Career Stories: From Masters to Architect ….and beyond

Topic: Career Stories: From Masters to Architect ….and beyond

Abstract: Join us for some mid-career reflections from an MBA graduate, Linda Chandler. Linda will tell the story of her varied 20-year career path to her current role as an Enterprise Architect at Microsoft, what excites her and what skills she brings to the role, and also how she sees the next 20 years unfolding ahead of her.

Speaker: Linda is an experienced technology leader with a passion for strategy combined with a pragmatism that makes it a reality. With nearly 20 years in the technology sector, she has experienced many facets of the IT industry, having worked for systems integrators, large independent software vendors, start-ups and customer organisations. She also recently completed a 3-year term as a co-optee for the charity Mind.

RIM: Applications and Impact by Wireless Technologies

Topic: Research in Motion (RIM): Applications and impact by wireless technologies

Synopsis: Research in Motion (RIM) is a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionised the mobile industry with the introduction of the blackberry solution in 1999. The blackberry family offers the forefront technologies for mobile access to emails, applications and virtual real time communication so you can stay in touch with people wherever you are and whenever you need. BlackBerry solutions have brought success to various industries such as healthcare and life sciences, professional services and legal, distribution and transportation, education, finance and insurance, government and public sectors, manufacturing and technology, public safety, real estate and construction, retail and wholesale and more worldwide. Dr Hart is going to give the insights of RIM innovation and how it impacts the business performances such as improving return of investment, enhance productivity, achieve business goals of an organisation via wireless deployment.

About the speaker: Dr Veronica Hart is the Director of EMEA IT Operations in RIM UK. As a direction, she is responsible for delivering corporate IT services to all RIM employees and locations across Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Working closely with the business units and a diverse internal customer base that spans from corporate functions to R&D and Customer Service Operations, Veronica oversees deployment and support of IT equipment and corporate systems/applications in region to enable efficient functions of RIM business.  Prior to joining RIM in 2008, Veronica worked at AT&T for 10 years where she held a number of technical leadership positions in IT outsourcing, managed services in server administration, network security, hosting and data centre management.  Veronica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Fudan University, Shanghai, China and a PhD in BioElectrochemistry from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

Embracing the Customisation of IT - Microsoft Jump Start

The culture of work is changing. People want the freedom to work anywhere—at home, in the office, on the road—and they want instant access to everything they would typically have at their office desk. They want to bring their own PCs, slates, and smartphones to work. Not to mention, everyone's more connected than ever with use of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) at work and for work as well as work-related collaboration using cloud applications like web mail, cloud storage, and web apps. It’s time to give people the freedom to get things done their way. In return, you’ll unleash passion and productivity like never before.

Day 1: Device Management
    Module 1: Keynote: Enabling the Consumerization of IT
    Module 2: End-to-End Security & Access
    Module 3: User-Centric Application Delivery
    Module 4: Mobile Device Management

Day 2: Data Access
    Module 5: Productive with Office 365
    Module 6: Information Protection
    Module 7: Cloud Security and Management
    Module 8: Desktop Virtualization

David Tesar | Technical Evangelist | Microsoft
Andy O’Donald | Product Manager, Exchange | Microsoft
Adam Carter | Product Marketing Manager | Microsoft
Josh Heller | Senior Product Manager | Microsoft

Services, Servitisation and Service Science

Speaker: Mr Steve Street of IBM
Topic: Services, Servitisation and Service Science
Abstract: The seminar exams the key drivers behind the interest in 'Service Science' or 'Service Science Management and Engineering' (SSME) shown by corporations such as IBM, discussing how they are rooted in fundamental Global Shifts in Economic activity that have directly affected both nations and corporations and how, combined with the emergence of new technology opportunities and new problems rooted in  'complex service systems', these shifts are driving the need for 'new people' and skills and a new 'Science of Services'. The seminar will discuss where we are in the evolution of this 'new Science' and present a number of practical examples of activities that have taken place to address 'complex service system' problems, together with several examples of recent 'Service Science' research that begin to pose the question of how 'adoption' of research back into practice will take place, as well as discussing potential current and future directions for 'Service Science'.

Business Analysis within the Business Change Lifecycle

Speaker: Debra Paul
Topic: Business Analysis within the Business Change Lifecycle
Abstract: The drivers for business analysis are sometimes forgotten given the passage of time. However, it is always worthwhile revisiting these drivers as this helps inform how we conduct business analysis today. Further, while business analysis can offer significant benefits to business change projects, in practice this is often not the case. Debbie Paul will discuss the rationale and aims of business analysis, how it fits in the business change lifecycle and why the potential benefits may not be achieved. Particular focus will be given to the mechanistic application of methods/techniques and the incidence of 'new approach evangelism'.

Emergency Information Systems and Risk Management

Speaker: Dr Lili Yang
Topic: Emergency Information Systems and Risk Management
Abstract: The ability and efficiency of responding to crises and unexpected events have become increasingly important throughout the world. The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre and London bombings are etched in memory in which humans were ill-equipped to respond. The slow and inadequate responses have led to many people death and the loss of property. Procuring the right information at the right time, in the right format, and to get it to the right people is a challenge in any emergency management and response system design. Poor designs can lead to response systems that are not used, ineffective, and in some cases dangerous to the emergency personnel. The faster the emergency responders are able to gather, analyse, and act on key information, the more effective their response will be, the better the needs will be met, and the greater the benefit to all affected people. This talk will summarize the research works on emergency information systems and risk management completed or being carried out by Dr Yang’s research team.

Service Innovation: Research Challenges in Information Systems

Speaker: Professor Linda A Macaulay
Topic: Service Innovation: Research Challenges in Information Systems
Abstract: Economies have become dominated by service sectors. Services depend critically on people working together and with technology to provide value for others, consequently new skills are required for integrating business, people and technology. Such innovative skills will be required across the economy, since services are not just the concern of service sectors. This seminar introduces Service Innovation through the use of two examples, the first illustrates the need for innovation in response to customer dissatisfaction with an existing service, and the second illustrates service innovation driven by the adoption of a new technology. The seminar concludes by discussing the role of Information Systems research in Service Innovation and suggests a number of research challenges.

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).

From the Web of Data to a World of Action

Speaker: Prof. Alan Dix (Lancaster University)

Title: From the Web of Data to a World of Action

Abstract: From human readable web pages, to formal semantics of linked data and the emergent social semantics of tags and folksonomies, we routinely look to the web as both a source of information and a place to put data. However, the web is also a locus of action: users want to get things done, whether booking a hotel room, or editing an online spread sheet.

The boundaries between web and desktop interaction are blurring. On the one hand, the traditional PC desktop is now inhabited by widgets such as the Mac Dashboard, web fast-download apps such as Java Web Start or Adobe Air, and expanded browser functionality such as Chrome. On the other hand, computation and applications that once were part of the desktop are now hosted on the web (for example word-processing with Google Docs), and various technologies enable web applications to function even when users have no connectivity to the internet. Furthermore, in emerging markets such as India and China, this convergence will be total, as the sole computing experience for many will be through mobile devices and predominantly the web.

This talk will explore the premise that this emerging web will be a place of action, not just information, and that the purpose of global data is ultimately to serve human needs.

It’s not where you work, it’s how you work – welcome to the Digital Workplace

Speaker: Mr Paul Miller

Title: It’s not where you work, it’s how you work – welcome to the Digital Workplace

Summary: We all know and understand the “Physical Workplace” but increasingly our working lives are spent in the “Digital Workplace” – intranets, virtual meetings, yammer style apps, social media inside and outside, self service HR and on.

It’s not where you work, it’s how you work. My new book “Digital Workplace” (being written now) describes how the world’s leading organizations are designing the workplace of the future. It tells the stories of a new style of worker in a new type of workplace.

Technology and a shift in work patterns and experiences is starting to re-shape the work environment. The “Digital Workplace” is re-shaping work and organisations for the good generally and it will profoundly impact where people live, work and allocate their time. More time with your family, time with your children, living anywhere you choose – autonomy, control and flexibility in how we work.

People judged on results and outputs. But what about the blurring of boundaries between work and life? What price will we pay for the new levels of trust and autonomy?

The enactment of significance: exploring the nature of information, systems and technology

Speaker: Professor Paul Beynon-Davies

Title: The enactment of significance: exploring the nature of information, systems and technology

Abstract: This talk introduces a new perspective which helps unpack the relationship between information, systems and technology within the nature of human organisation. We argue for an area of interest located at the intersection of signs and systems, which involves the enactment of forma, informa and performa. To demonstrate the utility of this perspective we deliberately consider a case from a different time, space and culture. We discuss the nature of human organisation amongst the Inka Empire and how this organisation was reliant upon the enactment of signs, particularly in relation to an artefact known as the khipu. We conclude with a discussion of the value of our framework in helping us understand the complex entanglement of information, systems and technology within human organisation. The talk summarises some of the major themes discussed in a new book to be published in December by Palgrave.

Paul Beynon-Davies is currently professor of organisational informatics at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. Before taking up an academic post, Professor Beynon-Davies worked for several years in the Informatics industry in the UK and still regularly acts as a consultant to the public and private sector. He has published widely, having 11 books and over seventy refereed academic papers to his name.