giveSaaSprovidersbusiness strategy references, and supply a basis for information system operators to transfer service mode in order to innovate the provision of SaaS. The study is based on survey results obtained from 474 SMEs for a telecom company in Taiwan to determine ...

  17. Development of datamining software for the city water supply company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Orlinskaya, O. G.; Boiko, E. V.

    2018-05-01

    The article considers issues of datamining software development for city water supply enterprises. Main stages of OLAP and datamining systems development are proposed. The system will allow water supply companies analyse accumulated data. Accordingly, improving the quality of data analysis would improve the manageability of the company and help to make the right managerial decisions by executives of various levels.

  18. 77 FR 37089 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-06-20

    ... SBIC, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 07070100 issued to Berthel SBIC, LLC, on May 4... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  19. Financial management for small companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bruce Hansen; Jeff Palmer; Jeff Palmer

    2000-01-01

    The wood-products industry is characterized by many small manufacturers that lack the staff to compile and analyze information on their operations and investments. Two computer programs, FRAN and JEFFI, have been developed by the USDA Forest Service at Princeton, West Virginia,to help small companies better analyze and monitor current performance, and better evaluate...

  20. SQIMSO: Quality Improvement for Small Software Organizations

    OpenAIRE

    Rabih Zeineddine; Nashat Mansour

    2005-01-01

    Software quality improvement process remains incomplete if it is not initiated and conducted through a wide improvement program that considers process quality improvement, product quality improvement and evolution of human resources. But, small software organizations are not capable of bearing the cost of establishing software process improvement programs. In this work, we propose a new software quality improvement model for small organizations, SQIMSO, based on three ...

  1. Innovation Environment in Small Technology-Based Companies

    OpenAIRE

    Gonçalves Silveira Fiates, Gabriela; Azevedo Fiates, José Eduardo; Ribeiro Serra, Fernando A; Portugal Ferreira, Manuel

    2010-01-01

    Innovation has been identified as a strategy to achieve competitive advantage, particularly in contexts of change and especially for technology-based companies – TBCs. Although the adoption of innovation strategies is not easy, small companies have an organizational environment more conducive to innovation. This article examines how managers and employees of small TBCs perceive aspects of the internal environment of innovation in the organization (culture, organizational structure, personnel ...

  2. 77 FR 32167 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-31

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant... Across America, L.P. a Delaware limited partnership, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 04040273 issued to Capital Across America, on...

  3. 77 FR 12640 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-03-01

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant... Investment Partners, L.P. a Kentucky limited partnership, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 04/74-0283 issued to Prosperitas Investment...

  4. 76 FR 75939 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-12-05

    ... Growth Capital, Inc. a Georgia Corporation, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 04045251 issued to First Growth Capital, Inc., on December... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  5. 77 FR 32167 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-31

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant... Delaware limited partnership, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 02720594 issued to LV Equity Partners SBIC, on August 25, 1999 and said...

  6. 76 FR 23639 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-04-27

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant..., II, L.P., a Delaware Limited Partnership, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 09790400 issued to Aspen Ventures West, II, L.P., on...

  7. 77 FR 2600 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-01-18

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant... Limited Partnership, to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 09790431 issued to AltoTech II, L.P. on December 04, 2000 and said license is...

  8. 75 FR 5146 - Hewlett Packard Company Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business Software Division...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-02-01

    ... Packard Company Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business Software Division, OpenVMS Operating... Colorado, Marlborough, MA; Hewlett Packard Company Business Critical Systems, Mission Critical Business... Assistance on August 27, 2009, applicable to workers of Hewlett Packard Company, Business Critical Systems...

  9. Alinhando objetivos estratégicos e processo de desenvolvimento em empresas de software Aligning strategic objectives and development practices at software companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    André Leme Fleury

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Sistemas de software são atualmente responsáveis por parte significativa das inovações tecnológicas viabilizadas em produtos e serviços. A história do software é recente, assim como são recentes as pesquisas sobre o tema, que tem como foco principal o aprimoramento dos seus processos de desenvolvimento. Apesar das contribuições trazidas por essas teorias, a questão do alinhamento entre objetivos estratégicos e o processo de desenvolvimento nas empresas de software considerando as suas principais capacidades produtivas permanece um tema inexplorado. Como consequência, técnicas da engenharia de software são aplicadas sem incorporar considerações de valor nos processos de análise e na tomada de decisões. Este artigo analisa e apresenta soluções para duas questões: como diferenciar as empresas de software de acordo com seus processos produtivos mais relevantes e como garantir que esses processos de desenvolvimento encontram-se alinhados com os objetivos do negócio. A abordagem resultante inclui um referencial para classificação de empresas de software e uma técnica de planejamento tecnológico para essas empresas. O projeto de pesquisa incluiu a realização de surveys, pesquisa-ação e estudos de caso.Software systems are currently responsible for a significant part of the technological innovations introduced in products and services. software history is recent and research concerning software usually aims to improve process capabilities. Despite the contributions of these theories, questions concerning the alignment between strategic objectives and development process at software companies considering their most important capabilities have not been clarified. Consequently, software engineering techniques are applied without value considerations for analysis and decision. This paper analyses and proposes solutions for two issues: how to differentiate software companies according with their most relevant development

  10. Innovation Environment in Small Technology-Based Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gabriela Gonçalves Silveira Fiates

    2010-11-01

    Full Text Available Innovation has been identified as a strategy to achieve competitive advantage, particularly in contexts of change and especially for technology-based companies – TBCs. Although the adoption of innovation strategies is not easy, small companies have an organizational environment more conducive to innovation. This article examines how managers and employees of small TBCs perceive aspects of the internal environment of innovation in the organization (culture, organizational structure, personnel and infrastructure and their suitability for the innovation process. This is a qualitative research from a multicase study on five companies located in an incubator. Data were collected through open interviews, using a semi-structured script, with one of the managers and two employees from each company. Data were analyzed from preliminary content analysis. The results showed some discrepancies between the perceptions of managers and employees about the issues investigated and their suitability for the innovation system, as well as between reality and the theoretical basis used.

  11. USING THE INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS IN THE COMPANIES MANAGEMENT

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Matei Radu Todoran

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available In a market economy that constantly changes, companies are constrained to adopt efficient solutions to facilitate the achievement of the medium and long term objectives and also to run faster management processes. One of the most efficient methods in this direction is the usage of "innovative products". Those products are distinguished by the high degree of originality and innovation, providing thus a more dynamic framework in management decisions. In order for the usage of innovative products to become successful, they must reach certain stages related to: development of a strategy for creating a new innovative product; valorization of the internal resources of a company regarding the innovation; creating and launching the innovative product on market; engrossment of new market segments. This paper focuses on software-based products which facilitates making management decision based on obtained high utility data and information. The product that we refer to is an ERP software (Enterprise Resource Planner adapted to agricultural entrepreneurs. The product has a high degree of inoovation and aplicability.

  12. Project Management Software for Distributed Industrial Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dobrojević, M.; Medjo, B.; Rakin, M.; Sedmak, A.

    This paper gives an overview of the development of a new software solution for project management, intended mainly to use in industrial environment. The main concern of the proposed solution is application in everyday engineering practice in various, mainly distributed industrial companies. Having this in mind, special care has been devoted to development of appropriate tools for tracking, storing and analysis of the information about the project, and in-time delivering to the right team members or other responsible persons. The proposed solution is Internet-based and uses LAMP/WAMP (Linux or Windows - Apache - MySQL - PHP) platform, because of its stability, versatility, open source technology and simple maintenance. Modular structure of the software makes it easy for customization according to client specific needs, with a very short implementation period. Its main advantages are simple usage, quick implementation, easy system maintenance, short training and only basic computer skills needed for operators.

  13. Social network analysis in software process improvement

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Peter Axel; Tjørnehøj, Gitte

    2010-01-01

    Software process improvement in small organisation is often problematic and communication and knowledge sharing is more informal. To improve software processes we need to understand how they communicate and share knowledge. In this article have studied the company SmallSoft through action research...

  14. 12 CFR 225.111 - Limit on investment by bank holding company system in stock of small business investment companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    .... L. 90-104, 81 Stat. 268, 270), a national bank may invest in stock of small business investment... system in stock of small business investment companies. 225.111 Section 225.111 Banks and Banking FEDERAL... Limit on investment by bank holding company system in stock of small business investment companies. (a...

  15. 75 FR 41559 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-16

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  16. 75 FR 9628 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-03-03

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  17. 78 FR 26680 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-05-07

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  18. 76 FR 8802 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-02-15

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  19. 76 FR 1658 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-11

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  20. 77 FR 2600 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-01-18

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  1. 76 FR 59480 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-09-26

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  2. 76 FR 37167 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-06-24

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  3. 78 FR 70617 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-11-26

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  4. 75 FR 77691 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-12-13

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  5. 77 FR 2601 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-01-18

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRTATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  6. 77 FR 32167 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-31

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules And Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  7. 78 FR 3496 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-01-16

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  8. 77 FR 12641 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-03-01

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  9. 78 FR 4189 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-01-18

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  10. 76 FR 2189 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-12

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  11. 75 FR 14644 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-03-26

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under section 309 of the Act and section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  12. 76 FR 56864 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-09-14

    ... Investment Act of 1958, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant...

  13. 78 FR 77377 - Small Business Investment Companies-Investments in Passive Businesses

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-12-23

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 13 CFR Part 107 RIN 3245-AG57 Small Business Investment Companies--Investments in Passive Businesses AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY... Investment Company (SBIC) program concerning investments in passive businesses. SBICs are generally...

  14. OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN BRAZILIAN SMALL COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tonny Kerley de Alencar Rodrigues

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available This research has the objective was to characterize the small Brazilian companies about the knowledge of operations management tools that help in improving the administrative process for these organizations. For that we chose a more positivist strand which values quantitative aspects. The research can be descriptive and explanatory, applied and/or intervention. As for media, research can be classified as documentary, bibliographic and/or participant. The population for this study is composed by Brazilian small enterprises are characterized by having a lower or equal to R$ 3,600,000 (approximately 1,800,000 dollars gross annual income. To collect information regarding the diagnosis of the degree of knowledge of small entrepreneurs, it was used a structured questionnaire using gradual tracks in identification of the respondent and the firm. It was found that the majority of managers interviewed small enterprises does not use the operations management tools. Is because they do not know such tools or have no need for their use in their companies.

  15. Seeking opportunities abroad : the challenges for small companies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cej, R.P.

    1999-01-01

    The unique challenges facing small companies seeking opportunities in world hydrocarbon trading are discussed. The paper emphasizes how the global infrastructure of the industry has changed and describes what it takes for small companies to compete for opportunities in a global market. The biggest driver re-shaping the energy sector is the pace of global development led by the Asia-Pacific region. Canada's energy sector is well into the challenges created by market liberalization. Canada has evolved into a low cost energy supply and must remain so to support the competitiveness of other industry sectors. Overall, opportunities abroad for small companies are good. Commitment to the long haul, acquiring an understanding for the culture, the politics, and the way business is done in the country in question, careful attention to estimating the size and staying power needed to manage the opportunity, and avoiding cutting corners, or spreading oneself too thinly, are crucial to success

  16. Blueprint and Approach to Grow Revenue in Small Technology Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tony Bailetti

    2010-05-01

    Full Text Available This article examines a new approach to grow the revenue of small technology companies and technology startups. We name this new approach the business ecosystem approach. The article is organized into five sections. The first section provides a blueprint to grow revenue and an inventory of growth formulas that top management teams of small technology companies and founders of startups find useful. The second section briefly defines business ecosystems, keystones and platforms. The third section describes the business ecosystem approach to grow the revenue of small technology companies and technology startups. It compares the traditional and business ecosystem approaches to growing revenue; identifies when the business ecosystem approach works better than the traditional approach; explains what small companies and startups need to do to grow revenue using the business ecosystem approach; and describes the benefits and risks of implementing the business ecosystem approach. The fourth section compares three approaches to growing revenue and highlights the differences between i business ecosystems and development communities and ii the business ecosystem approach and outsourcing. The fifth section identifies the key decisions a small technology company or technology startup needs to make to become the keystone that anchors a business ecosystem.

  17. Finance Companies and Small Business Borrowers: An Empirical Investigation

    OpenAIRE

    Haynes, George; Watts, Myles

    1996-01-01

    Finance companies have been perceived as isolated and insignificant lenders, attracting high risk borrowers and charging these borrowers relatively high prices. Using the 1988 National Survey of Small Business Finance, this study examines the relationship between finance companies and other lenders, describes the characteristics of borrowers attracted to finance companies and assesses whether finance companies charge higher loan prices and impose more stringent collateral requirements on thei...

  18. 76 FR 2029 - Small Business Investment Companies-Energy Saving Qualified Investments

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-12

    ... 3245-AF86 Small Business Investment Companies--Energy Saving Qualified Investments AGENCY: U.S. Small... Administration (SBA) is setting forth the new defined terms, ``Energy Saving Qualified Investment'' and ``Energy Saving Activities'', for the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program. The new definitions are...

  19. Small is beautiful: customer driven software development

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hansen, Henrik A.B.; Koch, Christian; Pleman, Allan

    1999-01-01

    to develop their software. In small software houses operating in markets with complex products such as ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, networking is necessary in order to gain the needed knowledge and resources in the production development process. Network is not seen as a magic word but leads......Summary form only given. The topics addressed in this paper is how networking can be used as a way for small software houses to enhances their innovative capabilities by using different kinds of collaboration in order to overcome the problems of lacking knowledge as well as resources in order...

  20. 26 CFR 1.1242-1 - Losses on small business investment company stock.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... the sale or exchange, of the stock of a small business investment company (whether or not such stock....1242-1 Losses on small business investment company stock. (a) In general. Any taxpayer who sustains a... operating loss shall not apply to any loss with respect to the stock of a small business investment company...

  1. Balanced Scorecard implementation in small companies: a literature review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Estefanie Argüello-Solano

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The Balanced Scorecard (BSC has been used for performance measurement and strategy management for many years. This literature review analyzed studies about the implementation of the BSC in small companies, identifying implementation cases of BSC reported in small enterprises, factors of influence of small enterprises to implement the BSC model, main stages of implementation of the BSC in small enterprises, and future research lines. As a result 23 papers, 12 academic theses and 8 industry reports were identified. Our results shown that small enterprises can take advantage of its specific characteristics to implement the BSC and the implementation process in small companies may differ from the original BSC implementation process. There is little literature on the implementation of the BSC in small businesses, thus it is necessary additional empirical evidence on the effectiveness of CMI implementations in small businesses.

  2. INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY AT SMALL EXPORT COMPANIES

    OpenAIRE

    Elaine Di Diego Antunes; Joysinett Moraes Silva

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to identify the main internationalization strategies used by small manufacturers of hammocks. Our findings show that these export companies have up to 20 employees and their main internationalization strategy is exportation. This plan is carried out in 3 ways: indirect exportation, through trading companies; direct exportation, through sales performed in the companies and cooperative exportation, through a network of dealers in greater companies. Its was also veri...

  3. E-commerce in small and medium companies in the Republic of Croatia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Heri Bezić

    2009-12-01

    Full Text Available Fast progress of information-communication technology, distribution of computer networks and wider usage of Internet are basis for the new industrial revolution. Therefore, e-commerce presents new possibility of gathering competitive advantages on the world market, especially for small and medium companies. In order to determine the current stage of electronic readiness and electronic intensity of using the e-commerce in small and medium companies in Croatia, there was a research carried through micro, small and medium companies on national level. Although the acceptance of Internet technologies and implementation of e-commerce ensures to small and medium companies to compete on the world market with large companies and to have efective infuence on their growth and development, the research showed that Croatian micro, small and medium companies, despite of their high level of electronic readiness and implementation of modern information-communication technologies, are not favorable in their usage in everyday business. It is necessary to figure out the universal model to remove barriers for implementation and acceptance of e-commerce.

  4. Agile software development

    CERN Document Server

    Dingsoyr, Torgeir; Moe, Nils Brede

    2010-01-01

    Agile software development has become an umbrella term for a number of changes in how software developers plan and coordinate their work, how they communicate with customers and external stakeholders, and how software development is organized in small, medium, and large companies, from the telecom and healthcare sectors to games and interactive media. Still, after a decade of research, agile software development is the source of continued debate due to its multifaceted nature and insufficient synthesis of research results. Dingsoyr, Dyba, and Moe now present a comprehensive snapshot of the kno

  5. Using Soft OR in a small company- The case of Kirby

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sørensen, Lene; Vidal, Rene Victor Valqui; E., Engstrom

    2004-01-01

    High demands are placed on traditional small companies to make technological adaptations and push forward global digital markets. For small companies, this is not a simple task: they lack knowledge about the technology options and on strategic management of information technology (IT). This paper...

  6. Software Product Manager: A Mechanism to manage software products in small and medium ISVs

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Katchow, R.; van de Weerd, I.; Brinkkemper, S.; Rooswinkel, A.

    2009-01-01

    In this paper, we present SP Manager as an innovative tool for managing software products in small and medium independent software vendors (ISVs). This tool incorporates the operational software product management (SPM) processes focused on requirements management and release planning. By using

  7. Solid construction waste management in large civil construction companies through use of specific software - case study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Caio Dalla Zanna

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available In the current construction market there is a high demand for sustainability. In addition to that the Brazilian government is enacting tougher and tougher legislation on the disposal of solid construction waste. These demands increasingly make the construction company responsible for the entire lifecycle of its waste as well as the accompanying cost and environmental impact of solid waste. A software program was used in the research which allows construction companies gather information about waste. This helps the decision makers, at all different levels of the company improving waste management through better decisions. The software program was used during the construction of two residential buildings, constructed by a large construction company in the South of Brazil. Five key performance indicators were used by the construction company team: Generated Waste Height (cm, cost per built area (R$ m-², Waste Segregation Quality Index (WSQI, Effective Waste Management Index (EWMI and Waste Management Quality Index (WMQI. After four months the total cost of waste management was R$ 83,551.71 for site A and R$ 91,668.02 for site B. About 70% of the waste was raw material waste. The software program provided information not previously available, which made it possible to calculate the cost of material loss, indicating corrective actions, all without losing sight of cost reduction opportunities for the management of Solid construction Waste (SCW.

  8. POSSIBILITIES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SMALL AND MEDIUM HOTEL COMPANIES IN SERBIA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dragoljub Barjaktarovic

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Abstract:Small and medium hotel companies in the majority of developed tourist countries have dominant role in hotel industry. The same situation is with Serbia. An important precondition for successful business of a hotel is accepting and applying basic pillars of marketing concept i.e. satisfying needs and expectations of guests inorder to achieve profit. Small hotel companies have specific problems in their daily business. Top priority in management and surviving of hotels is cash, because fixed costs are very dominant so hotels earmark more resources for them than for marketing. This means higher engagement and involvement of the state in furtherdevelopment of small and medium hotel companies in Serbia. The state should provide favourable subsidized credit lines for small and medium hotel companies in Serbia, through appropriate support programmes.

  9. GCP 1.0: A Tool for Cost Management in Micro and Small Textile Manufacturing Companies in Bucaramanga

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ofelia Gómez Niño

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available This article presents the results of a diagnostic study in which 52 textile manufacturing companies were observed in Bucaramanga to characterize the needs of these productive units. Based on the results, three strategic options were formulated to improve performance: a To consolidate the productive system by tools that facilitate production processes, b to strengthen cost structure by designing systems and tools; and c to share technological initiatives, knowledge and experience to improve resource management. From this perspective, the second phase of the research was oriented to develop the software GCP 1.0 for micro and small companies of children’s confection in Bucaramanga, a production cost information system that would facilitate cost management and the fixation of sale prices.

  10. Mapping social networks in software process improvement

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tjørnehøj, Gitte; Nielsen, Peter Axel

    2005-01-01

    Software process improvement in small, agile organizations is often problematic. Model-based approaches seem to overlook problems. We have been seeking an alternative approach to overcome this through action research. Here we report on a piece of action research from which we developed an approach...... to map social networks and suggest how it can be used in software process improvement. We applied the mapping approach in a small software company to support the realization of new ways of improving software processes. The mapping approach was found useful in improving social networks, and thus furthers...... software process improvement....

  11. Does company size matter? Validation of an integrative model of safety behavior across small and large construction companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guo, Brian H W; Yiu, Tak Wing; González, Vicente A

    2018-02-01

    Previous safety climate studies primarily focused on either large construction companies or the construction industry as a whole, while little is known about whether company size has significant effects on workers' understanding of safety climate measures and relationships between safety climate factors and safety behavior. Thus, this study aims to: (a) test the measurement equivalence (ME) of a safety climate measure across workers from small and large companies; (b) investigate if company size alters the causal structure of the integrative model developed by Guo, Yiu, and González (2016). Data were collected from 253 construction workers in New Zealand using a safety climate measure. This study used multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (MCFA) to test the measurement equivalence of the safety climate measure and structure invariance of the integrative model. Results indicate that workers from small and large companies understood the safety climate measure in a similar manner. In addition, it was suggested that company size does not change the causal structure and mediational processes of the integrative model. Both measurement equivalence of the safety climate measure and structural invariance of the integrative model were supported by this study. Practical applications: Findings of this study provided strong support for a meaningful use of the safety climate measure across construction companies in different sizes. Safety behavior promotion strategies designed based on the integrative model may be well suited for both large and small companies. Copyright © 2017 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Digital reporting by small private companies in the UK

    OpenAIRE

    Alkhatib, Esraa

    2016-01-01

    This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London. Abstract This thesis investigates the factors that affect the take-up of statutory digital reporting of statutory accounts and returns to the tax authority (HM Revenue and Customs) and voluntary digital reporting to the company registry (Companies House) by small private companies in the UK. In doing so, it identifies the costs and benefits of this innovation from the perspective...

  13. INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY AT SMALL EXPORT COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elaine Di Diego Antunes

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this study is to identify the main internationalization strategies used by small manufacturers of hammocks. Our findings show that these export companies have up to 20 employees and their main internationalization strategy is exportation. This plan is carried out in 3 ways: indirect exportation, through trading companies; direct exportation, through sales performed in the companies and cooperative exportation, through a network of dealers in greater companies. Its was also verified that some organizations export up to 60% of their products while the vast majority does not even export 5% of it, turning primarily to the domestic market.

  14. The Growth of open source: A look at how companies are utilizing open source software in their business models

    OpenAIRE

    Feare, David

    2009-01-01

    This paper examines how open source software is being incorporated into the business models of companies in the software industry. The goal is to answer the question of whether the open source model can help sustain economic growth. While some companies are able to maintain a "pure" open source approach with their business model, the reality is that most companies are relying on proprietary add-on value in order to generate revenue because open source itself is simply not big business. Ultima...

  15. A Layered Software Architecture for the Management of a Manufacturing Company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Domenico CONSOLI

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available In this paper we describe a layered software architecture in the management of a manufactur-ing company that intensively uses computer technology. Application tools, new and legacy, after the updating, operate in a context of an open web oriented architecture. The software architecture enables the integration and interoperability among all tools that support business processes. Manufacturing Executive System and Text Mining tools are excellent interfaces, the former both for internal production and management processes and the latter for external processes coming from the market. In this way, it is possible to implement, a computer integrated factory, flexible and agile, that immediately responds to customer requirements.

  16. Agility in a small software firm

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Schmidt, Thomas; Mathiassen, Lars

    2009-01-01

    Small software firms are vulnerable to environmental uncertainty. While agile methods and other technologies offer suggestions to this challenge, we know little about how these firms combine project and firm level capabilities to effectively respond to changes. On this backdrop, we examine a small...... Danish software firm, TeachTech Inc., through the lens of Haeckel's sense-and-respond approach. Our analysis suggests that: the firm has appropriate sense-and-respond cycles, but improving process modularity and human resource flexibility, could increase its ability to respond faster and more effectively......; the firm focuses on specific business goals, but these are not clearly explicated and expressed as empowering governing values enabling a quick and coordinated response; complex and demanding challenges are related to dynamically reassigning commitments and the supporting mechanisms are insufficient...

  17. The role of original equipment manufacturers in software distribution

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Herţanu, A.

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available The software distribution channels are having a significant impact on the mix of marketing not only for big companies in this domain, but also for small companies that activate in this domain. The Original Equipment Manufacturer’s distribution channel it’s having a significant impact on the marketing strategy of different companies. If the traditional distribution channels are still used to, the OEM’s channels are used more and more to distribute the software products or services not only to the segment of consumers formed by companies, but also to the segment of costumers formed by individual users.

  18. Análisis de experiencias de mejora de procesos de desarrollo de software en PYMEs

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Coque-Villegas, Shirley

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available The services of the software development companies are based on producing high quality software products. Software products quality is ensured by applying software engineering practices throughout the development process. In order to improve these processes, it is necessary adapting the software improvement process models into companies according to their own characteristics. This paper offers an analysis of the application of various software process improvement models in small and medium size enterprises. Finally, results presented here show the influence of the inherent factors of companies and their work teams into choosing a specific software improvement process model.

  19. Survey of Verification and Validation Techniques for Small Satellite Software Development

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jacklin, Stephen A.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current trends and practices in small-satellite software verification and validation. This document is not intended to promote a specific software assurance method. Rather, it seeks to present an unbiased survey of software assurance methods used to verify and validate small satellite software and to make mention of the benefits and value of each approach. These methods include simulation and testing, verification and validation with model-based design, formal methods, and fault-tolerant software design with run-time monitoring. Although the literature reveals that simulation and testing has by far the longest legacy, model-based design methods are proving to be useful for software verification and validation. Some work in formal methods, though not widely used for any satellites, may offer new ways to improve small satellite software verification and validation. These methods need to be further advanced to deal with the state explosion problem and to make them more usable by small-satellite software engineers to be regularly applied to software verification. Last, it is explained how run-time monitoring, combined with fault-tolerant software design methods, provides an important means to detect and correct software errors that escape the verification process or those errors that are produced after launch through the effects of ionizing radiation.

  20. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR MODELING THE ALTMAN Z-SCORE FINANCIAL DISTRESS STATUS OF COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ILIE RĂSCOLEAN

    2012-10-01

    Full Text Available Literature shows some bankruptcy methods for determining the financial distress status of companies and based on this information we chosen Altman statistical model because it has been used a lot in the past and like that it has become a benchmark for other methods. Based on this financial analysis flowchart, programming software was developed that allows the calculation and determination of the bankruptcy probability for a certain rate of failure Z-score, corresponding to a given interval that is equal to the ratio of the number of bankrupt companies and the total number of companies (bankrupt and healthy interval.

  1. Customizing Standard Software as a Business Model in the IT Industry

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kautz, Karlheinz; Rab, Sameen M.; Sinnet, Michael

    2011-01-01

    This research studies a new business model in the IT industry, the customization of standard software as the sole foundation for a software company’s earnings. Based on a theoretical background which combines the concepts of inter-organizational networks and open innovation we provide an interpre......This research studies a new business model in the IT industry, the customization of standard software as the sole foundation for a software company’s earnings. Based on a theoretical background which combines the concepts of inter-organizational networks and open innovation we provide...... an interpretive case study of a small software company which customizes a standard product. We investigate the company’s interactions with a large global software company which is the producer of the original software product and with other companies which are involved in the software customization process. We...... primarily on complex, formal partnerships, in which also opportunistic behavior occurs and where informal relations are invaluable sources of knowledge. In addition, the original software producer’s view and treatment of these companies has a vital impact on the customizing company’s practice which...

  2. Wiki as a Corporate Learning Tool: Case Study for Software Development Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Milovanovic, Milos; Minovic, Miroslav; Stavljanin, Velimir; Savkovic, Marko; Starcevic, Dusan

    2012-01-01

    In our study, we attempted to further investigate how Web 2.0 technologies influence workplace learning. Our particular interest was on using Wiki as a tool for corporate exchange of knowledge with the focus on informal learning. In this study, we collaborated with a multinational software development company that uses Wiki as a corporate tool…

  3. 75 FR 60830 - Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant to the authority granted to the United States Small Business Administration under the Small Business...

  4. Factors that Impact Software Project Success in Offshore Information Technology (IT) Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Edara, Venkatarao

    2011-01-01

    Information technology (IT) projects are unsuccessful at a rate of 65% to 75% per year, in spite of employing the latest technologies and training employees. Although many studies have been conducted on project successes in U.S. companies, there is a lack of research studying the impact of various factors on software project success in offshore IT…

  5. Selecting Advanced Software Technology in Two Small Manufacturing Enterprises

    Science.gov (United States)

    2004-05-01

    improving workflow to further reduce delivery times, enhance customer service, and obtain a competitive advantage . The company wanted help... environment , stakeholders’ needs, ecommerce , shop floor visualization, and collaboration capability. These statements are not significantly different...for the purpose of describing a software environment . This identification does not imply any recommendation or endorsement by NIST, the SEI, CMU, or

  6. Incentives for Starting Small Companies Focused on Rare and Neglected Diseases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ekins, Sean; Wood, Jill

    2016-04-01

    Starting biotech or pharmaceutical companies is traditionally thought to be based around a scientist, their technology platform or a clinical candidate spun out from another company. Between us we have taken a different approach and formed two small early stage companies after initially leveraging the perspective of a parent with a child with a life-threatening rare disease. Phoenix Nest ( http://www.phoenixnestbiotech.com/ ) was co-founded to work on treatments for Sanfilippo syndrome a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. In the space of just over 3 years we have built up collaborations with leading scientists in academia and industry and been awarded multiple NIH small business grants. The second company, Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( http://www.collaborationspharma.com/ ) was founded to address some of the other 7000 or so rare diseases as well as neglected infectious diseases. The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher is likely the most important incentive for companies working on rare diseases with very small populations. This may also be partially responsible for the recent acquisitions of rare disease companies with late stage candidates. Lessons learned in the process of starting our companies are that rare disease parents or patients can readily partner with a scientist and fund research through NIH grants rather than venture capital or angel investors initially. This process may be slow so patience and perseverance is key. We would encourage other pharmaceutical scientists to meet rare disease parents, patients or advocates and work with them to further the science on their diseases and create a source of future drugs.

  7. Penetration of small and medium sized food companies on foreign markets

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ladislav Mura

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available In the world the interconnection of national economies and internationalization of economic processes occur. In turbulent changing business environment only those companies that understand the current trends in global economy may survive, develop and prosper. Therefore, the issue of internationalization for most companies becomes to be more important and the process of in­ter­na­tio­na­li­za­tion is the way how to stand this increasingly competitive environment. In presented contribution, the attention is paid to issues of internationalization of Slovak food industry enterprises such as their way of business internationalization, percentage share of foreign - trading activities on overall business activity, company evaluation of business internationalization or barriers of foreign markets pe­ne­tra­tion that researched companies have to deal with. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs are the engine of the Slovak economy, generator of development, innovation, growth and they employ more than 60% of employees. Almost all businesses operating in agri-food complex have character of small and medium enterprises. The results of carried research have shown that small and medium-sized companies are considered to be successful in operation on foreign markets in surrounding European countries.

  8. CHALLENGES OF SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Md.Shahadat Hossain

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available Uncertainty exists in Software Company over the world. Software quality problem is leading issue for the software industry. The issue exists from 40 years or 50 years long. The industry is suffering and closing for this issue. In this circumstance, it is important to address and remove its root cause. Otherwise, day by day industry economic loss will increase. I figure out some vital challenges of software quality assurance and testing which have been facing by software industries. The research focused on several small and medium software companies of the world. This paper represents different category of challenges along with responsible stakeholders. This research finds out that testing tools are available testing elements are available testing process has improved but still software has some testing challenges. My research figured out the bottleneck of challenges and explained in this paper. Here software engineers have scope to improve & overcome those challenges. This paper suggests systematic approach to solve the problem.

  9. How can context affect what strategies are effective in improving the working environment in small companies?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Antonsson, Ann-Beth; Hasle, Peter

    2015-01-01

    Background Small companies include many different sectors and types of organisations. Additionally the small companies are affected by clients, authorities and other stakeholders. Some of these contextual factors have been proven to be of relevance to and affect the work environment management, e.......g. in cleaning companies, where many aspects of the working environment is decided by the client company, whose premises is cleaned by the cleaning company. Aim To discuss what factors in small companies´ context may affect the outcome of work environment interventions as a theoretical basis for evaluation...... of what factors that may have affected the outcome of work environment interventions and programs in small companies. Discussion The context is a convenient and simple term covering a multitude of factors and complex relations. It is unavoidable to discuss context when aiming at understanding small...

  10. Software Startups - A Research Agenda

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Michael Unterkalmsteiner

    2016-10-01

    Full Text Available Software startup companies develop innovative, software-intensive products within limited time frames and with few resources, searching for sustainable and scalable business models. Software startups are quite distinct from traditional mature software companies, but also from micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, introducing new challenges relevant for software engineering research. This paper's research agenda focuses on software engineering in startups, identifying, in particular, 70+ research questions in the areas of supporting startup engineering activities, startup evolution models and patterns, ecosystems and innovation hubs, human aspects in software startups, applying startup concepts in non-startup environments, and methodologies and theories for startup research. We connect and motivate this research agenda with past studies in software startup research, while pointing out possible future directions. While all authors of this research agenda have their main background in Software Engineering or Computer Science, their interest in software startups broadens the perspective to the challenges, but also to the opportunities that emerge from multi-disciplinary research. Our audience is therefore primarily software engineering researchers, even though we aim at stimulating collaborations and research that crosses disciplinary boundaries. We believe that with this research agenda we cover a wide spectrum of the software startup industry current needs.

  11. 77 FR 32167 - Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-31

    ... States Small Business Administration hereby revokes the license of Women's Growth Capital Fund I, LLLP, a... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Revocation of License of Small Business Investment Company Pursuant to the authority granted to the United States Small Business Administration by the Wind-Up Order of...

  12. Modularity and Architecture of PLC-based Software for Automated Production Systems: An analysis in industrial companies

    OpenAIRE

    B. Vogel-Heuser, J. Fischer, S. Feldmann, S. Ulewicz, S. Rösch

    2018-01-01

    Adaptive and flexible production systems require modular and reusable software especially considering their long-term life cycle of up to 50 years. SWMAT4aPS, an approach to measure Software Maturity for automated Production Systems is introduced. The approach identifies weaknesses and strengths of various companies’ solutions for modularity of software in the design of automated Production Systems (aPS). At first, a self-assessed questionnaire is used to evaluate a large number of companies ...

  13. Information Security in Small and Medium-Sized Companies

    OpenAIRE

    David Kral

    2011-01-01

    Information security doesn’t involve only large organizations. Small and medium-sized companies must closely examine this issue too, because they are increasingly threatened by cyber attacks. Many of them mistakenly believe, that security of their valuable data is sufficient, or that the attackers are not interested in them. Existing standards and methodologies for implementation and management of information security are often hard to transfer to the environment of small and medium-sized bus...

  14. Sales strategy in small and medium-sized food companies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Renate; Stacey, Julia; Andersen, Lone Merete Schreiber

    2002-01-01

    All managing teams know that they have to deal with the company's strategy in handling the market. But how do they do it and on the basis of which beleifs and interpretations? A nearly completed PhD project has examined the way in which three small and medium-sized food companies define...... their market, their competitors and customers, and how they create the world they perceive and act in through their own actions....

  15. Exploring Managerial Commitment towards SPI in Small and Very Small Enterprises

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Connor, Rory V.; Basri, Shuib; Coleman, Gerry

    This paper compares and contrasts the results of two similar studies into the software process practices in Irish Small and Very Small Enterprises. The first study contains rich findings in relation to the role and influence of managerial experience and style, with particular respect to the company founder and software development managers in small to medium seized enterprises (SMEs), whilst the second study contains extensive findings in relation to people and management involvement / commitment and SPI goal planning in very small enterprises (VSEs). By combining these results of these two studies of Irish SMEs/VSEs we can develop a rich picture of managerial commitment towards SPI and in particular explore the similarities between Small and Very Small Enterprises.

  16. Training the Knowledge Worker: A Descriptive Study of Training Practices in Irish Software Companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Acton, Thomas; Golden, Willie

    2003-01-01

    Employees (n=200) of 39 Irish software companies indicated the following about training practices: organizational commitment to and provision for training was positively associated with employee expectations; well-designed training increased job satisfaction and helped retain organizational knowledge. One-third believed training has not helped…

  17. Continuing Education for Managers from Small and Medium Sized German Companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fub, Jorg

    1995-01-01

    An international trade school in southern Germany, which is a highly export-oriented environment, has established a vocational and professional continuing education program for personnel of small- and medium-size companies. Offerings include a graduate course in international marketing, seminars for export companies, distance education in…

  18. The Influence of Company Size on Accounting Information: Evidence in Large Caps and Small Caps Companies Listed on BM&FBovespa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Karen Yukari Yokoyama

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available In this study, the relation between accounting information aspects and the capitalization level o companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange was investigated, classified as Large Caps or Small Caps, companies with larger and smaller capitalization, respectively, between 2010 and 2012. Three accounting information measures were addressed: informativeness, conservatism and relevance, through the application of Easton and Harris’ (1991 models of earnings informativeness, Basu’s (1997 model of conditional conservatism and the value relevance model, based on Ohlson (1995. The results appointed that, although the Large Caps present a higher level of conservatism, their accounting figures were less informative and more relevant when compared to the Large Caps companies. Due to the greater production of private information (predisclosure surrounding larger companies, the market would tend to respond less strongly or surprised to the publication of these companies’ accounting information, while the lack of anticipated information would make the effect of disclosing these figures more preponderant for the Small Caps companies.

  19. Implementing Lean Manufacturing in Malaysian Small and Medium Startup Pharmaceutical Company

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ibrahim, Wan Mohd Khairi bin Wan; Rahman, Mohamed Abdul; Abu Bakar, Mohd Rushdi bin

    2017-03-01

    Domestic pharmaceutical industry has been identified by the Malaysian government as an industry to be developed under its 11th economic development plan. Most homegrown pharmaceutical companies fall under the category of small and medium enterprises (SME) and therefore need to be highly efficient in their operations to compete with the multinationals. Though lean manufacturing is a well-known methodology to achieve an efficient operation, only a small percentage of the local SMEs implement it. The study aims to determine the real success factors in lean implementation through systematic review of relevant literature on lean manufacturing implementation in local companies, onsite observation of a selected SME company, Global Factor Sdn. Bhd. (GFSB), that successfully implemented lean manufacturing followed by actual implementation of lean project at IKOP Sdn. Bhd., a small startup pharmaceutical company. Lean tools like Gemba, value stream map (VSM) and spaghetti diagram were used to analyze and improve a process at IKOP Sdn. Bhd. The literature review showed that the implementation of lean manufacturing at Malaysian SMEs involved in pharmaceutical industry is at its infancy. Study at GFSB indicated that successful implementation of lean manufacturing stems from management support, employee’s commitment, government support and knowledge on lean among employees. Application of lean tools in IKOP Sdn. Bhd. to improve the process cycle efficiency of hand sanitizer, i-Hand 4.0, has shown that the GMP guidelines are not jeopardized. The Kaizen improvement project resulted in 46.3% reduction in lead time. It may be concluded that implementing lean manufacturing in any small local startup pharmaceutical company is beneficial in reducing operational costs and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness and does not conflict with the existing GMP guidelines.

  20. 76 FR 81430 - Small Business Investment Companies-Early Stage SBICs; Public Webinars

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-12-28

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 13 CFR Part 107 Small Business Investment Companies--Early Stage SBICs; Public Webinars AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice of public Webinars. SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that it is holding a series of public...

  1. Solid construction waste management in large civil construction companies through use of specific software - case study

    OpenAIRE

    Caio Dalla Zanna; Fernando Fernandes; José Carlos Gasparine

    2017-01-01

    In the current construction market there is a high demand for sustainability. In addition to that the Brazilian government is enacting tougher and tougher legislation on the disposal of solid construction waste. These demands increasingly make the construction company responsible for the entire lifecycle of its waste as well as the accompanying cost and environmental impact of solid waste. A software program was used in the research which allows construction companies gather information about...

  2. 26 CFR 1.1243-1 - Loss of small business investment company.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... or exchange, of the stock of a small business concern (as defined in section 103(5) of the Small... as a loss from the sale or exchange of property which is not a capital asset if: (i) The stock was... 26 Internal Revenue 11 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Loss of small business investment company. 1...

  3. Software-assisted quantitative analysis of small bowel motility compared to manual measurements

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bickelhaupt, S.; Froehlich, J.M.; Cattin, R.; Raible, S.; Bouquet, H.; Bill, U.; Patak, M.A.

    2014-01-01

    Aim: To validate a newly developed software prototype that automatically analyses small bowel motility by comparing it directly with manual measurement. Material and methods: Forty-five patients with clinical indication for small bowel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively included in this institutional review board-approved study. MRI was performed using a 1.5 T system following a standard MR-enterography protocol. Small bowel motility parameters (contractions-per-minute, luminal diameter, amplitude) were measured three times each in identical segments using the manual and the semiautomatic software-assisted method. The methods were compared for agreement, repeatability, and time needed for each measurement. All parameters were compared between the methods. Results: A total of 91 small-bowel segments were analysed. No significant intra-individual difference (p > 0.05) was found for peristaltic frequencies between the methods (mean: 4.14/min manual; 4.22/min software-assisted). Amplitudes (5.14 mm; 5.57 mm) and mean lumen diameters (17.39 mm; 14.68) differed due to systematic differences in the definition of the bowel wall. Mean duration of single measurement was significantly (p < 0.01) shorter with the software (6.25 min; 1.30 min). The scattering of repeated measurements was significantly (p < 0.05) lower using the software. Conclusion: The software-assisted method accomplished highly reliable, fast and accurate measurement of small bowel motility. Measurement precision and duration differed significantly between the two methods in favour of the software-assisted technique

  4. Supporting Usability Engineering in Small Software Development Organizations

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bornoe, Nis; Stage, Jan

    2013-01-01

    Despite an interest and use of different usability engineering methods small software development organizations find it challenging to implement usability engineering into the software development process. We present the results from a study about usability engineering in practice. Through a series...... of semistructured interviews we want to get an understanding of how usability is implemented into the organizations and how it’s practiced in reality. We found that the developers found it problematic to combine agile software development methods with classic usability engineering methods. A lack of solid usability...... engineering expertise and not least experience seems to be a main obstacle for a successful implementation of usability engineering into current software development practices. They are requesting methods and procedures that fit better with their current practices and strategies to implement usability...

  5. The experiences of a small Canadian petroleum company in the international arena

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rooney, J.

    2002-01-01

    Equatorial Energy Inc. is a small Canadian company that has succeeded in the international world of oil exploration and production. The 5 year old company has grown from zero to 13,000 boe/d through its engagement in the acquisition, exploration and development of petroleum and natural gas in Western Canada and Indonesia. Finding costs are getting higher as domestic sedimentary basins mature. This results in higher decline rates and fewer opportunities for growth. However, the international energy sector has become more accessible to small- and medium-sized companies due to the removal of political barriers and better access to new technologies. The support of capital markets and international experience also contributes to greater success in accessing the international energy sector. 16 figs

  6. The Resilience of a Small Company and the Grounds of Capitalism: Thriving on Non-Knowledgeable Ground

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Margarida Cardoso

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available A case about a small company in Portugal enables an analysis of the resilience of small companies undergoing open innovation environments. Successfully facing non-knowledgeable grounds―which means insecurity, likelihood of disruption risk and uncertainty—is only possible through constant adaptation, by which a company can thrive and, through rational thinking, enable continuity. This study shows that open innovation achieved through agile partnerships can provide the resources and synergies necessary for the continued adaptation of small businesses to environments of high uncertainty. An ability to innovatively adapt is a central characteristic of resilient companies.

  7. 77 FR 55737 - Small Business Size Standards: Finance and Insurance and Management of Companies and Enterprises

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-09-11

    ... 3245-AG45 Small Business Size Standards: Finance and Insurance and Management of Companies and Enterprises AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The U.S. Small... NAICS Sector 55, Management of Companies and Enterprises. In addition, SBA proposes to change the...

  8. More Differences or More Similarities Regarding Education in Big, Middle-sized and Small Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marjana Merkač

    2001-12-01

    Full Text Available The article presents the results of research of education and qualifying of employees in small, middle-sized and big Slovenian companies. The research shows some differences regarding the attitude to the development of employees as a part of a company's business strategy, some obstacles for developing their abilities, and connections between job satisfaction and motivation for learning. It also shows how important it is for the subjects concerning education and qualifying if an individual works for a big, middle-sized, or small company.

  9. A spin-off company helps to unlock the full potential of Invenio software

    CERN Multimedia

    Andrew Purcell

    2015-01-01

    In recent years, the success of Invenio meant that the team of software developers based in the CERN IT Department were receiving more and more requests to assist organisations in creating new Invenio installations, as well as providing support for them. The large number of support requests required a new solution. CERN therefore decided to help a team of budding young entrepreneurs to set up a company to provide specialist Invenio support.   The TIND team visits the CERN Data Centre. Image: Martin Fürbach. What do the CERN Document Server, the CERN Open Data Portal, EUDAT’s B2SHARE, INSPIRE and Zenodo all have in common? Easy, they all run using the open-source software Invenio. The Invenio software suite is designed to support online digital libraries and document repositories. On the CERN Document Server, for instance, it manages around 1.5 million bibliographic records. Since its launch in 2002, a highly active open-source community has grown around Invenio...

  10. A Decision Frameworkon Small and Medium Enterprises to Adopt Cloud Software as a Service

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lu Hsi-Peng

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Software as a service (SaaSis the future trend in software services. However, only a few successful SaaS providerscurrently exist. This study investigated how Taiwanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs can utilize SaaS, giveSaaSprovidersbusiness strategy references, and supply a basis for information system operators to transfer service mode in order to innovate the provision of SaaS. The study is based on survey results obtained from 474 SMEs for a telecom company in Taiwan to determine the reasons SMEs utilizeSaaS. Taking the technology acceptance model (TAM as the fundamental theoretical foundation, we explored the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and SaaS system features as external variables. In addition, we analyzed each system characteristic on the Likert scale and found that, in addition to the necessary consideration for cost and convenience, SaaS also provides information and communication technology applications in system characteristics,which are including online sharing services, customer relationship management services, and business operation and orders purchasing services. The fact that SMEs wish to utilize SaaS has a positive and direct impact on business.

  11. What kind of knowledge do small companies need to improve their working environment?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Antonsson, Ann-Beth; Hasle, Peter

    2015-01-01

    towards knowledge-based behaviour. Additionally the time required increases when moving from skill- to knowledge-based behaviour. On the other hand, skill-based behaviour lacks the ability to solve problems and adapt to new situations. In the working environment risk assessment as well as the development...... of management routines are typically knowledge-based activities, whereas the application of good practice is more of skill or rule-based. For small companies, time as well as knowledge is an important constraint for the work environment management. Therefore the conclusion could be to focus on and provide skill......Background One of the main obstacles identified for small companies´ improvement of the working environment is lack of knowledge. Aim To discuss what kind of knowledge is required by small companies if they are to be able to improve their working environment and the pros and cons of different kinds...

  12. 17 CFR 270.3c-2 - Definition of beneficial ownership in small business investment companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... 1940 § 270.3c-2 Definition of beneficial ownership in small business investment companies. For the... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Definition of beneficial ownership in small business investment companies. 270.3c-2 Section 270.3c-2 Commodity and Securities...

  13. The OHS management system in the "small-sized" production company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dorota Klimecka-Tatar

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available In the article the problem with systemic management of safety in the smallest production entities has been shown. The effect of health and safety management system and the benefits resulting from it for the most numerous economic entities in Poland - microenterprises have been discussed. Moreover, the results of questionnaire examination conducted in several Polish production companies have been presented. Surveys were completed in companies in which the number of employees does not exceed 49 people (micro enterprise - from 1 to 9 employees and small enterprises - from 10 to 49 employees.

  14. 17 CFR 239.24 - Form N-5, form for registration of small business investment company under the Securities Act of...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... registration of small business investment company under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company... N-5, form for registration of small business investment company under the Securities Act of 1933 and... of 1933 of securities issued by any small business investment company which is registered under the...

  15. Adaptation of Black-Box Software Components

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rolf Andreas Rasenack

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available The globalization of the software market leads to crucial problems for software companies. More competition between software companies arises and leads to the force on companies to develop ever newer software products in ever shortened time interval. Therefore the time to market for software systems is shortened and obviously the product life cycle is shortened too. Thus software companies shortened the time interval for research and development. Due to the fact of competition between software companies software products have to develop low-priced and this leads to a smaller return on investment. A big challenge for software companies is the use of an effective research and development process to have these problems under control. A way to control these problems can be the reuse of existing software components and adapt those software components to new functionality or accommodate mismatched interfaces. Complete redevelopment of software products is more expensive and time consuming than to develop software components. The approach introduced here presents novel technique together with a supportive environment that enables developers to cope with the adaptability of black-box software components. A supportive environment will be designed that checks the compatibility of black-box software components with the assistance of their specifications. Generated adapter software components can take over the part of adaptation and advance the functionality. Besides, a pool of software components can be used to compose an application to satisfy customer needs. Certainly this pool of software components consists of black-box software components and adapter software components which can be connected on demand.

  16. A proposed model for assessing service quality in small machining and industrial maintenance companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Morvam dos Santos Netto

    2014-11-01

    Full Text Available Machining and industrial maintenance services include repair (corrective maintenance of equipments, activities involving the assembly-disassembly of equipments, fault diagnosis, machining operations, forming operations, welding processes, assembly and test of equipments. This article proposes a model for assessing the quality of services provided by small machining and industrial maintenance companies, since there is a gap in the literature regarding this issue and because the importance of small service companies in socio-economic development of the country. The model is an adaptation of the SERVQUAL instrument and the criteria determining the quality of services are designed according to the service cycle of a typical small machining and industrial maintenance company. In this sense, the Moments of Truth have been considered in the preparation of two separate questionnaires. The first questionnaire contains 24 statements that reflect the expectations of customers, and the second one contains 24 statements that measure perceptions of service performance. An additional item was included in each questionnaire to assess, respectively, the overall expectation about the services and the overall company performance. Therefore, it is a model that considers the interfaces of the client/supplier relationship, the peculiarities of the machining and industrial maintenance service sector and the company size.

  17. Graduate Student in Engineering, Hoped by Owners of Medium-and Small-Sized Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kida, Yoshihiro

    Medium-and small-sized companies have held up Japanese technologies which situated top level in the world as far. However, for the technologies of medium-and small-sized companies to keep the top-level in the 21 centuries, researchers and engineers are demand to have high technologies. Those engineers are hoped for to have not only “knowledge”, but also “creativity, feeling and experience”. Therefore, in order to create such professional engineers, educational institute must have a function by which a practical training and education can be conducted.

  18. U.S. Accounting Education: Misalignment with the Needs of Small and Medium Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burke, Megan M.; Gandolfi, William R.

    2014-01-01

    This study looks to answer the question, "Does the current accounting educational system in the United States focus too heavily on the requirements of large (and SEC registered) companies at the expense of small companies and individuals who comprise the primary clientele of most practicing CPAs?" This investigation surveys CPAs…

  19. Open Source Telecommunication Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Peter Liu

    2007-08-01

    Full Text Available Little is known about companies whose core business is selling telecommunications products that lever open source projects. Open source telecommunications (OST companies operate in markets that are very different from typical software product markets. The telecommunications market is regulated, vertically integrated, and proprietary designs and special chips are widely used. For a telecommunications product to be useful, it must interact with both access network products and core network products. Due to specifications in Service Agreements Levels, penalties for failures of telecommunications products are very high. This article shares information that is not widely known, including a list of OST companies and the open source projects on which they depend, the size and diversity of venture capital investment in OST companies, the nature of the commercial product-open source software and company-project relationships, ways in which OST companies make money, benefits and risks of OST companies, and competition between OST companies. Analysis of this information provides insights into the ways in which companies can build business models around open source software. These findings will be of interest to entrepreneurs, top management teams of incumbent companies that sell telecommunications products, and those who care about Ontario's ability to compete globally.

  20. 17 CFR 274.5 - Form N-5, for registration statement of small business investment company under the Securities...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Form N-5, for registration statement of small business investment company under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company...-5, for registration statement of small business investment company under the Securities Act of 1933...

  1. Software-assisted small bowel motility analysis using free-breathing MRI: feasibility study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bickelhaupt, Sebastian; Froehlich, Johannes M; Cattin, Roger; Raible, Stephan; Bouquet, Hanspeter; Bill, Urs; Patak, Michael A

    2014-01-01

    To validate a software prototype allowing for small bowel motility analysis in free breathing by comparing it to manual measurements. In all, 25 patients (15 male, 10 female; mean age 39 years) were included in this Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a 1.5T system after standardized preparation acquiring motility sequences in free breathing over 69-84 seconds. Small bowel motility was analyzed manually and with the software. Functional parameters, measurement time, and reproducibility were compared using the coefficient of variance and paired Student's t-test. Correlation was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression. The 25 segments were analyzed twice both by hand and using the software with automatic breathing correction. All assessed parameters significantly correlated between the methods (P software (3.90%, standard deviation [SD] ± 5.69) than manual examinations (9.77%, SD ± 11.08). The time needed was significantly less (P software (4.52 minutes, SD ± 1.58) compared to manual measurement, lasting 17.48 minutes for manual (SD ± 1.75 minutes). The use of the software proves reliable and faster small bowel motility measurements in free-breathing MRI compared to manual analyses. The new technique allows for analyses of prolonged sequences acquired in free breathing, improving the informative value of the examinations by amplifying the evaluable data. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Requirements: Towards an understanding on why software projects fail

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hussain, Azham; Mkpojiogu, Emmanuel O. C.

    2016-08-01

    Requirement engineering is at the foundation of every successful software project. There are many reasons for software project failures; however, poorly engineered requirements process contributes immensely to the reason why software projects fail. Software project failure is usually costly and risky and could also be life threatening. Projects that undermine requirements engineering suffer or are likely to suffer from failures, challenges and other attending risks. The cost of project failures and overruns when estimated is very huge. Furthermore, software project failures or overruns pose a challenge in today's competitive market environment. It affects the company's image, goodwill, and revenue drive and decreases the perceived satisfaction of customers and clients. In this paper, requirements engineering was discussed. Its role in software projects success was elaborated. The place of software requirements process in relation to software project failure was explored and examined. Also, project success and failure factors were also discussed with emphasis placed on requirements factors as they play a major role in software projects' challenges, successes and failures. The paper relied on secondary data and empirical statistics to explore and examine factors responsible for the successes, challenges and failures of software projects in large, medium and small scaled software companies.

  3. Does Technology Transfer Help Small and Medium Companies? Empirical Evidence from Korea

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dae-Hwan Kim

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available We challenge the view that technology transfer from big companies to small and medium (SM size companies helps SM companies to prosper. With a large dataset of SM companies in Korea, we utilize the stochastic production frontier (SPF model to examine the productivity of inputs and the generalized linear model (GLM to compare business performance between two groups of SM companies: SM companies that receive technology transfer and those that do not receive technology transfer from big companies. The empirical results demonstrate that the transfer of technology from big companies to SM companies help SM companies to enjoy productivity of capital. Nonetheless, SM companies receiving technology transfer were found to underperform in terms of labor productivity and profit margin compared to their counterparts. We further investigate the reasons why SM companies receiving technology transfer from big companies underperform relative to their counterparts, and our findings shows that the former do not export much of their product and face more difficulties such as lower price for their products imposed by big companies than the latter. By identifying the negative rather than the conventionally assumed positive effect of technology transfer, this paper contributes to the literature on the relationship between technology transfer and SM companies’ prosperity in the case of Korea. Our findings have important implications for how SM companies should strategize and rethink about the clauses embedded in the transfer of technology that they receive from big companies because technology transfer plays as a barrier to their prosperity.

  4. PROJECT-DRIVEN SOFTWARE BUSINESS IN TRANSILVANIA - A CASE STUDY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Radu Marius

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available The fairly low salaries of the IT workers compared to the Western countries, the skills and the location have supported outsourcing become one of the most competitive Romanian sectors. IT sector in Romania maintains a steady growth favoured by outsourcing companies. Moreover Romania is highly competitive when you take into account the level of technical proficiency and soft skills in the country. Romanian labour force can drive relevant projects even in small teams. This case study explores the realty of Romanian IT companies profiles. It presents in comparison two companies bases on organizational and strategic dimensions: project approach orientation, leadership, project value driven, and social responsibility. The corporate goal of the first company presented in the case study - Fortech - is to achieve the best adaptive organizational structure which can sustain its competitive advantage. This advantage results from combination of three main ingredients: scaled up human resource capital, versatile knowledge management and adaptability to customer needs. Fortech manages and administrates and execute their business activities using project management methodologies and practices in order to achieve the strategic goals. On the other hand Dolphin Kiss Company is a “Python boutique agency” created around a single contract and organized on a single project. The project was contracted with a top company from telecommunication industry. The company is a small team of creative software engineers focused on developing a very innovative software business solution. This case study is an empirical qualitative research intended to depict the main differences between two relevant company profiles present in the actual economic context: small team – results oriented – highly skilled VS large structure of outsourcing teams – matrix organized – customer oriented. The case study constructs a space for debates regarding the potential evolution of the

  5. The Influence of Company Size on Accounting Information: Evidence in Large Caps and Small Caps Companies Listed on BM&FBovespa

    OpenAIRE

    Karen Yukari Yokoyama; Vitor Gomes Baioco; William Brasil Rodrigues Sobrinho; Alfredo Sarlo Neto

    2015-01-01

    In this study, the relation between accounting information aspects and the capitalization level o companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange was investigated, classified as Large Caps or Small Caps, companies with larger and smaller capitalization, respectively, between 2010 and 2012. Three accounting information measures were addressed: informativeness, conservatism and relevance, through the application of Easton and Harris’ (1991) models of earnings informativeness, Basu’s (1997) mod...

  6. 12 CFR 225.107 - Acquisition of stock in small business investment company.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ...) of the Act makes it unlawful for a bank to invest any of its funds in the capital stock of any other... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Acquisition of stock in small business...) Regulations Financial Holding Companies Interpretations § 225.107 Acquisition of stock in small business...

  7. Factors that Influence First-Career Choice of Undergraduate Engineers in Software Services Companies: A South Indian Experience

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gokuladas, V. K.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify how undergraduate engineering students differ in their perception about software services companies in India based on variables like gender, locations of the college and branches of engineering. Design/methodology/approach: Data obtained from 560 undergraduate engineering students who had the…

  8. A company perspective on software engineering standards

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Steer, R.W.

    1988-01-01

    Software engineering standards, as implemented via formal policies and procedures, have historically been used in the nuclear industry, especially for codes used in the design, analysis, or operation of the plant. Over the past two decades, a significant amount of software has been put in place to perform these functions, while the overall software life cycle has become better understood, more and different computer systems have become available, and industry has become increasingly aware of the advantages gained when these procedures are used in the development and maintenance of this large amount of software. The use of standards and attendant procedures is thus becoming increasingly important as more computerization is taking place, both in the design and the operation of the plant. It is difficult to categorize software used in activities related to nuclear plants in a simple manner. That difficulty is due to the diversity of those uses, with attendant diversity in the methods and procedures used in the production of the software, compounded by a changing business climate in which significant software engineering expertise is being applied to a broader range of applications on a variety of computing systems. The use of standards in the various phases of the production of software thus becomes more difficult as well. This paper discusses the various types of software and the importance of software standards in the development of each of them

  9. A software package for predicting design-flood hydrographs in small and ungauged basins

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rodolfo Piscopia

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available In this study, software for estimating design hydrographs in small and ungauged basins is presented. The main aim is to propose a fast and user-friendly empirical tool that the practitioner can apply for hydrological studies characterised by a lack of observed data. The software implements a homonymous framework called event-based approach for small and ungauged basins (EBA4SUB that was recently developed and tested by the authors to estimate the design peak discharge using the same input information necessary to apply the rational formula. EBA4SUB is a classical hydrological event-based model in which each step (design hyetograph, net rainfall estimation, and rainfall-runoff transformation is appropriately adapted for empirical applications without calibration. As a case study, the software is applied in a small watershed while varying the hyetograph shape, rainfall peak position, and return time. The results provide an overview of the software and confirm the secondary role of the design rainfall peak position.

  10. The consequences of liberalisation of the gas market. Part 5. Distribution companies and small-scale consumers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Van Gelder, J.W.

    1999-01-01

    In the fifth article in the series on the effects of the liberalization of the Dutch natural gas market the effects on distribution companies and small-scale consumers are discussed. Companies that purchase more than 10 million m 3 of natural gas per year are free to choose another supplier. No later than 2007 the small-scale consumer (annual consumption less than 170,000 m 3 or 50,000 kWh) will be able to choose a gas and electricity supplier. Lower prices are not to be expected, but there will be more service, many new suppliers and a more varied supply of products and services. The energy distribution company will be offering tailor-made work. For small-scale consumers, too, price will be the decisive factor in choosing a supplier. Possibilities for distribution companies in this area are quite restricted, though. Obtaining market power in the buyers' market and cutting costs of operation may force prices down. Scaling-up and (international) cooperation therefore seem to be the best survival strategies in the free market. Sound solvency - which turns out to be present in particular in the smaller distribution companies - makes a company less vulnerable during a prolonged price dip

  11. 78 FR 37409 - Small Business Size Standards: Finance and Insurance and Management of Companies and Enterprises

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-06-20

    ... and Insurance and Management of Companies and Enterprises AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration..., Finance and Insurance, and for two industries in NAICS Sector 55, Management of Companies and Enterprises..., Finance and Insurance, and in NAICS code Sector 55, Management of Companies and Enterprises, to determine...

  12. Views of the Workplace as a Health Promotion Arena among Managers of Small Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wiman, Virginia; Lydell, Marie; Nyholm, Maria

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: Several studies have shown that workplace health promotion leads to better health, increased productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism and presenteeism among employees. The objective of this study was to describe how managers in small companies (10-19 employees) perceive their company as an arena for promoting employees' health.…

  13. Workplace Learning, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment in Small to Midsize Companies in Taiwan

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chiang, Ti-Lin; Wang, Jia

    2008-01-01

    This quantitative study explored the relationships among workplace learning, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment (OC) in the context of small to midsize information technology companies in Taiwan. Twenty-six companies participated in the study, and a total of 206 valid surveys were collected and analyzed out of 450 that were…

  14. Los Alamos MAWST software layered on Westinghouse Savannah River Company's nuclear materials accountability system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Whitty, W.J.; Smith, J.E.; Davis, J.M. Jr.

    1995-01-01

    The Los Alamos Safeguards Systems Group's Materials Accounting With Sequential Testing (MAWST) computer program was developed to fulfill DOE Order 5633.3B requiring that inventory-difference control limits be based on variance propagation or any other statistically valid technique. Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) developed a generic computerized accountability system, NucMAS, to satisfy accounting and reporting requirements for material balance areas. NucMAS maintains the calculation methods and the measurement information required to compute nuclear material transactions in elemental and isotopic masses by material type code. The Safeguards Systems Group designed and implemented to WSRC's specifications a software interface application, called NucMASloe. It is a layered product for NucMAS that automatically formats a NucMAS data set to a format compatible with MAWST and runs MAWST. This paper traces the development of NucMASloe from the Software Requirements through the testing and demonstration stages. The general design constraints are described as well as the difficulties encountered on interfacing an external software product (MAWST) with an existing classical accounting structure (NucMAS). The lessons learned from this effort, the design, and some of the software are directly applicable to the Local Area Network Material Accountability System (LANMAS) being sponsored by DOE

  15. Study on the Particular Accounting Practices of Small and Medium Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cristina Nicolaescu

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available This article aims to analyse the particularities of small and medium companies in Romania in order to propose a set of practices in accounting terms for these economic entities. To this end has started from the best practice recommendation adopted by the European Commission in November 2008 and guidelines developed by the Small and Medium Practices Committee of the International Federation of Accountants, trying to adapt them to a concrete situation, to the particular situation of small and medium enterprises of Romania. The study features were analysed economic and psycho-social, determined by the mentality of small and medium business owners in Romania and their attitudes about accounting information

  16. ADAPTING OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE FOR ENTERPRISE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bogdan MICU GHILIC

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available Low developed companies do not use ERP solutions for resource management, they don't have CRM systems for tracking customers, online presence is low and consequently they are selling low volumes. Their work does not generate enough capital to buy specialized software and the local community is too small to create open-source software for them.When adapting an open-source enterprise solution, from a certain level of integration, it is necessary to align to the Romanian legislation. For this you need more than a simple translation. For example, in accounting, the Romanian chart of accounts should be used, the local fiscal calendar, the rules of the Romanian legislation and the specific identifiers for Romanian companies. The solution: Open source applications can be localized. A small community cannot create complex system starting from nothing, but they can adapt existing ones already created and used all over the world. Given the individual characteristics of the Romanian market, open source ERP, CM and e-commerce will be integrated by specialized consultancy agency in Romania just as is done in France (Compiere, Spain (Openbravo, Belgium (OpenERP or the United States (Apache oFBiz. This will not generate license costs for the companies, only the expenses for hardware and implementation consultancy. If we can create a common infrastructure, hardware cost will be waived for cloud SaaS offering, in opposition with the on-premise option.

  17. A free software tool for the development of decision support systems

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    COLONESE, G

    2008-06-01

    Full Text Available This article describes PostGeoOlap, a free software open source tool for decision support that integrates OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing and GIS (Geographical Information Systems. Besides describing the tool, we show how it can be used to achieve effective and low cost decision support that is adequate for small and medium companies and for small public offices.

  18. STUDY REGARDING THE USE OF THE TOOLS OFFERED BY MICROSOFT EXCEL SOFTWARE IN THE ACTIVITY OF THE BIHOR COUNTY COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Țarca Naiana

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available A business activity involves many decision situations. These include organization, aggregation, processing, modelling and analysis of large volumes of information. By using specialized software that provides tools for analysis, aggregation and data modeling, company managers can quickly obtain significant information about company activity. For different reasons some companies are opting for a summary analysis of data, while others for a complex analysis of the data. Many companies use spreadsheet applications for inventory, data processing, modeling and analysis, useful for business activities. Microsoft Excel software is used by many of those who know and use spreadsheet applications for carrying out the work. Using tools to organize, aggregate, modelling and data analysis provided by spreadsheet application, these companies can make complex economic analyses and prognoses that lead to better decisions. For example, the Pivot tables are a simple way to extract relevant information from complex data sets in a quick and simple manner. Solver can be used to solve optimization problems. Correlation is useful in interpreting the relationships between various indicators. Based on these considerations we conducted a study in which we sought to obtain information on how instruments such as Pivot tables, Solver and Correlation are used in the business activities of companies. Companies that attaches high importance of using Pivot tables are medium and large companies. Among the companies using Solver tool, very little use GRG Nonlinear and Evolutionary Algorithms. Therefore, the Solver is used more to resolving optimization problems involving linear modeling. Correlation tool, which could help decision makers to understand more easily why the increasing of one of the factors implies the change of other factors and consequently help them make better decisions, is used far too little. Still too many companies give less importance to data organizing

  19. Experiences from implementation of ICT for resource management in small construction companies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Svidt, Kjeld; Christiansson, Per

    2006-01-01

    This paper summarizes experiences from the process of implementation of ICT-based systems for resource management in small construction companies. The initial decision process, system requirements specification and integration, education and staff training, and end user experiences were followed ...

  20. Secure software development training course

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Victor S. Gorbatov

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Information security is one of the most important criteria for the quality of developed software. To obtain a sufficient level of application security companies implement security process into software development life cycle. At this stage software companies encounter with deficit employees who able to solve problems of software design, implementation and application security. This article provides a description of the secure software development training course. Training course of application security is designed for co-education students of different IT-specializations.

  1. SMGE: strategic challenges and performance measurement in a small-sized company (case)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    MBA R. Vieveen; PhD B. Pesalj

    2015-01-01

    Case portrays the Superior Manufacturing Group Europe (SMGE), Barendrecht (Netherlands), a small-sized company doing business in the matting industry; facing challenges of how to sustain and improve its performance, by balancing between entrepreneurial initiative, and a need for strategic planning

  2. Small Companies Innovations in Emerging Countries: E-Business Adoption and its Business Model

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Silvia Novaes Zilber

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available Organizations have been taking advantage of e-business as an innovative opportunity to improve business results, but small companies have not been adopting this tool as quickly as large corporations. There are several studies on the adoption of e-business in developed countries, but there are fewer studies in emerging Latin American countries. Thus, the goal of this study was to describe the business model of small companies that have adopted e-business (an innovation to this segment in an emerging Latin American country. For that, we used a quantitative approach trough a survey data. Main results: the owners/shareholders play a central role in making decisions about the adoption of e-business; the main value delivered from using the internet was improved brand and/or product awareness. The companies using e-business achieved increase in business and an expanded geographic scope of sales. The main difficulties encountered were training personnel to work on the internet and defining which web activities can lead to achieve strategic objectives.

  3. Cost Optimization Through Open Source Software

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mark VonFange

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available The cost of information technology (IT as a percentage of overall operating and capital expenditures is growing as companies modernize their operations and as IT becomes an increasingly indispensable part of company resources. The price tag associated with IT infrastructure is a heavy one, and, in today's economy, companies need to look for ways to reduce overhead while maintaining quality operations and staying current with technology. With its advancements in availability, usability, functionality, choice, and power, free/libre open source software (F/LOSS provides a cost-effective means for the modern enterprise to streamline its operations. iXsystems wanted to quantify the benefits associated with the use of open source software at their company headquarters. This article is the outgrowth of our internal analysis of using open source software instead of commercial software in all aspects of company operations.

  4. A software package for predicting design-flood hydrographs in small and ungauged basins

    OpenAIRE

    Rodolfo Piscopia; Andrea Petroselli; Salvatore Grimaldi

    2015-01-01

    In this study, software for estimating design hydrographs in small and ungauged basins is presented. The main aim is to propose a fast and user-friendly empirical tool that the practitioner can apply for hydrological studies characterised by a lack of observed data. The software implements a homonymous framework called event-based approach for small and ungauged basins (EBA4SUB) that was recently developed and tested by the authors to estimate the design peak discharge using the same input in...

  5. Software ``Best'' Practices: Agile Deconstructed

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fraser, Steven

    Software “best” practices depend entirely on context - in terms of the problem domain, the system constructed, the software designers, and the “customers” ultimately deriving value from the system. Agile practices no longer have the luxury of “choosing” small non-mission critical projects with co-located teams. Project stakeholders are selecting and adapting practices based on a combina tion of interest, need and staffing. For example, growing product portfolios through a merger or the acquisition of a company exposes legacy systems to new staff, new software integration challenges, and new ideas. Innovation in communications (tools and processes) to span the growth and contraction of both information and organizations, while managing the adoption of changing software practices, is imperative for success. Traditional web-based tools such as web pages, document libraries, and forums are not suf ficient. A blend of tweeting, blogs, wikis, instant messaging, web-based confer encing, and telepresence creates a new dimension of communication “best” practices.

  6. Handling of Environmental Related Requirements : Awareness and Ability to Act at Small and Medium Sized Electric and Electronic Companies

    OpenAIRE

    Lin, Han-Hsuan

    2008-01-01

    Environmental related product requirements are increasing worldwide from government authorities, customers and other stakeholders. For small and medium sized companies manufacturing electric and electronic products it is more difficult compared to bigger companies to meet new product related requirements due to smaller budget, resources and knowledge. This research studies the awareness and ability to act upon changes when small and medium sized companies in Sweden face environmental related ...

  7. A hierarchy of SPI activities for software SMEs: results from ISO/IEC 12207-based SPI assessments

    OpenAIRE

    Clarke, Paul; O'Connor, Rory; Yilmaz, Murat

    2012-01-01

    peer-reviewed In an assessment of software process improvement (SPI) in 15 software small- and ???medium-sized enterprises (software SMEs), we applied the broad spectrum of software specific and system context processes in ISO/IEC 12207 to the task of examining SPI in practice. Using the data collected in the study, we developed a four-tiered pyramidal hierarchy of SPI for software SMEs, with processes in the higher tiers undergoing SPI in more companies than processes on lower level tiers...

  8. B2B-Marketing Strategy For the Swedish Museum Sector : A Case Study of a Finnish Software Start-up Company

    OpenAIRE

    Kaukotie, Lauri

    2017-01-01

    The main purpose of this case study is to develop a functional primary marketing plan for a Finnish start-up software company looking to penetrate the Swedish museum sector. The case company has no prior marketing plan or a designated marketing and sales person, and therefore it was important to develop a plan that can be implemented even with limited knowledge of marketing and sales. The implementation of the case study consisted of interviews with three employees within the Swedish muse...

  9. A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF QUALITY MANAGMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN A SMALL BRAZILIAN COMPANY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jonathan Schmitz Rauber

    2014-05-01

    Full Text Available This project involves identifying major organizational changes occurred in a small company in the printing supplies sector as it implemented the ISO 9001:2000 standard. The case study methodology was used through exploratory research to conduct semi-structured interviews with six employees in addition to participant observation. The desired outcome of this article is the identification of the benefits and difficulties encountered in the implementation process and a comparison between the new and previous practices. The main results of the research relate to the process of professionalization of management practices of the company and the improved internal processes.

  10. Software piracy: A study of causes, effects and preventive measures

    OpenAIRE

    Khadka, Ishwor

    2015-01-01

    Software piracy is a serious issue that has been affecting software companies for decades. According to Business Software Alliance (BSA), the global software piracy rate in 2013 was 43 percent and the commercial value of unlicensed software installations was $62.7 billion, which resulted in millions of revenues and jobs lost in software companies. The goal of this study was to better understand the software piracy behaviours, how it happens, how it affects to individuals and software compani...

  11. Multinational Enterprises from Small Economies: The Internationalization Pattern of Large Companies from Denmark, Finland and Norway

    OpenAIRE

    Benito, Gabriel R.G.; Larimo, Jorma; Narula, Rajneesh; Pedersen, Torben

    2001-01-01

    Analyzing the internationalization of large companies from small countries requires understanding the process of internationalization by examining the interface between micro (firm strategies) and macro (the forces of centripetal and centrifugal) level factors. We examine the growth and international expansion of the ten largest companies in Denmark, Finland, and Norway over the period 1990 to 1999. Most companies in the sample became more international during the last decade across basically...

  12. Potential Beneficiaries Of Cloud Accounting Technology: Small Or Large Companies?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bogdan Ştefan Ionescu

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available The article addresses the issue of Cloud Computing concept from the perspective of its implications on the business environment. In this respect we have analyzed the changes brought by the new technology which come to connect the discontinuities between the IT solutions adopted by small and medium organizations and those adopted by large corporations. The article analyzes the benefits and limitations of cloud both in terms of small companies and in terms of more developed entities. Whatever the size and type of organization but especially for SMEs Cloud provides a competitive advantage by providing access to affordable, reliable and flexible IT solutions that allows them to operate more efficiently among their competitors in the market.

  13. TF4SM: A Framework for Developing Traceability Solutions in Small Manufacturing Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bordel Sánchez, Borja; Alcarria, Ramón; Martín, Diego; Robles, Tomás

    2015-01-01

    Nowadays, manufacturing processes have become highly complex. Besides, more and more, governmental institutions require companies to implement systems to trace a product’s life (especially for foods, clinical materials or similar items). In this paper, we propose a new framework, based on cyber-physical systems, for developing traceability systems in small manufacturing companies (which because of their size cannot implement other commercial products). We propose a general theoretical framework, study the requirements of these companies in relation to traceability systems, propose a reference architecture based on both previous elements and build the first minimum functional prototype, to compare our solution to a traditional tag-based traceability system. Results show that our system reduces the number of inefficiencies and reaction time. PMID:26610509

  14. MACROECONOMIC CLIMATE AND THE SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE COMPANIES IN ROMANIA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrei Rădulescu

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Small and medium size companies (SMEs represent the engine of the economy in the member states of the European Union. In Romania, SMEs entered the post-crisis cycle in 2013 after a severe adjustment process under the impact of the Great Recession. The economic performance of SMEs is strongly influenced by the macroeconomic climate. The important role of SMEs in the economy has determined the Romanian government to implement several measures in order to support their activity. The present paper highlights the mid-term macroeconomic outlook for Romania, as well as the recent developments related to SMEs, along with the main measures implemented by the Government over the past years in order to support the development of these companies.

  15. Collaborative business processes for enhancing partnerships among software services providers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Heil Cancian, Maiara; Rabelo, Ricardo; Gresse von Wangenheim, Christiane

    2015-08-01

    Software services have represented a powerful view to support the realisation of the service-oriented architecture (SOA) paradigm. Using open standards and facilitating systems projects, they have increasingly been used as a corporate architectural approach to create interoperable services-based software solutions that can more easily be reused and shared across disparate applications. In the context of software companies, most of them are small firms having enormous difficulties to keep competitive. One strategy to enhance their sustainability is to enlarge partnerships among them at a more valuable level by jointly offering (web) services-based solutions. However, their culture of collaboration is low, and partnerships are usually done with the same companies and sporadically. This article presents an approach to support a more intense collaboration among software companies to attend business opportunities in a more agile way, joining capacities and capabilities which they would not have if they worked alone. This requires, however, some preparedness. From the perspective of business processes, they should understand how to carry out a collaboration more properly. This is essentially what this article is about. It presents a comprehensive list of collaborative business processes and base practices that can also act as a guide for service providers' managers to implement and manage the collaboration along its lifecycle. Processes have been validated and results are discussed.

  16. PRACTICAL MODEL OF STRATEGIC MARKETING PLAN FOR MICRO AND SMALL TRANSFORMATION COMPANIES IN LAGOS DE MORENO, JALISCO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Edith Ariadna Lozano-González

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available A plan is designed to increase reaction capacity and leads the manager to a more in-depth knowledge of the company's own reality. The strategic marketing plan has as its fundamental purpose to express clearly and systematically the variables chosen by the company, these variants must be translated into decisions and programs of actions. The designed model is pragmatic, simple and adaptable for micro and small transformation companies that initiate in the strategic marketing planning, with the purpose of habituating them in planning and to increase the reaction capacity that favors their commercial life. This model is based on a documentary research that collects and analyzes the different processes of strategic marketing planning by different authors, developing a methodology for the micro and small entrepreneur. The model is a sheet that describes the points on which a micro and small transformation company identifies opportunity areas based on information feedback generated from the internal microenvironment and external macroenvironment. The sheet is a design inspired by the CANVAS business model that covers six areas that reflects the logic of a strategic planning process based on the marketing mix.

  17. Unlocking the Potential of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing for Small Logistics Companies

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Somapa, S.; Cools, M.; Dullaert, W.E.H.

    2012-01-01

    This paper reports on the development of a time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) model in a small-sized road transport and logistics company. Activity-based costing (ABC) leads to increased accuracy benefiting decision-making, but the costs of implementation can be high. TDABC tries to overcome

  18. Global Software Engineering: A Software Process Approach

    Science.gov (United States)

    Richardson, Ita; Casey, Valentine; Burton, John; McCaffery, Fergal

    Our research has shown that many companies are struggling with the successful implementation of global software engineering, due to temporal, cultural and geographical distance, which causes a range of factors to come into play. For example, cultural, project managementproject management and communication difficulties continually cause problems for software engineers and project managers. While the implementation of efficient software processes can be used to improve the quality of the software product, published software process models do not cater explicitly for the recent growth in global software engineering. Our thesis is that global software engineering factors should be included in software process models to ensure their continued usefulness in global organisations. Based on extensive global software engineering research, we have developed a software process, Global Teaming, which includes specific practices and sub-practices. The purpose is to ensure that requirements for successful global software engineering are stipulated so that organisations can ensure successful implementation of global software engineering.

  19. Outsourcing Small Wars: Expanding the Role of Private Military Companies in U.S. Military Operations

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Jorgensen, Brent M

    2005-01-01

    "Outsourcing Small Wars: Expanding the Role of Private Military Companies in U.S. Military Operations" argues that, under current domestic and international laws, and current military regulations and doctrine...

  20. Building Energy Management Open Source Software

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rahman, Saifur [Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

    2017-08-25

    Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in November 2013, a Building Energy Management Open Source Software (BEMOSS) platform was engineered to improve sensing and control of equipment in small- and medium-sized commercial buildings. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), small- (5,000 square feet or smaller) and medium-sized (between 5,001 to 50,000 square feet) commercial buildings constitute about 95% of all commercial buildings in the U.S. These buildings typically do not have Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and control building operation. While commercial BAS solutions exist, including those from Siemens, Honeywell, Johnsons Controls and many more, they are not cost effective in the context of small- and medium-sized commercial buildings, and typically work with specific controller products from the same company. BEMOSS targets small and medium-sized commercial buildings to address this gap.

  1. Exploring the Usage of CSR in Small and Medium-Sized Companies

    OpenAIRE

    Perälä, Veera; Saukkonen, Anna-Reetta

    2017-01-01

    The objective of this study was to examine how small and medium sized companies understood the concept of corporate social responsibility and how they incorporated it in their business strategies. The topical nature of this subject made it interesting and worth researching. In addition to discovering ideas about CSR, the study also focused on marketing communications and the competitive advantage that CSR provides. The methodological approach used in the study was that of qualitative resea...

  2. Consideraciones contractuales del outsourcing, para el desarrollo de Software

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jose Luis Cantu Mata

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Software Outsourcing has become a solution for organizations due to different reasons that companies consider to get some benefit from doing any business process. After evaluating what those benefits and the decision to resort to outsourcing, the company considers an outsourcing contract and becomes a client company. The contents of the outsourcing contract is based on factors that companies consider to hire an outsourcing provider for software development. Based on the significant investment in recruiting software provider for businesses in Mexico, performed a literature review to identify key variables that, in principle, influence the hiring of a vendor whose business is software development.

  3. Environmental Monitoring in the Small Business: A Case Study on this Process in a Company of the Real Estate Sector

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mariana Bassi Sutter

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available It is observed a gap in the literature regard to studies related to strategic planning in small businesses, specifically related to environmental monitoring. As a result of this gap, this study aimed to understand how a small real estate company monitors the environment in which it operates. To develop the study, we opted for a descriptive and qualitative approach, based on the method of a single case study. The conceptual foundations used for structuring the field research took into account a secondary data survey on strategic planning, environmental analysis in strategic planning, conceptualization of small and medium sized business (SMB and environment monitoring in SMB’s The study also has shown that although the respondents assert they perform environmental monitoring consistently, the process as described in the literature is not formal and systematic in the company studied. It has been observed efforts of the partners in this direction, but such activities are still restricted to the owners of the company. Given the proposed objective of this research, the case study did outline the main characteristics of the monitoring process of a small company in the construction sector. The study therefore contributes to broaden the knowledge about the structure of environmental monitoring in small businesses, enriching the theme that is still underdeveloped. In the business context, this study contributes pointing out factors that could be better developed by company managers and may serve as an example for other small businesses that are in the early stages of its environmental monitoring system development.

  4. Assessment of small hydropower potential by software. Case study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Moldoveanu Alexandru

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The rivers hydropower potential is considered one of the oldest renewable energy source used in the electricity production process. A method to investigate the possibility to construct a micro hydropower system on a small river is presented. The analysis and the hydropower assessment were done by using Vapidro-Aste software. Results point out that micro-hydro units can be implemented in remote locations or hybrid renewable energy systems, while the environmental flow is guaranteed.

  5. Importance and performance evaluation tools for small and medium companies: critical analysis of national versus international literature

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sandro César Bortoluzzi

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The research aims to map the importance and performance evaluation tools for small and medium companies. This descriptive and qualitative study analyzed 33 national articles and 21 international ones. Regarding the importance of performance evaluation for small and medium companies, the literature highlights: (i it increases the success of the network; (ii it is useful for management; (iii it strengthens competitiveness; (iv it consolidates cooperation; and, (v it increases trust among partners. Comparing the national versus international literature on the importance of performance evaluation for small and medium companies, it can be noticed similar and complementary aspects, that is, there is not disagreement between the authors. The authors use tools consolidated in the literature, such as Balanced Scorecard; Benchmarking; Performance Prism and tools proposed specifically to evaluate small and medium networks. The main dimensions evaluated are: (i exchange of information; (ii value management in networks; (Iii level of network maturity; (iv benefits of collaboration; (v social capital; (vi collective efficiency; (vii network life cycle; (viii efficiency and inefficiency of the networks; and, (ix existence and intensity of the relationship between partners. The critical analysis regarding the performance evaluation concept adopted in the present study shows that the tools proposed or implemented to evaluate small and medium business networks have gaps in the process to identify criteria, measure ordinal and cardinally, integrate and generate actions of improvement.

  6. Small-scale fixed wing airplane software verification flight test

    Science.gov (United States)

    Miller, Natasha R.

    The increased demand for micro Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) driven by military requirements, commercial use, and academia is creating a need for the ability to quickly and accurately conduct low Reynolds Number aircraft design. There exist several open source software programs that are free or inexpensive that can be used for large scale aircraft design, but few software programs target the realm of low Reynolds Number flight. XFLR5 is an open source, free to download, software program that attempts to take into consideration viscous effects that occur at low Reynolds Number in airfoil design, 3D wing design, and 3D airplane design. An off the shelf, remote control airplane was used as a test bed to model in XFLR5 and then compared to flight test collected data. Flight test focused on the stability modes of the 3D plane, specifically the phugoid mode. Design and execution of the flight tests were accomplished for the RC airplane using methodology from full scale military airplane test procedures. Results from flight test were not conclusive in determining the accuracy of the XFLR5 software program. There were several sources of uncertainty that did not allow for a full analysis of the flight test results. An off the shelf drone autopilot was used as a data collection device for flight testing. The precision and accuracy of the autopilot is unknown. Potential future work should investigate flight test methods for small scale UAV flight.

  7. European Health Claims for Small and Medium-Sized Companies – Utopian Dream or Future Reality?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sonja Brandenburger

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available Background: In December 2007, the European Regulation (EC 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims came into force. The European Union wanted to regulate the use of health claims on products. An online survey was carried out to evaluate the situation, particularly of small and medium-sized companies, dealing with the new regulation. Methods: The online survey on health claims was conducted with 16 enterprises. To underline the findings a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats analysis was made of the nutrition and health claims regulation regarding small and medium-sized companies in the European food and drink market. Results: The findings of this study indicated that the European Union did a step in the right direction. Most companies defined the decent competition, the simplified trade within the inner-European market, and the consumer protection as positive aspects. The biggest threat is seen in false investment conditioned by the limited research and development budgets, especially of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the cost intensive scientific evaluation to reach an authorized health claim. Conclusions: Overall, there are several strengths and opportunities speaking for SMEs and health claims in the near future. The most promising ones are the publishing of the new European Union Register of Nutrition and Health Claims and the learning effects that will occur. The biggest threat is, and will remain to be, false investment and the possible loss of a lot of money. Nevertheless, health claims for small and medium-sized enterprises will inevitably be the future to keep the European food and drink market competitive.

  8. Avionics Simulation, Development and Software Engineering

    Science.gov (United States)

    2002-01-01

    During this reporting period, all technical responsibilities were accomplished as planned. A close working relationship was maintained with personnel of the MSFC Avionics Department Software Group (ED14), the MSFC EXPRESS Project Office (FD31), and the Huntsville Boeing Company. Accomplishments included: performing special tasks; supporting Software Review Board (SRB), Avionics Test Bed (ATB), and EXPRESS Software Control Panel (ESCP) activities; participating in technical meetings; and coordinating issues between the Boeing Company and the MSFC Project Office.

  9. STUDYING THE STOCKS MANAGEMENT OF A SMALL COMPANY OF THE SERVICES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paulo Cesar Chagas Rodrigues

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available Many are the possibilities of intervention in the organizations so that they rationalize their process of production, and satisfy the necessities of their customers. Among these possibilities to be treated in this article it is the stocks management optimization, that is one of the great generators of waste, also, when badly managed, occults the majority of the management problems. Simple elements as tools for predicting demand, stocks control and classification systems, evaluation physicist-financier system, layout, amongst other instruments, if correctly implanted and managed bring considerable benefits for the organization, increasing productivity and competitiveness. This research, has tried to restrict its focus, by studying the stocks management of a small of the computer science company located in the city of Bauru, State of Sao Paulo, which has an estimated population of 305.753 inhabitants, with approximately 1.338 industries, 7.094 commerce and 5.371 rendered company service.

  10. Impact of Internet of Things on Software Business Model and Software Industry

    OpenAIRE

    Murari, Bhanu Teja

    2016-01-01

    Context: Internet of things (IoT) technology is rapidly increasing and changes the business environment for a software organization. There is a need to understand what are important factors of business model should a software company focus on obtaining benefits from the potential that IoT offers. This thesis also focuses on finding the impact of IoT on software business model and software industry especially on software development. Objectives: In this thesis, we do research on IoT software b...

  11. Software for people fundamentals, trends and best practices

    CERN Document Server

    Maedche, Alexander; Neer, Ludwig

    2012-01-01

    The highly competitive and globalized software market is creating pressure on software companies. Given the current boundary conditions, it is critical to continuously increase time-to-market and reduce development costs. In parallel, driven by private life experiences with mobile computing devices, the World Wide Web and software-based services, people, general expectations with regards to software are growing. They expect software that is simple and joyful to use. In the light of the changes that have taken place in recent years, software companies need to fundamentally reconsider the way th

  12. 2014 – 2018 Foresight for MSMEs dedicated to custom software development in Colombia; Prospectiva 2014 – 2018 para mipymes dedicadas al desarrollo de software por encargo en Colombia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Isabel Diaz Vega

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available his work was carried out in order to build and collectively adopt a Foresight Agenda for custom software development in Colombia for 2014 - 2018 through a process of reflection, consultation, and implementation of foresight tools. In this study, it was necessary to analyze the behavior of the software industry in Colombia, given that it is relatively recent, but “the country has the opportunity to capture a growing share of the market for Information Technology (IT, if committed to a long-term sector program that allows eliminating significant barriers”[11]. Currently, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is promoting new strategies for its enhancement. To develop this work, foresight methodological tools were used to analyze: diagnosis of the situation, stakeholders implied, and review of tendencies on the topic. The tools selected were: Delphi method, IGO matrix structural analysis, morphological analysis method, and scenario method. Among the results obtained, after this work it is recommended to generate strategies among MSMEs custom software developers that allows these companies to seize the supports through venture laws and some tax benefits offered by the government, generate innovation to enable them to become competitive, manage knowledge so that it can be documented and keep from making the same mistakes of the past and present, check the current economic models given that these are inefficient – leading many of these companies to become financially unviable, and perform technological adaptations accompanied by technology transfer and human resource training to allow for evolution over time of companies and human capital. We can, finally, conclude that the development of scenarios, using tools involving uncertainty prospects for the generation of possible scenarios and important factors determining market and evolution of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in custom software development in

  13. Improved Cost Management at Small and Medium Sized Road Transport Companies: Case Hungary

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zoltan Bokor

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available Small and medium sized road freight transport companies located in Hungary are facing strong competition on the logistics market. An advanced cost management system supporting decisions on capacity allocations or pricing may be a competitive advantage for them and indirectly for the whole economy as well. Still, they generally apply simple, traditional cost calculation regimes, potentially sufficient in case of a homogeneous service portfolio. Nevertheless, road haulage companies with heterogeneous service structures may witness information distortions when using traditional costing methods. So it might be recommended for them to introduce better costing principles. To support an improved transport costing, a multi-level full cost allocation model has been set up and tested in this paper. The research results have pointed out that such a methodological development accompanied by the extension of the data collection mechanism can contribute to making the cost management systems of road freight transport companies more effective.

  14. SOFTWARE RETAILERS FROM BRAŞOV AND THE ONLINE STORES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Axenia Bianca BOITOR

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents the factors that influence the online marketing strategies of software vendors from Braşov County. An analysis of the software retailers’ attitudes from Braşov regarding online marketing and advertising was made. A survey among vendors from Braşov was undertaken and the results of this research show an orientation of lesser extent to online sales and marketing of the retailers’ activity. 20 responses were collected from software companies which trade software products and services in Braşov County. The results are very important for the companies that sell software products and services not only on the local market but also at national level. The paper presents the main reasons why software retailers from Braşov County, which is one of the most developed software markets in the country, have a lesser orientation towards online selling of software products and services. More than 400 companies involved in the software domain operate in Braşov City only. Research questions regarding the effects of the present economic situation, the online marketing strategies used in the software industry, and details about the online activity of each company where part of this research.

  15. Proceedings of the Fifth Triennial Software Quality Forum 2000, Software for the Next Millennium, Software Quality Forum

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Scientific Software Engineering Group, CIC-12

    2000-04-01

    The Software Quality Forum is a triennial conference held by the Software Quality Assurance Subcommittee for the Department of Energy's Quality Managers. The forum centers on key issues, information, and technology important in software development for the Nuclear Weapons Complex. This year it will be opened up to include local information technology companies and software vendors presenting their solutions, ideas, and lessons learned. The Software Quality Forum 2000 will take on a more hands-on, instructional tone than those previously held. There will be an emphasis on providing information, tools, and resources to assist developers in their goal of producing next generation software.

  16. Challenges in Improving Customer Focus in Small-Sized House-building Companies in Brazil

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos T. Formoso

    2006-12-01

    Full Text Available Some important changes in the business environment in several countries are forcing house-building companies to change their competitive strategies. This paper discusses a set of customer servicing practices, which have been adopted by small-sized house-building companies in Brazil that have been involved in quality management improvement programs, emphasizing customer satisfaction measurement. Such practices are referred to a model of the customer servicing process that integrates the main customer-interaction functions from product inception to building operation. Based on multiple case studies and also on a literature review, the main difficulties faced by this sector in terms of improving customer satisfaction are discussed and some improvement opportunities are pointed out.

  17. INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: THE CASE OF ROMANIAN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sofia DAVID

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available Emotional Intelligence (EQ is considered an important determinant of job performances, leadership skills development and efficiency of the teamwork. Many authors stated that there are differences between female and male emotional competences. The aim of the present paper is to explore the correlations between the gender, considered as independent variable, and the EQ competences, as dependent variables, clustered in four EQ analysis domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. The study was based on an empirical research undertaken on a representative sample of 80 managers from different hierarchical levels in Romanian software development companies. The research methodology involved a design of a conceptual framework, based on four hypotheses, tested by means of Pearson chi-square. The research results emphasize a cultural specific context and some suggestions for future research are provided.

  18. Proposal of SQL Database to Support the Activities in Small IT Company

    OpenAIRE

    Říha, Petr

    2012-01-01

    Bakalářská práce se zaměřuje na návrh SQL databáze pro podporu činností malé IT firmy a její vytvoření v programu MS SQL Server. This thesis focuses on the design of SQL databases to support the activities of a small IT company and its creation in MS SQL Server. B

  19. 26 CFR 1.586-1 - Reserve for losses on loans of small business investment companies, etc.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... any bad debts pursuant to section 166(a) with respect to a loan (as defined in § 1.586-2(c)(2... 26 Internal Revenue 7 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Reserve for losses on loans of small business...-1 Reserve for losses on loans of small business investment companies, etc. (a) General rule. As an...

  20. Byte evolution: software transforming oilpatch operations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Roche, P.

    2000-01-01

    Changes in the nature of computer software for tracking exploration and production companies' assets, are discussed. One prediction is that 'industry-specific' software will replace the common electronic spreadsheet, while another foresees business-to-business electronic transactions, and outsourcing of software purchasing and maintenance to 'application service providers' (ASPs). To date, at least two companies have launched their own ASPs; if the trend continues, clients will pay just one monthly fee to the ASP, which will assume the headaches and hassles of software installations, upgrades and maintenance. That would spell the end of in-house networks and information technology people on staff. It is also suggested that in due course business-to-business e-commerce will far exceed in importance the consumer-oriented e-commerce of today. Procurement is a commonly cited example where the electronic exchange of funds and data could replace scores of manual processes. The idea is to simplify business processes through automatic routing among companies via the Internet, with ASPs serving as the central hub of the information flow. Experiences, current products and services, and future plans of the two existing ASP companies, -- Applied Terravision Systems Inc., and QByte Services Ltd. -- are reviewed

  1. A critical analysis of quality managment implementation in a small brazilian company

    OpenAIRE

    Schmitz Rauber, Jonathan; Viana Borges, Marco Antonio; Manoel Júnior, Márcio Laênio; Pacheco, Diego Augusto de Jesus

    2014-01-01

    This project involves identifying major organizational changes occurred in a small company in the printing supplies sector as it implemented the ISO 9001:2000 standard. The case study methodology was used through exploratory research to conduct semi-structured interviews with six employees in addition to participant observation. The desired outcome of this article is the identification of the benefits and difficulties encountered in the implementation process and a comparison between the new ...

  2. One Person Company (OPC - The new business format for small retailers in India

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. B. C. Dorathy

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available The retail sector in India is undergoing transformation due to the changing lifestyle of people. The sector is generally characterised by small retailers who conduct business in a traditional manner. But recently there has been a shift towards modern retailing, since education and exposure to contemporary trends have made the Indian consumer look for more professionalism in shopping. This has prompted many corporations (both Indian and foreign to enter into this sector with the modern retail formats, such as supermarkets, department stores, shopping malls etc. This trend towards organized retailing can be a threat for small retailers. This article discusses One Person Company concept as a strategy to develop small retail businesses in terms of their corporate status.

  3. Global Software Engineering

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ebert, Christof; Kuhrmann, Marco; Prikladnicki, Rafael

    2016-01-01

    Professional software products and IT systems and services today are developed mostly by globally distributed teams, projects, and companies. Successfully orchestrating Global Software Engineering (GSE) has become the major success factor both for organizations and practitioners. Yet, more than...... and experience reported at the IEEE International Conference on Software Engineering (ICGSE) series. The outcomes of our analysis show GSE as a field highly attached to industry and, thus, a considerable share of ICGSE papers address the transfer of Software Engineering concepts and solutions to the global stage...

  4. NASA Operational Simulator for Small Satellites: Tools for Software Based Validation and Verification of Small Satellites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Grubb, Matt

    2016-01-01

    The NASA Operational Simulator for Small Satellites (NOS3) is a suite of tools to aid in areas such as software development, integration test (IT), mission operations training, verification and validation (VV), and software systems check-out. NOS3 provides a software development environment, a multi-target build system, an operator interface-ground station, dynamics and environment simulations, and software-based hardware models. NOS3 enables the development of flight software (FSW) early in the project life cycle, when access to hardware is typically not available. For small satellites there are extensive lead times on many of the commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components as well as limited funding for engineering test units (ETU). Considering the difficulty of providing a hardware test-bed to each developer tester, hardware models are modeled based upon characteristic data or manufacturers data sheets for each individual component. The fidelity of each hardware models is such that FSW executes unaware that physical hardware is not present. This allows binaries to be compiled for both the simulation environment, and the flight computer, without changing the FSW source code. For hardware models that provide data dependent on the environment, such as a GPS receiver or magnetometer, an open-source tool from NASA GSFC (42 Spacecraft Simulation) is used to provide the necessary data. The underlying infrastructure used to transfer messages between FSW and the hardware models can also be used to monitor, intercept, and inject messages, which has proven to be beneficial for VV of larger missions such as James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). As hardware is procured, drivers can be added to the environment to enable hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing. When strict time synchronization is not vital, any number of combinations of hardware components and software-based models can be tested. The open-source operator interface used in NOS3 is COSMOS from Ball Aerospace. For

  5. Characterization of the Small and Median Companies in the Textile Sector of the Ecuadorian Economy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jenny Lilián Basantes–Avalos

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The small and median companies perform a fundamental role in the economy of latinoamerican countries, and Ecuador is not the exception, because of its incidence in the generation of employment and economic development. Historically, Ecuador has been a textile country by excellence, and with the years has been consolidated like one of the manufactured industries most importants of the country. However, the sector has to deal with adverse condition in the last decade. For such reason, the manufacturers have the challenge of improve the production techniques to promote a better quality offer and recognition, capable of competing with foreign products of similar characteristics. In this context, this paper has the intent to characterize the small and median companies of Ecuador in general and the textile sector as a particularity, its current situation, the importance of the Ecuadorian economy, such as their problems and opportunities. 

  6. Software Engineering Reviews and Audits

    CERN Document Server

    Summers, Boyd L

    2011-01-01

    Accurate software engineering reviews and audits have become essential to the success of software companies and military and aerospace programs. These reviews and audits define the framework and specific requirements for verifying software development efforts. Authored by an industry professional with three decades of experience, Software Engineering Reviews and Audits offers authoritative guidance for conducting and performing software first article inspections, and functional and physical configuration software audits. It prepares readers to answer common questions for conducting and perform

  7. Software engineering ethics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bown, Rodney L.

    1991-01-01

    Software engineering ethics is reviewed. The following subject areas are covered: lack of a system viewpoint; arrogance of PC DOS software vendors; violation od upward compatibility; internet worm; internet worm revisited; student cheating and company hiring interviews; computing practitioners and the commodity market; new projects and old programming languages; schedule and budget; and recent public domain comments.

  8. ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE SMALL AND MEDIUM COMMERCIAL COMPANIES OF ESMERALDAS, REPUBLIC OF THE ECUADOR

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manuel Ruvin Quiñónez-Cabeza

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper analyzes the competitive administration of the small and medium companies of the smallest trade of Emeralds, Republic of the Ecuador. The different companies related with activities are studied that have discharge it demands in the local population. In this sense, an empiric study has been developed through 344 surveys and personal interviews carried out proprietors, administrators and workers. Finally, the most outstanding revelations in this empiric work are commented, standing out those important barriers that limit the competitiveness of the studied companies. 

  9. What Counts in Software Process?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Cohn, Marisa

    2009-01-01

    and conversations in negotiating between prescriptions from a model and the contingencies that arise in an enactment. A qualitative field study at two Agile software development companies was conducted to investigate the role of artifacts in the software development work and the relationship between these artifacts...... and the Software Process. Documentation of software requirements is a major concern among software developers and software researchers. Agile software development denotes a different relationship to documentation, one that warrants investigation. Empirical findings are presented which suggest a new understanding...

  10. Biotechnology software in the digital age: are you winning?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Scheitz, Cornelia Johanna Franziska; Peck, Lawrence J; Groban, Eli S

    2018-01-16

    There is a digital revolution taking place and biotechnology companies are slow to adapt. Many pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and industrial bio-production companies believe that software must be developed and maintained in-house and that data are more secure on internal servers than on the cloud. In fact, most companies in this space continue to employ large IT and software teams and acquire computational infrastructure in the form of in-house servers. This is due to a fear of the cloud not sufficiently protecting in-house resources and the belief that their software is valuable IP. Over the next decade, the ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, with agile software teams, will quickly become a compelling competitive advantage. Biotechnology companies that do not adopt the new regime may lose on key business metrics such as return on invested capital, revenue, profitability, and eventually market share.

  11. People management in the owner’s perception: a case study of a small packaging company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Djair Picchiai

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available This article aims to analyze the people management in an industry called Panther Embalagens Ltda., besides the perception of the manager/owner about the topic. The study consisted in a survey with the manager/owner, where was evaluated the strategic aspects defined about people management and his perception. Furthermore, the organizational climate was measured through a survey applied to the company employees.Also, the perceptions and observations from the authors, made during the fieldwork and while in touch with the employees, was considered, as well as the information available in the company about Human Resources. The study identified the necessity to decentralize the decision-making power about people management, what is common in small companies. Also was possible to verify that the employees wish more autonomy and participation, according to the organizational climate survey. 

  12. BRANDING AND IDENTITY BUILDING FOR A SMALL COMPANY : Focused on Visual Identity

    OpenAIRE

    Näveri, Mattea

    2015-01-01

    The topic of this thesis is branding and identity of a small business, with a focus on visual identity. The major part of this thesis focuses on the research done on visual identity and the basic ideation of branding. The other half specifically focuses on the visual identity, the creation of a logo for the company, defining typography and colour and ephemera, and particularly, the company’s business card. The main goal was to execute a unique, individualized branding, which showcases...

  13. Analysis of the course and the possibility of accounting data in selected accounting software

    OpenAIRE

    LEXOVÁ, Eva

    2016-01-01

    The thesis deals with a comparison of two accounting software in a chosen company. The company used to use an accounting software Abra from its beginning, but in 2015 they bought an accounting software Pohoda. The company had mostly negative experience with software Abra. As for software Pohoda, no disadvantage has been found, though not all functions have been used yet. The aim of the thesis is to assess whether the enterprise should keep using software Pohoda or whether it should come back ...

  14. Graph-based software specification and verification

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kastenberg, H.

    2008-01-01

    The (in)correct functioning of many software systems heavily influences the way we qualify our daily lives. Software companies as well as academic computer science research groups spend much effort on applying and developing techniques for improving the correctness of software systems. In this

  15. The impact of software growth on the electronics industry

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Genuchten, van M.J.I.M.

    2007-01-01

    Software growth has significantly impacted the computer industry and is changing many other electronics industries. It is not a question of whether intellectual property will be sold in the form of software, but which companies will do it successfully. The actions electronics companies take today

  16. Problem Diagnosis in Software Process Improvement

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Iversen, Jakob; Nielsen, Peter Axel; Nørbjerg, Jacob

    1998-01-01

    This paper addresses software process improvement. In particular it reports on action research undertaken to understand the problems with software processes of a large Danish company. It is argued that in order to understand what the specific problems are we may, on the one hand, rely on process...... to enable process improvement to effectively take place. It is argued that problem diagnosis a useful approach and that it has advantages over model-based assessment....... models like CMM or Bootstrap. On the other hand, we may also see the specific and unique features of software processes in this company through what we call problem diagnosis. Problem diagnosis deals with eliciting problems perceived by software project managers and with forming commitment structures...

  17. The Changing Structure of Retail Industry: Case Studies on Competitive Advantage of Small Companies in Croatia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Blaženka Knežević

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available Objective: There are two key trends in retail industry since 1990s till nowadays: rapid internationalization and intensive retail concentration. In such a dynamic environment, small companies are striving to preserve their markets and to maintain their business activity. The objectives of the paper are twofold: (1 to explain trends of retail internationalization and concentration and (2 to highlight the possibilities for improving the competitive ability of small retailers. Research Design & Methods: The paper is based on analysis of secondary data available in research papers, studies and official statistics. Firstly, the consequences of retail internationalization and concentration are described. Then, the literature on competitive advantage creation is systemized. In addition, the case study method is used to illustrate successful strategies of competitive advantage creation. Findings:  In a changed retail market, small retailers seek the way to improve their competitiveness. As suitable competitiveness strategies, authors describe: (1 retail alliances and (2 differentiation by assortment. Implications & Recommendations: The key trends and their impact on small companies in retail industry are scrutinized. Recommendations to small retailers how to adjust to new market conditions, together with some practical examples, are given. Contribution & Value Added: The paper gives an insight into dynamics of changes in retail structure. Retail alliances and differentiation by assortment are described as two key streams of competitiveness improvement suitable for small retailers.

  18. Strategic use of the Internet by small- and medium-sized companies : an exploratory study

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Sadowski, B.M.; Maitland, C.; Dongen, van J.

    2002-01-01

    The paper investigates the extent to which the adoption of Internet software and services in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been strategic, i.e. based upon the exploitation of the network characteristics of the new technology. Within SMEs, it seems that opportunistic motivations

  19. A CLASSROOM GAME FOR TEACHING MANAGEMENT OF SOFTWARE COMPANIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    CARLOS M. ZAPATA

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available La gestión en ingeniería de software necesita algunas destrezas especiales. A menudo, esas destrezas no se pueden desarrollar a partir de los métodos tradicionales de enseñanza. Otras disciplinas administrativas usan aprendizaje activo (v. g. aprendizaje mediante juegos para desarrollar esas destrezas, pero los profesores en ingeniería de software no suelen conducir experiencias similares. En este artículo se propone un juego de clase para simular el comportamiento de varios roles pertenecientes a una compañía de software. Nuestra meta es la "práctica", en un ambiente similar al entorno real, de las destrezas que requieren los miembros de los equipos de desarrollo de software. Además, se compendian los resultados de la práctica del juego con dos grupos de estudiantes.

  20. Path creation in the software industry

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Leimbach, Timo

    2017-01-01

    The article analyzes the development of the German software company Software AG, which was among the few European companies that succeeded in the US market already in the 1970s. Utilizing the concept of "path creation" it examines how early success impacted the development of the company. It shows...... that at least two paths in the development, the focus on the ADABAS product ecosystem and the underlying technology as well as the strong internationalization, relate to the early success and influenced the further evolution of it. The analyses reveal that they played an important role in how the company...... reacted on the rise of relational databases and the vertical disintegration of the computer industry. As a consequence of the late adoption of them they company got into troubles and needed adjust their profile and orientation during the 1990s and early 2000s, which is analyzed in the final part...

  1. Insights into software development in Japan

    Science.gov (United States)

    Duvall, Lorraine M.

    1992-01-01

    The interdependence of the U.S.-Japanese economies makes it imperative that we in the United States understand how business and technology developments take place in Japan. We can gain insight into these developments in software engineering by studying the context in which Japanese software is developed, the practices that are used, the problems encountered, the setting surrounding these problems, and the resolution of these problems. Context includes the technological and sociological characteristics of the software development environment, the software processes applied, personnel involved in the development process, and the corporate and social culture surrounding the development. Presented in this paper is a summary of results of a study that addresses these issues. Data for this study was collected during a three month visit to Japan where the author interviewed 20 software managers representing nine companies involved in developing software in Japan. These data are compared to similar data from the United States in which 12 managers from five companies were interviewed.

  2. Guidelines for using empirical studies in software engineering education

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fabian Fagerholm

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Software engineering education is under constant pressure to provide students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills. Educators must address issues beyond exercises and theories that can be directly rehearsed in small settings. Industry training has similar requirements of relevance as companies seek to keep their workforce up to date with technological advances. Real-life software development often deals with large, software-intensive systems and is influenced by the complex effects of teamwork and distributed software development, which are hard to demonstrate in an educational environment. A way to experience such effects and to increase the relevance of software engineering education is to apply empirical studies in teaching. In this paper, we show how different types of empirical studies can be used for educational purposes in software engineering. We give examples illustrating how to utilize empirical studies, discuss challenges, and derive an initial guideline that supports teachers to include empirical studies in software engineering courses. Furthermore, we give examples that show how empirical studies contribute to high-quality learning outcomes, to student motivation, and to the awareness of the advantages of applying software engineering principles. Having awareness, experience, and understanding of the actions required, students are more likely to apply such principles under real-life constraints in their working life.

  3. Persona Usage in Software Development: Advantages and Obstacles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Billestrup, Jane; Stage, Jan; Nielsen, Lene

    2014-01-01

    The Personas technique has been promoted as a strong tool for providing software developers with a better understanding of the prospective users of their software. This paper reports from a questionnaire survey regarding knowledge about Personas and their usage in software development companies....... The questionnaire survey was conducted in a limited geographical area to establish the extent of Personas usage within all companies in the chosen region and determine whether software development companies used Personas during the development process. Several issues were identified as reasons for either not using...... the technique or for poor application of it. The study showed that 55% of the respondents had never heard about Personas. Among those who had heard about the Personas technique, the following obstacles towards usage of the technique were identified: Lack of knowledge of the technique, lack of resources (time...

  4. The administration and the environmental behavior of the small and medium industrial companies: The case of a city of Argentina

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guzman Ramos, Aldo; Fernandez, Guillermina

    2001-01-01

    The present article approaches the subject of the management and the environmental behavior in the industrial activity, especially in the small and medium companies, a city of Argentina. It is considers that the environmentalist strategies can be a possible exit to the socioeconomic and environmental crisis, but single for the great companies; since the rest of the companies presents/displays serious difficulties (economic, social, psychological, etc.) in order to initiate a sustainable industrial development

  5. Open Source Telecommunication Companies

    OpenAIRE

    Peter Liu

    2007-01-01

    Little is known about companies whose core business is selling telecommunications products that lever open source projects. Open source telecommunications (OST) companies operate in markets that are very different from typical software product markets. The telecommunications market is regulated, vertically integrated, and proprietary designs and special chips are widely used. For a telecommunications product to be useful, it must interact with both access network products and core network pro...

  6. COMPUTATION IN CLOUD; A COMPETITIVE STRATEGY FOR THE SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES IN MEXICO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alma Lilia Sapién Aguilar

    2014-05-01

    Full Text Available Cloud  computing  is  a  technology  that  provides  services  via  the  Internet.  With  this technology, companies can gain a competitive advantage, provide better customer service and reduce  costs. The objective of this research  was to analyze  the Cloud computing  service of companies  in the  city of Chihuahua,  Mexico.  This  was  a non-experimental,  descriptive  and empirical study with a quantitative approach, which was based on a survey conducted in the months  of  January  2012  through  April  2013.  The  study’s  purpose  was  small  and  medium enterprises (SMEs in the industrial, commercial and service sectors which represent the study population. Finite population formula was used to obtain the sample size, which were selected in a random manner. The results showed that 93 % of companies obtain reduced costs using cloud computing. Storage and sharing information was detected as some of the most used services. Companies want to have savings in technology infrastructure in order to increase the life cycle of the equipment, in addition to provide a higher quality service to customers.

  7. Methodology for economic evaluation of software development projects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Witte, D.M.

    1990-01-01

    Many oil and gas exploration and production companies develop computer software in-house or with contract programmers to support their exploration activities. Software development projects compete for funding with exploration and development projects, though most companies lack valid comparison measures for the two types of projects. This paper presents a methodology of pro form a cash flow analysis for software development proposals intended for internal use. This methodology, based on estimates of development and support costs, exploration benefits, and probability of successful development and implementation, can be used to compare proposed software development projects directly with competing exploration proposals

  8. A Web-Based Learning System for Software Test Professionals

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Minhong; Jia, Haiyang; Sugumaran, V.; Ran, Weijia; Liao, Jian

    2011-01-01

    Fierce competition, globalization, and technology innovation have forced software companies to search for new ways to improve competitive advantage. Web-based learning is increasingly being used by software companies as an emergent approach for enhancing the skills of knowledge workers. However, the current practice of Web-based learning is…

  9. In praise of open software

    CERN Multimedia

    2000-01-01

    Much scientific software is proprietary and beyond the reach of poorer scientific communities. This issue will become critical as companies build bioinformatics tools for genomics. The principal of open-source software needs to be defended by academic research institutions (1/2 p).

  10. ERP Software Selection Model using Analytic Network Process

    OpenAIRE

    Lesmana , Andre Surya; Astanti, Ririn Diar; Ai, The Jin

    2014-01-01

    During the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in any company, one of the most important issues is the selection of ERP software that can satisfy the needs and objectives of the company. This issue is crucial since it may affect the duration of ERP implementation and the costs incurred for the ERP implementation. This research tries to construct a model of the selection of ERP software that are beneficial to the company in order to carry out the selection of the right ERP sof...

  11. Agile Methodologies and Software Process Improvement Maturity Models, Current State of Practice in Small and Medium Enterprises

    OpenAIRE

    Koutsoumpos, Vasileios; Marinelarena, Iker

    2013-01-01

    Abstract—Background: Software Process Improvement (SPI) maturity models have been developed to assist organizations to enhance software quality. Agile methodologies are used to ensure productivity and quality of a software product. Amongst others they are applied in Small and Medium – sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, little is known about the combination of Agile methodologies and SPI maturity models regarding SMEs and the results that could emerge, as all the current SPI models are address...

  12. Quality Market: Design and Field Study of Prediction Market for Software Quality Control

    Science.gov (United States)

    Krishnamurthy, Janaki

    2010-01-01

    Given the increasing competition in the software industry and the critical consequences of software errors, it has become important for companies to achieve high levels of software quality. While cost reduction and timeliness of projects continue to be important measures, software companies are placing increasing attention on identifying the user…

  13. Uso de software libre en las empresas colombianas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Nelson Henrìquez Miranda

    2009-01-01

    gran potencialidaden su departamento tecnológico. Con software libre se adquieren productos a un costo muy bajo, y si se tiene elconocimiento suficiente, se puede llegar a aprovecharlo oportunamente sin invertir ningún solo peso.Este artículopretende mostrar la importancia de la adopción del software libre en las pequeñas y medianas empresas colombianasque por desconocimiento o temor siguen trabajando y realizando grandes inversiones en software comercial.Palabras claves: Software libre, GNU, Software Comercial. Abstract:Currently companies use the technology to support their business processes, but locally we can realize that thereare many firms unaware of the existence of tools ( software to help them in their business tasks. Some entrepreneursthrough ignorance acquire software applications (owner that are very expensive and which use a very smallpercentage of their true capabilities. So make a great investment that is not redeemable in the future because theyneed too much advice and consultancy of these companies marketing tool . Also if companies are growing andinclude new workstations , you need to buy more software because this type of product is typically sold under proprietarylicense terms. Then we found two situations , those companies that do not invest in software because it isvery expensive, and those that do but the investment made , sometimes very high, not real capitalize ignorance ,or because of bad advice . In this situation you have to find new ways to ensure that small and medium enterprisesget their hands achieve all the benefits that entails the use of computers (speed, efficiency , organization, etc. .An option to this problem is the adoption of programs that are free or relatively inexpensive , these programs areframed in the movement known as “Free Software”. This comes as an alternative to using a good quality product ata low cost to allow partial or total systematization of companies, in addition to using office software for

  14. Framework for Small-Scale Experiments in Software Engineering: Guidance and Control Software Project: Software Engineering Case Study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hayhurst, Kelly J.

    1998-01-01

    Software is becoming increasingly significant in today's critical avionics systems. To achieve safe, reliable software, government regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense mandate the use of certain software development methods. However, little scientific evidence exists to show a correlation between software development methods and product quality. Given this lack of evidence, a series of experiments has been conducted to understand why and how software fails. The Guidance and Control Software (GCS) project is the latest in this series. The GCS project is a case study of the Requirements and Technical Concepts for Aviation RTCA/DO-178B guidelines, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification. All civil transport airframe and equipment vendors are expected to comply with these guidelines in building systems to be certified by the FAA for use in commercial aircraft. For the case study, two implementations of a guidance and control application were developed to comply with the DO-178B guidelines for Level A (critical) software. The development included the requirements, design, coding, verification, configuration management, and quality assurance processes. This paper discusses the details of the GCS project and presents the results of the case study.

  15. Key factors of project success in family small and medium-sized companies: the theoretical review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sinisa Arsic

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available The paper proposes a systematization of the key success factors of projects, through the theoretical review of family-owned companies operating in the EU market. It is the small and medium companies that in their own way contribute to the overall success of the national economy in terms of economic activity, increased employment, development activities and defining better business environment. The theoretical review observed numerous studies of family businesses, and the contribution of this work is in the systematization of the results of previous research – over three horizons, i.e., over the role of managers in the creation of successful projects (or owner if it is a family enterprise, institutional support for companies in Serbia and the EU, specific industries and the parent (regional markets where a family company operates. Project management, as a general representation of the concept of implementation of strategic and operational endeavors, contains many specifics in terms of critical success factors of projects depending on the environment in which they are implemented. The goal of the paper is reflected in the identification and presentation of critical success factors of projects implemented in family companies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the research results in relation to the existing, similar research studies, as well as with the announcement of future research, which will examine the conclusions drawn on a real sample.

  16. Contemporary issues in HIM. Software engineering--what does it mean to you?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wear, L L

    1994-02-01

    There have been significant advances in the way we develop software in the last two decades. Many companies are using the new process oriented approach to software development. Companies that use the new techniques and tools have reported improvements in both productivity and quality, but there are still companies developing software the way we did 30 years ago. If you saw the movie Jurassic Park, you saw the perfect way not to develop software. The programmer in the movie was the only person who knew the details of the system. No processes were followed, and there was no documentation. This was an absolutely perfect prescription for failure. Some of you are probably familiar with the term hacker which describes a person who spends hours sitting at a terminal hacking out code. Hackers have created some outstanding software products, but with today's complex systems, most companies are trying to get away from their dependence on hackers. They are instead turning to the process-oriented approach. When selecting software vendors, don't just look at the functionality of a product. Try to determine how the vendor develops software, and determine if you are dealing with hackers or a process-driven company. In the long run, you should get better, more reliable products from the latter.

  17. Software quality testing process analysis

    OpenAIRE

    Mera Paz, Julián

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: This article is the result of reading, review, analysis of books, magazines and articles well known for their scientific and research quality, which have addressed the software quality testing process. The author, based on his work experience in software development companies, teaching and other areas, has compiled and selected information to argue and substantiate the importance of the software quality testing process. Methodology: the existing literature on the software qualit...

  18. Competitive advantages in nets of micro, small and medium companies: the case of Brazil School Network

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vaine Fermoseli Vilga

    2008-09-01

    Full Text Available In this article, it is presented a study about a stationery stores’ associativism called Brazil School Network. The objective was to verify the companies’ competitive advantages once taken part in this type of association. Primary data were collected in 45 stationery stores, starting from the 85 stores of São Paulo State. The productive, technological or services cooperation among micro, small and medium companies represent an alternative for the collective proits attainment among the actors. The strategical alliances, networks of companies, clusters, virtual organizations, incubators, local productive arrangements, condominiums and trusts represent forms of complementary resources coordination and management, distinct from the hierarchy and market. In the article, the typology and mechanisms for coordination of small and medium companies’ networks are also explored. The results show high beneits to the stationery stores associated to Brazil Scholar Network, which would not be possible if they were managed in isolated and independent way.

  19. Global software development

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Matthiesen, Stina

    2016-01-01

    This overview presents the mid stages of my doctoral research-based on ethnographic work conducted in IT companies in India and in Denmark-on collaborative work within global software development (GSD). In the following I briefly introduce how this research seeks to spark a debate in CSCW...... by challenging contemporary ideals about software development outsourcing through the exploration of the multiplicities and asymmetric dynamics inherent in the collaborative work of GSD....

  20. Becoming Predictably Adaptable in Software Development

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Michael Vakoc

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available It’s difficult to state exact timelines in software development and it is even more difficult to say when features that users want will be delivered. We propose changes to current software development methodologies that enable companies to be predictably adaptable and deliver both on time and what customer asked for. We do so through research of current literature, interviews and personal experience working at an international company that builds products for millions of customers and is facing exactly the challenges described above.

  1. [Evaluation of a grant program for improving health and safety in small and medium companies in Andalusia (Spain)].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carrillo Castrillo, Jesús Antonio; Onieva Giménez, Luis; Ruiz Frutos, Carlos

    2012-01-01

    To evaluate a grant program for the development and support of occupational safety projects in small and medium companies (SMC) in Andalusia. The analysis includes data and results of the program between 2006 and 2008. We analyzed the program characteristics in terms of budget, proposals submitted and projects financed. The views of participating companies regarding the program were evaluated through a voluntary and anonymous postal survey. Occupational injury rates in 2006 and 2007 in a subgroup of companies that had obtained a grant in 2006 were calculated. Public investment in the program (> 17 million euros) covered 44% of the investment in occupational health projects proposed by participating companies. Nearly 50% of the projects presented received grant funding. The survey was completed by 573 companies (24% of the submitted questionnaires). Among grantee companies, 89% considered the investment to have been effective and 87% considered that working conditions in the company had improved. Most of the companies (>90%) considered that lack of economic resources is an obstacle for prevention activities and that these kinds of public subsidies are necessary. Occupational injury rates decreased between 2006 and 2007 (incidence rate 0.93; 95%confidence interval, 0.78-1.11). The grant program was viewed positively by participating companies and was accompanied by a reduction of occupational injury rates among grantee companies. These programs should incorporate evaluation criteria and indicators in their design. Copyright belongs to the Societat Catalana de Seguretat i Medicina del Treball.

  2. Operational management system for warehouse logistics of metal trading companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Khayrullin Rustam Zinnatullovich

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available Logistics is an effective tool in business management. Metal trading business is a part of metal promotion chain from producer to consumer. It's designed to serve as a link connecting the interests of steel producers and end users. We should account for the specifics warehousing trading. The specificity of warehouse metal trading consists primarily in the fact that the purchase is made in large lots, and the sale - in medium and small parties. Loading and unloading of cars and trucks is produced by overhead cranes. Some part of the purchased goods are shipped in relatively large lots without presales preparation. Another part of the goods undergoes presale preparation. Indoor and outdoor warehouses are used with the address storage system. In the process of prolonged storage the metal rusts. Some part of the goods is subjected to final completion (cutting, welding, coloration in service centers and small factories, usually located at the warehouse. The quantity of simultaneously shipped cars, and the quantity of the loader workers brigade can reach few dozens. So it is necessary to control the loading workers, to coordinate and monitor the performance of loading and unloading operations, to make the daily analysis of their work, to evaluate the warehouse operations as a whole. There is a need to manage and control movement of cars and trucks on the warehouse territory to reduce storage and transport costs and improve customer service. ERP-systems and WMS-systems, which are widely used, do not cover fully the functions and processes of the warehouse trading, and do not effectively manage all logistics processes. In this paper the specialized software is proposed. The software is intended for operational logistics management in warehouse metal products trading. The basic functions and processes of metal warehouse trading are described. The effectiveness indices for logistics processes and key effective indicators of warehouse trading are proposed

  3. 78 FR 59991 - Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-09-30

    ... public market capitalization (``smaller public companies'') through securities offerings, including private and limited offerings and initial and other public offerings; (2) Trading in the securities of emerging companies and smaller public companies; and (3) Public reporting and corporate governance...

  4. Continual Improvement In Small Soaps Company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Borget Alfred Anoye

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available Abstract In this paper using quality management tools we track root causes and principal causes of the rising manufacturing cost of the bar soaps and propose solution to solve the problem. First we identify and analyze the roots causes of problem with the Fishbone Diagram. We use multivoting approach to reduce roots causes to main causes from which we identify classify and analyze principal causes using the Pareto Diagram. We then perform a deep analysis of these principal causes using the 5 whys analysis technique. Three principal causes were found amp61480high level of overtime poor machine performance and poor employees performanceamp61481 and were weighing 55 of the problem. For that reason working on these areas was necessary to address the problem of the rising manufacturing cost of the bar soaps. With the result we then use the PDCA 7 steps of TQM method to solve the problem of the rising manufacturing cost by testing whether expanding production capacity leads to performance improvements of these areas. We decide to expand production capacity by adding two more machine groups. Six months after implementation of the proposed solution the result shows an enhanced workload and schedule an increased production capacity an elimination of the overtime issue an increased machines performance and an improved workers performance. Two main savings were achieved as wage costs and maintenance costs. As a result while competitors bar soaps prices increased the company bar soaps price decreased by 50 making the company bar soaps more attractive on market as this performance permitted the company to apply price reduction at the retailer level.

  5. Small but super

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Donald, R.L.

    1994-01-01

    This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages between large and small gas utility companies. It discusses areas of construction, gaining markets, technology advances, pricing, and customer service. The paper includes discussions from four chairmen of small utility companies whom describe their perceived position among the larger companies. It also describes methods which small companies use to unite for state and nationally significant issues to voice their opinions

  6. Making waves in seismic exploration software: Annual report 1998

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    NONE

    1999-11-01

    GMA International is in the business of developing and supplying geological, geophysical and petrophysical computer-aided exploration software products for use in hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation world-wide. The company is headquartered in Calgary; it also has offices in Houston and London. It has over 5,500 installations and licensing arrangements with over 700 companies in 53 countries. This report details operating results during 1998, which included adding 77 new clients and the sale of over 300 new software licenses to new and existing clients. Consolidated balance sheets provide statements of earning (losses) and retained earnings, and changes in the company`s financial position.

  7. Planning and Analysis of the Company’s Financial Performances by Using a Software Simulation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Meri BOSHKOSKA

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Information Technology includes a wide range of software solution that helps managers in decision making processes in order to increase the company's business performance. Using software solution in financial analysis is a valuable tool for managers in the financial decision making process. The objective of the study was accomplished by developing Software that easily determines the financial performances of the company through integration of the analysis of financial indicators and DuPont profitability analysis model. Through this software, managers will be able to calculate the current financial state and visually analyze how their actions will affect the financial performance of the company. This will enable them to identify the best ways to improve the financial performance of the company. The software can perform a financial analysis and give a clear, useful overview of the current business performance and can also help in planning the growth of the company. The Software can also be implemented in educational purposes for students and managers in the field of financial management.

  8. Recent work on network application layer: MioNet, the virtual workplace for small businesses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hesselink, Lambertus; Rizal, Dharmarus; Bjornson, Eric; Miller, Brian; Chan, Keith

    2005-11-01

    Small businesses must be extremely efficient and smartly leverage their resources, suppliers, and partners to successfully compete with larger firms. A successful small business requires a set of companies with interlocking business relationships that are dynamic and needs-based. There has been no software solution that creates a secure and flexible way to efficiently connect small business computer-based employees and partners. In this invited paper, we discuss MioNet, a secure and powerful data management platform which may provide millions of small businesses with a virtual workplace and help them to succeed.

  9. Modern methods of evaluation existing suppliers and suppliers selected by customer for small and medium-sized companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marie Jurová

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available On existing conditions on global market (almost identical quality, almost identical purchasing values companies have to definite the total rating of importance of evaluative criteria. In post-crisis period the problem of suppliers’ evaluation is one of the biggest, because companies had to use all resources and all possibilities to develop their own business. Many authors wrote about collaborative planning and warehousing as one of possibilities to optimization work inside supply chain. For this paper define small and medium-sized enterprises (SME as enterprises with the size of maximum 250 em­ployers. In literature was read we couldn’t find information about own system of suppliers evaluation for small and medium-sized enterprises. SME can have some different types of business and in this case need the universal system of eva­lua­tion. The research of this paper is oriented on small and medium-sized enterprises with different types of business. The new theoretical universal method of calculation for evaluation existing suppliers for small and medium-sized enterprises will present in this paper. This theoretical method is based on average values. This method includes traditional evaluative criteria (quality, delivery time and other (mobility of supplier, possibilities of new level of partnership. This method of evaluation can not be used for continual manufacture. New method can improve the total evaluation of supplier in small and medium-sized enterprises.

  10. 13 CFR 120.852 - Restrictions regarding CDC participation in the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    .... A CDC must not invest in or be an Affiliate of a Lender participating in the 7(a) loan program... of November 6, 2003 may remain Affiliates. (b) SBIC program. A CDC must not directly or indirectly... participation in the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program and the 7(a) loan program. 120.852 Section...

  11. EU emissions trading: Distinctive behavior of small companies

    OpenAIRE

    Naegele, Helene; Zaklan, Aleksandar

    2016-01-01

    The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the cornerstone of the European Union's climate policy and covers just under half of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. More than ten years since the EU ETS was first introduced, there continues to be substantial research interest regarding its functioning and the behavior of participating companies. DIW Berlin conducted three econometric studies based on microdata at company and/or installation level. The findings suggest that, overall, there are o...

  12. Challenges of growth in a network company

    OpenAIRE

    Axani, Darrell Kirk

    2006-01-01

    Mark Engineering is a large network company facing challenges between growth and its small company feel. Small networks are rewarding for both individuals and companies. With growth, networks become cumbersome and costly to operate. Like effective teams, networks must remain small to be efficient. Growth tends to drive management to more traditional hierarchical structures, but such a move would undermine the value of a network organization. Strategy and market forces influence organizational...

  13. IMPLEMENTING SMALL AND MEDIUM IT PROJECTS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENERPRISES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Felix DUMITRESCU

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available Information technology is essential nowadays for all companies. Small enterprises are an important part of the economy and this article aims at providing some useful insight in implementing modern IT projects to their benefit. Due to the limited funding available for the IT infrastructure in most start-ups and small businesses, the projects should be adapted to fulfill the needs of the company for the lowest cost. The paper will start by defining small and medium project management theory and outlining the target of the study, small and medium sized companies. Next it will show a number of case studies of IT projects implemented in different types of small companies in Romania. Based on these implementations the article will draw some conclusions relevant to most small companies which need to design or improve their IT infrastructure.

  14. Elements of strategic capability for software outsourcing enterprises based on the resource

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shi, Wengeng

    2011-10-01

    Software outsourcing enterprises as an emerging high-tech enterprises, the rise of the speed and the number was very amazing. In addition to Chinese software outsourcing for giving preferential policies, the software outsourcing business has its ability to upgrade, and in general the software companies have not had the related characteristics. View from the resource base of the theory, the analysis software outsourcing companies have the ability and resources of rare and valuable and non-mimic, we try to give an initial framework for theoretical analysis based on this.

  15. Systematic Software Development

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kuhrmann, Marco; Méndez Fernández, Daniel

    2015-01-01

    The speed of innovation and the global allocation of resources to accelerate development or to reduce cost put pressure on the software industry. In the global competition, especially so-called high-price countries have to present arguments why the higher development cost is justified and what...... makes these countries an attractive host for software companies. Often, high-quality engineering and excellent quality of products, e.g., machinery and equipment, are mentioned. Yet, the question is: Can such arguments be also found for the software industry? We aim at investigating the degree...... of professionalism and systematization of software development to draw a map of strengths and weaknesses. To this end, we conducted as a first step an exploratory survey in Germany, presented in this paper. In this survey, we focused on the perceived importance of the two general software engineering process areas...

  16. 13 CFR 108.900 - Fees for management services provided to a Small Business by a NMVC Company or its Associate.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fees for management services... Small Businesses by NMVC Companies Management Services and Fees § 108.900 Fees for management services... management services that you or your Associate provide to a Small Business during the term of a Financing or...

  17. Fostering and sustaining innovation in a Fast Growing Agile Company

    OpenAIRE

    Moe, NilsBrede; Barney, Sebastian; Aurum, Aybüe; Khurum, Mahvish; Wohlin, Claes; Barney, Hamish; Gorschek, Tony; Winata, Martha

    2012-01-01

    Sustaining innovation in a fast growing software development company is difficult. As organisations grow, peoples' focus often changes from the big picture of the product being developed to the specific role they fill. This paper presents two complementary approaches that were successfully used to support continued developer-driven innovation in a rapidly growing Australian agile software development company. The method "FedEx TM Day" gives developers one day to showcase a proof of concept th...

  18. Medical Surveillance, Continuous Health Promotion and a Participatory Intervention in a Small Company.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Magnavita, Nicola

    2018-04-02

    The workplace is an ideal setting for health promotion. The regular medical examination of workers enables us to screen for numerous diseases, spread good practices and correct lifestyles, and obtain a favourable risk/benefit ratio. The continuous monitoring of the level of workers' wellbeing using a holistic approach during medical surveillance enables us to promptly identify problems in work organisation and the company climate. Problems of this kind can be adequately managed by using a participatory approach. The aim of this paper is twofold: to signal this way of proceeding with medical surveillance, and to describe an organisational development intervention. Participatory groups were used to improve occupational life in a small company. After intervention we observed a reduction in levels of perceived occupational stress measured with the Effort/Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and an improvement in psychological wellbeing assessed by means of the Goldberg Anxiety/Depression scale. Although the limited size of the sample and the lack of a control group call for a cautious evaluation of this study, the participatory strategy proved to be a useful tool due to its cost-effectiveness.

  19. Making waves in seismic exploration software: Annual report 1998

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1999-01-01

    GMA International is in the business of developing and supplying geological, geophysical and petrophysical computer-aided exploration software products for use in hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation world-wide. The company is headquartered in Calgary; it also has offices in Houston and London. It has over 5,500 installations and licensing arrangements with over 700 companies in 53 countries. This report details operating results during 1998, which included adding 77 new clients and the sale of over 300 new software licenses to new and existing clients. Consolidated balance sheets provide statements of earning (losses) and retained earnings, and changes in the company's financial position

  20. Standardising Software Processes - An Obstacle for Innovation?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Aaen, Ivan; Pries-Heje, Jan

    2004-01-01

    Over the last 10 years CMM has achieved widespread use as a model for improving software organisations. Often CMM is used to standardise software processes across projects. In this paper we discuss this standardisation of SPI in relation to innovation, organisational size and company growth. Our...... discussion is empirically based on years work and experience working with companies on SPI. In the concrete our discussion is enhanced by vignette stories taken from our experience. As a result we find that standardisation focussing on process, metrics, and controls may jeopardize innovative capabilities...

  1. Ignoring "Best Practice": Why Irish Software SMEs are Rejecting CMMI and ISO 9000

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rory V. O’Connor

    2009-08-01

    Full Text Available Software Process Improvement (SPI "best practice" models such as ISO 9000 and the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI have been developed to assist software development organisations by harnessing their experience and providing them with support so that they can produce software products on time, within budget and to a high level of quality. However there is increasing evidence that these models are not being adopted by Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs and primarily remain the remit of large organisations. This paper presents the results of a Grounded Theory study into why Irish SME software product companies are not using these SPI models. The key inhibiting factor found was the issue of cost. We discuss the findings in relation to cost of process and the factors affecting it, including bureaucracy, documentation, communication, tacit knowledge and organisational creativity and flexibility, and the associated impact on the adoption of SPI best practice models.

  2. Measuring the effectiveness of marketing activities use in relation to company size

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lucie Sychrová

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to research the relationship between measurements of effectiveness of marketing activities and company size. An analysis of the economic sources, professional publications, analysis and reports of previous research shows that the concept of measuring of effectiveness is one of the key themes, which economists always pay much attention. It is a criterion that helps to rationally decide on the use limited resources to meet the needs that are not limited. This topic deals with numerous domestic and foreign literatures. The authors are not only different concepts of effectiveness, but also the using terminology. There are multiple definitions of terms “effectiveness” For the same purpose and meaning. The same concept is often defined semantically different. Therefore, every company has a strong interest to be in all their activities more effectively than the competition. Logical response to changes and requirements of nowadays is using a combination of lot of methods to measure marketing effectiveness. Methods used for this article includes two phases. The first it was gained date by primary research, using a structure questionnaire and processed by statistical software SPSS. Research sample consists 115 companies operating in the Czech environment, which was chosen at random. There is investigated the correlation between measuring the effectiveness of marketing activities and company size. The second part investigated the dependence between the choice of metrics used to measure the effectiveness and company size. The results of the research showed that there is no correlation between measuring the effectiveness of marketing activities and company size. The value of Pearson Chi-Square test is greater than 0.05, it is 0.187. We can presume that dependency does not exist or it is small for these. Value of Symmetric measures is 0.432, which means that the intensity tends to be small rather than high.

  3. A Software Configuration Management Course

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Asklund, U.; Bendix, Lars Gotfred

    2003-01-01

    Software Configuration Management has been a big success in research and creation of tools. There are also many vendors in the market of selling courses to companies. However, in the education sector Software Configuration Management has still not quite made it - at least not into the university...... curriculum. It is either not taught at all or is just a minor part of a general course in software engineering. In this paper, we report on our experience with giving a full course entirely dedicated to Software Configuration Management topics and start a discussion of what ideally should be the goal...

  4. Free software and open source databases

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Napoleon Alexandru SIRITEANU

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available The emergence of free/open source software -FS/OSS- enterprises seeks to push software development out of the academic stream into the commercial mainstream, and as a result, end-user applications such as open source database management systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Firebird are becoming more popular. Companies like Sybase, Oracle, Sun, IBM are increasingly implementing open source strategies and porting programs/applications into the Linux environment. Open source software is redefining the software industry in general and database development in particular.

  5. FIMTrack: An open source tracking and locomotion analysis software for small animals.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Benjamin Risse

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Imaging and analyzing the locomotion behavior of small animals such as Drosophila larvae or C. elegans worms has become an integral subject of biological research. In the past we have introduced FIM, a novel imaging system feasible to extract high contrast images. This system in combination with the associated tracking software FIMTrack is already used by many groups all over the world. However, so far there has not been an in-depth discussion of the technical aspects. Here we elaborate on the implementation details of FIMTrack and give an in-depth explanation of the used algorithms. Among others, the software offers several tracking strategies to cover a wide range of different model organisms, locomotion types, and camera properties. Furthermore, the software facilitates stimuli-based analysis in combination with built-in manual tracking and correction functionalities. All features are integrated in an easy-to-use graphical user interface. To demonstrate the potential of FIMTrack we provide an evaluation of its accuracy using manually labeled data. The source code is available under the GNU GPLv3 at https://github.com/i-git/FIMTrack and pre-compiled binaries for Windows and Mac are available at http://fim.uni-muenster.de.

  6. Exploring the Role of Usability in the Software Process: A Study of Irish Software SMEs

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Connor, Rory V.

    This paper explores the software processes and usability techniques used by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that develop web applications. The significance of this research is that it looks at development processes used by SMEs in order to assess to what degree usability is integrated into the process. This study seeks to gain an understanding into the level of awareness of usability within SMEs today and their commitment to usability in practice. The motivation for this research is to explore the current development processes used by SMEs in developing web applications and to understand how usability is represented in those processes. The background for this research is provided by the growth of the web application industry beyond informational web sites to more sophisticated applications delivering a broad range of functionality. This paper presents an analysis of the practices of several Irish SMEs that develop web applications through a series of case studies. With the focus on SMEs that develop web applications as Management Information Systems and not E-Commerce sites, informational sites, online communities or web portals. This study gathered data about the usability techniques practiced by these companies and their awareness of usability in the context of the software process in those SMEs. The contribution of this study is to further the understanding of the current role of usability within the software development processes of SMEs that develop web applications.

  7. Feasibility of Cloud Services for Customer Relationship Management in Small Business : A Drupal Approach towards Software as a Service

    OpenAIRE

    Sun, Liang

    2012-01-01

    Information has value. All kinds of business should have information systems for business growth. Software is used for business management and entrepreneurship resource planning worldwide. However, its shortages turn out to be more and more obvious in recent years. Software as a Service (SaaS) is thus regarded as one serious alternative of software. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is of vital importance in today’s business. SaaS adoption for CRM then becomes a trend in Small and Medium...

  8. Do General Practices of Management Play Role as Drivers for Employee Job Satisfaction in Pakistani Entrepreneurial Companies?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sergey Nikolaevich Polbitsyn

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available Using general practices of management is management philosophy; many organizations practice these tools that endeavor to improve their efficiency and competitiveness in the business markets. It is an integrated approach to reaching and maintaining high-quality production and services focusing on the maintenance and continuous improvement of operations in order to satisfy or exceed the customer satisfaction. Many researchers have done a lot of work on other management practices; total quality management is an important one of them in this competitive era, which has rarely studied especially in small and medium size entrepreneurial companies in Pakistan. This quantitative research study tried to determine the impact of Total Quality Management practices on job satisfaction level of the employees of those small and medium size companies based on new and creative ideas in the capital city. The conducted survey among 550 employees of small and medium size entrepreneurial companies in the capital of Pakistan got 200 employees response properly in filling out the questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed after applying software (version 20 Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Multiple regression was applied to test the proposed model, which was found satisfied. Leadership and top management support were founded the most dominant practice among the selected Total Quality Management practices which has a significant effect on employee job satisfaction. The findings of this study prove that the implementation of Total Quality Management practices can help in increasing employees’ job satisfaction which intern would increase Productivity of small and medium size entrepreneurial companies.

  9. Bottlenecks in Software Defect Prediction Implementation in Industrial Projects

    OpenAIRE

    Hryszko Jarosław; Madeyski Lech

    2015-01-01

    Case studies focused on software defect prediction in real, industrial software development projects are extremely rare. We report on dedicated R&D project established in cooperation between Wroclaw University of Technology and one of the leading automotive software development companies to research possibilities of introduction of software defect prediction using an open source, extensible software measurement and defect prediction framework called DePress (Defect Prediction in Software Syst...

  10. The Way For Maintaning Customer Loyalty and Using of E-Commerce in Developing Company Such as Small and Medium Entreprises

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Agus Ridwan

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The Way for Maintaining Customer Loyality and Using of E-Commece in Developing Company Such as Small And Medium Enterproses. This paper aims to analyze the way of maintaining customer loyalty of company in developing their business. One of the way is providing of customer loyalty program with the reward point given to their customer. Beside that, this study analyze also the usefulness of e-commerce in developing Small and Medium Enterprises. Definitely ,the use of e-commerce able to drive business of small and Medium Enterprises quickly and promptly. Involving e-commerce in developing small and medium enterprises (SMEsis very crucial and important. There are some potential benefits derived from the strategic use of e-commerce provide: i Enhanced customer services, ii Reduced transaction costs, iii Increased business efficiencies, iv Improved operational flexibility, v. Obtaining competitive advantages and vi. Improved product and service delivery. . This study use Descriptive Qualitative Analysis Method based on the observation of the current situation of e-commerce usefulness in developing company such as small and medium enterprises and the way of maintaining customer loyalty in business development This study shows that both low customer awareness about point-based reward programs and, not surprisingly, low redemption rates. More specifically, lack of awareness about the reward points programs and the redemption procedure was shown. The important conditions positively affecting redemption of reward points were found to include awareness of the reward point program, a positive attitude about the incentives, and average frequency of credit card usage. Also, redemption rates were higher for cards that had been issued more recently. This study find also that e-commerce has big part role in developing Small and Medium Enterprises. In this, e-commerce can develop promotion and selling volume of Small and Medium Enterprises by the smart electronic

  11. Lean software development in action

    CERN Document Server

    Janes, Andrea

    2014-01-01

    This book illustrates how goal-oriented, automated measurement can be used to create Lean organizations and to facilitate the development of Lean software, while also demonstrating the practical implementation of Lean software development by combining tried and trusted tools. In order to be successful, a Lean orientation of software development has to go hand in hand with a company's overall business strategy. To achieve this, two interrelated aspects require special attention: measurement and experience management. In this book, Janes and Succi provide the necessary knowledge to establish "

  12. Making waves in seismic exploration software: Annual report 1998

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    NONE

    1999-07-01

    GMA International is in the business of developing and supplying geological, geophysical and petrophysical computer-aided exploration software products for use in hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation world-wide. The company is headquartered in Calgary; it also has offices in Houston and London. It has over 5,500 installations and licensing arrangements with over 700 companies in 53 countries. This report details operating results during 1998, which included adding 77 new clients and the sale of over 300 new software licenses to new and existing clients. Consolidated balance sheets provide statements of earning (losses) and retained earnings, and changes in the company's financial position.

  13. Framework for implementing product portfolio management in software business

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Jagroep, Erik; Van De Weerd, Inge; Brinkkemper, Sjaak; Dobbe, Ton

    2014-01-01

    Whether a software product company takes up a project depends on the strategic decisions that are made with regard to an organization's products. A software project needs to fit strategic goals and enable an organization to realize a vision through its software products. Making decisions on a

  14. Model-driven software migration a methodology

    CERN Document Server

    Wagner, Christian

    2014-01-01

    Today, reliable software systems are the basis of any business or company. The continuous further development of those systems is the central component in software evolution. It requires a huge amount of time- man power- as well as financial resources. The challenges are size, seniority and heterogeneity of those software systems. Christian Wagner addresses software evolution: the inherent problems and uncertainties in the process. He presents a model-driven method which leads to a synchronization between source code and design. As a result the model layer will be the central part in further e

  15. ONE PERSON COMPANY IN INDIA: A SYNOPTIC VIEW IN THE LIGHT OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

    OpenAIRE

    ROY, SUHAS

    2016-01-01

    One Person Company (OPC) is a revolutionary concept that has been elaborately discussed in the Companies Act, 2013. It is one of the classifications of companies based on the number of persons. One Person Company (OPC) means a company which has only one individual as a member. Only natural-born citizens viz., small businessmen, entrepreneurs, artisans, weavers or traders among others can reap the benefits of One Person Company (OPC). Non-resident Indians cannot form an OPC. The shareholder sh...

  16. Software Development Process Changes in the Telecommunications Industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    John Kevin Doyle

    2006-06-01

    Full Text Available The tremendous changes in the telecommunications business in the last several years drove changes in the software development processes of telecommunications equipment providers. We compare changes in these very large projects, in two companies, with those proposed in the Theory of Constraints / Critical Chains, Extreme Programming, and Agile development models. The 2000s have been a time of significant challenge in the telecommunications equipment business. Telecommunications service providers have excess equipment capacity. Many are waiting for next generation telephone switches that will simultaneously lower operating costs and enable additional revenue generation. The large service providers have drastically reduced their capital and expense purchases. Many small service providers, particularly the dot-coms, went bankrupt; much of their equipment is on the secondary market, at a fraction of the original cost. Thus the equipment market has significantly shrunk, and the equipment providers have been reducing expenses, while continuing to deliver software and hardware equipment at the high quality level required by the service providers. This drove many changes in the software development process. While the process changes are reported in two telecommunication equipment development organizations, the changes are applicable in any product development organization.

  17. A multi-agent approach to professional software engineering

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    M. Lützenberger; T. Küster; T. Konnerth; A. Thiele; N. Masuch; A. Heßler; J. Keiser; M. Burkhardt; S. Kaiser (Silvan); J. Tonn; M. Kaisers (Michael); S. Albayrak; M. Cossentino; A. Seghrouchni; M. Winikoff

    2013-01-01

    htmlabstractThe community of agent researchers and engineers has produced a number of interesting and mature results. However, agent technology is still not widely adopted by industrial software developers or software companies - possibly because existing frameworks are infused with academic

  18. Medical Surveillance, Continuous Health Promotion and a Participatory Intervention in a Small Company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nicola Magnavita

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available The workplace is an ideal setting for health promotion. The regular medical examination of workers enables us to screen for numerous diseases, spread good practices and correct lifestyles, and obtain a favourable risk/benefit ratio. The continuous monitoring of the level of workers’ wellbeing using a holistic approach during medical surveillance enables us to promptly identify problems in work organisation and the company climate. Problems of this kind can be adequately managed by using a participatory approach. The aim of this paper is twofold: to signal this way of proceeding with medical surveillance, and to describe an organisational development intervention. Participatory groups were used to improve occupational life in a small company. After intervention we observed a reduction in levels of perceived occupational stress measured with the Effort/Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and an improvement in psychological wellbeing assessed by means of the Goldberg Anxiety/Depression scale. Although the limited size of the sample and the lack of a control group call for a cautious evaluation of this study, the participatory strategy proved to be a useful tool due to its cost-effectiveness.

  19. Estimation and Control in Agile Methods for Software Development: a Case Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mitre-Hernández Hugo A.

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available The development of software (SW using agile methods is growing due to the productivity associated with these methodologies, in addition to the flexibility shown in small teams. However, these methods have clear weaknesses of software development in cost estimation and management, as well as the fact that project managers do not have enough evidence to verify the budget spending on a project due to the poor documentation generated and the lack of monitoring of resource spending. A proposal estimation and cost control in agile methods to solve these shortcomings. To this end, a case study was conducted in an agile software development company using the proposal for Software as a Service (SaaS and Web application projects. The results found were that the proposal generates a high degree of evidence for project managers, but it has shortcomings in the administration of the evidence for the control and decision making, which led to a definition of a decision making process to be coupled with the measurement proposal.

  20. Survey of industry methods for producing highly reliable software

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lawrence, J.D.; Persons, W.L.

    1994-11-01

    The Nuclear Reactor Regulation Office of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is charged with assessing the safety of new instrument and control designs for nuclear power plants which may use computer-based reactor protection systems. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has evaluated the latest techniques in software reliability for measurement, estimation, error detection, and prediction that can be used during the software life cycle as a means of risk assessment for reactor protection systems. One aspect of this task has been a survey of the software industry to collect information to help identify the design factors used to improve the reliability and safety of software. The intent was to discover what practices really work in industry and what design factors are used by industry to achieve highly reliable software. The results of the survey are documented in this report. Three companies participated in the survey: Computer Sciences Corporation, International Business Machines (Federal Systems Company), and TRW. Discussions were also held with NASA Software Engineering Lab/University of Maryland/CSC, and the AIAA Software Reliability Project

  1. Software Process Improvement: Supporting the Linking of the Software and the Business Strategies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Albuquerque, Adriano Bessa; Rocha, Ana Regina; Lima, Andreia Cavalcanti

    The market is becoming more and more competitive, a lot of products and services depend of the software product and the software is one of the most important assets, which influence the organizations’ businesses. Considering this context, we can observe that the companies must to deal with the software, developing or acquiring, carefully. One of the perspectives that can help to take advantage of the software, supporting effectively the business, is to invest on the organization’s software processes. This paper presents an approach to evaluate and improve the processes assets of the software organizations, based on internationally well-known standards and process models. This approach is supported by automated tools from the TABA Workstation and is part of a wider improvement strategy constituted of three layers (organizational layer, process execution layer and external entity layer). Moreover, this paper presents the experience of use and their results.

  2. Formulation of price strategies in the software sector: outsourcing of development and maintenance software product case

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonio Cezar Bornia

    2008-07-01

    Full Text Available The main goal of this article is to discuss the formulation of price strategies in the software sector. In the intention of reaching the proposed goal, strategies models of prices are introduced along with the procedure to the formulation of price strategies, composed by five stages: external and internal analyses, consolidation, positioning, price strategy formalization and market attendance. As for the methodology, the study is classified as qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, documental, of field and case study, according to the approach of Vergara (1998. In the case study, the model to the formulation of price strategies is applied in a company’s software sector, being analyzed the outsourcing of development and maintenance software product. As main contributions, it is highlighted the price procedure application that emphasizes strategic price logic and prices strategies formulations, with base in the analysis of five main factors: quality, comparison with the competition, company life cycle, product life cycle and characteristics of the segment-objective. Based on the analyzed factors, a possible strategy to be adopted considering the characteristics of the product and the company is the price strategy and superior value. Key-words: Pricing Strategies. Price Formulation. Software Enterprises.

  3. The Utility of Open Source Software in Military Systems

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Esperon, Agustin I; Munoz, Jose P; Tanneau, Jean M

    2005-01-01

    .... The companies involved were THALES and GMV. The MILOS project aimed to demonstrate benefits of Open Source Software in large software based military systems, by casting off constraints inherent to traditional proprietary COTS and by taking...

  4. The Company Approach to Software Engineering Project Courses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Broman, D.; Sandahl, K.; Abu Baker, M.

    2012-01-01

    Teaching larger software engineering project courses at the end of a computing curriculum is a way for students to learn some aspects of real-world jobs in industry. Such courses, often referred to as capstone courses, are effective for learning how to apply the skills they have acquired in, for example, design, test, and configuration management.…

  5. A Reusable Software Architecture for Small Satellite AOCS Systems

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Alminde, Lars; Bendtsen, Jan Dimon; Laursen, Karl Kaas

    2006-01-01

    This paper concerns the software architecture called Sophy, which is an abbreviation for Simulation, Observation, and Planning in HYbrid systems. We present a framework that allows execution of hybrid dynamical systems in an on-line distributed computing environment, which includes interaction...... with both hardware and on-board software. Some of the key issues addressed by the framework are automatic translation of mathematical specifications of hybrid systems into executable software entities, management of execution of coupled models in a parallel distributed environment, as well as interaction...... with external components, hardware and/or software, through generic interfaces. Sophy is primarily intended as a tool for development of model based reusable software for the control and autonomous functions of satellites and/or satellite clusters....

  6. A fresh recipe for designers: HCI approach to explore the nexus between design techniques and formal methods in software development

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Julian Galindo Losada

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available Emerging companies involved in design and implementation of innovative products demand multidisciplinary teams to be competitive in the market. This need mainly exposes designers to extend their knowledge not only in User Interface elements of the design process but also in software methodologies to cover the lack of resources and expertise in start-ups. It raises the question of how designers can line up HCI techniques with best practices in software development while preserving usability and easy-to-use principles. To explore this gap, this paper proposes an approach which combines existing technology and methods by studying the nexus between HCI prototyping and software engineering. The approach is applied into a case study in the design of a virtual shop harmonizing the use of storyboards and the spiral. A comprehensive analysis is performed by using a Technology acceptance model (TAM regarding with two variables: usability and easy-to-use. The present finding underlines the positive integration of HCI techniques and formal methods without compromising user satisfaction with a potential benefit for small companies in a formation stage.

  7. Software Security and the "Building Security in Maturity" Model

    CERN Document Server

    CERN. Geneva

    2011-01-01

    Using the framework described in my book "Software Security: Building Security In" I will discuss and describe the state of the practice in software security. This talk is peppered with real data from the field, based on my work with several large companies as a Cigital consultant. As a discipline, software security has made great progress over the last decade. Of the sixty large-scale software security initiatives we are aware of, thirty-two---all household names---are currently included in the BSIMM study. Those companies among the thirty-two who graciously agreed to be identified include: Adobe, Aon, Bank of America, Capital One, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), EMC, Google, Intel, Intuit, McKesson, Microsoft, Nokia, QUALCOMM, Sallie Mae, Standard Life, SWIFT, Symantec, Telecom Italia, Thomson Reuters, VMware, and Wells Fargo. The BSIMM was created by observing and analyzing real-world data from thirty-two leading software security initiatives. The BSIMM can...

  8. Ecolabel and ecodesign. Aims impossible for small and medium companies?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Luciani, R.; Andriola, L.; Masoni, P.

    2000-01-01

    It is commonly held by now that a policy of sustainable development in the production sector cannot be faced in terms of simply reducing the environmental impact at the end of the production chain but should be imprinted with a preventive approach which, intervening on the production cycles and the products themselves, helps minimize pressure on the environment. To be competitive manufacturing industry must contribute a determinant amount to sustainable development by reducing the material content of products and increasing their use value, through processes and products-services that are innovative, safer, cleaner and based on a low use of natural resources. To be effective and avoid merely shifting the problem, this work should not be aimed at the level of individual plants or industries but be broadly planned, taking into account the entire value chain and hence the product's whole life-cycle. In addition, support should be given to small and medium-sized companies that characterize Italian production, because they find it hard to use the tools of a product policy originally ideated for big business [it

  9. Managing Risk Areas in Software Development Offshoring: A CMMI Level 5 Case

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Persson, John Stouby; Schlichter, Bjarne Rerup

    2015-01-01

    Software companies are increasingly offshoring development to countries with high expertise at lower cost. Offshoring involves particular risk areas that if ignored increase the likelihood of failure. However, the offshoring client’s maturity level may influence the management of these risk areas....... Against this backdrop, we present an interpretive case study of how managers perceive and mitigate the risk areas in software development offshoring with a mature CMMI level 5 (Capability Maturity Model, Integrated) software company as the client. We find that managers perceive and mitigate most...

  10. A framework for business oriented software quality approaches

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Trienekens, J.J.M.; Veenendaal, van E.P.W.M.; McMullan, J.

    1997-01-01

    The importance of software for business systems continues to grow. Software products play an increasingly important role in industry and society. The need f~r delivering "quality products" and "quality services" has become as relevant for companies in the field qf sqfiware development as for any

  11. OPTIMIZATION OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMICAL MECHANISM BETWEEN SMALL AND LARGE COMPANIES IN THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS SPHERE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    K. B. Dobrova

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper analyzes the main directions to optimize the organizational and economical mechanism between small and large companies in the production and sale of dairy products sphere in the Russian practice.

  12. Upgradable Software Product Customization by Code Query

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Vaucouleur, Sebastien

    The professional press on enterprise systems warns its readers: Costly., A return on investment killer. , Be prepared!. What can create some much af- iction and turmoil in an otherwise very successful industry? Come and meet the dreadful upgrade problem. Enterprise systems are prime examples...... of a subset of software systems that we call software products: software that needs special support for customization. Through customization, external companies can modify part of the original product to better t the needs of a niche market. Upon the release of a new version of the original software product...

  13. Aircraft Design Software

    Science.gov (United States)

    1997-01-01

    Successful commercialization of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) tool has resulted in the creation of Phoenix Integration, Inc. ACSYNT has been exclusively licensed to the company, an outcome of a seven year, $3 million effort to provide unique software technology to a focused design engineering market. Ames Research Center formulated ACSYNT and in working with the Virginia Polytechnic Institute CAD Laboratory, began to design and code a computer-aided design for ACSYNT. Using a Joint Sponsored Research Agreement, Ames formed an industry-government-university alliance to improve and foster research and development for the software. As a result of the ACSYNT Institute, the software is becoming a predominant tool for aircraft conceptual design. ACSYNT has been successfully applied to high- speed civil transport configuration, subsonic transports, and supersonic fighters.

  14. Energy diagnoses to the small company; Diagnosticos energeticos a la pequena empresa

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ambriz Garcia, Juan Jose; Ortega Navarro, Hermilio Oscar [Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico D.F. (Mexico)

    2005-07-01

    In this work are presented some results of the application of energy diagnoses to small companies. These diagnoses use the methodology developed by the Department of Energy of the United States of America and are performed by advanced students of engineering and university professors. The results of four energy diagnoses applied to companies of different branches are presented. In the studies the energy saving alternatives are evaluated, as well as their economic impact and their economic viability. The annual energy saving according to the company goes from 25,600 to 596,000 MJ (from 1.2 to 10.5%), which means a saving from $5,300 to $165,000 Mexican Currency (1.43 to 9.27%). The simple rate of return goes of 0.5 to 9.3 years. From the work it is concluded that the application of that methodology of energy diagnoses in Mexico is very feasible, since with very low costs opportunities of energy savings are identified and evaluated for this section of companies that traditionally have not been taken care of by the official programs and allows them to give launch to a solid program of energy improvement. [Spanish] En este trabajo se presentan algunos resultados de la aplicacion de diagnosticos energeticos a pequenas empresas. Se utiliza la metodologia desarrollada por el Departamento de Energia de los Estados Unidos de America, en donde, los estudios los realizan alumnos avanzados de ingenieria y profesores de universidades. Como ejemplo se presentan los resultados de cuatro diagnosticos energeticos aplicados a empresas de distintas ramas. En los estudios se evaluan las alternativas de ahorro de energia, tanto en la energia ahorrada, como su impacto economico, asi como su viabilidad economica. El ahorro anual de energia segun la empresa va de 25,600 a 596,000 MJ (de 1.2 a 10.5%), lo que significa un ahorro de $5,300 a $165,000 (1.43 a 9.27%). La tasa simple de retorno va de 0.5 a 9.3 anos. Del trabajo se concluye que la aplicacion de esa metodologia de diagnosticos

  15. Social Capital, ICT Use and Company Performance

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Scupola, Ada; Steinfield, Charles; Lopez-Nicolas, Carolina

    2010-01-01

    to information and opportunity predicted company performance, particularly for small start-up companies. The pattern of results complements prior work that establishes the importance of social capital in regional business clusters by demonstrating how certain ICT uses complement personal relationships to enhance......This study explores how some uses of ICTs, as well as having social capital and other means of access to knowledge resources, are related to company performance in a knowledge-intensive business cluster. Data were collected through a survey of companies in the Medicon Valley biotech region located...... in Denmark and Southern Sweden. Responding companies included established producers of biotechnology-related products as well as small biotechnology start-up firms emphasizing research and development.  The results suggest that when ICT use was aimed at accessing and enhancing human and intellectual capital...

  16. Social Capital, ICT Use and Company Performance

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Steinfield, Charles; Scupola, Ada; López-Nicolás, Carolina

    2009-01-01

    to information and opportunity predicted company performance, particularly for small start-up companies. The pattern of results complements prior work that establishes the importance of social capital in regional business clusters by demonstrating how ICT use complements personal relationships to enhance......This study explores how some kinds of ICT uses, as well as social capital and other means of access to knowledge resources, are related to company performance in a knowledge-intensive business cluster. Data were collected through a survey of companies in the Medicon Valley biotech region located...... in Denmark and Southern Sweden. Responding companies included established producers of biotechnology-related products as well as small biotechnology start-up firms emphasizing research and development.  The results suggest that when ICT use was aimed at accessing and enhancing human and intellectual capital...

  17. Provider software buyer's guide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    1994-03-01

    To help long term care providers find new ways to improve quality of care and efficiency, Provider magazine presents the fourth annual listing of software firms marketing computer programs for all areas of nursing facility operations. On the following five pages, more than 80 software firms display their wares, with programs such as minimum data set and care planning, dietary, accounting and financials, case mix, and medication administration records. The guide also charts compatible hardware, integration ability, telephone numbers, company contacts, and easy-to-use reader service numbers.

  18. Applying open innovation in business strategies : Evidence from Finnish software firms

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Harison, Elad; Koski, Heli

    Our study aims at shedding light on the innovative business strategies in the software sector and understanding better the economics that underlies the supply of Open Source Software (OSS). We use survey data collected from 170 Finnish software companies to investigate how different properties of

  19. Cross-platform software development with Qt

    CERN Multimedia

    CERN. Geneva

    2018-01-01

    Overview of the Qt framework, new features of Qt 5.10 and preview of the Qt roadmap Introduction of the Qt framework as well as the new features and improvements of Qt 5.10. Showcase the different Qt UI technologies such as Widgets and Qml, overview of the automation suite and preview of the new features to come in Qt Creator. Elaborating on the Qt 3D offering and preview of the Qt roadmap. Presenting use cases of Qt integration in the medical and automation sectors. About the speaker Ionut is a serial entrepreneur, now working as Qt Adviser for The Qt Company. He studied biomedical engineering in Montreal, Canada and worked for 4 years as a Senior Software Developer at a software company in the life science and medical imaging area. He founded two interactive media companies, one in Montreal, Canada and another one in Berlin, Germany. Ionut has also more than 10 years of experience in the digital signage industry. He has been working with the Qt framework since 2006 and is a huge fan of it.   &...

  20. Management Guidelines for Database Developers' Teams in Software Development Projects

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rusu, Lazar; Lin, Yifeng; Hodosi, Georg

    Worldwide job market for database developers (DBDs) is continually increasing in last several years. In some companies, DBDs are organized as a special team (DBDs team) to support other projects and roles. As a new role, the DBDs team is facing a major problem that there are not any management guidelines for them. The team manager does not know which kinds of tasks should be assigned to this team and what practices should be used during DBDs work. Therefore in this paper we have developed a set of management guidelines, which includes 8 fundamental tasks and 17 practices from software development process, by using two methodologies Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and agile software development in particular Scrum in order to improve the DBDs team work. Moreover the management guidelines developed here has been complemented with practices from authors' experience in this area and has been evaluated in the case of a software company. The management guidelines for DBD teams presented in this paper could be very usefully for other companies too that are using a DBDs team and could contribute towards an increase of the efficiency of these teams in their work on software development projects.

  1. Countries and companies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jenning, J.S.

    1990-01-01

    The trends and factors currently emerging are likely to have significant influence on the way the upstream oil and gas industry evolves in the coming decade. This paper discusses how these trends might influence events in the 1990s, particularly how they might influence relationships between host countries and companies in the oil industry. State owned companies will dominate the industry in resource terms. These statcos fall into three groups: a small group of technically able, financially sound, well-managed companies; a group of consumer statcos that have limited domestic production but significant domestic demand; a large group that are finding it difficult to maintain their production facilities in good standing to maximize recovery from their resources. This paper describes the future private sector as consisting of the Surviving Sisters and smaller, private companies very active in the upstream. How will these various players behave in the years to come? Conventional activity in the upstream will continue as companies seek to optimize their upstream portfolios

  2. From outbound to inbound marketing for a web-development company

    OpenAIRE

    Liukkonen, Maria

    2016-01-01

    The objective of the thesis is transformation from outbound to inbound marketing of a web-development company based on social media channels. The company is called Tulikipuna and it offers web-development services, coding for web, intelligent websites solutions and software services to all kinds of corporate clients and companies. The theoretical framework was based on defining concept of digital marketing; the difference between otbound and inbound marketing,social media sites and curre...

  3. ORNL-SAS: Versatile software for calculation of small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering intensity profiles from arbitrary structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Heller, William T; Tjioe, Elina

    2007-01-01

    ORNL-SAS is software for calculating solution small-angle scattering intensity profiles from any structure provided in the Protein Data Bank format and can also compare the results with experimental data

  4. A Vertical Approach to Knowledge Management: Codification and Personalization in Software Processes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jahn, Karsten; Nielsen, Peter Axel

    2011-01-01

    Software process improvement is a practical concern in software companies today and it has been addressed in research. Part of this research has applied a knowledge management perspective. Researchers point out that two different strategies exist where a mixture is difficult to maintain......: Personalization (focus on people and their collaboration) and codification (focus on documents and their accessibility). This paper addresses different knowledge management problems of a software company and how they can be alleviated. A prototype, which distinguishes between different organizational levels (e.......g., software managers and software developers) and applies different knowledge management strategies, was built. It consists of a wiki and an enterprise system. This article shows how each part of the system focuses on one of the strategies and describes the differences for tool support. This combination could...

  5. Accounting management software intellectual rent companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    T.S. Osadcha

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Економічні науки. – 2015. – № 4 (74. – P. 43–49: Table 4. – Refs.: 22. As a result of the study it has been established that intellectual rent as additional income arises resulting from the usage of intellectual property objects. At present the issue of the accounting reflection of transactions that form intellectual rent remains to be not thoroughly disclosed and requires more depth study for improving the performance of the innovative enterprises as well as for increasing the informativeness of the accounting system. In connection with the above defined organizational and methodical aspects of accounting operations with intellectual rent in assessing the rents of its type, the definition of accounts for the accounting reflection of the order determining the amount of intellectual rent on accounting data. Proposed document that would facilitate the work of accountants for the calculation of the amount of intellectual rent and provide information about the effectiveness of the company. Application of the proposed method of accounting reflect the formation and distribution of intellectual rent allows management personnel to provide the necessary innovative activity of the enterprise information management rent, since it is a type of income of the enterprise.

  6. 13 CFR 107.115 - 1940 Act and 1980 Act Companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false 1940 Act and 1980 Act Companies. 107.115 Section 107.115 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS... Companies. A 1940 Act or 1980 Act Company is eligible to apply for an SBIC license, and an existing Licensee...

  7. A Full-Featured User Friendly CO2-EOR and Sequestration Planning Software

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Savage, Bill [Nitec LLC, Denver, CO (United States)

    2013-11-30

    A Full-Featured, User Friendly CO2-EOR and Sequestration Planning Software This project addressed the development of an integrated software solution that includes a graphical user interface, numerical simulation, visualization tools and optimization processes for reservoir simulation modeling of CO2-EOR. The objective was to assist the industry in the development of domestic energy resources by expanding the application of CO2-EOR technologies, and ultimately to maximize the CO2} sequestration capacity of the U.S. The software resulted in a field-ready application for the industry to address the current CO2-EOR technologies. The software has been made available to the public without restrictions and with user friendly operating documentation and tutorials. The software (executable only) can be downloaded from NITEC’s website at www.nitecllc.com. This integrated solution enables the design, optimization and operation of CO2-EOR processes for small and mid-sized operators, who currently cannot afford the expensive, time intensive solutions that the major oil companies enjoy. Based on one estimate, small oil fields comprise 30% of the of total economic resource potential for the application of CO2-EOR processes in the U.S. This corresponds to 21.7 billion barrels of incremental, technically recoverable oil using the current “best practices”, and 31.9 billion barrels using “next-generation” CO2-EOR techniques. The project included a Case Study of a prospective CO2-EOR candidate field in Wyoming by a small independent, Linc Energy Petroleum Wyoming, Inc. NITEC LLC has an established track record of developing innovative and user friendly software. The Principle Investigator is an experienced manager and engineer with expertise in software development, numerical techniques, and GUI applications. Unique, presently-proprietary NITEC technologies have been integrated

  8. Open Source Software in Medium Size Organizations: Key Factors for Adoption

    Science.gov (United States)

    Solomon, Jerry T.

    2010-01-01

    For-profit organizations are constantly evaluating new technologies to gain competitive advantage. One such technology, application software, has changed significantly over the past 25 years with the introduction of Open Source Software (OSS). In contrast to commercial software that is developed by private companies and sold to organizations, OSS…

  9. Book Review: A History of the Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping Company, 1948–1989: How a Small, Landlocked Country Ran Maritime Business During the Cold War

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Taudal Poulsen, René

    2016-01-01

    Review of: Lenka Krátká: A History of the Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping Company, 1948–1989: How a Small, Landlocked Country Ran Maritime Business During the Cold War. Stuttgart: Ibidem Verlag, 2015. x + 271 pp., tables, notes, bibliography. ISBN: 978-3-8382-0666-0, £23.90 (pbk).......Review of: Lenka Krátká: A History of the Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping Company, 1948–1989: How a Small, Landlocked Country Ran Maritime Business During the Cold War. Stuttgart: Ibidem Verlag, 2015. x + 271 pp., tables, notes, bibliography. ISBN: 978-3-8382-0666-0, £23.90 (pbk)....

  10. A Bayesian Approach to International Distributor Selection for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Software Industry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lui, Joseph P.

    2013-01-01

    Identifying appropriate international distributors for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the software industry for overseas markets can determine a firm's future endeavors in international expansion. SMEs lack the complex skills in market research and decision analysis to identify suitable partners to engage in global market entry.…

  11. ADVANTAGES OBTAINED BY THE SMALL COMPANIES BY APPEALING TO MANAGERIAL AND FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT ON THE TOURISM SERVICES MARKET

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    MONICA PĂTRUŢESCU

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available The tourism is a field which offers multiple opportunities in deploying an activity, by the small companies. The problems arise as activities related to the creation, management and development of the business become more and more complex. Their solving is possible if the entrepreneur understands the need to benefit from assistance from outside the company, consultancy in management and financial-accounting consultancy capable to defend the interests of his customer and to ensure the support needed for a successful business.

  12. Evaluation and selection of security products for authentication of computer software

    Science.gov (United States)

    Roenigk, Mark W.

    2000-04-01

    Software Piracy is estimated to cost software companies over eleven billion dollars per year in lost revenue worldwide. Over fifty three percent of all intellectual property in the form of software is pirated on a global basis. Software piracy has a dramatic effect on the employment figures for the information industry as well. In the US alone, over 130,000 jobs are lost annually as a result of software piracy.

  13. Using scenario based programming to develop embedded control software

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Bettiol, F.

    2015-01-01

    A new paradigm to develop embedded software is waking up the interest of companies. Its name is Scenario Based Programming and it claims to be a good approach to develop embedded software. Live Sequence Charts (LSC), a visual language supporting the paradigm, enables the developers to specify a

  14. Software Accelerates Computing Time for Complex Math

    Science.gov (United States)

    2014-01-01

    Ames Research Center awarded Newark, Delaware-based EM Photonics Inc. SBIR funding to utilize graphic processing unit (GPU) technology- traditionally used for computer video games-to develop high-computing software called CULA. The software gives users the ability to run complex algorithms on personal computers with greater speed. As a result of the NASA collaboration, the number of employees at the company has increased 10 percent.

  15. Software de balanced scorecard: proposta de um roteiro de implantação Balanced scorecard software: proposal of a guideline implementation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Oswaldo Keiji Hikage

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available Em 1992, o conceito de Balanced Scorecard (BSC foi apresentado por Robert Kaplan e David Norton e em razão de sua disseminação muitas empresas que o adotaram e passaram por processos de fusões e aquisições tiveram suas informações aumentadas consideravelmente em seus bancos de dados. Esta série de informações e a necessidade de gerenciar com eficiência os indicadores estratégicos, de disponibilizar rapidamente relatórios gerenciais, analisar e simular cenários levaram as empresas a buscar um sistema automatizado. Dessa forma, algumas preocupações passaram a ter importância: como selecionar um software de BSC? Como implantar um software de BSC? Além das dificuldades inerentes à aquisição de qualquer software, a situação especificamente tratada neste artigo apresenta algumas peculiaridades, diante da intensa interação entre a sistemática do BSC e os softwares que o suportam. Este artigo, por meio de um estudo de caso realizado em uma empresa do setor de telecomunicações, enfoca a implantação de um software de BSC, visando ao desenvolvimento de um roteiro que possa sistematizar o processo.Since 1992, when Robert Kaplan and David Norton developed the concepts of Balanced Scorecard (BSC, many companies that adopted these concepts and survived in a higher competitive environment charicterized of high number of mergers, purchases and shutdowns increased the volume of information in their database. So, in consequence of the adoption of BSC, there is the needed for implementing a computerized control system, due to the work with the BSC and the management of a great volume of information. In this context, when the companies decide to implement a BSC software, they faced two problems: how to choose the BSC software? How to implement the selected software? This study proposes to develop a guideline for the BSC software introduction based on a case study in a telecommunication company and the experience from the practice on

  16. Private companies – policy, proliferation, policing

    OpenAIRE

    Hicks, Andrew

    1998-01-01

    The Law Commission’s work reviewing the law on private companies and on partnership law creates a unique opportunity to focus on the long term needs of the small business sector. Andrew Hicks argues that small businesses should be given a real choice of corporate form, either the traditional limited company or a new and efficient “business corporation” which does not confer limited liability on its members. Article by Andrew Hicks (Solicitor, Senior lecturer, University of Exeter) published i...

  17. Software development methodologies and practices in startups:systematic literature review

    OpenAIRE

    Tegegne, E. (Esubalew)

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Startups are newly created companies with little or no operating history and with limited resources and markets. Software startup are aiming to develop cutting edge software products under highly uncertain conditions, overcoming fast-growing markets under multiple influences. The significance of startups for economic development is growing in software business due to their ability to quickly create innovative techn...

  18. Process based unification for multi-model software process improvement

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kelemen, Z.D.

    2013-01-01

    Many different quality approaches are available in the software industry. Some of the ap-proaches, such as ISO 9001 are not software specific, i.e. they define general requirements for an organization and they can be used at any company. Others, such as Automotive SPICE have been derived from a

  19. Innovation leadership in software product management

    OpenAIRE

    Saine, Pasi

    2017-01-01

    One of the key criteria for a software company competiveness and productivity is to be innovative. Aim of this thesis work was to examine how NSN innovation strategy plans and leadership has been fulfilled by the company so far. Also with intention of observing on means how these are grounded as part of everyday working in research and development. Intention was to claim constructive arguments on how innovative processes and concepts are working in relation to the plans on NSN. I have an ...

  20. The evolution analysis of listed companies co-holding non-listed financial companies based on two-mode heterogeneous networks

    Science.gov (United States)

    An, Pengli; Li, Huajiao; Zhou, Jinsheng; Chen, Fan

    2017-10-01

    Complex network theory is a widely used tool in the empirical research of financial markets. Two-mode and multi-mode networks are new trends and represent new directions in that they can more accurately simulate relationships between entities. In this paper, we use data for Chinese listed companies holding non-listed financial companies over a ten-year period to construct two networks: a two-mode primitive network in which listed companies and non-listed financial companies are considered actors and events, respectively, and a one-mode network that is constructed based on the decreasing-mode method in which listed companies are considered nodes. We analyze the evolution of the listed company co-holding network from several perspectives, including that of the whole network, of information control ability, of implicit relationships, of community division and of small-world characteristics. The results of the analysis indicate that (1) China's developing stock market affects the share-holding condition of listed companies holding non-listed financial companies; (2) the information control ability of co-holding networks is focused on a few listed companies and the implicit relationship of investment preference between listed companies is determined by the co-holding behavior; (3) the community division of the co-holding network is increasingly obvious, as determined by the investment preferences among listed companies; and (4) the small-world characteristics of the co-holding network are increasingly obvious, resulting in reduced communication costs. In this paper, we conduct an evolution analysis and develop an understanding of the factors that influence the listed companies co-holding network. This study will help illuminate research on evolution analysis.

  1. Environmental management in small and medium-sized companies: an analysis from the perspective of the theory of planned behavior.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sánchez-Medina, Agustín J; Romero-Quintero, Leonardo; Sosa-Cabrera, Silvia

    2014-01-01

    In the business context, concern for the environment began to develop when pressure from the public administration and environmental awareness groups raised the specific requirements for companies. The Theory of Planned Behavior considers that people's conduct is determined by the intention of carrying out a certain behavior. Thus, the individual's intent is determined by three factors related to the desired outcome of the behavior: the Personal Attitude toward the Results, the Perceived Social Norms, and the Perceived Behavioral Control over the action. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to clarify the attitudes of the managers of Canarian small and medium-sized companies about taking environmental measures, and try to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between the proposed factors and the intention to take these measures.

  2. Sourcing Lifecycle for Software as a Service (SAAS)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Santy; Sikkel, K.

    2014-03-01

    In recent years, Software as a Service (SaaS) has changed from curiosity caused concept to an accepted well known concept. A key advantage of this model is that, by cautious engineering, it is possible to influence economy of scale to decrease total cost of ownership compared to on-premises solutions. By using the guideline elaborated in this paper, companies which has interest in implementing SaaS will be led throughout the entire implementation cycle starting before the company decides to implement SaaS until the stage when the company decides to shift from SaaS model to another model or when they shift to another SaaS company

  3. Software Process Improvement for SMEs using OMM

    OpenAIRE

    Rodríguez, Jessica

    2010-01-01

    Software Process Improvement initiatives have been implemented by many companies in order to achieve quality of products and practices. Many models like CMMI and IDEAL have been adopted as a means to gain competitive advantages among competitors and trustworthiness of customers. Although these models have proved successful results, the inherent characteristics of SMEs make it difficult and in many cases unfeasible to implement such models, without meaning that those companies are less capable...

  4. Business Management Software Axolon ERP

    OpenAIRE

    Axolon ERP Solution

    2018-01-01

    Axolon ERP a Business Management Software www.axolonerp.com by Micromind is a comprehensive business management software solution for businesses. We deliver Business Management Software Dubai in UAE, GCC Countries and products also include ERP Software Dubai. HR & Payroll, Inventory Software, Project Management, Software Development, Solutions and Services in Dubai, UAE for small and medium sized Enterprises (SME) in the middle east with a easy-to-use, secure and efficient business management...

  5. Analyzing the collective intelligence application software Wisdom Professional for (social) media planning: Case study Coca-Cola

    OpenAIRE

    Fayezioghani, Elham

    2013-01-01

    In this thesis, the main goal is set to demonstrate how a collective intelligence application software works and can be used for marketing purposes. Following this objective, it is aimed to optimize advertising in Social media for a company or enterprise by using a collective intelligence software. To this end, the Wisdom Professional software from MicroStrategy Company is utilized to derive required information. These data are kind of raw data that are derived from the information of Faceboo...

  6. Computer-assisted operational management of power plants in the field of tension between standard and individual software; IT-unterstuetzte Betriebsfuehrung von Kraftwerken. Im Spannungsfeld von Standard- und Individual-Software

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hippmann, Norbert [RWE Power AG, Essen (Germany). Sparte Steinkohle-/Gas-Kraftwerke

    2010-07-01

    Process routines in the operational management of power plants - particularly maintenance - are now largely planned, controlled and documented with the help of IT. Depending on corporate policy, IT support for routines is currently realised either with commercially available standard ERP software or with dedicated applications that have been specially developed for a given company. Whereas standard software has certain technical benefits (homogeneous databases, data integrity, standard user interface, no software interfaces, standard maintenance and service), customised applications have the undisputed advantage of offering the best possible mapping of company-specific process routines. By exploiting the full spectrum of IT enhancement options of its SAP system, RWE Power has largely combined the respective benefits of both standard and customised software, while also realising high-end user requirements that go beyond the mere standard. (orig.)

  7. Systems and software variability management concepts, tools and experiences

    CERN Document Server

    Capilla, Rafael; Kang, Kyo-Chul

    2013-01-01

    The success of product line engineering techniques in the last 15 years has popularized the use of software variability as a key modeling approach for describing the commonality and variability of systems at all stages of the software lifecycle. Software product lines enable a family of products to share a common core platform, while allowing for product specific functionality being built on top of the platform. Many companies have exploited the concept of software product lines to increase the resources that focus on highly differentiating functionality and thus improve their competitiveness

  8. Breaking the mould : eschewing the conventional client-vendor relationship, companies collaborate for back-office IT

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Anon.

    2010-01-15

    In an effort to solve the problems that production accountants face when converting from one software system to another, EnCana Corporation, Talisman Energy, Husky Energy and Devon have joined forces to create a lasting solution for a sustainable production accounting system for the petroleum industry. The companies put the concept out to tender and received 18 responses from across North America and overseas before choosing CGI, Canada's largest pure-play IT business process outsourcing company. With 26,000 employees, offices in 16 countries and revenues of $3.8 billion in 2009, the Montreal-based company already produced one of the 4 major production accounting systems in use in Western Canada, called Triangle, as well as production, financial and asset management systems. CGI embraced the concept from inception, revamping the development process to bring the producers into the decision-making process. Production accounting professionals and subject matter experts worked with CGI software engineers to develop the Production Accounting Solution (PAS) system. CGI adopted the shareholder model whereby the sustainment board set the development priorities, approved the budgets, approved the staffing rates, and set the service levels and reserves for future technology development. As such, the industry was in full control. CGI also chose the highly-collaborative agile methodology to produce the PAS. This involved breaking tasks into small increments worked on by self-organizing teams in iterations, with regular re-evaluation where teamwork and customer involvement were emphasized. PAS design allows for simple export/input of entire property master and monthly data. PAS testing began in 2007. 2 refs.

  9. On using an efficiency matrix in analysing profit per employee (on the basis of the Estonian SME software sector 

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paavo Siimann

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available Service companies earn their profit mainly due to their employees’ intellectual skills, therefore, increasing profit per employee is one opportunity to increase profit and thereby also the company’s market value. In this article the number of employees, the value of owners’ equity and loan capital, operating expenses, net sales and profit before income tax have been used to analyse the change in profit per employee of the Estonian software small and medium-sized enterprise (SME sector in total, and for small and medium-sized companies separately in the years 2009–2013. Furthermore, this article demonstrates that the efficiency matrix methodology and its developments that were refined in Estonia and Russia from the 1960s to the 1990s can be deployed nowadays as well. Of all the components, profit margin and owners’ equity per employee showed the most rapid growth during the analysed period. Profit per employee was higher in the small enterprises segment and lowest among medium-sized enterprises, where owners’ equity per employee, net sales to operating expenses, and profit margin were lower than in small enterprises over the whole period analysed.

  10. Management models in the NZ software industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Holger Spill

    Full Text Available This research interviewed eight innovative New Zealand software companies to find out how they manage new product development. It looked at how management used standard techniques of software development to manage product uncertainty through the theoretical lens of the Cyclic Innovation Model. The study found that while there is considerable variation, the management of innovation was largely determined by the level of complexity. Organizations with complex innovative software products had a more iterative software development style, more flexible internal processes and swifter decision-making. Organizations with less complexity in their products tended to use more formal structured approaches. Overall complexity could be inferred with reference to four key factors within the development environment.

  11. Empowering global software development with business intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Maté Morga, Alejandro; Trujillo Mondéjar, Juan Carlos; García, Félix; Serrano Martín, Manuel; Piattini, Mario

    2016-01-01

    Context: Global Software Development (GSD) allows companies to take advantage of talent spread across the world. Most research has been focused on the development aspect. However, little if any attention has been paid to the management of GSD projects. Studies report a lack of adequate support for management’s decisions made during software development, further accentuated in GSD since information is scattered throughout multiple factories, stored in different formats and standards. Objective...

  12. Features of commercial computer software systems for medical examiners and coroners.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hanzlick, R L; Parrish, R G; Ing, R

    1993-12-01

    There are many ways of automating medical examiner and coroner offices, one of which is to purchase commercial software products specifically designed for death investigation. We surveyed four companies that offer such products and requested information regarding each company and its hardware, software, operating systems, peripheral devices, applications, networking options, programming language, querying capability, coding systems, prices, customer support, and number and size of offices using the product. Although the four products (CME2, ForenCIS, InQuest, and Medical Examiner's Software System) are similar in many respects and each can be installed on personal computers, there are differences among the products with regard to cost, applications, and the other features. Death investigators interested in office automation should explore these products to determine the usefulness of each in comparison with the others and in comparison with general-purpose, off-the-shelf databases and software adaptable to death investigation needs.

  13. Hotel software-comprehensive hotel systems

    OpenAIRE

    Šilhová, Lenka

    2010-01-01

    This bachelor's thesis deals with the usage of computer systems in the hotel industry. First part is focused on history, development and integration of technology into this field. Second part is dedicated to concrete products of the company Micros-Fidelio, which is the leader of hotel software market in the Czech Republic.

  14. The Limited Liability Company: An Analysis

    OpenAIRE

    Wayne Wells; Gary Yoshimoto

    1993-01-01

    In recent years, businesses in many states have been given the opportunity to select a new form in which to conduct business called the limited liability company. This form provides the advantage of the personal liability protection of a corporation, while being taxed as a partnership. If most states create the limited liability company and current issues of uncertainty are favorably resolved, the limited liability company should become the most advantageous business form for most small and m...

  15. Seeding the cloud: Financial bootstrapping in the computer software sector

    OpenAIRE

    Mac An Bhaird, Ciarán; Lynn, Theo

    2015-01-01

    This study investigates resourcing of computer software companies that have adopted cloud computing for the development and delivery of application software. Use of this innovative technology potentially impacts firm financing because the initial infrastructure investment requirement is much lower than for packaged software, lead time to market is shorter, and cloud computing supports instant scalability. We test these predictions by conducting in-depth interviews with founders of 18 independ...

  16. Intercultural challenges in offshore software development outsourcing relationship: an empirical study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khan, S.U.; Azeem, M.I.

    2016-01-01

    The importance of intercultural challenges is recognized by both the practitioners and researchers in offshore software development outsourcing (OSDO) relationships. These challenges affect almost all the activities involved in offshore software development outsourcing relationships especially communication, mutual understanding, interpretation and decision making processes etc. which in turn leads to project failure. In our previous published study we identified, through systematic literature review (SLR), various intercultural challenges faced by vendors in OSDO relationship. The aim of this study was to validate these findings through industry practitioners and to identify its intensity as well as to identify any other intercultural challenges, faced by vendor organizations in OSDO relationships. We performed questionnaire surveys with 41 experts from different software companies. A seven point likert scale was used to determine the significance of each intercultural challenge. Our findings indicate that all the intercultural challenges are critical for OSDO vendors. We further analyzed these challenges based on different variables, such as company size, company type, expert's job/position etc. We have identified that there is no significant difference in the intercultural challenges based on company type and expert's experience level. We identified that language and language proficiency is the most commonly agreed and difference in social behavior is the most commonly disagreed intercultural challenge in the category of both sizes of company. Similarly language and language proficiency is the most commonly agreed challenge based on experts job positions. (author)

  17. Environmental Management in Small and Medium-Sized Companies: An Analysis from the Perspective of the Theory of Planned Behavior

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sánchez-Medina, Agustín J.; Romero-Quintero, Leonardo; Sosa-Cabrera, Silvia

    2014-01-01

    In the business context, concern for the environment began to develop when pressure from the public administration and environmental awareness groups raised the specific requirements for companies. The Theory of Planned Behavior considers that people's conduct is determined by the intention of carrying out a certain behavior. Thus, the individual's intent is determined by three factors related to the desired outcome of the behavior: the Personal Attitude toward the Results, the Perceived Social Norms, and the Perceived Behavioral Control over the action. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to clarify the attitudes of the managers of Canarian small and medium-sized companies about taking environmental measures, and try to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between the proposed factors and the intention to take these measures. PMID:24533094

  18. Sourcing Lifecycle for Software as a Service (SAAS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Santy

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available In recent years, Software as a Service (SaaS has changed from curiosity caused concept to an accepted well known concept. A key advantage of this model is that, by cautious engineering, it is possible to influence economy of scale to decrease total cost of ownership compared to on-premises solutions. By using the guideline elaborated in this paper, companies which has interest in implementing SaaS will be led throughout the entire implementation cycle starting before the company decides to implement SaaS until the stage when the company decides to shift from SaaS model to another model or when they shift to another SaaS company

  19. Agile development with software process mining

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Rubin, V.A.; Lomazova, I.A.; Aalst, van der W.M.P.

    2014-01-01

    Modern companies continue investing more and more in the creation, maintenance and change of software systems, but the proper specification and design of such systems continues to be a challenge. The majority of current approaches either ignore real user and system runtime behavior or consider it

  20. How To Set Up Your Own Small Business. Service Company Case Study. Manufacturing Firm Case Study. Retail Store Case Study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fallek, Max

    This collection of case studies is intended for use in a course in setting up a small business. The first, a case study of the process of setting up a service company, covers analyzing the pros and cons of starting one's own business, assessing the competition and local market, and selecting a site for and financing the business. The principal…

  1. Journals May Soon Use Anti-Plagiarism Software on Their Authors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rampell, Catherine

    2008-01-01

    This spring, academic journals may turn the anti-plagiarism software that professors have been using against their students on the professors themselves. CrossRef, a publishing industry association, and the software company iParadigms announced a deal last week to create CrossCheck, an anti-plagiarism program for academic journals. The software…

  2. Buy, don't build -- What does that mean for a software developer?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Little, T.; Rahi, M.A.; Sinclair, C.

    1995-01-01

    The buzz phrase of the 1990's for the petroleum software industry has become ''buy, don't build.'' For an end user in an oil company, this generally means acquiring application software rather than developing it internally. The concept of buy, don't build can also apply for a software developer. Purchasing software toolkit components can expedite the development of an application as well as reduce future support requirements

  3. A CRITICAL STUDY AND COMPARISON OF MANUFACTURING SIMULATION SOFTWARES USING ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ASHU GUPTA

    2010-03-01

    Full Text Available In a period of continuous change in global business environment, organizations, large and small, are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with, and adjust to the demands for such change. Simulation is a powerful tool for allowing designers imagines new systems and enabling them to both quantify and observe behavior. Currently the market offers a variety of simulation software packages. Some are less expensive than others. Some are generic and can be used in a wide variety of application areas while others are more specific. Some have powerful features for modeling while others provide only basic features. Modeling approaches and strategies are different for different packages. Companies are seeking advice about the desirable features of software for manufacturing simulation, depending on the purpose of its use. Because of this, the importance of an adequate approach to simulation software evaluation and comparison is apparent. This paper presents a critical evaluation of four widely used manufacturing simulators: NX-IDEAS, Star-CD, Micro Saint Sharp and ProModel. Following a review of research into simulation software evaluation, an evaluation and comparison of the above simulators is performed. This paper illustrates and assesses the role the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP played in simulation software evaluation and selection. The main purpose of this evaluation and comparison is to discover the suitability of certain types of simulators for particular purposes.

  4. SIX SIGMA METHODOLOGIES: IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACTS ON PORTUGUESE SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES (SMES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luis Fonseca

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available Six Sigma is a disciplined approach for dramatically reducing defects and producing measurable financial results (Anand, 2006; Linderman et al., 2003. It should not be a simple statistical tool, but rather a strategic management approach by supporting key projects aligned with the business goals and customer requirements. Although associated with considerable Return on Investments, there is not enough evidence of Six Sigma application within Portuguese companies. It is the aim of this exploratory research to study Six Sigma utilization by Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs. The descriptive analysis and the statistical tests carried out, point to lack of knowledge with this Methodology (Higher at Top Management level and a sense of comfort with the existing management systems (mainly ISO 9001. The authors recommend increasing Six Sigma training and education and additional studies to gather further knowledge and contribute to more competitive and sustainable organizations.

  5. Desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma tecnologia de baixo custo para programação CNC em pequenas empresas Development and evaluation of a low cost technology for CNC programming in small companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dalberto Dias da Costa

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available Apesar do grande desenvolvimento e disseminação da tecnologia de Comando Numérico (CN, a programação de máquinas-ferrramenta ainda é uma tarefa difícil em algumas empresas. Este fato é confirmado pela baixa usabilidade de algumas interfaces CN e pela dificuldade de integrá-las aos sistemas a montante, por exemplo o CAD. Neste artigo, esse problema é tratado tendo como cenário pequenas empresas que ainda empregam a programação manual na fabricação de peças de baixa complexidade. Um protótipo de um software de baixo custo foi desenvolvido para possibilitar a programação CN baseada em microcomputadores. A implementação foi fundamentada em features de programação e dedicada à sintaxe de um comando comercial. Demonstrou-se que essa alternativa propicia uma grande redução de tempo quando comparada à programação manual. Além disso, sua curva de aprendizagem é extremamente reduzida em relação às tecnologias de ponta para manufatura, como por exemplo os sistemas CAM.Despite of the high development and dissemination of Numerical Control (NC, the programming of machine tools remains a hard task in some companies. This fact is confirmed by a low usability of some NC interfaces and the difficulty to integrate them to an upstream system, such a CAD one. In this paper we address this problem, taking with scenario small companies which still use manual programming and supply low complexity geometrical parts. For this group was developed a low cost software that allows a PC-based programming, instead of a direct one. This software was based on programming features and directed to a specific CNC syntax. It was demonstrated that the proposed alternative leads to a significant time reduction when compared to manual programming. Furthermore, its learning curve is smaller than that observed in high-end CAM's.

  6. Developing a Methodology Based on Action Learning to Facilitate the Adoption of ICT in Small and Medium-sized Companies in Costa Rica

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nunez, Heilyn Camacho

    2010-01-01

    The aim of the thesis is to understand and explore better strategies to support the Small and Medium-sized companies sector in Costa Rica in the ICT adoption process. A strategy has been proposed which focuses on learning process and the interaction of university, industry and government (Triple...

  7. Value creation in a micro software development company. Understanding the company business model and market place to boost growth: Kumea Oy

    OpenAIRE

    Pallaskari, Antti; Piras, Silvia

    2014-01-01

    The objective of this thesis was to find out the case company’s overall advantages in the market in which it operates and explore the financial viability of employment for all founders. The intention was to study how the company delivers values and how the customers perceive the company services and products; to find out the customers’ expectations and comprehend what channels could better deliver the company’s values. The purpose was to discover the business volume required to have all fo...

  8. An empirical study on the critical success factors of small to medium sized projects in a South African mining company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Du Randt, Francois Jean

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available Projects that fail, for whatever reason, can impact negatively on society, organisations, and other stakeholders. A number of researchers have identified various critical success factors (CSFs that can influence the outcome and success of a project. This research therefore aims to determine the CSFs that influence various success measures of small- to medium-sized projects at a South African mining company, Exxaro Resources’ Grootegeluk Coal Mine. Other objectives of this research include determining the extent of the impacts of these CSFs on the different success measures of a project. The investigation suggests that there are correlations among CSFs, and that certain factors impact the outcome of projects far more than others. This research finds that the single most important CSF for small- to medium-sized projects is the selection of a competent project manager. The competent project manager is characterised by a group of interrelated CSF factors: good leadership, commitment, and learning from past experiences. Based on the research results, other CSFs are discussed and explored in order for recommendations to be made on how this mining company, and possibly other organisations, can achieve greater project success.

  9. Corporate contribution to free software as socially responsible activity La contribución empresarial al software libre como actividad socialmente responsable

    OpenAIRE

    Jesús García García; María Isabel Alonso de Magdaleno

    2013-01-01

    Firms' commitment to openness on software development means sharing technology and resources with communities worldwide to mitigate the digital divide, create economic opportunity, and foster equal access to technology. Opening up a technology allows others to contribute innovations that individual local companies might never have devised on their own. Consequently, free software development could be seen as a matter of social responsibility. An adequate level of reporting could enhance corpo...

  10. Cross-border software development of health information system: A case study on project between India and Pakistan based on open source software

    OpenAIRE

    Sabir, Uzma

    2017-01-01

    Global software development is a phenomenon that is receiving considerable interest from researchers during past two decades. Several challenges have been identified and approaches to deal with these challenges have been developed. Typically, western companies outsource their projects to countries where costs are lower and skilled professionals are easily available. Majority of these projects are developed for commercial purposes. However, software development projects between India and Pakis...

  11. Light measurement model to assess software development process improvement Modelo liviano de medidas para evaluar la mejora de procesos de desarrollo de software MLM-PDS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Diana Vásquez

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available Companies in software development in Colombia face a number of problems such as the construction of software in a artesian, empirical and disorganized way. Therefore, it is necessary for these companies to implement projects to improve their development processes, because ensure the quality of products, by improving their software processes, is a step that should give to be able to compete in the market. To implement process improvement models, it is not enough to say whether a company is actually getting benefits, definitely one of the first actions in a to improvement project is to be able to determine the current status of the process. Only by measuring it is possible to know the state of a process in an objective ay, and only through this it is possible to plan strategies and solutions, about improvements to make, depending on the objectives of the organization. This paper proposes a light model to assess software development process, which seeks to help the Colombian software development companies to determine whether the process of implementing improvements, being effective in achieving the objectives and goals set to implement this, through the use of measures to evaluate the process of improving their development processes, allowing characterize the current practices of the company, identifying weaknesses, strengths and abilities of the processes that are carried out within this and thus control or prevent the causes of low quality, or deviations in costs or planning.Las empresas de desarrollo de software en Colombia enfrentan una serie de problemas tales como la construcción de software de forma artesanal, empírica y desorganizada. Por esto, es necesario que implementen proyectos para mejorar sus procesos de desarrollo, ya que asegurar la calidad de los productos,a través de la mejora de sus procesos de software, es un paso que deben dar para estar en condiciones de competir en el mercado nacional e internacional. Implementar modelos

  12. Order and chaos in agile software development: a comparison of two software development teams in a major IT company

    OpenAIRE

    Wang, Xiaofeng; Vidgen, Richard

    2007-01-01

    peer-reviewed Agile methods have emerged and become popular over last few years as a response to shortcomings of the waterfall process model. However, agile processes are stamped by some as chaotic processes and are placed in opposition to waterfall approaches. This paper uses the edge of chaos concept from complex adaptive systems theory as a theoretical lens to analyse the roles of structure and planning in the software development process. The software development processes ...

  13. FAST-GROWING COMPANIES FROM TIMIS COUNTRY: DOES THE AGE MATTER?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ALB MARIA

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available This paper examines the relation between the company’s age and its growth and analyses the influence of age on growth by studying a specific group of companies, namely fast-growing companies from the Timis County, Romania. We have studied the performance of the fast-growing companies in the period of 2010-2013 using the STATA IC 12 software application. A linear regression analysis model with two variables was used. The dependent variable used was the rapid growth of the company, measured by the growth rate of the turnover and the independent variable used was the age of the company, measured by the number of years. The model was tested using the number of employees as a control variable. This paper’s conclusion is in agreement with many other findings from the literature in this subject. The presented results show that the turnover growth rates in the Romanian fast-growing companies tend to drop from one year to another, as the companies grow older.

  14. Combining Capability Assessment and Value Engineering: a New Two-dimensional Method for Software Process Improvement

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pasi Ojala

    2008-02-01

    Full Text Available During the last decades software process improvement (SPI has been recognized as a usable possibility to increase the quality of software development. Implemented SPI investments have often indicated increased process capabilities as well. Recently more attention has been focused on the costs of SPI as well as on the cost-effectiveness and productivity of software development, although the roots of economic-driven software engineering originate from the very early days of software engineering research. This research combines Value Engineering and capability assessment into usable new method in order to better respond to the challenges that cost-effectiveness and productivity has brought to software companies. This is done in part by defining the concepts of value, worth and cost and in part by defining the Value Engineering process and different enhancements it has seen to offer to software assessment. The practical industrial cases show that proposed two-dimensional method works in practise and is useful to assessed companies.

  15. Simulink models are also software : modularity assessment

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Dajsuren, Y.; Brand, van den M.G.J.; Serebrenik, A.; Roubtsov, S.

    2013-01-01

    In automotive industry, more and more complex electronics and software systems are being developed to enable the innovation and to decrease costs. Besides the complex multimedia, comfort, and safety systems of conventional vehicles, automotive companies are required to develop more and more complex

  16. Managing Risk Areas in Software Development Offshoring

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Persson, John Stouby; Schlichter, Bjarne Rerup

    2015-01-01

    Software companies are increasingly offshoring development to countries with high expertise at lower cost. Offshoring involves particular risk areas that if ignored increase the likelihood of failure. However, the offshoring client’s maturity level may influence the management of these risk areas...

  17. Penetration of small and medium sized food companies on foreign markets

    OpenAIRE

    Ladislav Mura; Veronika Gašparíková

    2010-01-01

    In the world the interconnection of national economies and internationalization of economic processes occur. In turbulent changing business environment only those companies that understand the current trends in global economy may survive, develop and prosper. Therefore, the issue of internationalization for most companies becomes to be more important and the process of in­ter­na­tio­na­li­za­tion is the way how to stand this increasingly competitive environment. In presented contribution, the...

  18. Equipment and Analytical Companies Meeting Continuous Challenges May 20-21 2014 Continuous Manufacturing Symposium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Page, Trevor; Dubina, Henry; Fillipi, Gabriele; Guidat, Roland; Patnaik, Saroj; Poechlauer, Peter; Shering, Phil; Guinn, Martin; Mcdonnell, Peter; Johnston, Craig

    2015-03-01

    This white paper focuses on equipment, and analytical manufacturers' perspectives, regarding the challenges of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing across five prompt questions. In addition to valued input from several vendors, commentary was provided from experienced pharmaceutical representatives, who have installed various continuous platforms. Additionally, a small medium enterprise (SME) perspective was obtained through interviews. A range of technical challenges is outlined, including: the presence of particles, equipment scalability, fouling (and cleaning), technology derisking, specific analytical challenges, and the general requirement of improved technical training. Equipment and analytical companies can make a significant contribution to help the introduction of continuous technology. A key point is that many of these challenges exist in batch processing and are not specific to continuous processing. Backward compatibility of software is not a continuous issue per se. In many cases, there is available learning from other industries. Business models and opportunities through outsourced development partners are also highlighted. Agile smaller companies and academic groups have a key role to play in developing skills, working collaboratively in partnerships, and focusing on solving relevant industry challenges. The precompetitive space differs for vendor companies compared with large pharmaceuticals. Currently, there is no strong consensus around a dominant continuous design, partly because of business dynamics and commercial interests. A more structured common approach to process design and hardware and software standardization would be beneficial, with initial practical steps in modeling. Conclusions include a digestible systems approach, accessible and published business cases, and increased user, academic, and supplier collaboration. This mirrors US FDA direction. The concept of silos in pharmaceutical companies is a common theme throughout the white

  19. Equipment and analytical companies meeting continuous challenges. May 20-21, 2014 Continuous Manufacturing Symposium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Page, Trevor; Dubina, Henry; Fillipi, Gabriele; Guidat, Roland; Patnaik, Saroj; Poechlauer, Peter; Shering, Phil; Guinn, Martin; Mcdonnell, Peter; Johnston, Craig

    2015-03-01

    This white paper focuses on equipment, and analytical manufacturers' perspectives, regarding the challenges of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing across five prompt questions. In addition to valued input from several vendors, commentary was provided from experienced pharmaceutical representatives, who have installed various continuous platforms. Additionally, a small medium enterprise (SME) perspective was obtained through interviews. A range of technical challenges is outlined, including: the presence of particles, equipment scalability, fouling (and cleaning), technology derisking, specific analytical challenges, and the general requirement of improved technical training. Equipment and analytical companies can make a significant contribution to help the introduction of continuous technology. A key point is that many of these challenges exist in batch processing and are not specific to continuous processing. Backward compatibility of software is not a continuous issue per se. In many cases, there is available learning from other industries. Business models and opportunities through outsourced development partners are also highlighted. Agile smaller companies and academic groups have a key role to play in developing skills, working collaboratively in partnerships, and focusing on solving relevant industry challenges. The precompetitive space differs for vendor companies compared with large pharmaceuticals. Currently, there is no strong consensus around a dominant continuous design, partly because of business dynamics and commercial interests. A more structured common approach to process design and hardware and software standardization would be beneficial, with initial practical steps in modeling. Conclusions include a digestible systems approach, accessible and published business cases, and increased user, academic, and supplier collaboration. This mirrors US FDA direction. The concept of silos in pharmaceutical companies is a common theme throughout the white

  20. Improvement of gamma calibration procedures with commercial management software

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lucena, Rodrigo F.; Potiens, Maria da Penha A.; Santos, Gelson P.; Vivolo, Vitor

    2007-01-01

    In this work, the gamma calibration procedure of the Instruments Calibration Laboratory (LCI) of the IPEN-CNEN-SP was improved with the use of the commercial management software Autolab TM from Automa Company. That software was adapted for our specific use in the calibration procedures. The evaluation of the uncertainties in gamma calibration protocol was improved by the LCI staff and yet the all worksheets and final calibration report lay-out was developed in commercial software like Excell TM and Word TM from Microsft TM . (author)

  1. IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY: THE CASE OF COMPANIES FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hasan Mahmutović

    2017-04-01

    Full Text Available The discourse of globalization and its effects have been the most current topic in the field of economics in recent times. However, empirical research on the impact of globalization on companies, especially in transition countries, is very scarce. This paper focuses on the study of the impact of globalization on the performance of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina by analyzing their interrelationships. The findings, in the case of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have confirmed earlier findings about the double impact of globalization by showing, on the one hand, its positive effects and, on the other hand, the negative effects on the performance of the companies. Additionally, the research results have shown that negative effects are felt more strongly in the case of small and medium-sized companies than in the case of large companies.

  2. Capital Structure of Internet Companies: Case Study

    OpenAIRE

    Miglo, Anton; Liang, Shuting; Lee, Zhenting

    2014-01-01

    We analyze the financing decisions and capital structure of internet companies and relate observed findings to the common capital structure theories. Large internet companies usually have low debt and small internet companies have high debt. We find that the trade-off theory of capital structure, pecking order theory, market timing theory and other theories cannot individually explain a firm’s capital structure. However, they can compliment each other in describing some patterns of observed b...

  3. SIMSAS - a window based software package for simulation and analysis of multiple small-angle scattering data

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jayaswal, B.; Mazumder, S.

    1998-09-01

    Small-angle scattering data from strong scattering systems, e.g. porous materials, cannot be analysed invoking single scattering approximation as specimen needed to replicate the bulk matrix in essential properties are too thick to validate the approximation. The presence of multiple scattering is indicated by invalidity of the functional invariance property of the observed scattering profile with variation of sample thickness and/or wave length of the probing radiation. This article delineates how non accounting of multiple scattering affects the results of analysis and then how to correct the data for its effect. It deals with an algorithm to extract single scattering profile from small-angle scattering data affected by multiple scattering. The algorithm can process the scattering data and deduce single scattering profile in absolute scale. A software package, SIMSAS, is introduced for executing this inversion step. This package is useful both to simulate and to analyse multiple small-angle scattering data. (author)

  4. Using Software Architectures for Designing Distributed Embedded Systems

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Christensen, Henrik Bærbak

    In this paper, we outline an on-going project of designing distributed embedded systems for closed-loop process control. The project is a joint effort between software architecture researchers and developers from two companies that produce commercial embedded process control systems. The project...... has a strong emphasis on software architectural issues and terminology in order to envision, design and analyze design alternatives. We present two results. First, we outline how focusing on software architecture, architectural issues and qualities are beneficial in designing distributed, embedded......, systems. Second, we present two different architectures for closed-loop process control and discuss benefits and reliabilities....

  5. Analyser Framework to Verify Software Components

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rolf Andreas Rasenack

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available Today, it is important for software companies to build software systems in a short time-interval, to reduce costs and to have a good market position. Therefore well organized and systematic development approaches are required. Reusing software components, which are well tested, can be a good solution to develop software applications in effective manner. The reuse of software components is less expensive and less time consuming than a development from scratch. But it is dangerous to think that software components can be match together without any problems. Software components itself are well tested, of course, but even if they composed together problems occur. Most problems are based on interaction respectively communication. Avoiding such errors a framework has to be developed for analysing software components. That framework determines the compatibility of corresponding software components. The promising approach discussed here, presents a novel technique for analysing software components by applying an Abstract Syntax Language Tree (ASLT. A supportive environment will be designed that checks the compatibility of black-box software components. This article is concerned to the question how can be coupled software components verified by using an analyzer framework and determines the usage of the ASLT. Black-box Software Components and Abstract Syntax Language Tree are the basis for developing the proposed framework and are discussed here to provide the background knowledge. The practical implementation of this framework is discussed and shows the result by using a test environment.

  6. Y2K - an oil and gas software vendor's perspective

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stewart, L.D.

    1998-01-01

    Oil and gas companies have begun to deal with third party software vendors to increase their efficiency and to concentrate on their core business. When it comes to dealing with year 2000 (Y2K) problems, information technology (IT) departments will have to deal with complex heterogeneous systems and long lists of independent software vendors and suppliers. This paper highlighted some of the unique issues that should be considered when testing any heterogeneous oil and gas system for Y2K. Most petroleum companies and vendors have established Y2K compliance teams with plans involving three major phases: (1) testing and identification of problems, (2) correction and avoidance of problems, and (3) preparation for recovery from unidentified problems

  7. Beyond the Business Model: Incentives for Organizations to Publish Software Source Code

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lindman, Juho; Juutilainen, Juha-Pekka; Rossi, Matti

    The software stack opened under Open Source Software (OSS) licenses is growing rapidly. Commercial actors have released considerable amounts of previously proprietary source code. These actions beg the question why companies choose a strategy based on giving away software assets? Research on outbound OSS approach has tried to answer this question with the concept of the “OSS business model”. When studying the reasons for code release, we have observed that the business model concept is too generic to capture the many incentives organizations have. Conversely, in this paper we investigate empirically what the companies’ incentives are by means of an exploratory case study of three organizations in different stages of their code release. Our results indicate that the companies aim to promote standardization, obtain development resources, gain cost savings, improve the quality of software, increase the trustworthiness of software, or steer OSS communities. We conclude that future research on outbound OSS could benefit from focusing on the heterogeneous incentives for code release rather than on revenue models.

  8. Evaluation of the perception and application of social responsibility practices in micro, small and medium companies in Barranquilla. An analysis from the theory of Stakeholders

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Guillén León

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of comprehension and enforcement of social responsibility (SR practices in micro, small and medium companies in Barranquilla (Colombia, based on the Stakeholders theory. Using an exploratory factor analysis on 779 companies it was found that the variables with a stronger explanatory influence for socially responsible performance are employees, environment, and community. By contrast, corporate management, value chain, and government/public sector condition the development of SR actions. Particularly, there is a weak perception and lack of will among owners and company managers to undertake comprehensive programs of social responsibility, as well as the formalization of those actions with an impact on the SR.

  9. Enterprise Architecture in the Company Management Framework

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bojinov Bojidar Violinov

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available The study aims to explore the role and importance of the concept of enterprise architecture in modern company management. For this purpose it clarifies the nature, scope, components of the enterprise architecture and relationships within it using the Zachman model. Based on the critical analysis of works by leading scientists, there presented a definition of enterprise architecture as a general description of all elements of strategic management of the company combined with description of its organizational, functional and operational structure, including the relationship between all tangible and intangible resources essential for its normal functioning and development. This in turn enables IT enterprise architecture to be defined as a set of corporate IT resources (hardware, software and technology, their interconnection and integration within the overall architecture of the company, as well as their formal description, methods and tools for their modeling and management in order to achieve strategic business goals of the organization. In conclusion the article summarizes the significance and role of enterprise architecture for strategic management of the company in today’s digital economy. The study underlines the importance of an integrated multidisciplinary approach to the work of a contemporary company, and the need for adequate matching and alignment of IT with business priorities and objectives of the company.

  10. Usability challenges in an Ethiopian software development organization

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Teka, Degif; Dittrich, Yvonne; Kifle, Mesfin

    2016-01-01

    Usability and user centered design (UCD) are central to software development. In developing countries, the gap between IT development and the local use situation is larger than in western countries. However, usability is neither well addressed in software practice nor at the policy making level...... in Ethiopia. Software practitioners focus on functional requirements, meeting deadlines and budget. The software development industry in Ethiopia is in its early stage. The article aims at understanding usability practices in an Ethiopian software development company. Developers, system analysts, product...... configuration, their experience, cultural knowledge and common sense regarding the users' situation guided the design. Prototypes and fast delivery of working versions helped in getting user feedback even if early user focus proved to be a challenge as communication between developers and users suffered from...

  11. Ampliación y actualización de una empresa de formación, sobre software libre

    OpenAIRE

    Palmer Padilla, Fco. Javier

    2010-01-01

    Este proyecto trata de una investigacion, sobre una migracion de una empresa a software libre. Este proyecto trata de una investigacion, sobre una migracion de una empresa a software libre. This project is a research in a company process of software migration to free software.

  12. 13 CFR 108.885 - Disposition of assets to NMVC Company's Associates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Disposition of assets to NMVC Company's Associates. 108.885 Section 108.885 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL (âNMVCâ) PROGRAM Financing of Small Businesses by NMVC Companies...

  13. A Business Plan for PK Handbags Manufacturing Company

    OpenAIRE

    Somchatvong, Laddaporn

    2009-01-01

    PK Co. Limited is a small family-business-owned company located in Thailand. Since established in 1998, the company’s business is manufacturing women’s fashion handbags for wholesale apparel trading company in Thailand. The company also produces and merchandises premium gifts for Kasikorn Bank, one of the largest banks in Thailand. Over the past ten years, the company has generated more than 200 million Baht in revenue or £ 3.6 million . The founders, Likit and Duangporn Somchatvong, have ...

  14. Software Support for the Classical, Contemporary and Future Project Management

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jakov Crnkovic

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available The volume and complexity of Project Management (PM raises many questions for managers. What exactly are we managing? People? Performance? Efficiency? Effectiveness? Cost? Time? At what levels do projects become challenging and worthy of significant management attention? Can some projects be left on auto-pilot? Must others be managed more aggressively? What metrics are useful in Project Management? How can they be integrated with normal performance metrics in the organization? How can metrics be built into assessment programs that work? How can projects be monitored, re-planned to stay within the original budget and schedule deadlines? How good is the PM software support? Do we really need PM software packages or it should be the integral part of the company's information system (IS? Where is the knowledge about company's previous projects and performance? Are we able to establish company or even industry wide standards for project management? Can we (or should we move from the PMBOK® guidelines and use other approaches? We discussing important questions in PM: software products, responsibilities for concurrently executing several projects (multi-projects with multi objectives and multiple deadlines, introducing a need for initiation, design, execution, and control using a virtual project management and application of the organizational project maturity model.

  15. Fighting over small chips; Kjemper om smaa brikker

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Valmot, Odd R

    2004-07-01

    In a few years, radio frequency identification (RFID) will replace bar codes. The major software suppliers are preparing for hard competition over small chips. Oracle, IBM and Microsoft have been working on RFID for many years. Together these companies are providing most of the database technology that takes care of the transactions and information we are dependent on. RFID is now going to be linked with such information storage. RFID also fits very well into the product development of industry and logistics for which the Internet has been a driving force. Firms that have begun using RFID profit considerably by it. Even by a small number of RFID readers around in works and stores many are experiencing a reduction of goods in the logistics chain of up to 30 per cent. The technology offers so many advantages that it is industrially profitable even with the current prices of the RFID chips.

  16. Benefits and challenges of using social media in marketing strategy:investigating small- and medium-sized companies in the Oulu region

    OpenAIRE

    Orajärvi, P. (Paavo)

    2016-01-01

    Abstract This thesis explains what social media marketing is as a phenomenon and what kind of roles it can fill in a company’s overall marketing strategies. The thesis also provides very practical information on how small/medium-sized companies can use social media channels in their daily marketing activities. This has been achieved through a literature review on the topic supported by an empirical multi-case study. The mot...

  17. Multi-physics fluid-structure interaction modelling software

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Malan, AG

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available -structure interaction modelling software AG MALAN AND O OXTOBY CSIR Defence, Peace, Safety and Security, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001 Email: amalan@csir.co.za – www.csir.co.za Internationally leading aerospace company Airbus sponsored key components... of the development of the CSIR fl uid-structure interaction (FSI) software. Below are extracts from their evaluation of the devel- oped technology: “The fi eld of FSI covers a massive range of engineering problems, each with their own multi-parameter, individual...

  18. Regulatory scientific advice in drug development: does company size make a difference?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Putzeist, Michelle; Mantel-Teeuwisse, Aukje K; Gispen-De Wied, Christine C; Hoes, Arno W; Leufkens, Hubert G

    2011-02-01

    To assess whether the content of Scientific Advice (SA) questions addressed to a national drug regulatory agency is associated with company size. This may help to increase understanding about the knowledge, strategic, and regulatory gaps companies face during drug development. A cross-sectional analysis was performed of SA provided by the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) in 2006-2008. Definition of company size was based on ranking by total revenues (Scrip's Pharmaceutical Company League Tables 2008). The content of each SA question was scored according to predefined domains (quality, nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and product information), their subdomains (e.g., efficacy), and a selection of additional content variables (e.g., endpoints, choice of active comparator). In total, 201 SA documents including 1,087 questions could be identified. Small, medium-sized, and large companies asked for SA 110 (54.7%), 40 (19.9%), and 51 (25.4%) times, respectively. Clinical questions were asked most often (65.9%), mainly including efficacy (33.2%) and safety questions (24.0%). The most frequent topics were overall efficacy and safety strategy. Small companies asked quality and nonclinical questions more often (P companies (P = 0.004). Small companies asked significantly more clinical questions about pharmacokinetics, including bioequivalence, than medium-sized and large companies (P Company size is associated with the content of SA questions. MEB advice accommodates both innovative and noninnovative drug development.

  19. Sourcing Lifecycle for Software as a Service (SAAS)

    OpenAIRE

    Santy; Sikkel K.

    2014-01-01

    In recent years, Software as a Service (SaaS) has changed from curiosity caused concept to an accepted well known concept. A key advantage of this model is that, by cautious engineering, it is possible to influence economy of scale to decrease total cost of ownership compared to on-premises solutions. By using the guideline elaborated in this paper, companies which has interest in implementing SaaS will be led throughout the entire implementation cycle starting before the company decides to i...

  20. Coordination and Control of Globally Distributed Software Projects

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    P.C. van Fenema (Paul)

    2002-01-01

    textabstractRecently, software development and implementation projects have globalized at a rapid pace. Companies in North America, Europe, and the Far East are beginning to integrate international Information Technology (IT) resources to support operations across the globe. Offshore IT services

  1. Hospital Management Software Development

    OpenAIRE

    sobogunGod, olawale

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this thesis was to implement a hospital management software which is suitable for small private hospitals in Nigeria, especially for the ones that use a file based system for storing information rather than having it stored in a more efficient and safer environment like databases or excel programming software. The software developed within this thesis project was specifically designed for the Rainbow specialist hospital which is based in Lagos, the commercial neurological cente...

  2. NASA Software Engineering Benchmarking Study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rarick, Heather L.; Godfrey, Sara H.; Kelly, John C.; Crumbley, Robert T.; Wifl, Joel M.

    2013-01-01

    To identify best practices for the improvement of software engineering on projects, NASA's Offices of Chief Engineer (OCE) and Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) formed a team led by Heather Rarick and Sally Godfrey to conduct this benchmarking study. The primary goals of the study are to identify best practices that: Improve the management and technical development of software intensive systems; Have a track record of successful deployment by aerospace industries, universities [including research and development (R&D) laboratories], and defense services, as well as NASA's own component Centers; and Identify candidate solutions for NASA's software issues. Beginning in the late fall of 2010, focus topics were chosen and interview questions were developed, based on the NASA top software challenges. Between February 2011 and November 2011, the Benchmark Team interviewed a total of 18 organizations, consisting of five NASA Centers, five industry organizations, four defense services organizations, and four university or university R and D laboratory organizations. A software assurance representative also participated in each of the interviews to focus on assurance and software safety best practices. Interviewees provided a wealth of information on each topic area that included: software policy, software acquisition, software assurance, testing, training, maintaining rigor in small projects, metrics, and use of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) framework, as well as a number of special topics that came up in the discussions. NASA's software engineering practices compared favorably with the external organizations in most benchmark areas, but in every topic, there were ways in which NASA could improve its practices. Compared to defense services organizations and some of the industry organizations, one of NASA's notable weaknesses involved communication with contractors regarding its policies and requirements for acquired software. One of NASA's strengths

  3. The new 'BerSANS-PC' software for reduction and treatment of small angle neutron scattering data

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Keiderling, U.

    2002-01-01

    Measurements on small angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments are typically characterized by a large number of samples, short measurement times for the individual samples, and a frequent change of visiting scientist groups. Besides this, recent advances in instrumentation have led to more frequent measurements of kinetic sequences and a growing interest in analyzing two-dimensional scattering data, these requiring special software tools that enable the users to extract physically relevant information from the scattering data with a minimum of effort. The new 'BerSANS-PC' data-processing software has been developed at the Hahn-Meitner-Institut (HMI) in Berlin, Germany, to meet these requirements and to support an efficiently working guest-user service. Comprising some basic functions of the 'BerSANS' program available at the HMI and other institutes in the past, BerSANS-PC is a completely new development for network-independent use on local PCs with a full-feature graphical interface. (orig.)

  4. A Strategic Analysis of Allegro: A Custom Made Supply Chain Management Software

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zulfany Erlisa Rasjid

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available Allegro is a Supply Chain Management software which is used by one of the Buying Agent that has branches all over the world. Allegro is a tailor-made application specially build for the Buying Agent. Allegro thas a lot of capability, however it is not being used optimally. This paper analyszes the software such that it can be used optimally to support the company (Buying Agent strategically and help the company to perform better by using Balance Score Card and KPI generated by the use of the system. The KPI is derived from the Business Objectives and the data in fact are all available in Allegro which is currently not used. As a conclusion, the writer suggested using all features available from Allegro and hence it will prove the overall performance of the company. 

  5. Financial planning and access to financing in small and mediumsized companies in the Venezuelan manufacturing sector

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mary A. Vera-Colina

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available The relationship between the presence of financial planning and difficulties regarding access to financing in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs in the Venezuelan manufacturing sector is studied. This is an explicative type research work, designed as non-experimental, crosssectional and correlational field work, applied to a sample of 67 SMEs. A questionnaire was applied and a review was made of the relevant literature, to establish the characteristics of the selected variables, according to the high-medium-low measurement for each of the selected indicators. The preliminary results make it possible to affirm that the financial planning variable demonstrates a medium presence in the companies, with medium and low levels of coordination among their components. Average access to financing is classified as low, marked by a medium-high access to credit from suppliers, medium access in reinvestment of profits and medium-low access to bank credit lines. There is also evidence of financing patterns compatible with the Pecking Order Theory. The conclusion is that there is a weak relationship between the characteristics of financial planning and the levels of access to financing, with the inference that the behavior of these variables is determined by a multiplicity of factors.

  6. User guide for HCR Estimator 2.0: software to calculate cost and revenue thresholds for harvesting small-diameter ponderosa pine.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dennis R. Becker; Debra Larson; Eini C. Lowell; Robert B. Rummer

    2008-01-01

    The HCR (Harvest Cost-Revenue) Estimator is engineering and financial analysis software used to evaluate stand-level financial thresholds for harvesting small-diameter ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) in the Southwest United States. The Windows-based program helps contractors and planners to identify costs associated with tree...

  7. Functional Testing Protocols for Commercial Building Efficiency Baseline Modeling Software

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jump, David; Price, Phillip N.; Granderson, Jessica; Sohn, Michael

    2013-09-06

    This document describes procedures for testing and validating proprietary baseline energy modeling software accuracy in predicting energy use over the period of interest, such as a month or a year. The procedures are designed according to the methodology used for public domain baselining software in another LBNL report that was (like the present report) prepared for Pacific Gas and Electric Company: ?Commercial Building Energy Baseline Modeling Software: Performance Metrics and Method Testing with Open Source Models and Implications for Proprietary Software Testing Protocols? (referred to here as the ?Model Analysis Report?). The test procedure focuses on the quality of the software?s predictions rather than on the specific algorithms used to predict energy use. In this way the software vendor is not required to divulge or share proprietary information about how their software works, while enabling stakeholders to assess its performance.

  8. 5th Annual Provider Software Buyer's Guide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    1995-03-01

    To help long term care providers find new ways to improve quality of care and efficiency, PROVIDER presents the fifth annual listing of software firms marketing computer programs for all areas of long term care operations. On the following five pages, more than 70 software firms display their wares, with programs such as minimum data set and care planning, dietary, accounting and financials, case mix, and medication administration records. The guide also charts compatible hardware, integration ability, telephone numbers, company contacts, and easy-to-use reader service numbers.

  9. Sustainability of Open-Source Software Organizations as Underpinning for Sustainable Interoperability on Large Scales

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fulker, D. W.; Gallagher, J. H. R.

    2015-12-01

    OPeNDAP's Hyrax data server is an open-source framework fostering interoperability via easily-deployed Web services. Compatible with solutions listed in the (PA001) session description—federation, rigid standards and brokering/mediation—the framework can support tight or loose coupling, even with dependence on community-contributed software. Hyrax is a Web-services framework with a middleware-like design and a handler-style architecture that together reduce the interoperability challenge (for N datatypes and M user contexts) to an O(N+M) problem, similar to brokering. Combined with an open-source ethos, this reduction makes Hyrax a community tool for gaining interoperability. E.g., in its response to the Big Earth Data Initiative (BEDI), NASA references OPeNDAP-based interoperability. Assuming its suitability, the question becomes: how sustainable is OPeNDAP, a small not-for-profit that produces open-source software, i.e., has no software-sales? In other words, if geoscience interoperability depends on OPeNDAP and similar organizations, are those entities in turn sustainable? Jim Collins (in Good to Great) highlights three questions that successful companies can answer (paraphrased here): What is your passion? Where is your world-class excellence? What drives your economic engine? We attempt to shed light on OPeNDAP sustainability by examining these. Passion: OPeNDAP has a focused passion for improving the effectiveness of scientific data sharing and use, as deeply-cooperative community endeavors. Excellence: OPeNDAP has few peers in remote, scientific data access. Skills include computer science with experience in data science, (operational, secure) Web services, and software design (for servers and clients, where the latter vary from Web pages to standalone apps and end-user programs). Economic Engine: OPeNDAP is an engineering services organization more than a product company, despite software being key to OPeNDAP's reputation. In essence, provision of

  10. BioXTAS RAW, a software program for high-throughput automated small-angle X-ray scattering data reduction and preliminary analysis

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, S.S.; Toft, K.N.; Snakenborg, Detlef

    2009-01-01

    A fully open source software program for automated two-dimensional and one-dimensional data reduction and preliminary analysis of isotropic small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data is presented. The program is freely distributed, following the open-source philosophy, and does not rely on any...... commercial software packages. BioXTAS RAW is a fully automated program that, via an online feature, reads raw two-dimensional SAXS detector output files and processes and plots data as the data files are created during measurement sessions. The software handles all steps in the data reduction. This includes...... mask creation, radial averaging, error bar calculation, artifact removal, normalization and q calibration. Further data reduction such as background subtraction and absolute intensity scaling is fast and easy via the graphical user interface. BioXTAS RAW also provides preliminary analysis of one...

  11. Análisis de la aplicación de los modelos de calidad de software en las empresas desarrolladoras asentadas en Quito y Guayaquil

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vinueza-Morales, Mariuxi Geovanna

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available This study presents the results of the project: Analysis of the application of quality models of software development companies settled in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil. To determine the quality of methodologies and techniques that apply to software development, we conducted a survey of 27 questionswhich were given to sample of companies that participated. Development staff were also considered as a source of information and also managers of development companies, who have been interviewed.The results presented by statistical graphs show that Quito has the largest number of development companies, 75%. With respect to the implementation of standards and quality standards, most companies known to exist use their own methods they have developed based on experience gained in the process of creating software, there is also evidence that 48% of surveyed companies do not apply any quality standard, 8% reported implementing CMMI and 4% ISO / IEC 12007, of all the companies visited, two of them with quality certification ISO 9001:2008.

  12. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS FUNDAMENT FOR ASSESSMENT THE COMPANY'S VALUE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Goran Karanovic

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Lack of capital market development cause that calculating the value of companies in the small markets, such as the Croatian market, is carried out primarily from the analysis of financial statements. Lack of market development is evident from the unrealistic and unobjective corporate values, as result of too small volumeof securities trading in financial markets. The primary financial analysis is the basic method for estimating company value, and represents the foundation for an objective determination of cash flow components that will be discounted. Trought analysis investors are trying to answer the questions such as: status of the assets,liabilities and capital, the dynamics of business enterprises, the level of solvency and liquidity, utilization of fixed assets, contribution of fixed assets in total income, company profitability rates and investment in the company. Investors use financial analysis only as a basis and as a tool to predict the potential for creating new business value.

  13. Techno-economic evaluation of commercial cogeneration plants for small and medium size companies in the Italian industrial and service sector

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Armanasco, Fabio; Colombo, Luigi Pietro Maria; Lucchini, Andrea; Rossetti, Andrea

    2012-01-01

    The liberalization of the electricity market and the concern for energy efficiency have resulted in a surge of interest in cogeneration and distributed power generation. In this regard, companies are encouraged to evaluate the opportunity to build their own cogeneration plant. In Italy, the majority of such companies belong to the industrial or service sector; it is small or medium in size and the electric power ranges between 1 ÷ 10 MW. Commercially available gas turbines are the less expensive option for cogeneration. Particular attention has been given to the possibility of combining an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with gas turbine, to improve the conversion efficiency. Companies have to account for both technical and economical aspects to assess viability of cogeneration. A techno-economic analysis was performed to identify, in the Italian energy market, which users can take advantage of a cogeneration plant aimed to cover at least part of their energy demand. Since electricity and thermal needs change considerably in the same sector, single product categories have been considered in the analysis. Our work shows that in the industrial sector, independent of the product category, cogeneration is a viable option form a techno-economic perspective. - Highlights: ► The best technologies for 1 ÷ 10 MW distributed generation plant are gas turbine and ORC. ► A variety of commercial cogeneration plants is available to meet user needs. ► Cogeneration is a technical and economical advantage for industrial sector companies.

  14. Study of a Country Level Facility LocationSelection for a Small Company

    OpenAIRE

    Eterovic, Mirko; Özgül, Simge

    2012-01-01

    Selection of an optimal facility location is a challenging decision for companies, since it would be costly and dicult to change the location after an installation has been already made. Existing numerical methods in the decision-making process help companies to perform their operations with minimum cost and maximum value based on their strategic objectives. Decision making process requires the selection of relative processes among several alternatives corresponding to a set of location facto...

  15. Psychological Safety and Norm Clarity in Software Engineering Teams

    OpenAIRE

    Lenberg, Per; Feldt, Robert

    2018-01-01

    In the software engineering industry today, companies primarily conduct their work in teams. To increase organizational productivity, it is thus crucial to know the factors that affect team effectiveness. Two team-related concepts that have gained prominence lately are psychological safety and team norms. Still, few studies exist that explore these in a software engineering context. Therefore, with the aim of extending the knowledge of these concepts, we examined if psychological safety and t...

  16. Engineering Software Suite Validates System Design

    Science.gov (United States)

    2007-01-01

    EDAptive Computing Inc.'s (ECI) EDAstar engineering software tool suite, created to capture and validate system design requirements, was significantly funded by NASA's Ames Research Center through five Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts. These programs specifically developed Syscape, used to capture executable specifications of multi-disciplinary systems, and VectorGen, used to automatically generate tests to ensure system implementations meet specifications. According to the company, the VectorGen tests considerably reduce the time and effort required to validate implementation of components, thereby ensuring their safe and reliable operation. EDASHIELD, an additional product offering from ECI, can be used to diagnose, predict, and correct errors after a system has been deployed using EDASTAR -created models. Initial commercialization for EDASTAR included application by a large prime contractor in a military setting, and customers include various branches within the U.S. Department of Defense, industry giants like the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Science Applications International Corporation, and Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, as well as NASA's Langley and Glenn Research Centers

  17. Collaborative Services for Customized Production in Networked Companies

    OpenAIRE

    Fornasiero , Rosanna; Bastos , João; Azevedo , Américo; Zangiacomi , Andrea; Coscia , Eva

    2013-01-01

    Part 12: Services II; International audience; Increasingly, consumer demand of fashionable products is arising as significant challenge for company managers. In order to respond to this demand, companies are asked to supply small series of innovative and fashionable goods of high quality, affordable price and eco-compatibility in short periods of time and with high service levels. As a result of these rapidly evolving challenges, companies are forming collaborative networks in order to design...

  18. Software engineering

    CERN Document Server

    Thorin, Marc

    1985-01-01

    Software Engineering describes the conceptual bases as well as the main methods and rules on computer programming. This book presents software engineering as a coherent and logically built synthesis and makes it possible to properly carry out an application of small or medium difficulty that can later be developed and adapted to more complex cases. This text is comprised of six chapters and begins by introducing the reader to the fundamental notions of entities, actions, and programming. The next two chapters elaborate on the concepts of information and consistency domains and show that a proc

  19. Production and Logistics Performance of Czech and Slovak Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Polakova Veronika

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available This contribution deals with the issues of production and logistics performance of Czech and Slovak companies. The goal of the research was to analyze logistic processes, methods of industrial engineering, methods and evaluation of manufacturing, software tools utilized for measurement and management of performance, which are currently applied in manufacturing companies in the Czech and Slovak Republic. This analysis was done with the utilization of qualitativeresearch conducted in 80 selected manufacturing companies in 2009. The results are compared in the continuity with the conclusions from previous researches on manufacturing and logistic factors of the competitiveness of Czech industrial manufacturers carried out during the period 2000-2001 in the framework of the research project of the Faculty of Economics and Management completed in 2004.

  20. Shop Floor-Level Control of Manufacturing Companies: An Interview Study in Finland

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tokola Henri

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available This paper publishes the results of interviews regarding shop-floor-level control of 18 Finnish manufacturing companies. The interviews had 17 open questions relating to demand characteristics, shop floor-level control issues, production flexibility, inventory control, and potential development areas. In order to get insights from the interviews, this paper analyses the answers from the interviews and categorises them into typical answers. The companies that were interviewed are also categorised as small companies with their own end products, subcontractors, or large companies with their own end products, and the emphasis of the analysis is on how companies differ in their shop floor-level control. The results show that different types of companies have different characteristics. Small companies are characterised by constant workflow, seasonal trends in demand, and the use of forecasts. Subcontractors have great daily variation in their demand and processing times. Large companies tend to focus on inventory issues.

  1. Software Process Improvement

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kuhrmann, Marco; Diebold, Philipp; Münch, Jürgen

    2016-01-01

    Software process improvement (SPI) is around for decades: frameworks are proposed, success factors are studied, and experiences have been reported. However, the sheer mass of concepts, approaches, and standards published over the years overwhelms practitioners as well as researchers. What is out...... to new specialized frameworks. New and specialized frameworks account for the majority of the contributions found (approx. 38%). Furthermore, we find a growing interest in success factors (approx. 16%) to aid companies in conducting SPI and in adapting agile principles and practices for SPI (approx. 10...

  2. What to provide and how to provide it? : - a study on small companies' demand for audit and alternative services

    OpenAIRE

    Franzén, Liza

    2010-01-01

    The 1st of July 2010 is the statutory audit going to be abolished in Sweden. After the abolition 96 % of the limited companies do not have to conduct an audit.  This research will therefore study the small companies’ demand for audit and alternative services, and how the services shall be provided to best align with the clients’ demands. This study will be conducted with a positivistic perception of knowledge, since the aim is to explain what factors that affect the companies’ demand. With st...

  3. Software quality assurance for safety analysis and risk management at the Savannah River Site

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ades, M.J.; Toffer, H.; Crowe, R.D.

    1991-01-01

    As part of its Reactor Operations Improvement Program at the Savannah River Site (SRS), Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC), in cooperation with the Westinghouse Hanford Company, has developed and implemented quality assurance for safety-related software for technical programs essential to the safety and reliability of reactor operations. More specifically, the quality assurance process involved the development and implementation of quality standards and attendant procedures based on industry software quality standards. These procedures were then applied to computer codes in reactor safety and probabilistic risk assessment analyses. This paper provides a review of the major aspects of the WSRC safety-related software quality assurance. In particular, quality assurance procedures are described for the different life cycle phases of the software that include the Requirements, Software Design and Implementation, Testing and Installation, Operation and Maintenance, and Retirement Phases. For each phase, specific provisions are made to categorize the range of activities, the level of responsibilities, and the documentation needed to assure the control of the software. The software quality assurance procedures developed and implemented are evolutionary in nature, and thus, prone to further refinements. These procedures, nevertheless, represent an effective controlling tool for the development, production, and operation of safety-related software applicable to reactor safety and probabilistic risk assessment analyses

  4. 14th Annual Small Business Conference

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-11-18

    Government Contracting, Small Business Administration 5:45 pm - 7:45 pm RECEPTION IN DISPLAY AREA 14TH ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE...as a lobbyist for a large multi-national conglomerate that included among its subsidiaries movie companies, sports teams, financial services companies...Past Performance /Small Business Participation > M.1 Basis of Award: The Government plans to award a single contract for the Fighting Trailer

  5. Between Innovation and Governance: The Case of Research-based Software Development in a Large Petroleum Company

    OpenAIRE

    Seifvand, Atiyeh

    2012-01-01

    Software innovations can offer organizations with competitive advantages. Research and development entities within the petroleum industry therefore seek to utilize IT capabilities to produce innovative software. Many factors may influence the success or failure of developing and implementing research-based software innovations in organizations. Of these issues the relation between software innovation and IT governance remains largely unexplored in the research literature.This study explores t...

  6. Organizational factors affecting safety implementation in food companies in Thailand.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chinda, Thanwadee

    2014-01-01

    Thai food industry employs a massive number of skilled and unskilled workers. This may result in an industry with high incidences and accident rates. To improve safety and reduce the accident figures, this paper investigates factors influencing safety implementation in small, medium, and large food companies in Thailand. Five factors, i.e., management commitment, stakeholders' role, safety information and communication, supportive environment, and risk, are found important in helping to improve safety implementation. The statistical analyses also reveal that small, medium, and large food companies hold similar opinions on the risk factor, but bear different perceptions on the other 4 factors. It is also found that to improve safety implementation, the perceptions of safety goals, communication, feedback, safety resources, and supervision should be aligned in small, medium, and large companies.

  7. Risk assessment and mitigation at the information technology companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ben Marx

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available Developing computer software that is free from material defects is the ultimate goal for software developers; however, due to the cost and complexity of software development, it is a goal that is unlikely to be achieved. As a consequence of the inevitable defects that manifest within computer software, the task of software patch management becomes a key focus area for software companies, IT departments, and even end users. Audit departments, as part of their responsibilities, are required to provide assurance on the patching process and therefore need to understand the various decision-making factors. Software flaws that exist within computer systems may put confidential information at risk and may also compromise the availability of such systems. The study investigated the recommended approaches for the task of software patching, with a view to balancing the sometimes conflicting requirements of security and system availability. The study found that there are a number of key aspects that are required to ensure a successful patching process and that the internal auditors of the ‘big four’ South African banks considered most of these factors to be important

  8. NEW APPROACHES TO CUSTOMER BASE SEGMENTATION FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Meleancă Raluca-Cristina

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available The primary purpose of this paper is to explore current praxis and theory related to customer segmentation and to offer an approach which is best suited for small and medium sized enterprises. The proposed solution is the result of an exploratory research aiming to recognize the main variables which influence the practice of segmenting the customer base and to study the most applied alternatives available for all types of enterprises. The research has been performed by studying a large set of secondary data, scientific literature and case studies regarding smaller companies from the European Union. The result of the research consists in an original approach to customer base segmentation, which combines aspects belonging to different well spread practices and applies them to the specific needs of a small or medium company, which typically has limited marketing resources in general and targeted marketing resources in particular. The significance of the proposed customer base segmentation approach lies in the fact that, even though smaller enterprises are in most economies the greatest in number compared to large companies, most of the literature on targeting practices has focused primarily on big companies dealing with a very large clientele, while the case of the smaller companies has been to some extent unfairly neglected. Targeted marketing is becoming more and more important for all types of companies nowadays, as a result of technology advances which make targeted communication easier and less expensive than in the past and also due to the fact that broad-based media have decreased their impact over the years. For a very large proportion of smaller companies, directing their marketing budgets towards targeted campaigns is a clever initiative, as broad based approaches are in many cases less effective and much more expensive. Targeted marketing stratagems are generally related to high tech domains such as artificial intelligence, data mining

  9. Application of Formal Methods in Software Engineering

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adriana Morales

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this research work is to examine: (1 why are necessary the formal methods for software systems today, (2 high integrity systems through the methodology C-by-C –Correctness-by-Construction–, and (3 an affordable methodology to apply formal methods in software engineering. The research process included reviews of the literature through Internet, in publications and presentations in events. Among the Research results found that: (1 there is increasing the dependence that the nations have, the companies and people of software systems, (2 there is growing demand for software Engineering to increase social trust in the software systems, (3 exist methodologies, as C-by-C, that can provide that level of trust, (4 Formal Methods constitute a principle of computer science that can be applied software engineering to perform reliable process in software development, (5 software users have the responsibility to demand reliable software products, and (6 software engineers have the responsibility to develop reliable software products. Furthermore, it is concluded that: (1 it takes more research to identify and analyze other methodologies and tools that provide process to apply the Formal Software Engineering methods, (2 Formal Methods provide an unprecedented ability to increase the trust in the exactitude of the software products and (3 by development of new methodologies and tools is being achieved costs are not more a disadvantage for application of formal methods.

  10. The conformity of asset control software to the principles of CPC 27 and ICPC 10

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paulo Roberto da Cunha

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available The convergence of Brazilian accounting to international standards also requires adjusting accounting software to the new rules. In 2009, SEC Resolution No. 583 and CFC Resolution No. 1177 made it mandatory toapply Pronouncement 27 of the Accounting Procedures Committee, concerning Fixed Assets. The goal of this study is to verify whether the asset control software meets the requirements of CPC 27 and ICPC 10. A descriptive, qualitative study was carried out using a multi case study. An interview guide, with the items discussed in CPC 27 and ICPC 10, was applied to the software developers to control assets of three software companies in southern Brazil. The survey results show that the overall average of the three companies examined was 86% of compliance to the topics covered in this research. It was concluded that, in general, asset control software meets the precepts of CPC 27 and ICPC10, except for impairment and deemed cost concepts, which were not covered.

  11. 13 CFR 108.1840 - Computation of NMVC Company's Capital Impairment Percentage.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... Capital Impairment Percentage. 108.1840 Section 108.1840 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL (âNMVCâ) PROGRAM NMVC Company's Noncompliance With Terms of Leverage Computation of Nmvc Company's Capital Impairment § 108.1840 Computation of NMVC Company's Capital Impairment...

  12. Agile software development and its compatibility with a document-driven approach? A case study

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Heeager, Lise Tordrup; Nielsen, Peter Axel

    2009-01-01

    however have a desire to adopt agile development processes while maintaining compliance with a quality assurance standard or even a process standard. We have studied the software development process of a Danish pharmaceutical company. For market reasons the company has to comply the US Food and Drug...

  13. Information technologies in optimization process of monitoring of software and hardware status

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nikitin, P. V.; Savinov, A. N.; Bazhenov, R. I.; Ryabov, I. V.

    2018-05-01

    The article describes a model of a hardware and software monitoring system for a large company that provides customers with software as a service (SaaS solution) using information technology. The main functions of the monitoring system are: provision of up-todate data for analyzing the state of the IT infrastructure, rapid detection of the fault and its effective elimination. The main risks associated with the provision of these services are described; the comparative characteristics of the software are given; author's methods of monitoring the status of software and hardware are proposed.

  14. Collaborative process improvement with examples from the software world

    CERN Document Server

    Yeakley, C

    2007-01-01

    Collaborative Process Improvement specifically addresses software companies that are interested in addressing quality in human terms. Using Collaborative Process Improvement techniques builds effective processes to deliver quality products; it helps readers relate to what quality means to the end-user and provides the essential tools and methods to integrate the face of the customer into the organization's day-to-day processes. It comes complete with real-world examples that are practical and unders andable to professionals in every role of a company.

  15. Forestry application of the AHP by use of MPC software

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Perez-Rodriguez, F.; Rojo-Alboreca, A.

    2012-07-01

    We present an example of the application of the AHP decision-making approach to forest management, by use of MPC 2.0 software. The example considered is that of a forest services company interested in buying a timber harvester. The company had preselected four different machines as possible alternatives, and established 11 different criteria involved in the decision, grouped into four categories (economic, environmental, social and technical). The decision-making process was undertaken using MPC 2.0 software tools, which enable establishment of criteria on two levels, independent pairwise comparison of criteria (first phase) and of alternatives under each criterion (second phase), repetition of the decision-making process by the same or different users, graphical display of the results on the computer screen, and sensitivity analysis. (Author) 28 refs.

  16. Proposal of lead time reduction in the thermoelectric products line of a small company in the State of Sao Paulo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernanda Veríssimo Soulé

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM is a way manufacturing companies may increase their flexibility. Manufacturing flexibility is a key to differentiation and enhancement of competitiveness. There is few empirical research on the topic of how small and medium-sized enterprises (SME may benefit from QRM, what may impact the appropriation of this approach by these important actors of our economy. This article aims to present the results of a project which applied QRM to reduce the lead time of a small company located in the state of Sao Paulo. It was proposed to a balance the throughputs of slow operations, reducing 50% of production batches; b implement cellular manufacturing and improvements in the management of Work In Process, using the POLCA system and visual management; c implement an integrated sales and operations planning (S&OP and rules for prioritization of orders. It was identified that the proposal would generate a lead time reduction from 39 to 21.3 days and a decrease of at least 51% in the raw materials stock costs. During the research, the following conclusions could be drawn: a problems in management, investment capacity and relationship with suppliers are frequent in family-owned SMEs; b QRM approach can be adapted to work within this environment; c the knowledge developed in academia can be an important tool to help family-owned SMEs to supplant these obstacles.

  17. Mid-sized manufacturing companies the new driver of Italian competitiveness

    CERN Document Server

    Resciniti, Riccardo; Tunisini, Annalisa; Varaldo, Riccardo

    2013-01-01

    The structure of Italian industry is characterized by a predominance of small sized companies and the presence of very few large companies. For a long time a conviction was shared among scholars and practitioners that the strength and safety of Italian industry were based on its industrial districts, that is, the system of interdependent and co-localized small companies which derive their competitive force from an effective and efficient division of labour. This book stresses the idea that a new, vital and promising phenomenon for the competitiveness of Italian industry is focused on mid-sized companies, and the systems of interconnected firms that form a constituent part of their business model. These companies, which originate largely from districts and other local production systems, are a strong entrepreneurial force complementing the districts that have characterized Italy and made Italian industry famous worldwide. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of these firms is provided in this book. Business...

  18. Possibilities and Limitations of Applying Software Reliability Growth Models to Safety- Critical Software

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Man Cheol; Jang, Seung Cheol; Ha, Jae Joo

    2006-01-01

    As digital systems are gradually introduced to nuclear power plants (NPPs), the need of quantitatively analyzing the reliability of the digital systems is also increasing. Kang and Sung identified (1) software reliability, (2) common-cause failures (CCFs), and (3) fault coverage as the three most critical factors in the reliability analysis of digital systems. For the estimation of the safety-critical software (the software that is used in safety-critical digital systems), the use of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) seems to be most widely used. The use of BBNs in reliability estimation of safety-critical software is basically a process of indirectly assigning a reliability based on various observed information and experts' opinions. When software testing results or software failure histories are available, we can use a process of directly estimating the reliability of the software using various software reliability growth models such as Jelinski- Moranda model and Goel-Okumoto's nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) model. Even though it is generally known that software reliability growth models cannot be applied to safety-critical software due to small number of expected failure data from the testing of safety-critical software, we try to find possibilities and corresponding limitations of applying software reliability growth models to safety critical software

  19. Open Source Software Success Model for Iran: End-User Satisfaction Viewpoint

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ali Niknafs

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available The open source software development is notable option for software companies. Recent years, many advantages of this software type are cause of move to that in Iran. National security and international restrictions problems and also software and services costs and more other problems intensified importance of use of this software. Users and their viewpoints are the critical success factor in the software plans. But there is not an appropriate model for open source software case in Iran. This research tried to develop a measuring open source software success model for Iran. By use of data gathered from open source users and online survey the model was tested. The results showed that components by positive effect on open source success were user satisfaction, open source community services quality, open source quality, copyright and security.

  20. Development of remote control software for multiformat test signal generator

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gao Yang

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The multi format test signal generator mentioned in this paper is the video signal generator named TG8000 produced by Tektronix Company. I will introduce the function about remote control for signal generator, how to connect the computer to the instrument, and how to remote control. My topic uses my computer to connect the instrument through the 10/100/1000 BASE-T port on the rear panel of TG8000. Then I write program to transmit SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments to control TG8000. The application is running on the Windows operating system, the programming language is C#, development environment is Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, using the TCP/IP protocol based on Socket. And the method of remote control refers to the application called TGSetup which is developed by Tektronix Company. This paper includes a brief summary of the basic principle, and introduce for details about the process of remote control software development, and how to use my software. In the end, I will talk about the advantages of my software compared with another one.

  1. Improvement of productivity in low volume production industry layout by using witness simulation software

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jaffrey, V.; Mohamed, N. M. Z. N.; Rose, A. N. M.

    2017-10-01

    In almost all manufacturing industry, increased productivity and better efficiency of the production line are the most important goals. Most factories especially small scale factory has less awareness of manufacturing system optimization and lack of knowledge about it and uses the traditional way of management. Problems that are commonly identified in the factory are a high idle time of labour and also small production. This study is done in a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) low volume production company. Data collection and problems affecting productivity and efficiency are identified. In this study, Witness simulation software is being used to simulate the layout and the output is focusing on the improvement of layout in terms of productivity and efficiency. In this study, the layout is rearranged by reducing the travel time from a workstation to another workstation. Then, the improved layout is modelled and the machine and labour statistic of both, original and improved layout is taken. Productivity and efficiency are calculated for both layout and then being compared.

  2. Transformación de procesos de desarrollo de software tipo SPEM a procesos workflow : Una propuesta de caso de estudio: SmallRUP

    OpenAIRE

    Zorzán, Fabio Andrés; Riesco, Daniel Eduardo; Szasz, Nora

    2009-01-01

    Esta línea de investigación pretende aportar a la mejora de los procesos de desarrollo de software, en particular los especificados con el Software Process Engineering Metamodel versión 2 (SPEM). El caso de estudio propuesto consiste en transformar la especificación en SPEM de la metodología de desarrollo SmallRUP a una especificación de procesos que pueda ser utilizada como entrada de un motor workflow estándar. Para realizar esta transformación, se utilizará una transformación definida en e...

  3. Patent holdings of US biotherapeutic companies in major markets.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sebastian, Teena E; Yerram, Chandra Bindu; Saberwal, Gayatri

    2009-05-01

    In previous studies we examined the (United States, US) patent holdings of 109 largely North American biotech companies developing therapeutics that, in particular, have an interest in discovery stage science. There appears little correlation between the number of patents and the number of products of individual companies. Here we quantified and compared the 103 US-headquartered companies' patent holdings in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan and the US. The companies demonstrate variable and surprising patterns of patent holdings across these countries or regions. For most companies, patent holdings are not in proportion to the importance of the country as a biotech or pharma market. These results have implications for the patenting strategies of small biotech companies involved in drug discovery.

  4. A REDESIGN LAYOUT TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF A COMPANY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vincentia Kitriastika

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available This project is conducted in Company X, a passenger cars wheel producing company located in Sunter, North Jakarta. With a view of increasing the productivity of the company, the focus of this project will be redesigned the layout of the factory. The main problem encountered is that the goods are not produced in single location, causing a considerable hindrance in terms of time and distance, and hence efficiency. The redesigning layout process will use SLP method and flow analysis while supported by analysis of assembly line balancing to optimize the layout. Regarding the evaluation process, ARENA software will be used to simulate and identify the bottleneck in the production process, and comparing the layout alternatives to decide the best layout. The best chosen layout according to the simulation and SLP method that supported with flow analysis and assembly line balancing will be used as the master draft layout that will be proposed to Company X.

  5. THE IMPACT OF MARKETING EXPERIMENTS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOFTWARE PRODUCERS AND THEIR RETAILERS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    HERȚANU ANDREEA

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents the results of a marketing experiment done on the Romanian software market. The main purpose of this research is to determine how the marketing campaigns of software manufacturers can influence the decisions of software retailers. Through this marketing experimental research an evaluation and an analysis of the impact that marketing policies of software companies have on the retailers from all over the country is made. Three different marketing campaigns were proposed to three groups of software vendors from the most important cities of the country. The total number of software retailers included in this experiment is of 45, and the marketing campaigns proposed by the authors in this experiment refer to the Microsoft brand. Promotion strategies such as: sales promotion by encouraging sales force and promotional pricing or even the policy of partner relationship management have a great impact on three aspects regarding software retailers: loyalty, purchase and resale intention and attitude towards a brand. The results of the experiment show a high interest for the strategy of promotional pricing. The representatives of the software vendors have a positive orientation towards sales promotion by encouraging sales force. Regarding the influences of the manipulations used in the experiment, the greatest impact on the loyalty of the software vendors it has the strategy of promotional pricing. Also the policy of sales promotion by encouraging sales force has the biggest impact on the purchase and sale intention of the software retailers. All three manipulations have also an impact on the attitude towards a brand of the vendors, but the differences are too small to determine which of the proposed stimuli has a greater impact on this aspect. The results of the experiment may help and could have a great influence on the future marketing decisions of manufacturers regarding the strategies and marketing policies used on the Romanian

  6. Software Quality Certification: identifying the real obstacles

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Megan Baker

    1996-05-01

    Full Text Available A case study of software certification reveals the real difficulty of certifying quality beyond superficial assessment - readers are invited to form their own conclusions. AS 3563 Software Quality Management System is the Australian version of ISO 9001, developed specifically for the software industry. For many Australian software houses, gaining certification with AS 3563 is a priority since certification has become a prerequisite to doing business with government departments and major corporations. However, the process of achieving registration with this standard is a lengthy and resource intensive process, and may have little impact on actual software quality. This case study recounts the experience of the consulting arm of one of Australia's accounting firms in its quest for certification. By using a number of specific management strategies this company was able to successfully implement AS 3563 in less than half the time usually taken to achieve certification - a feat for which its management should be congratulated. However, because the focus of the project was on gaining certification, few internal benefits have been realised despite the successful implementation of the standard.

  7. A Relative Comparison of Leading Supply Chain Management Software Packages

    OpenAIRE

    Zhongxian Wang; Ruiliang Yan; Kimberly Hollister; Ruben Xing

    2009-01-01

    Supply Chain Management (SCM) has proven to be an effective tool that aids companies in the development of competitive advantages. SCM Systems are relied on to manage warehouses, transportation, trade logistics and various other issues concerning the coordinated movement of products and services from suppliers to customers. Although in today’s fast paced business environment, numerous supply chain solution tools are readily available to companies, choosing the right SCM software is not an e...

  8. Small Is Not Always Beautiful – A Comparative Study Of Working Conditions

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sørensen, Ole Henning; Hasle, Peter; Bach, Elsa

    2004-01-01

    When considering working conditions, the myth sometimes holds that small is beautiful. Some studies of occupational accidents show that small companies have fever accidents than large. This indicates that small companies have better working conditions than large. A Danish study based on a random...... sample of employees in the general industry rejects this myth. The figures show that physical working conditions become systematically worse the smaller the size of privately owned companies. The study also supports international data that small companies underreport accidents, and that this might...... be the reason why small seems beautiful....

  9. Falling R and D in oil companies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Creusen, H.; Minne, B.

    2000-01-01

    During the last decade, the research expenditures of the 11 major oil companies and two specialised oil engineers have dropped worldwide. To explain this trend, this article points to an R and D race among the companies and to certain common expectations. The race is due to the absence of knowledge spillovers across the companies, because they need to keep their process innovations secret. Common expectations regarding the high risks of research for new energy sources leads to wait-and-see behaviour instead of own research. A small increase in research efficiency partly compensates for the drop in R and D

  10. Ready! Set! Go! An Action Research Agenda for Software Architecture

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Christensen, Henrik Bærbak; Hansen, Klaus Marius; Schougaard, Kari Rye

    2008-01-01

    Software architecture practice is highly complex. Software architects interact with business as well as technical aspects of systems, often embedded in large and changing organizations. We first make an argument that an appropriate research agenda for understanding, describing, and changing...... architectural practice in this context is based on an action research agenda in which researchers use ethnographic techniques to understand practice and engages directly with and in practice when proposing and designing new practices. Secondly, we present an overview of an ongoing project which applies action...... research techniques to understand and potentially change architectural practice in four Danish software companies....

  11. For goodness' sake : new software tool helps companies use the Internet to channel charitable activity

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    McKenzie-Brown, P.

    2010-12-15

    This article discussed a new computer application that has the potential to change how companies handle their community investment. The Goodness 3.0 tool can be integrated into a number of pages on a company's web site, such as the human resources Intranet page or the customer reward page on the web. Users can then make direct contributions to nearly any certified charity in North America. The user can select a group a charities, allocate percentages among them, and establish whether the donation is a one-time or a recurring event. Matching donations take place in real time. Being a good corporate citizen helps attract and retain employees. This program allows the company to focus on the charitable interests of the employees, and it empowers employees to have direct involvement in where their money goes. Integrated companies can use the tool to strengthen their consumer brands. At present, most large corporations use an online grant management system to process grant applications from not-for-profit organizations. This type of system is practical for processing applications, but it fails to build relationships.

  12. Software engineering knowledge at your fingertips: Experiences with a software engineering-portal

    OpenAIRE

    Punter, T.; Kalmar, R.

    2003-01-01

    In order to keep up the pace with technology development, knowledge on Software Engineering (SE) methods, techniques, and tools is required. For an effective and efficient knowledge transfer, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) might benefit from Software Engineering Portals (SE-Portals). This paper provides an analysis of SE-Portals by distinguishing two types: 1) the Knowledge Portal and 2) the Knowledge & Community Portal. On behalf of the analysis we conclude that most SE...

  13. 47 CFR 76.934 - Small systems and small cable companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... files with its franchising authority or the Commission the documentation necessary to qualify for the... equity interest in the system or exercises de jure control over the system. (b) A franchising authority... regulations. (c) Initial regulation of small systems: (1) If certified by the Commission, a local franchising...

  14. Drug companies monitor prescriptions and sales to fine-tune their marketing strategies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-06-01

    Market research companies analyse drug prescriptions and sales in community and hospital pharmacies, thus enabling drug companies to refine their marketing strategies. Some information of interest to drug companies is provided directly by healthcare professionals, sometimes unwittingly, and sometimes in return for small "favours".

  15. Management of Globally Distributed Component-Based Software Development Projects

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    J. Kotlarsky (Julia)

    2005-01-01

    textabstractGlobally Distributed Component-Based Development (GD CBD) is expected to become a promising area, as increasing numbers of companies are setting up software development in a globally distributed environment and at the same time are adopting CBD methodologies. Being an emerging area, the

  16. CONSIDERACIONES RELACIONADAS CON LAS INSPECCIONES DE SOFTWARE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bexy Alfonso Espinosa

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available small; font-family: Times_New_Roman_Negrita_Cursiv;">small; font-family: Times_New_Roman_Negrita_Cursiv;">

     

     

    small; font-family: Times_New_Roman083.313;">Las consideraciones que en el presente trabajo se reflejan están enfocadas a enfatizar la importancia y necesidad de la aplicación de técnicas de verificación como las inspecciones de software, en la industria de software. Especialmente si de pequeñas y medianas empresas se trata pues en ellas recae la responsabilidad de lograr una industria de software de excelencia y con la calidad requerida en países en vías de desarrollo. Se analizan además, una serie de autores y las investigaciones que han realizado relativas a la concepción del proceso de inspección de software y los recursos y personal que deben tenerse en cuenta para ello.

  17. Introduction to adoption of lean canvas in software test architecture design

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Padmaraj Nidagundi

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The growth of the software dependent businesses, as well as the use of electronic devices in daily life, brings new challenges requiring the software to work error free all the time, to achieve this goal software needs to be sufficiently and effectively tested during various development phases. Most software development companies make great efforts in testing; it is even more difficult to reach the error-free software goal. Different software development methodologies (e.g. traditional waterfall, agile brought in a new dimension for both - development and testing - introducing new technologies and tools. In software test automation the test architecture design plays a key role in managing written test cases and effectively executing them. Having the more effective software test automation architecture design in test process saves resources, efforts and reduces the technical depth. This paper provides the new dimension and possibilities of using lean canvas in the design of the software test architecture.

  18. Company's Unusual Plan to Package Commercial Software with Business Textbooks Produces a Measure of Success.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Watkins, Beverly T.

    1992-01-01

    Course Technology Inc. has developed 10 products combining textbooks with commercial software for college accounting, business, computer science, and statistics courses. Five of the products use Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software. The products have been positively received by teachers and students. (DB)

  19. A development methodology for scientific software

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cort, G.; Barrus, D.M.; Goldstone, J.A.; Miller, L.; Nelson, R.O.; Poore, R.V.

    1985-01-01

    We present the details of a software development methodology that addresses all phases of the software life cycle, yet is well suited for application by small projects with limited resources. The methodology has been developed at the Los Alamos Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility and was utilized during the recent development of the WNR Data Acquisition Command Language. The methodology emphasizes the development and maintenance of comprehensive documentation for all software components. The impact of the methodology upon software quality and programmer productivity is assessed

  20. Revenue Management and Demand Fulfillment: Matching Applications, Models, and Software

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    R. Quante (Rainer); H. Meyr (Herbert); M. Fleischmann (Moritz)

    2007-01-01

    textabstractRecent years have seen great successes of revenue management, notably in the airline, hotel, and car rental business. Currently, an increasing number of industries, including manufacturers and retailers, are exploring ways to adopt similar concepts. Software companies are taking an

  1. Ergonomic Conditions in Small Manufacturing Industries

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ashraf A. Shikdar

    2001-12-01

    Full Text Available Ergonomic conditions in small manufacturing industries were investigated. Twenty seven managers of small manufacturing industries participated in the study. Old equipment and machines, poorly designed workplaces, lack of systematic planning, layout and organization, unsafe working conditions and poor environment were found common to these industries. Fifty-nine percent of companies indicated having equipment older than 15 years. Fifty-two percent of company managers reported receiving complaints of fatigue from their workforce, 41% complaints of back pain, and 33% complaints of upper-body pain. Seventy eight percent of companies reported a noisy environment (above 90 dBA while 63% reported a hot environment. Management in 44% of the companies acknowledged failure to ensure safety rules and 48% did not provide training on manual material handling. Lack of skills in ergonomics and training, communication and resources are believed to be some of the factors contributing to the poor ergonomic conditions in a sample of small manufacturing industries in Malaysia.

  2. Why Closely Coupled Work Matters in Global Software Development

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jensen, Rasmus Eskild

    2014-01-01

    We report on an ethnographic study of an offshore global software development project between Danish and Philippine developers in a Danish company called GlobalSoft. We investigate why the IT- developers chose to engage in more closely coupled work as the project progressed and argue that closely...

  3. Volatility transmission between small and large caps in the Brazilian market

    OpenAIRE

    Marcelo Brutti Righi; Paulo Sergio Ceretta

    2014-01-01

    Researches about volatility transmission between small and large company stocks had received great attention in last years. Based on this idea, the current paper aims to analyze the occurrence of volatility transmission between small and large companies in Brazil. To that, we estimate multivariate GARCH models. As asset proxies we used the Small and Mid-Large cap BM&F/Bovespa index. Results allow concluding that large company stocks impact the small stocks conditional volatility. ...

  4. Application software profiles 2010

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Anon.

    2010-04-15

    This article presented information on new software applications designed to facilitate petroleum exploration, drilling and production activities. Computer modelling and analysis enables oil and gas producers to characterize reservoirs, estimate reserves forecast production, plan operations and manage assets. Seven Calgary-based organizations were highlighted along with their sophisticated software tools, the applications and the new features available in each product. The geoSCOUT version 7.7 by GeoLOGIC Systems Ltd. integrates public and proprietary data on wells, well logs, reserves, pipelines, production, ownership and seismic location data. The Value Navigator and AFE Navigator by Energy Navigator provides control over reserves, production and cash flow forecasting. FAST Harmony, FAST Evolution, FAST CBM, FAST FieldNotes, Fast Piper, FAST RTA, FAST VirtuWell and FAST WellTest by Fekete Associates Inc. provide reserve evaluations for reservoir engineering projects and production data analysis. The esi.manage software program by 3esi improves business results for upstream oil and gas companies through enhanced decision making and workforce effectiveness. WELLFLO, PIPEFLO, FORGAS, OLGA, Drillbench, and MEPO wellbore solutions by Neotec provide unique platforms for flow simulation to optimize oil and gas production systems. Petrel, ECLIPSE, Avocet, PipeSim and Merak software tools by Schlumberger Information Solutions are petroleum systems modelling tools for geologic mapping, visualization modelling and reservoir engineering. StudioSL by Streamsim Technologies Inc. is a modelling tool for optimizing flood management. figs.

  5. Assembly Line Efficiency Improvement by Using WITNESS Simulation Software

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yasir, A. S. H. M.; Mohamed, N. M. Z. N.

    2018-03-01

    In the nowadays-competitive world, efficiencies and the productivity of the assembly line are essential in manufacturing company. This paper demonstrates the study of the existing production line performance. The actual cycle time observed and recorded during the working process. The current layout was designed and analysed using Witness simulation software. The productivity and effectiveness for every single operator are measured to determine the operator idle time and busy time. Two new alternatives layout were proposed and analysed by using Witness simulation software to improve the performance of production activities. This research provided valuable and better understanding of production effectiveness by adjusting the line balancing. After analysing the data, simulation result from the current layout and the proposed plan later been tabulated to compare the improved efficiency and productivity. The proposed design plan has shown an increase in yield and productivity compared to the current arrangement. This research has been carried out in company XYZ, which is one of the automotive premises in Pahang, Malaysia.

  6. VTLS Inc.: The Company, the Products, the Services, the Vision.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chachra, Vinod; And Others

    1993-01-01

    Describes the range of products and services offered by VTLS, a company that offers comprehensive, integrated library automation software and customer support. VTLS's growth and development in the United States and abroad is described, and nine sidebar articles detail system features and applications in public, academic, and virtual libraries. (20…

  7. Testing of the 3M Company Composite Conductor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Stovall, John P [ORNL; Rizy, D Tom [ORNL; Kisner, Roger A [ORNL

    2010-10-01

    The 3M Company has developed a high-temperature low-sag conductor referred to as Aluminum-Conductor Composite-Reinforced or ACCR. The conductor uses an aluminum metal matrix material to replace the steel in conventional conductors. The objective of this work is to accelerate the commercial acceptance by electric utilities of this new conductor design by testing four representative conductor classes in controlled conditions. A unique facility called the Powerline Conductor Accelerated Testing (PCAT) Facility was built at ORNL for testing overhead conductors. The PCAT has been uniquely designed for testing overhead bare transmission line conductors at high currents and temperatures after they have been installed and tensioned to the manufacturer's specifications. The ability to operate a transmission line conductor in this manner does not exist elsewhere in the United States. Four classes of ACCR cable designed by the 3M Company have been successfully test at ORNL small, medium, large and small/compact. Based on these and other manufacturer tests, the 3M Company has successfully introduced the ACCR into the commercial market and has completed over twenty installations for utility companies.

  8. Challenges for Product Roadmapping in Inter-company Collaboration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suomalainen, Tanja; Tihinen, Maarit; Parviainen, Päivi

    Product roadmapping is a critical activity in product development, as it provides a link between business aspects and requirements engineering and thus helps to manage a high-level view of the company’s products. Nowadays, inter-company collaboration, such as outsourcing, is a common way of developing software products, as through collaboration, organisations gain advantages, such as flexibility with in-house resources, savings in product development costs and gain a physical presence in important markets. The role of product roadmapping becomes even more critical in collaborative settings, since different companies need to align strategies and work together to create products. In order to support companies in improving their own product roadmapping processes, this paper first gives an overview of product roadmapping and then discusses in detail an empirical study of the current practices in industry. The presented results particularly focus on the most challenging and important activities of product roadmapping in collaboration.

  9. Can agile software tools bring the benefits of a task board to globally distributed teams?

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Katsma, Christiaan; Amrit, Chintan Amrit; van Hillegersberg, Jos; Sikkel, Nicolaas; Oshri, Ilan; Kotlarsky, Julia; Willcocks, Leslie P.

    Software-based tooling has become an essential part of globally disitrbuted software development. In this study we focus on the usage of such tools and task boards in particular. We investigate the deployment of these tools through a field research in 4 different companies that feature agile and

  10. The analysis of scientific-practical tools of the company creditworthiness evaluation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sokolova Lyudmila

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available The article examines methodical approaches of evaluation of industrial companies’ credit ability. On the bases of critical analysis of professional literature on the subject of the study, the definition of basic concepts was determined; the existing scientific and methodological tools of creditworthiness evaluation of the company were examined. The solution scheme of the company credit rating calculating algorithm was done. It’s implementation is based on the author's mathematical software. The authors performed an experimental testing of the proposed methodological approach, which allowed to establish appropriate recommendations of practical orientation.

  11. Using Google services in small business

    OpenAIRE

    Jančić, Siniša

    2008-01-01

    Escalating connectedness of business processes to the World Wide Web is one of fundamental changes in the way business is conducted in contemporary companies. The newest and the most extreme example of this trend is the migration of entire business IT support from classic desktop software to collections of web applications specialized in business use. The leader among the providers of such collections is Google, a company which in the past decade revolutionized the way we search on the Wo...

  12. Hybrid Software and System Development in Practice: Waterfall, Scrum, and Beyond

    OpenAIRE

    Kuhrmann, Marco; Diebold, Philipp; Münch, Jürgen; Tell, Paolo; Garousi, Vahid; Felderer, Michael; Trektere, Kitija; McCaffery, Fergal; Linssen, Oliver; Hanser, Eckhart; Prause, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Software and system development faces numerous challenges of rapidly changing markets. To address such challenges, companies and projects design and adopt specific development approaches by combining well-structured comprehensive methods and flexible agile practices. Yet, the number of methods and practices is large, and available studies argue that the actual process composition is carried out in a fairly ad-hoc manner. The present paper reports on a survey on hybrid software development app...

  13. Retrospective Evaluation of Pharmacist Interventions on Use of Antimicrobials Using a Clinical Surveillance Software in a Small Community Hospital

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Samuel R. Huber

    2016-10-01

    Full Text Available The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America “Guidelines for Developing an Institutional Program to Enhance Antimicrobial Stewardship” recommend the use of computer-based surveillance programs for efficient and thorough identification of potential interventions as part of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP. This retrospective study examined the benefit of utilizing a clinical surveillance software program to help guide antimicrobial therapy in an inpatient setting, in a small community hospital, without a formal ASP. The electronic health record (EHR was used to retrieve documentations for the following types of antibiotic interventions: culture surveillance, duplicate therapy, duration of therapy and renal dose adjustments. The numbers of interventions made during the three-month periods before and after implementation of the clinical surveillance software were compared. Antibiotic related interventions aggregated to 144 and 270 in the pre- and post-implementation time frame, respectively (p < 0.0001. The total number of antibiotic interventions overall and interventions in three of the four sub-categories increased significantly from the pre-implementation to post-implementation period. Clinical surveillance software is a valuable tool to assist pharmacists in evaluating antimicrobial therapy.

  14. Social Media Impact on Marketing and Operations of Small and Medium Companies: A Delphi study

    OpenAIRE

    Skoumpopoulou, D; Vlachos, I; San José, J

    2014-01-01

    This research project investigates the impact of social media, in particular the uses of the social media in Spain, the impact of the engagement concept for the companies, the influence of the word of mouth for the businesses and the effectiveness of social media marketing in Spanish companies. Qualitative data has been gathered from five Spanish companies that use social media providing rich and detailed information. The most common use of social media in Spain is branding and promotions but...

  15. Creating Competitive Advantage by Rethinking B2B Software Pricing

    OpenAIRE

    Adelstrand, Carl; Brostedt, Emil

    2016-01-01

    The choice of pricing model for software products is a complex procedure due to the different characteristics compared to physical products. This thesis investigates and compares software pricing models in a B2B setting, and describes how KAM plays a role in executing a pricing model. The research has been conducted as an opportunist case study on Adebro, a technology company in the B2B sector. The thesis have come to the following conclusions, with data from interviews and literature: Perpet...

  16. Computer Managed Instruction at Arthur Andersen & Company: A Status Report.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dennis, Verl E.; Gruner, Dennis

    1992-01-01

    Computer managed instruction (CMI) based on the principle of mastery learning has been cost effective for job training in the tax division of Arthur Andersen & Company. The CMI software system, which uses computerized pretests and posttests to monitor training, has been upgraded from microcomputer use to local area networks. Success factors at…

  17. IS THE WEBSITE MARKETING STRATEGY CORRELATED WITH THE COMPANIES OUTCOMES? EVIDENCE FROM ROMANIAN IT INDUSTRY

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Constantinescu-Dobra Anca

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available With a constant yearly growth of more than 20% over the last five years and adding up to10% of the GDP, the Romanian Information Technology (IT sector has an important potential for development. Emphasizing on websites marketing in this sector could enhance more profitability. Even though this tool is considered to be much depersonalized, the users like getting a sense of the company behind the website. Having a wide range of information facilitates this understanding. In a very competitive environment, the IT managers have to realize that the overall site is what represents their organization to users. Prospectors look at product pages and read the site content when they are evaluating an organization as a possible vendor, business partner, employer, investment opportunity. Therefore, websites marketing is one of aspects that need to be constantly reevaluated in an ever-changing word of communication. Given this facts, the present study identifies the extent to which the most valuable IT Romanian companies practice webpage’s marketing. Specifically, we examine the content, in-time communication tools, navigability and style of the websites in correlation with their outcome and size. Moreover, the paper analyzes the differences between websites characteristics of Romanian IT SMEs and large companies from top 100, according to their turnover. The specific objectives in order to investigate the websites marketing of Romanian IT companies are: -To evaluate the websites marketing policies of the software developer, hardware and IT distributors; -To analyze in depth the Romanian IT companies websites performance in correlation with their profit, turnover and number of employees; -To assess the differences between websites policy of SMEs and large companies from Romanian IT industry; This study is exploratory and consists in a qualitative assessment of websites from top100 software, hardware and IT distributor companies. The sample consists of

  18. CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 20, Number 12

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Jones, Capers; Huff, Lloyd; Novak, George; Lau, Yun-Tung; Torri, Stephen; Sanders, Derek; Hamilton, Drew; Evans, Gordon; Frost, Alison A; Campo, Michael J

    2007-01-01

    CONTENTS: 1) Geriatric Issues of Aging Software by Capers Jones: Capers Jones discusses the need of every company to evaluate and consider best practices for maintenance and to avoid common worst practices. 2...

  19. Path generation algorithm for UML graphic modeling of aerospace test software

    Science.gov (United States)

    Qu, MingCheng; Wu, XiangHu; Tao, YongChao; Chen, Chao

    2018-03-01

    Aerospace traditional software testing engineers are based on their own work experience and communication with software development personnel to complete the description of the test software, manual writing test cases, time-consuming, inefficient, loopholes and more. Using the high reliability MBT tools developed by our company, the one-time modeling can automatically generate test case documents, which is efficient and accurate. UML model to describe the process accurately express the need to rely on the path is reached, the existing path generation algorithm are too simple, cannot be combined into a path and branch path with loop, or too cumbersome, too complicated arrangement generates a path is meaningless, for aerospace software testing is superfluous, I rely on our experience of ten load space, tailor developed a description of aerospace software UML graphics path generation algorithm.

  20. The Aggressive Competitiveness Influence on the Retailer Company Performance

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonio Benedito Oliveira Junior

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available The aggressive competitiveness refers to the company tendency to challenge direct and intensively its competitors when entering into a market or to enhance its position outperforming its rivals. An approach about aggressive competitiveness shares the traditional view of "strength-weakness-opportunity-threat", another view consistent with the hyper-competitiveness model, and the third view follows the dynamic competitiveness line. However, researches have not yet focused either on the motivations or on the strategic guidelines before the attack or on the direct relationship between Aggressive Competitiveness (AC and Retailer Company Performance (CP through a qualitative and quantitative study. Within this context, the objective of this research was to analyze: i the impact of the AC in the retail CP; and ii the effect of company size factor (medium/large versus micro/small in this relationship. It was carried out a mixed survey in two stages. In the first it was used a qualitative approach, through multiple case study with eight companies. Then, in the second phase it was held a survey with 64 companies. The results indicate a positive and significant impact of the AC on the CP, but this impact is not different between medium and large sized enterprises versus micro/small sized companies. This research contributes theoretical and empirically to the literature about AC of retail companies, generating subsidies for managers to adopt a more aggressive attitude in the competitive dynamics of the retail market. The practical cases studied here corroborate the influence of AC on the CP. Specifically it demonstrates the AC importance for the survival and growth of the company in increasingly dynamic, turbulent and competitive markets.

  1. Study on Risk Approaches in Software Development Projects

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Claudiu BRANDAS

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Risk approaches in project development led to the integration in the IT project management methodologies and software development of activities and processes of risk management. The diversity and the advanced level of the used technologies in IT projects with increasing com-plexity leads to an exponential diversification of risk factors.The purpose of this research is to identify the level of the risk approach in IT projects both at the IT project management and software development methodologies level and the level of the perception of IT project man-agers, IT managers and IT analysts in Romanian IT companies. Thus, we want to determine the correlation between the use of a project management or software development methodology and the overall level of risk perceived by the project managers using these methodologies.

  2. 13 CFR 108.520 - Management Expenses of a NMVC Company.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Management Expenses of a NMVC Company. 108.520 Section 108.520 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL (âNMVCâ) PROGRAM Managing the Operations of a NMVC Company Management and Compensation...

  3. Analysis of the Company Officer Management Information System (COMIS) Performance Measurement Software at the United States Naval Academy

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Larges, Chad

    2000-01-01

    .... In 1999, the Company Officer Management Information System (COMIS) prototype was created to work in conjunction with MIDS to enhance a Company Officer's ability to develop midshipmen and measure their performance...

  4. Exploring the quality of life (QOL) in the Indian software industry: a public health viewpoint.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jha, Ayan; Sadhukhan, Sanjoy Kumar; Velusamy, Saravanan; Banerjee, Gargi; Banerjee, Arpita; Saha, Amitava; Talukdar, Sumit

    2012-04-01

    Our objectives were to describe the QOL and its determinants among software professionals of Kolkata, and to compare the same according to information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sub-sectors. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among software professionals of Kolkata applying a two-stage stratified random sampling technique. The WHO QOL BREF questionnaire was administered along with a list of pertinent variables. Overall, the analysis for 338 software professionals (177 IT and 161 ITeS) clearly demonstrated significant differences between mean scores of these two sectors for each of the six outcome domains of WHO QOL BREF. Multilevel multivariate analysis outlined 13 significant predictors of QOL-four positive (age, regular fitness regimes, foreign placements and changing companies frequently) and the rest of the nine, negative (multiple sex partners, multiple addictions, extended working hours, night-shift duties, income, expenditure, carrying office work home, current illness and ITeS company type). Our study helps in obtaining a clear understanding of the multifaceted risk factors prevailing in this sector, the majority of which can be effectively addressed by specific health promotional interventions. A dedicated health policy is mandated at both government and company levels.

  5. THE MANAGEMENT OF DOCUMENTS AN OPTIMISING COMPONENT FOR A COMPANIES IT SYSTEM

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vaduva Florin

    2008-05-01

    Full Text Available In order to ensure success in the competitive world of business, companies must accommodate the needs of their clients, partners, employees and capital owner. Companies that pay attention to the way their documents and information are administrated are more prepared to face cost reduction and can respond much faster to the changes occurred on Basically, it is all about information and controlling it and thus the response time is minimum to any inquiries or demands that come from inside the informational system of the company. So, you need an efficient document management. Software solutions that come to your aid, in order to optimize this process are Electronic Document Management System.

  6. Corporate governance of non-listed companies

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    McCahery, J.A.; Vermeulen, E.P.M.

    2008-01-01

    Studies of corporate governance traditionally focus on the governance problems of large publicly held firms, and policymakers' recommendations often focus on such firms. However most small firms, and in many countries, even many large companies, are closely held. This book provides a comprehensive

  7. Corporate contribution to free software as socially responsible activity La contribución empresarial al software libre como actividad socialmente responsable

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jesús García García

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available Firms' commitment to openness on software development means sharing technology and resources with communities worldwide to mitigate the digital divide, create economic opportunity, and foster equal access to technology. Opening up a technology allows others to contribute innovations that individual local companies might never have devised on their own. Consequently, free software development could be seen as a matter of social responsibility. An adequate level of reporting could enhance corporate contributions to free software projects.El compromiso empresarial con la apertura y libertad en el desarrollo de software significa compartir tecnología y recursos con comunidades de todo el planeta y así contribuir a la reducción de la brecha digital, crear nuevas oportunidades de negocio y promover la igualdad de oportunidades en el acceso a la tecnología. Liberar una tecnología permite generar innovaciones que de otro modo las compañías locales no habrían podido desarrollar. En consecuencia, el desarrollo de software libre debe ser visto como una actividad socialmente responsable. Un adecuado nivel de reconocimiento en los informes corporativos podría estimular las aportaciones empresariales a los proyectos de software libre.

  8. Green Software Engineering Adaption In Requirement Elicitation Process

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Umma Khatuna Jannat

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available A recent technology investigates the role of concern in the environment software that is green software system. Now it is widely accepted that the green software can fit all process of software development. It is also suitable for the requirement elicitation process. Now a days software companies have used requirements elicitation techniques in an enormous majority. Because this process plays more and more important roles in software development. At the present time most of the requirements elicitation process is improved by using some techniques and tools. So that the intention of this research suggests to adapt green software engineering for the intention of existing elicitation technique and recommend suitable actions for improvement. This research being involved qualitative data. I used few keywords in my searching procedure then searched IEEE ACM Springer Elsevier Google scholar Scopus and Wiley. Find out articles which published in 2010 until 2016. Finding from the literature review Identify 15 traditional requirement elicitations factors and 23 improvement techniques to convert green engineering. Lastly The paper includes a squat review of the literature a description of the grounded theory and some of the identity issues related finding of the necessity for requirements elicitation improvement techniques.

  9. SBA Network Components & Software Inventory

    Data.gov (United States)

    Small Business Administration — SBA’s Network Components & Software Inventory contains a complete inventory of all devices connected to SBA’s network including workstations, servers, routers,...

  10. Charging Customers or Making Profit? Business Model Change in the Software Industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Margit Malmmose Peyton

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available Purpose: Advancements in technology, changing customer demands or new market entrants are often seen as a necessary condition to trigger the creation of new Business Models, or disruptive change in existing ones. Yet, the sufficient condition is often determined by pricing and how customers are willing to pay for the technology (Chesbrough and Rosenbloom, 2002. As a consequence, much research on Business Models has focused on innovation and technology management (Rajala et al., 2012; Zott et al., 2011, and software-specific frameworks for Business Models have emerged (Popp, 2011; Rajala et al., 2003; Rajala et al., 2004; Stahl, 2004. This paper attempts to illustrate Business Model change in the software industry. Design: Drawing on Rajala et al. (2003, this case study explores the (1 antecedents and (2 consequences of a Business Model-change in a logistics software company. The company decided to abolish their profitable fee-based licensing for an internet-based version of its core product and to offer it as freeware including unlimited service. Findings: Firstly, we illustrate how external developments in technology and customer demands (pricing, as well as the desire for a sustainable Business Model, have led to this drastic change. Secondly, we initially find that much of the company’s new Business Model is congruent with the company-focused framework of Rajala et al. (2003 [product strategy; distribution model, services and implementation; revenue logic]. Value: The existing frameworks for Business Models in the software industry cannot fully explain the disruptive change in the Business Model. Therefore, we suggest extending the framework by the element of ‘innovation’.

  11. Company X launch to the Chinese market

    OpenAIRE

    Gilles, Mylene

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a brand study for Company X, which pro-duces small and medium childcare products. The final objective was to have a better knowledge of the Chinese market to adapt as well as possible the Company X brand strategy comparing with competitors are doing in terms of brand strategy and entry mode solution. The introduction shows the purpose and the objectives of the thesis and the concep-tual framework including all the theoretical concepts developed. Th...

  12. Protyping machine vision software on the World Wide Web

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karantalis, George; Batchelor, Bruce G.

    1998-10-01

    Interactive image processing is a proven technique for analyzing industrial vision applications and building prototype systems. Several of the previous implementations have used dedicated hardware to perform the image processing, with a top layer of software providing a convenient user interface. More recently, self-contained software packages have been devised and these run on a standard computer. The advent of the Java programming language has made it possible to write platform-independent software, operating over the Internet, or a company-wide Intranet. Thus, there arises the possibility of designing at least some shop-floor inspection/control systems, without the vision engineer ever entering the factories where they will be used. It successful, this project will have a major impact on the productivity of vision systems designers.

  13. Enabling System Evolution through Configuration Management on the Hardware/Software Boundary

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Krikhaar, R.L.; Mosterman, W.; Veerman, N.P.; Verhoef, C.

    2009-01-01

    As the use of software and electronics in modern products is omnipresent and continuously increasing, companies in the embedded systems industry face increasing complexity in controlling and enabling the evolution of their IT-intensive products. Traditionally, product configurations and their

  14. DSM energy saving pilot project report. Company Augstceltne Ltd., Riga, Latvia

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Krievins, P.; Cakuls, A.; Kaross, V.; Jansons, D.

    1995-05-01

    This report is a part of the Joint Latvian - Danish Project DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY SAVING. The Project is a part of the Danish aid and technology transfer to Latvia. It is the result of collaborative efforts between a Latvian team, consisting of the specialists from Latvenergo and a Danish team, which was represented by Danish Power Consult. The purpose of this pilot project was not only to carry out energy audit in the company Augstceltne Ltd and propose demand side management and energy saving measures. Another task of the project was the application of DPC energy audit methodic, measuring equipment and software in Latvian conditions and the promotion of energy saving programs in Latvia in this way. The Company Augstceltne Ltd was created to rent the rest of premises for many other independent companys and to earn money for surviving. Now the Company has 9 buildings with a total area of 26,920 square meters. The tower block has 23 floors and it is the main business centre. 66 companies are located in the building. (EG)

  15. LEAN MANUFACTURING IN TWO SERBIAN FOOD COMPANIES - CASE STUDIES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ilija Đekić

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper gives an overview of a 9 month experience in implementing lean manufacturing tools in two Serbian food companies. Both companies have certified quality and food safety management systems and are food exporters. One of them is a big producer with more than 1000 employees with a three shift serial production while the other is a small producer with one shift and batch oriented production. Results showed that six tools were chosen by both companies - Total productive maintenance, Poka yoke, batch reduction, layout improvement, standardization of work and visual management. The big company implemented also cellular and flow, Jidoka, quick changeovers and 5S. None of the companies expressed interest at implementing Just-In-Time, Kanban, Self-inspection and Value stream mapping at this stage of the project.

  16. Software essentials design and construction

    CERN Document Server

    Dingle, Adair

    2014-01-01

    About the Cover: Although capacity may be a problem for a doghouse, other requirements are usually minimal. Unlike skyscrapers, doghouses are simple units. They do not require plumbing, electricity, fire alarms, elevators, or ventilation systems, and they do not need to be built to code or pass inspections. The range of complexity in software design is similar. Given available software tools and libraries-many of which are free-hobbyists can build small or short-lived computer apps. Yet, design for software longevity, security, and efficiency can be intricate-as is the design of large-scale sy

  17. Reducing Customers’ Total Cost of Ownership Within a Software Supply Network

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Slinger, S.R.L.; Rijsemus, W.

    2006-01-01

    This paper describes how the company Cordys avoids the ERP problems from the last 15 years by improving the software release, delivery, deployment, and maintenance processes. These ERP problems, such as costly ERP migrations and highly complex maintenance procedures, are circumvented by the

  18. Analysis of companies' environmental strategies for a green society

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sarmento, Manuela; Durao, Diamantino; Duarte, Manuela

    2006-01-01

    The present research is based on a survey sent to large, medium and small size companies, located in Portugal and within what are considered the most pollutant industrial sectors. The analyses of the results, processed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.0, show that generally companies are concerned with the implementation of clean processes, green products and eco-equipment to have a cleaner environment, i.e. a more sustainable society. Statistically, the results show that the 98 potential polluting companies are moderately contributing for a green society (x m =3.1) regarding the ten environmental strategies under research. It can also be concluded that, globally, environmental strategies are directly linked to the companies' size. (author)

  19. Marketing Strategy Implementation: A Study of Small and Medium Companies in Indonesia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Asmai Ishak

    2009-08-01

    Full Text Available A good marketing strategy does not always necessarily lead to successful marketing performance in an organization. It depends on how marketing people translate the strategy into action. A well formulated, but badly implemented strategy, will be effective (do the right things, but not efficient (do things right. While correct implementation of a badly formulated strategy will be efficient, but not effective. Firms need both effectiveness and efficiency to optimize their performance. This study, based on existing literature, identified a list of activities concerning the marketing strategy implementation, and investigated their nature in the process of the strategy implementation among small and medium companies in Indonesia. A tested structured questionnaire was used as a guidance in interviewing marketing managers -the respondents of the study. A total of 76 completed questionnaires were collected. Factor analysis was used to extract, if any, key dimensions across the data. This analysis resulted into four fundamental factors underlying 16 activities in marketing strategy implementation, namely commitment, consensus, evaluation and control, autonomy, and two factors representing 8 marketing performance that are financial, and strategic performances. Subsequently simple regression was performed to examine the impact of the four factors on the marketing performance. The study findings suggest that evaluation and control has greatest impact either on financial performance or strategic performance, followed by autonomy. Even though commitment and consensus influence the marketing performance, but their influences are not statistically significant.

  20. Determining the requirements for e-selection in a small recruitment company - using the regulative cycle

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Bondarouk, Tatiana; Ruel, Hubertus Johannes Maria; Timmermans, P.; Buragga, K.A.; Zaman, N.

    2013-01-01

    The requirements for e-selection technology to be of practical use for Company T have been investigated. Company T’s main business is in identifying and seconding personnel, especially in the technical sector, and it had been anticipating a shortage in the supply of candidates. This served as the

  1. Effective UI The Art of Building Great User Experience in Software

    CERN Document Server

    Anderson, Jonathan; Wilson, Robb

    2010-01-01

    People expect effortless, engaging interaction with desktop and web applications, but producing software that generates enjoyable user experiences is much harder than many companies anticipate. With Effective UI, you'll learn proven user-experience strategies that will satisfy your clients and customers, drive business value, and increase brand strength. This book shows you how to capture the collaborative and cooperative spirit among designers, engineers, and management required for building engaging software. You'll also learn valuable methods for maintaining focus throughout the process -

  2. 13 CFR 108.585 - Voluntary decrease in NMVC Company's Regulatory Capital.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ...'s Regulatory Capital. 108.585 Section 108.585 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL (âNMVCâ) PROGRAM Managing the Operations of a NMVC Company Voluntary Decrease in Regulatory Capital § 108.585 Voluntary decrease in NMVC Company's Regulatory Capital. You must...

  3. A Planning Guide for Small and Medium Size Wood Products Companies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jeff Howe; Stephen Bratkovich

    2005-01-01

    At the beginning of the 21st century, North American wood products companies are facing competitive pressure from numerous sources. Traditional products are being manufactured in new regions (e.g., China and the developing nations), and substitute products are being developed by competing industries (e.g., plastics and composites). The bottom line is strained by...

  4. International Financial Reporting standard for Small and Medium-sized entities

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Z Koppeschaar

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available The International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized entities (IFRS for SMEs was published as a standard by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB during July 2009. During 2007 South Africa became one of the first countries and the first country in Africa to early accept the proposed accounting standard (exposure draft of an IFRS for SMEs. The accounting standard will probably also be accepted by numerous other countries. The aim of this article is to investigate the applicability of this accounting standard. The results indicated that the IFRS for SMEs remains too comprehensive for the majority of small companies. The IFRS for SMEs does not satisfy the needs of South African users of small company financial statements, and as a result the accounting requirements should be simplified. KEYWORDS: Financial accounting; Financial reporting requirements; IFRS for SMEs; Small companies; Users of financial statements; Small company financial statements.

  5. Automated software for hydraulic simulation of pipeline operation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hurgin Roman

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Design of modern water supply systems of large cities as well as their management via renovation of hydraulic models poses time-consuming tasks to researchers, and coping with this task requires specific approaches. When tackling these tasks, water services companies come across a lot of information about various objects of water infrastructure, the majority of which is located underground. In those cases, modern computer-aided design systems containing various components come to help. These systems help to solve a wide array of problems using existing information regarding pipelines, analysis and optimization of their basic parameters. CAD software is becoming an integral part of water supply systems management in large cities, and its capabilities allow engineering and operating companies to not only collect all the necessary data concerning water supply systems in any given city, but also to conduct research aimed at improving various parameters of these systems, including optimization of their hydraulic properties which directly determine the quality of water. This paper contains the analysis of automated CAD software for hydraulic design and management of city water supply systems in order to provide safe and efficient operation of these water supply systems. Authors select the most suitable software that might be used to provide hydraulic compatibility of old and new sections of water supply ring mains after selective or continuous draw-in renovation and decrease in diameter of distribution networks against the background of water consumption decrease in the cities.

  6. SOFTWARE PROCESS ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT USING MULTICRITERIA DECISION AIDING - CONSTRUCTIVIST

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Leonardo Ensslin

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Software process improvement and software process assessment have received special attention since the 1980s. Some models have been created, but these models rest on a normative approach, where the decision-maker’s participation in a software organization is limited to understanding which process is more relevant to each organization. The proposal of this work is to present the MCDA-C as a constructivist methodology for software process improvement and assessment. The methodology makes it possible to visualize the criteria that must be taken into account according to the decision-makers’ values in the process improvement actions, making it possible to rank actions in the light of specific organizational needs. This process helped the manager of the company studied to focus on and prioritize process improvement actions. This paper offers an empirical understanding of the application of performance evaluation to software process improvement and identifies complementary tools to the normative models presented today.

  7. QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION OF COMPANIES AND MARKETS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    N. Kovtun

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available The results of improving the author’s methodology linked with the assessment of companies’ and markets’ globalization level were presented in this paper. Based on the analysis of the global companies’ and global markets’ features referred to in scientific literature, the specifications which can be used to determine the globalization level of companies and markets were suggested. In addition, the globalization level of the largest top-ten companies (according to the rating of Forbes Global 2000 Leading Companies in 2015 was identified as well as that of corresponding industry markets: auto and truck manufacturers, major banks, software and programming, large department stores (retailers, telecommunication services, electronics producers, electronics, oil and gas operations.

  8. Using MDA for integration of heterogeneous components in software supply chains

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Hartmann, Johan Herman; Keren, Mila; Matsinger, Aart; Rubin, Julia; Trew, Tim; Yatzkar-Haham, Tali

    2013-01-01

    Software product lines are increasingly built using components from specialized suppliers. A company that is in the middle of a supply chain has to integrate components from its suppliers and offer (partially configured) products to its customers. To satisfy both the variability required by each

  9. 3D reconstruction software comparison for short sequences

    Science.gov (United States)

    Strupczewski, Adam; Czupryński, BłaŻej

    2014-11-01

    Large scale multiview reconstruction is recently a very popular area of research. There are many open source tools that can be downloaded and run on a personal computer. However, there are few, if any, comparisons between all the available software in terms of accuracy on small datasets that a single user can create. The typical datasets for testing of the software are archeological sites or cities, comprising thousands of images. This paper presents a comparison of currently available open source multiview reconstruction software for small datasets. It also compares the open source solutions with a simple structure from motion pipeline developed by the authors from scratch with the use of OpenCV and Eigen libraries.

  10. Modelos de desarrollo de software de exportacion en el contexto de una region emergente: Caso area metropolitana de Monterrey, analisis de campo por el metodo de regresion lineal multiple.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Torres, F.

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available The objective of this document is to give to know the advantages that the different successful development models have offered for companies development of export software, making a synthesis from the CMM, until arriving to the CMMI, without stopping to make a critical analysis on the two models that have identified the critical factors for the export of software of the called countries of "3I" that they have demonstrated its success in this segment like: the model of factors of success for the software export (Heeks and Nicholson, 2002 and the model Oval (Carmel, E., 2003b, giving the minimum recommendations to the Mexican companies, developments of software export, have the competitiveness required in the international environment. This work is the result of the bibliographical revision of the models of software development and it is part of the doctoral thesis, about a sample of 40 companies developments of software export and the critical factors: Standard technological, Capacity of technological innovation, Formation of human capital, financial Capital and Support in investigation and development, with the purpose of identifying the opportunity areas to improve their international competitiveness, besides the economic results that can be obtained. The present study is based on the application of the statistical technique of the model of multiple lineal regressions, giving the following values: R= 0.549, 2 R =0.302, 2 R Ajus = 0.275. The positioning of the companies Mexican developments of software export and, in the particular case in the Metropolitan Area of the City of Monterrey, in the world market of software and related services, it will depend: that the company has a model to develop software export; of the consolidation of managerial associations of TI for the development of the export software and of the development of managerial consortia of export software in the Metropolitan Area of the City of Monterrey that they come to

  11. 13 CFR 108.1900 - Termination of participation as a NMVC Company.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Termination of participation as a NMVC Company. 108.1900 Section 108.1900 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL (âNMVCâ) PROGRAM Ending Operations as a NMVC Company § 108.1900...

  12. SMEs’ Organizational Performance: Comparative Study between Cooperated and Uncooperated Companies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Karla de Lucena Justino Gomes

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Faced with the need for survival and competitiveness, here called micro and small enterprises (MPE, they seek to develop competitive differentials, such as the insertion of the company into a cooperation network. Several researches seek to identify the benefits of cooperative strategies, but few studies seek to compare the organizational performance of cooperating companies with that of uncooperated companies. Thus, the present study has as general objective to verify if the MPE, when inserted in cooperation networks, present organizational performance superior to those that are not inserted in that context. The present research is of the survey type and involves 67 companies inserted in cooperation networks and 154 companies that do not participate in cooperation networks. To achieve the objective, the organizational performance was analyzed based on the managers' perception regarding aspects associated to the following performance measures: customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, company growth, company profitability and overall performance. The results indicate that the companies included in cooperation networks presented superior performance when compared to the companies not included in cooperation networks

  13. THE GLOBAL MARKET OF SMALL BUSINESSES BY E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Domenico CONSOLI

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available Nowadays we live in a global market era. For small businesses (SBs, that do not have financial and human resources, to sell in a big market by an e-commerce platform can be a competitive strategy. The electronic platform can reinforce the weaknesses of an absence of a commercial network to interact with end customers, especially if they live in another country. The platform allows small businesses to operate on the long tail. In fact they can sell also few specific products /services to a large number of people in a global context. Obviously, in economic terms, Small Businesses cannot compete with the big ones that can have most advanced technology and software for information processing. However, for SBs the reduced availability of resources is not an impediment to sell in a global market. Owners of SBs can directley spend and devote part of their free time to support the online sale. Being lean and flexible enterprises they can execute more quickly orders, collected by the website, and therefore the distribution process is more fast. In the paper we describe a research on e-commerce in a small companies sample and in particular an analisys of websites and interviews, in dept, to entrepreneurs.

  14. Aerospace manpower transfer to small business enterprises

    Science.gov (United States)

    Green, M. K.

    1972-01-01

    The feasibility of a program to effect transfer of aerospace professional people from the ranks of the unemployed into gainful employment in the small business community was investigated. The effectiveness of accomplishing transfer of technology from the aerospace effort into the private sector through migration of people rather than products or hardware alone was also studied. Two basic methodologies were developed. One involves the matching of ex-aerospace professionals and small companies according to their mutual needs. A training and indoctrination program is aimed at familiarizing the professional with the small company environment, and a program of follow-up counseling is defined. The second methodology incorporates efforts to inform and arouse interest among the nonaerospace business community toward affirmative action programs that will serve mutual self-interests of the individuals, companies, and communities involved.

  15. Selection of bioprocess simulation software for industrial applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shanklin, T; Roper, K; Yegneswaran, P K; Marten, M R

    2001-02-20

    Two commercially available, process-simulation software packages (Aspen Batch Plus v1.2, Aspen Technology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Intelligen SuperPro v3.0, INTELLIGEN, INC., Scotch Plains, Ner Jersey) are evaluated for use in modeling industrial, biotechnology processes. Software is quantitatively evaluated by Kepner-Tregoe Decision Analysis (Kepner and Tregoe, 1981). This evaluation shows that Aspen Batch Plus v1.2 (ABP) and Intelligen SuperPro v3.0 (ISP) can successfully perform specific simulation tasks but do not provide a complete model of all phenomena occurring within a biotechnology process. Software is best suited to provide a format for process management, using material and energy balances to answer scheduling questions, explore equipment change-outs, and calculate cost data. The ability of simulation software to accurately predict unit operation scale-up and optimize bioprocesses is limited. To realistically evaluate the software, a vaccine manufacturing process under development at Merck & Company is simulated. Case studies from the vaccine process are presented as examples of how ABP and ISP can be used to shed light on real-world processing issues. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  16. ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY SOFTWARE BEING USED FOR FORWARDING SERVICES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Naumov, V.

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available The role of information technologies in the forwarding services has been specified. The typical structure of the logistic sites providing the search of requests of freight owners and carriers has been described. The analysis of the software for transportation companies was conducted. The perspective directions of improvement of forwarding services process have been revealed.

  17. 12 CFR 250.221 - Issuance and sale of short-term debt obligations by bank holding companies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... are, at present, a small loan company, a mortgage banking company and a factoring company. In no... substantial contraction and would be an integral part of its operations, the Board concluded that the issuance...

  18. Volatility transmission between small and large caps in the Brazilian market

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marcelo Brutti Righi

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available Researches about volatility transmission between small and large company stocks had received great attention in last years. Based on this idea, the current paper aims to analyze the occurrence of volatility transmission between small and large companies in Brazil. To that, we estimate multivariate GARCH models. As asset proxies we used the Small and Mid-Large cap BM&F/Bovespa index. Results allow concluding that large company stocks impact the small stocks conditional volatility. However, the relationship does not maintain it in reverse direction. This result is in accord with the addressed subject.

  19. MS2Analyzer: A Software for Small Molecule Substructure Annotations from Accurate Tandem Mass Spectra

    Science.gov (United States)

    2015-01-01

    Systematic analysis and interpretation of the large number of tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) obtained in metabolomics experiments is a bottleneck in discovery-driven research. MS/MS mass spectral libraries are small compared to all known small molecule structures and are often not freely available. MS2Analyzer was therefore developed to enable user-defined searches of thousands of spectra for mass spectral features such as neutral losses, m/z differences, and product and precursor ions from MS/MS spectra in MSP/MGF files. The software is freely available at http://fiehnlab.ucdavis.edu/projects/MS2Analyzer/. As the reference query set, 147 literature-reported neutral losses and their corresponding substructures were collected. This set was tested for accuracy of linking neutral loss analysis to substructure annotations using 19 329 accurate mass tandem mass spectra of structurally known compounds from the NIST11 MS/MS library. Validation studies showed that 92.1 ± 6.4% of 13 typical neutral losses such as acetylations, cysteine conjugates, or glycosylations are correct annotating the associated substructures, while the absence of mass spectra features does not necessarily imply the absence of such substructures. Use of this tool has been successfully demonstrated for complex lipids in microalgae. PMID:25263576

  20. Improving Agile Software Practice

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tjørnehøj, Gitte

    2006-01-01

    Software process improvement in small and agile organizations is often problematic, but achieving good SPI-assessments can still be necessary to stay in the marked or to meet demands of multinational owners. The traditional norm driven, centralized and control centered improvement approaches has...

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