The Transaction Graph for Requirements Capture in Semantic Enterprise Architecture

Speaker: Ivan Launders
Topic: The Transaction Graph for Requirements Capture in Semantic Enterprise Architecture
Abstract: The aim of this research is to establish that: a transaction graph leads to better understanding of the concepts and relations in transactions and their semantics within enterprise architecture, explained as follows. Enterprise architecture comprises of complex transactional information systems that carry out repetitive and bespoke business transactions to meet business goals.  When enterprise systems transact with each other there needs to be an exchange of meaning through transactions, so that agent A has the same conceptual understanding as agent B in the business transaction. If we accept that agents may not use the same terms to mean the same things, we need a way to discover what another agent means when it transacts. This research presents: The Transaction Graph for Requirements Capture in Semantic Enterprise Architectures, using two separate case studies to outline the steps. Conceptual Graphs are used to capture and to model business transactions and their semantics within enterprise architecture. Using case studies in a health domain and a financial domain this research investigates and develops an approach and design artefacts for the specification of semantics in transactions within enterprise architecture. Model automation is used to provide both accurate semantic and syntactic refinement, aiding the designer to capture semantics through ontology, editing, querying, testing and subsequently specialising. The strategy adopted in this research combines the characteristics of a case study approach to capture contextual conditions with those of action research through the use of multiple case study method. Action research through an interactive inquiry with student design teams provides supporting empirical evidence as a simulation of industrial practice: using six case studies. The primary contributions of this research include an approach to modelling and evaluation of enterprise architecture by the way of transactions and model automation of concepts and relations and their semantics within business transactions.

Assessing the business risk of technology obsolescence through enterprise modelling

Speaker: Mr Cameron Spence
Topic: Assessing the business risk of technology obsolescence through enterprise modelling
Abstract: The problem of technology obsolescence in information intensive businesses (software and hardware no longer being supported and replaced by improved and different solutions) and a cost constrained market can severely increase costs and operational, and ultimately reputation risk. Although many businesses recognise technological obsolescence, the pervasive nature of technology often means they have little information to identify the risk and location of pending obsolescence and little money to apply to the solution. This paper presents a low cost structured method to identify obsolete software and the risk of their obsolescence where the structure of a business and its supporting IT resources can be captured, modelled, analysed and the risk to the business of technology obsolescence identified to enable remedial action using qualified obsolescence information. The technique is based on a structured modelling approach using enterprise architecture models and a heatmap algorithm to highlight high risk obsolescent elements. The method has been tested and applied in practice in two consulting studies carried out by Capgemini involving three UK police forces. However the generic technique could be applied to any industry based on plans to improve it using ontology framework methods. This paper contains details of enterprise architecture meta-models and related modelling.

Accounting Information Systems as Institutional Carriers: A Case Study of Regulatory Compliance in UK Asset Management Houses

Speaker: Daniel Gozman

Topic: Accounting Information Systems as Institutional Carriers: A Case Study of Regulatory Compliance in UK Asset Management Houses

Abstract: Previously, governments have responded to the impacts of economic failures and consequently have developed more regulations to protect employees, customers, shareholders and the economic wellbeing of the state. Our research addresses how Accounting Information Systems (AIS) may act as carriers for institutionalised practices associated with maintaining regulatory compliance within the context of UK Asset Management Houses. The AIS was found to be a strong conduit for institutionalized compliance related practices, utilising symbolic systems, relational systems, routines and artefacts to carry approaches relating to regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive strands of institutionalism. Thus, AIS are integral to the development and dissipation of best practice for the management of regulatory compliance. As institutional elements are clearly present we argue that AIS and regulatory compliance provide a rich context to further institutionalism. Since AIS may act as conduits for regulatory approaches, both systems adopters and clients may benefit from actively seeking to codify and abstract best practices into AIS. However, the application of generic institutionalized approaches, which may be applied across similar organizations, must be tempered with each firm’s business environment and associated regulatory exposure. A balance should be sought between approaches specific enough to be useful but generic enough to be universally applied.

"EcoWeb" and "All of Us Networked"

Speaker: Roberto Pereira

Title: "EcoWeb" and "All of Us Networked"

Abstract: Everytime we introduce a technology in an environment, we produce changes that cause side effects in it, including on people, their values, customs, preferences and other cultural aspects. This requires an ethical and methodological responsibility of developing technologies that make sense to people and do not harm society. In this context, the development of artifacts, methods and tools for supporting designers to take explicitly into account cultural aspects is necessary and represents a challenge in the field of Human-Computer Interaction.

This talk aims to discuss the importance of involving and articulating cultural aspects in the design of computing systems. The discussions will be situated in the context of two projects, "EcoWeb" and "All of Us Networked", currently in development at the Institute of Computing, University of Campinas, Brazil.

What's the best way to get from A to B?

Speaker: Dr Stephen Moran (McKinsey)

Title: What's the best way to get from A to B?

Abstract: Making the transition from Academia to Business can seem a difficult and unclear route. Dr Stephen Moran completed a PhD in molecular biophysics before starting a career in management consulting. What is the connection between this random academic discipline and international business? Good question. Stephen will talk a little bit about his research and the lessons it taught him. We will then explore as a group the qualities that a rigorous academic training can bring to the business environment. Finally, Stephen will talk about what management consulting is, illustrating with examples of what his firm, McKinsey & Co. does. By the end of the session we hope you will have some clearer directions on the somewhat foggy path from A to B.

Model Driven Business Engineering (MDBE)

Speaker: Dr George Tsaramirsis

Title: Model Driven Business Engineering (MDBE)

Abstract: Modern business processes usually demand the utilization of a variety of business frameworks and methodologies in order to offer a concrete business solution. Many times, the use of such frameworks is imposed by clients such as governments or large organizations. However, models contained in such frameworks often lack formal semantics and clarity. Moreover, even if they describe the processes very analytically there is a risk of failing to take into account environmental factors like for example business culture. This may lead to inconsistencies between solutions, improper model selection or even modelling confusion. The maintainability, reusability and agility of such models tends to require manual work and it is vulnerable to human errors.

Software engineering used to experience similar problems and solved these by the introduction of a model driven based approach called Model Driven Architecture (MDA). This seminar proposes a transfer of concepts and logic from the MDA to a new framework for Model Driven Business Engineering (MDBE).

Offshore Industrialization of Service Delivery – Gains and Challenges

Speaker: Dr. Wolfgang Messner

Title: Offshore Industrialization of Service Delivery – Gains and Challenges

Abstract: Successful offshoring is not merely a transformation in terms of delivery location, which in itself already involves many challenges. What is more, the transformation also affects the way functions are served in an industrialised fashion from centralised multi-client delivery centres, using standardisation and segmentation for the most efficient results. The benefits are challenged by switching from face-to-face communication to stringent documentation, using collaborative tools, adapting to other cultures, values, and aspirations.

Dr. Wolfgang Messner has been associated with India’s IT industry since 1998 when he was an expatriate project manager for Deutsche Bank in Bangalore. Later, he also spent a term as visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and recently completed three years as offshore delivery director for Capgemini in India. He holds a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Kassel, an MBA from the University of Wales, and a Masters Degree in computing science from the Technical University Munich with studies at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He is the author of the books “Intelligent IT Offshoring to India” (Palgrave Macmillan 2010) and “Working with India” (Springer 2009).

Environmental Sustainability Management and Research @ Microsoft

Speakers: Mary-Anne King (Microsoft UK Environment Lead) & Dan Williams (TSBE & Microsoft Researcher)

Title: Environmental Sustainability Management and Research @ Microsoft

Abstract: The ICT industry has been estimated to produce between 2-5% of the world’s emitted carbon dioxide. This is similar to the airline industry! Microsoft believes ICT can play an important enabling role to help the UK achieve energy sustainability and a low carbon economy. Microsoft’s focus -one shared with the industry and its partners- is to advance innovation and software to address these issues.

Microsoft believes that IT is uniquely placed to assist and enable innovation within businesses across all industries that can have a positive impact on the environment, economy and society. It is committed to reducing the impact of its operations and products as well as driving innovation that can reduce the UK and global carbon footprint.

Research within the Think Lab at the University of Salford

Speaker: Prof. Terrence Fernando (University of Salford)

Title: Research within the Think Lab at the University of Salford

Abstract: This talk will present the on-going research at the ThinkLab on collaborative workspaces. The first part of the talk will focus on the outcome of the CoSpaces project which investigated the design and implementation of a collaborative platform for the aerospace, automotive and construction sectors. The requirements for the system were gathered by analyzing current collaborative practices and future visions. This project resulted in creating three types of workspaces : co-located, distributed and mobile. The second part of the talk will focus on the collaborative platform that is being developed for supporting various stakeholders in urban regeneration. Building on previous experience with the Black Country Urban Regeneration programme, current work is now focusing on Salford City to provide a comprehensive urban simulation framework.

IT Leadership: Challenges and Responses

Speaker: Dr Sharm Manwani (Henley Business School)

Title: IT Leadership: Challenges and Responses

Abstract: Large multinational enterprises face particular challenges when it comes to IT Leadership. They have complex structures which impact the strategy, governance and delivery of IT-enabled business change. Dealing with this complexity places particular demands on the IT leaders, particularly the Chief Information Officer (CIO).