Lean Management for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
This book provides a step-by-step guide to implementing lean at SMEs using an approach that has been tested and fine-tuned at over a hundred organizations across India, South East Asia and the Middle East. The book approaches Lean through an implementation project cycle flow and enables the reader to understand the imperative for Lean, how to diagnose current operations, how to plan and deploy Lean and shows a path for long-term sustenance. Diverse situations such as meeting the demand fluctuations, designing a facility, or improving profit margin etc. are included in the case studies from multiple sectors, to ensure that every reader finds a situation similar to their organizational situation. While the publicly available literature on lean offers a large collection of tools and techniques, given each organization's unique context, the choice of the right sequence of tools differ. The book offers guidelines in terms of which solutions work in which context, backed by real-cases, which is a big help to the resource constrained SMEs. This book is an equally good resource for the organizations that have already implemented lean, as it provides realistic pointers about sustaining, tackling supply chain uncertainties and going beyond Lean by integrating emerging technologies and management principles. It is an excellent resource for students and researchers studying this area and also for corporates, professionals and industry watchers.
Designing Physical Interaction Platforms
Physical interaction platforms (PIPs) such as living labs, innovation labs or co-working spaces serve as environments for ideas, experiments, and collaborative innovation. They play a key role in value creation by orchestrating ecosystem actors and facilitating interaction, e.g. the exchange of goods, services, or social currency such as information. This book explores how PIPs can be systematically designed. It adopts a platform perspective, focusing on value creation for manifold actors as a fundamental element for the sustainable operation of a platform. Well-established insights from the design of digital platforms are taken as a foundation and adapted to the physical world. This analysis is compiled of 4 major studies, structured along the lifecycle of a PIP. The first study explores design dimensions of PIPs as a basis for a design process. The second study explores the design process of a PIP itself. The third study explores sustainable innovation of PIP during later stages of their lifecycle. The fourth study applies the findings and models from studies 1-3 in a PIP design process and evaluates them. This book addresses both scholars and practitioners alike. The models and the knowledge generated contribute to the scholarly understanding of spaces for innovation and value creation while enabling designers to create sustainably successful and engaging PIPs.
What Every Engineer Should Know about Digital Accessibility
Accessibility is a core quality of digital products, to be deliberately addressed throughout the development lifecycle. What Every Engineer Should Know about Digital Accessibility will prepare readers to integrate digital accessibility into their engineering practices.
Anti-History
There has been a surge of ANTi-History research over the last 15 years. ANTi-History brings together the most impactful efforts to develop, apply and critique ANTi-History in one comprehensive book.
Supply Network Dynamics and Control
This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in network dynamics and control with applications to supply chains, manufacturing and logistics systems. It systemizes these developments in the form of new taxonomies and methodological principles to shape the research domain of supply network dynamics control. Uniquely, the book links the fundamentals of control and system theories and artificial intelligence with supply chain and operations management. It addresses the needs of researchers and practitioners alike, revealing the challenges and opportunities of supply chain and operations management by means of dynamic system analysis.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis
The book explains why LCCA is a key economic tool for business decision-making in terms of sustainability, asset management, supply chain management and project management. Initial acquisition and installation costs are said to be the tip of the iceberg for the entire lifecycle cost of an asset.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis
The book explains why LCCA is a key economic tool for business decision-making in terms of sustainability, asset management, supply chain management and project management. Initial acquisition and installation costs are said to be the tip of the iceberg for the entire lifecycle cost of an asset.
How to Collaborate
- Are you sure there's more to your business, but you can't quite find what's missing?- Do you feel stuck in the day-to-day routine? Uninspired? Or discouraged with where you find your business self?- Do you feel overwhelmed or like you're going it alone?How to Collaborate can help you discover answers to your entrepreneurial questions, offering the collaboration business model as a way to swing out of the doldrums and into a fresh, new paradigm. Combining an infectious joie de vivre with sensible, tried-and-true experience, this business text will help novice collaborators see how to develop new relationships and to become less isolated and more connected with their business colleagues. With insights about basic collaboration models, possible partners for working together, ways to get the collaboration going, some necessary legal mumbo jumbo, and much more, readers are given a comprehensive road map that they can use over and over to create fruitful, collaborative relationships.Peppered with real life stories and concrete examples, this down-to-earth guide illustrates some of the amazing results that collaboration can create. The author easily admits that she has learned much from her mistakes, and she is happy to share her lessons, helping readers to avoid falling into the same potholes that she encountered. How to Collaborate focuses readers on their future successes, encouraging them to unlock their own out-of-the-box thinking to realize their individual strengths and talents. Written with humility and a true desire to help fellow business owners, the author demonstrates both her love and deep understanding of the collaborative model. This book is one of those destined to sport dog-eared pages, highlighted passages, and written-in margins; in fact, the author recommends readers do so. This handbook isn't meant to collect dust on a shelf, but to accompany the reader on their business journey, inspiring them to collaborate for increased profits, enhanced relationships, and fresh enthusiasm. Unusual in a business book, How to Collaborate is lively and demonstrates a deep sense of humour, each of which contribute to it being an enjoyable, while informative, read. Throughout its pages, the author's life attitude rings out: "Remember to have fun, 'cause if you aren't having fun, why are you doing it?"
How to Collaborate
- Are you sure there's more to your business, but you can't quite find what's missing?- Do you feel stuck in the day-to-day routine? Uninspired? Or discouraged with where you find your business self?- Do you feel overwhelmed or like you're going it alone?How to Collaborate can help you discover answers to your entrepreneurial questions, offering the collaboration business model as a way to swing out of the doldrums and into a fresh, new paradigm. Combining an infectious joie de vivre with sensible, tried-and-true experience, this business text will help novice collaborators see how to develop new relationships and to become less isolated and more connected with their business colleagues. With insights about basic collaboration models, possible partners for working together, ways to get the collaboration going, some necessary legal mumbo jumbo, and much more, readers are given a comprehensive road map that they can use over and over to create fruitful, collaborative relationships.Peppered with real life stories and concrete examples, this down-to-earth guide illustrates some of the amazing results that collaboration can create. The author easily admits that she has learned much from her mistakes, and she is happy to share her lessons, helping readers to avoid falling into the same potholes that she encountered. How to Collaborate focuses readers on their future successes, encouraging them to unlock their own out-of-the-box thinking to realize their individual strengths and talents. Written with humility and a true desire to help fellow business owners, the author demonstrates both her love and deep understanding of the collaborative model. This book is one of those destined to sport dog-eared pages, highlighted passages, and written-in margins; in fact, the author recommends readers do so. This handbook isn't meant to collect dust on a shelf, but to accompany the reader on their business journey, inspiring them to collaborate for increased profits, enhanced relationships, and fresh enthusiasm. Unusual in a business book, How to Collaborate is lively and demonstrates a deep sense of humour, each of which contribute to it being an enjoyable, while informative, read. Throughout its pages, the author's life attitude rings out: "Remember to have fun, 'cause if you aren't having fun, why are you doing it?"
Impactful Facility Management For Megaprojects and Beyond
Facility management is increasingly a multi-disciplinary practice. In the context of megaprojects, it is a primary enabler of success - commercial, economic, and environmental. Impactful FM is a chronicle of the complex science that is facility management for megaprojects and beyond.Get conversant with all aspects of FM for megaprojects.Impactful Facility Management for Megaprojects and Beyond will teach you how to conceptualize and implement contemporary best practices and automation-driven facilities transformation using an eight-pillar strategy with sustainability and technology at its heart.This is Facility Management for a new worldAli Alsuwaidi is a passionate visionary FM leader. Throughout his career spanning over 25 years now, he has been able to learn and share his knowledge, connect with leaders and experts, and proactively bring FM professionals and various stakeholders together. He is driven by energizing individuals and organizations to improve and become agents of change. The most creative of leaders connect people and encourage them to see the big sustainable picture and achieve win-win situations for all involved stakeholders - Ali is an exemplification of this approach.
Build4Skills
This handbook shows how the Build4Skills program integrates traineeships into ADB-backed infrastructure construction projects in Asia and the Pacific to provide cost-efficient training that boosts employability and makes projects more inclusive. Designed as a practical step-by-step guide, it includes templates that layout trainee requirements. It sets out how to integrate Build4Skills traineeships, coordinate with contractors and institutions, and deliver effective training. It explains how building training into projects requires marginal budget increases, why offering work-based training benefits contractors, and how strategic cooperation can create innovative solutions to global challenges.
Digital Management Practice
The book illustrates how managers and knowledge workers can effectively harness collective and artificial intelligence to counteract the effects of exponential change and successfully implement digitization within their organizations. The author applies the proven management principles of Peter F. Drucker to the new challenges of the digital age, enhancing them with the concepts of collective and artificial intelligence. This approach also takes into account the insights of Daniel Kahneman regarding "Thinking, Fast and Slow" and the associated cognitive biases and deficits in human thinking. By leveraging innovative tools - collective and artificial intelligence - these deficits can be mitigated, aiding in decision-making. The use of these tools in innovation management and work organization is also discussed. Readers are provided with practical tips and strategies for implementation. Embark on an exciting journey through digital management practices and successfully navigate thechallenges of the digital world.
Women in accountancy in leadership and decision-making positions
In recent years, women professionals in public accounting have become increasingly interested in gaining access to leadership and decision-making positions in organisations, whether public or private. For this reason, this document presents a statistical analysis of the participation of women in the main national and international accounting regulatory bodies, The aim is to highlight the female leadership style in order to stop underestimating women and recognise that they have the potential and capacity to perform any position that involves high levels of leadership and decision-making and thus meet the current needs of organisations.
Quality Function Deployment and Systems Supportability
This book not only presents the overall development of quality function deployment (QFD) and what it has been used for to date but a new product support orientation by which it can be employed.
Digital Government
Digitization, the global networking of individuals and organizations, and the transition from an industrial to an information society are key reasons for the importance of digital government. In particular, the enormous influence of the Internet as a global networking and communication system affects the performance of public services.This textbook introduces the concept of digital government as well as digital management and provides helpful insights and strategic advice for the successful implementation and maintenance of digital government systems.
The Third Culture
We are currently witnessing the emergence of a 'third culture', driven by unprecedented developments that are changing the playing field. These include advances in AI, big data analysis and robotics. The traditional 'two cultures' view (S. P. Snow) distinguishes between the sciences and the humanities. The wisdoms these two cultures offer are separated from each other, with little to no interaction or mutual comprehension. However, over the past two decades, and for the first time in human history, a new, third culture has appeared. This new culture, rooted in new technologies, not only pursues its own form of rationality but also supports advances in the original two cultures, deepening and expanding our individual and collective consciousness so that we can see more and do better. It will eventually give rise to new forms of consciousness based not on biochemical signals, but on copper wires and lithium chips. These new machine intelligences will change the world and force us to realise: we are no longer alone. The human species' position in the twenty-first century will be fundamentally redefined: not as a conductor leading the orchestra, but a single string player within it.
Contemporary Logistics in China
This book provides interpretation of China's logistics development in a new development paradigm and the rural logistics construction under the Rural Revitalization Strategy. Subjects covered in this book encompass the macro-factors pertaining to the overall development in logistics technologies and facilities, region-specific policies and plans, industry-wide transformation in transport, manufacturing, commerce and agriculture. Specifically, this book highlights the impact of COVID-19 on China's logistics industry, and demonstrates the efforts and contributions of China's logistics in the fight against COVID-19 in 2020. Aligns with the previous volumes, the ultimate aim of this book is to present a timely portrait of the rapid growth of China's logistics market and the status quo of its logistics industry. In so doing, the book offers an in-depth analysis of critical issues involved in the ongoing dynamic and multi-faceted development and provides a valuable reference resource for interested readers in the academic and professional fields.
A Generic Approach for the Automated Notarization of Cloud Configurations Using Blockchain-Based Trust
The use of cloud applications is becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability and cost advantages. However, companies need help in adopting cloud applications due to their internal policies and compliance requirements. Trust and security are crucial factors that influence the adoption of cloud applications. This book proposes a cloud architecture that addresses this challenge by shifting the trust for compliance-driven configurations of cloud applications from the cloud application provider to the blockchain. The architecture was developed using design science research and evaluated using mixed-method semi-structured guided interviews. The results show that the proposed architecture can significantly reduce adoption risk due to compliance-driven cloud application configurations, shifting trust from the cloud provider to the blockchain. This book presents an innovative approach to address the challenge of adopting cloud applications, and enhancing trust and security for businesses.
Combinatorial Models for Scheduling Sports Tournaments
This book introduces solutions for sports scheduling problems in a variety of settings. In particular the book covers timetabling, the traveling tournament problem, carryover minimization, breaks minimization, tournament design, tournament planning, and referee assignment. A rich selection of applications to sports such as football, baseball, basketball, cricket or hockey are employed to illustrate the methods and techniques. In a step-by-step tutorial format the book describes the use of graph theory concepts, local search operators and integer programming in the context of sports scheduling. The methods presented in this book are essential to sports scheduling in all its dimensions, from tournaments that are followed by millions of people across the world, with broadcast rights that amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in some competitions, to amateur leagues that require coordination and logistical efforts due to the large number of tournaments and competitors.
Data-Driven Retailing
This book provides retail managers with a practical guide to using data. It covers three topics that are key areas of innovation for retailers: Algorithmic Marketing, Logistics, and Pricing. Use cases from these areas are presented and discussed in a conceptual and comprehensive manner. Retail managers will learn how data analysis can be used to optimize pricing, customer loyalty and logistics without complex algorithms.The goal of the book is to help managers ask the right questions during a project, which will put them on the path to making the right decisions. It is thus aimed at practitioners who want to use advanced techniques to optimize their retail organization.
Impactful Facility Management For Megaprojects and Beyond
Facility management is increasingly a multi-disciplinary practice. In the context of megaprojects, it is a primary enabler of success - commercial, economic, and environmental. Impactful FM is a chronicle of the complex science that is facility management for megaprojects and beyond.Get conversant with all aspects of FM for megaprojects.Impactful Facility Management for Megaprojects and Beyond will teach you how to conceptualize and implement contemporary best practices and automation-driven facilities transformation using an eight-pillar strategy with sustainability and technology at its heart.This is Facility Management for a new worldAli Alsuwaidi is a passionate visionary FM leader. Throughout his career spanning over 25 years now, he has been able to learn and share his knowledge, connect with leaders and experts, and proactively bring FM professionals and various stakeholders together. He is driven by energizing individuals and organizations to improve and become agents of change. The most creative of leaders connect people and encourage them to see the big sustainable picture and achieve win-win situations for all involved stakeholders - Ali is an exemplification of this approach.
Engaging the Team at Zingerman's Mail Order
After decades of implementing Lean tools, organizations are getting serious about the heart and soul of Lean management. They are developing people to continuously improve.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
This book covers central issues in mitigating supply chain risks from various perspectives. Today's supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions that can have a significant impact on firms, business and performance. The aim of supply chain risk management is to identify the potential sources of risks and implement appropriate actions in order to mitigate supply chain disruptions. In this regard, the book presents a wealth of methods, strategies and analyses that are essential for mitigating supply chain risks. As a comprehensive collection of the latest research and cutting-edge developments in supply chain risk and its mitigation, the book is structured into four main parts, addressing supply chain risk strategies and developments; supply chain risk management review; supply chain sustainability and resilience; and supply chain analysis and risk management applications. The contributing authors are leading academic researchers and practitioners, who combine findings and research results with a practical and contemporary view on how companies can best manage supply chain risks and disruptions, as well as how to create resilient and sustainable supply chains. This book can be used as an essential resource for students and scholars who are interested in pursuing research or teaching courses on the rapidly growing field of supply chain management. It also offers an interesting and informative read for managers and practitioners who need to deepen their understanding of effective supply chain risk management.
Digital Transformation Success
Discover the key to digital transformation success in this comprehensive guide. In today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, companies are promised innovative business models, enhanced customer experiences, and productivity improvements through digital initiatives. However, it's disheartening that 70% of these endeavors fail to meet their goals, resulting in lost investments and frustrated stakeholders.The root cause of these failures often lies in the lack of alignment across organizations. Achieving alignment is crucial, encompassing both vertical alignment - which involves aligning goals from the CEO down to even low-level single contributors - and horizontal alignment - which enables seamless collaboration across functional areas. To address this challenge, the book introduces Process Inventory, a powerful framework that not only establishes a common language but also aligns resources throughout the organization, driving a new level of operating efficiency and agility necessary to thrive in this digital era. This comprehensive guide delves beyond guiding principles, providing readers with detailed methods, modeling techniques, operating models, and real-world case studies. By leveraging the Process Inventory framework, organizations can enhance existing disciplines like Change Management, Risk Management, and Operational Excellence, enabling effective digital technology design and propelling them into the forefront of the digital age.What You'll Learn​The transformative power of the Process Inventory framework to drive Digital Transformation success by aligning resources, organizational goals, and efforts, leading to unparalleled agility. How the Process Inventory serves as the connective tissue that redefines how an organization operates, enabling operational excellence and enhanced efficiency.How Process Inventory directly supports the seamless implementation of cutting-edge digital technologies like machine learning, intelligent process automation, and microservices.Key best practices, including building and maintaining models, engaging stakeholders, and attaining maximum value from this framework. How Process Inventory seamlessly integrates with and elevates existing disciplines such as Process Modeling, Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, Lean/Six Sigma Process Improvement, Change Management, and Business Architecture. Who This Book Is ForForward-thinking Business Executives committed to achieving their digital transformation agendaVisionary Leaders, including COOs and CIOs, striving to elevate their organization's efficiency and effectivenessIndividual practitioners and teams dedicated to driving transformation strategies and techniques within their organizationProcess Center of Excellence personnel entrusted with mapping out and managing processes for their organization's success
Innovation in Life Sciences
The Life Science industry has been subject to a digital revolution upending all facets of the value chain with data-driven approaches like Gene Therapy, Personalized Medicine, Advanced Cell and Tissue Engineering, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Twins, Internet-of-Medical-Things (IoMT) and Software-as-a-Medical-Device (SaMD). Our edited volume offers comprehensive coverage of the digital disruption sweeping through the industry. From drug discovery to manufacturing and life-cycle management, we explore the profound impact of digitalization. Our authors delve into open innovation, sci-fi prototyping, and the digital transformation of medical imaging and healthcare. This volume goes beyond theory to provide practical insights. We present business-oriented case studies, examine M&A topics, venture capital, and other investor perspectives, all with a strong focus on digitalization's role. Furthermore, we explore the cultural and ethical challenges that arise andthe necessary management changes demanded by this digital revolution.
An Introduction to Optimization
An Introduction to Optimization Accessible introductory textbook on optimization theory and methods, with an emphasis on engineering design, featuring MATLAB(R) exercises and worked examples Fully updated to reflect modern developments in the field, the Fifth Edition of An Introduction to Optimization fills the need for an accessible, yet rigorous, introduction to optimization theory and methods, featuring innovative coverage and a straightforward approach. The book begins with a review of basic definitions and notations while also providing the related fundamental background of linear algebra, geometry, and calculus. With this foundation, the authors explore the essential topics of unconstrained optimization problems, linear programming problems, and nonlinear constrained optimization. In addition, the book includes an introduction to artificial neural networks, convex optimization, multi-objective optimization, and applications of optimization in machine learning. Numerous diagrams and figures found throughout the book complement the written presentation of key concepts, and each chapter is followed by MATLAB(R) exercises and practice problems that reinforce the discussed theory and algorithms. The Fifth Edition features a new chapter on Lagrangian (nonlinear) duality, expanded coverage on matrix games, projected gradient algorithms, machine learning, and numerous new exercises at the end of each chapter. An Introduction to Optimization includes information on: The mathematical definitions, notations, and relations from linear algebra, geometry, and calculus used in optimization Optimization algorithms, covering one-dimensional search, randomized search, and gradient, Newton, conjugate direction, and quasi-Newton methods Linear programming methods, covering the simplex algorithm, interior point methods, and duality Nonlinear constrained optimization, covering theory and algorithms, convex optimization, and Lagrangian duality Applications of optimization in machine learning, including neural network training, classification, stochastic gradient descent, linear regression, logistic regression, support vector machines, and clustering. An Introduction to Optimization is an ideal textbook for a one- or two-semester senior undergraduate or beginning graduate course in optimization theory and methods. The text is also of value for researchers and professionals in mathematics, operations research, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, and business.
The Trusted Learning Advisor
WINNER: Goody Business Book Awards 2023 - Leadership - HR and Employee DevelopmentHow can I make learning part of the overall company strategy? How do I convince key stakeholders of the value of L&D? How can I develop a proactive approach to L&D rather than reactive? L&D professionals can achieve all these things and more by becoming a trusted learning advisor rather than an order taker. The Trusted Learning Advisor is full of practical tips, tools, and case studies outlining the path learning practitioners need to follow to transform from order takers into strategic consultative business partners. This essential guide includes strategies for developing skills needed to build trust and relationships with stakeholders, practical advice on connecting the learning strategy to business strategy, and communicating all of this to the organization. It also has additional support on critical thinking, communication and influencing skills as well as advice on how to master a growth mindset. Written by an author with over 20 years' experience in the industry, locate the skills that are needed by L&D professionals to become strategic consultive partners by driving value for organizations and unlocking potential. This is crucial reading for all L&D practitioners looking to develop their role as well as positively impact lives through the power of learning and adding true value to the organization.
The Lean Engineering Travel Guide
This book is designed as a travel guide. The first part includes all the traditional sections from the "front end" of a travel guide, including some basic vocabulary, tips, and a historical section about some of the pioneers of Lean in Engineering.
The Trusted Learning Advisor
How can I make learning part of the overall company strategy? How do I convince key stakeholders of the value of L&D? How can I develop a proactive approach to L&D rather than reactive? L&D professionals can achieve all these things and more by becoming a trusted learning advisor rather than an order taker. The Trusted Learning Advisor is full of practical tips, tools, and case studies outlining the path learning practitioners need to follow to transform from order takers into strategic consultative business partners. This essential guide includes strategies for developing skills needed to build trust and relationships with stakeholders, practical advice on connecting the learning strategy to business strategy, and communicating all of this to the organization. It also has additional support on critical thinking, communication and influencing skills as well as advice on how to master a growth mindset. Written by an author with over 20 years' experience in the industry, locate the skills that are needed by L&D professionals to become strategic consultive partners by driving value for organizations and unlocking potential. This is crucial reading for all L&D practitioners looking to develop their role as well as positively impact lives through the power of learning and adding true value to the organization.
Supply Chain Resilience
Every global crisis highlights the strategic importance of industrial and non-profit supply chains for society. In terms of coping with unforeseen and unpredictable events, supply chain resilience enables the parties and networks involved to stay successful during and after the disruption. Furthermore, a resilient supply chain contributes to the sustainable competitive advantage of the entire value chain. Written by scholars and practitioners alike, this book not only puts forward a new framework for resilience in supply chain management, but also presents best practice cases from various areas and industries. As a particular highlight, it includes a Delphi study that gathers state-of-the-art insights from supply chain leaders. In addition to practical approaches, methods and tools, the book also offers food for thought on the future of supply chain resilience. As such, it offers a valuable resource for current and future managers in the public and private sector, as well as researchers and students engaged in this field.
Big, Open and Linked Data
This book examines the recent evolution of the concept of data as an economic and managerial phenomenon. The author first describes and discusses open data and then introduces the concept of linked data, with a focus on assets for reuse. Furthermore, he addresses the main challenges of big data. Value is identified as the main incentive for the adoption of linked data; accordingly, the next two chapters study sources of data value from a macroeconomic and micro economic perspective, respectively. This contributes to the systematization of important issues at the crossroads of enterprise data and data sharing: data ownership, personal data, and data privacy. In turn, the book reveals the role of innovation as a main vehicle for creating value by unifying big, open, and linked data. It studies the ways in which value can be created, transferred, and captured in the form of business models, before the closing chapter verifies the data unification model by combining open and linked geographical data with big data from a major telecom company.
77 Pillars of Quality and the Pursuit of Excellence
This book enables managers to have a strong foundation for effective management and improvement of operations. It strengthens quality practitioners' approach to people, products, or services and process improvement, to influence without authority.
The Elements of Joint Learning and Optimization in Operations Management
This book examines recent developments in Operations Management, and focuses on four major application areas: dynamic pricing, assortment optimization, supply chain and inventory management, and healthcare operations. Data-driven optimization in which real-time input of data is being used to simultaneously learn the (true) underlying model of a system and optimize its performance, is becoming increasingly important in the last few years, especially with the rise of Big Data.
Innovative Decision-Making Techniques
This book provides a blend of quantitative and qualitative approaches to decision making, while also bridging the gap between the theory of how to make good decisions versus how people actually make decisions. The authors present the tools and techniques of decision analysis to learn how to become a FOCCUSSED decision maker: Identify and properly Frame the decision or problem at handSpecify the goals, Objectives, and values that you are trying to achieveDevelop creative, meaningful Choices from among which you can chooseEvaluate the Consequences of selecting each alternative using your goals, objectives, and valuesThink about the key Uncertainties that could impact the decisionUnderstand the Swaps and trade-offs that you are willing to makeDevelop an approach for implementing your SolutionElicit the data you'll need from a variety of sourcesand Disseminate and communicate your decisions to others. The authors define a decision as the choice among alternatives, based on how we value and trade-off their pros and cons, made in the face of uncertainty about what will actually happen. The decision-making process is presented as having three pillars to support the decision maker: Preferences-what we prefer, what meets our goals and objectives, and the recognition that preferences are personal to the one making the decision; Alternatives-the choices, options, or courses of action that we have, and over which we have some degree of control; and Information-what we know about the situation, what we don't know, how we connect choices to outcomes, and how we deal with uncertainty. Key components of good decision-making include how to define your goals and objectives, how to incorporate uncertainties that we all face, and how to develop better alternatives, all of which are discussed. Sophisticated techniques are presented in a way that is accessible to the average decision maker. Probability theory is utilized to improve decisions, and uncertainties are captured in decision trees. Risk avoidance, risk transfer, and risk mitigation are also discussed. Readers will gain a clear understanding of how to articulate the goals and objectives that should be the focal point of any decision.
How to Set a Competitive Price
Businesses that concentrate on the value-rather than the cost-to the client can demand almost any price they want. Pricing for Profit educates business owners how to break free from industry pricing and secure compensation that accurately reflects the value of the good or service being provided.The value of their goods or services will be quantified, price and value buyers will be distinguished, offers will be bundled for a competitive edge and increased customer value, and a strong marketing strategy that conveys value will be developed by readers.Small businesses' potential to make a profit is constrained by the low pricing they feel forced to offer, which also slows their response to shifting customer demands. Anyone who wishes to increase unit sales, finish more deals overall at higher prices, and earn more money with less needless work must read this approachable and useful advice. It is jam-packed with helpful calculations, sample scripts, understandable examples, educational exercises, and more.
Course Pricing Strategies
You have a great course idea......because you know how to get results.There's just one problem. You don't know how to price your course.Setting a course price feels risky. Pricing too low harms your bank balance and people might think it's not valuable. Conversely, pricing too high may hurt sales.Asking your friends isn't the answer.You need Dr. Lucas C. Marino, PMP, who is a serial entrepreneur in training businesses and co-founder of the Empire Builders Masterclass. Lucas helps entrepreneurs and authors launch and sustain online training products.In this book, you'll learn: -The Four Points for Building Your Course Pricing Strategy-The industry norms and habits-About single payments, payment plans, and subscriptions-How affiliate programs work-If you should beta launch or presell your course-And MUCH more...Understanding the factors which influence pricing decisions is critical to developing a pricing strategy. A little time reading through these valuable points will give you the ability to grow your business and fan base.Why stop at one course?This book will serve you well now and in the future.You'll love Course Pricing Strategies because getting the price right can change your life and if done well, it will let you reach more people and change their lives, too.
Procurement Playbook
Perhaps the greatest frustration of procurement students and faculty is the lack of a codified procurement body of knowledge (PBoK). At the same time, the demand for relevant procurement skills has never been greater. The Procurement Playbook consists of ten chapters of essential procurement knowledge and skills. Written by an award-winning panel of experts, consultants and academics, the Playbook distils essential procurement knowledge using a structured pedagogical framework. Organisations are at various stages of their development towards procurement excellence. Existing texts on the market tend to convey procurement through a manufacturing lens or position private and public procurement as separate disciplines. The Playbook helps practitioners organise their thoughts and speak with clarity and confidence about the art and science of procurement. The text is an ideal companion for middle-level executives seeking to acquire procurement skills and provides a blueprint for training and training specialists who design procurement courses.Achieves a balance between theory and a practical, skill-based approach to the procurement discipline. Each chapter contains a glossary of terms, key questions and learning objectives. Ideal for executives looking to acquire procurement skills, the Playbook is interspersed with short cases, research insights and debate points.Provides a blueprint for training and education specialists looking to design procurement courses.Chapter overview: Introduction Perspectives of procurement Identifying needs and writing specifications Supplier screening and selection Market analysis Supply cost and prices Outsourcing Procurement value Spend analysis Supplier Performance Management
Understanding Cybersecurity Law in Data Sovereignty and Digital Governance
Industrial Devops
"Dr. Suzette Johnson and Robin Yeman have masterfully crafted a comprehensive and actionable guide, empowering organizations to establish teams and capabilities that surpass the competition in both insight and agility." --Kyle Fox, SOSi Chief Technology Officer Winner of the 2024 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal and 2023 DevOps Dozen Award! The benefits of adopting agile ways of working are well-understood in the digital world. But those in cyber-physical systems (combining software, hardware, and firmware) think it is risky. But with today's speed of change, maybe the risk is in not changing. Industrial DevOps: Build Better Systems Faster shows readers how applying Agile and DevOps ways of working into cyber-physical systems presents the opportunity to reap huge rewards, including increased adaptability, shorter delivery schedules, reduced development cost, increased quality, and higher transparency into delivery. This book shows you how to couple the results of Agile and DevOps implementation in development with Lean and Agile in manufacturing. Through a successful application of nine key principles, Industrial DevOps provides the foundational success patterns for the development of cyber-physical systems in the digital age. The benefits that have been obtained across industries can be transferred to the cyber-physical domain and they have the potential to provide an even greater impact in the delivery of products. "Agile practices evolve fastest when they are based on a stable and timeless foundation. In this book, Suzette Johnson and Robin Yeman present the foundation needed for organizations to adopt--and evolve--Industrial DevOps in a way that helps them realize greater business agility." --Luke Hohmann, co-author Software Profit Streams(TM), SAFe Fellow
Supply Chain and Procurement Quick Reference
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of modern procurement and supply chain management with 'Supply Chain and Procurement Quick Reference: How to navigate and be successful in structured organizations.' Tailored for seasoned industry veterans and newcomers, this authoritative guide is your essential toolkit for delving into core principles and industry best practices, covering realms from strategic purchasing and category management to international procurement mastery.Venture into advanced domains like contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, cost control tactics, and ethical sourcing. This guide furnishes you with a comprehensive skill set vital for navigating today's swiftly evolving business terrain. As you traverse through each segment, discover real-world case studies, actionable metrics, and innovative approaches that not only unravel complex notions but also prepare you for leadership roles within your organization's purchasing sector, or markedly augmenting your current position.Whether your aim is to establish a robust procurement department, refine your existing supply chain operations, or lay a solid groundwork for upcoming industry examinations, this guide presents invaluable insights and pragmatic tools for career progression. Each chapter is meticulously designed to enhance your problem-solving acumen and strategic decision-making, quintessential traits for anyone earnest about mastering the procurement and supply chain domain.Your journey towards professional mastery commences here. Laden with practical exercises, case studies, and contemporary industry insights, this book transcends being merely a guide-it's a comprehensive toolkit poised to propel you into the higher realms of procurement and supply chain expertise. Strategize your next career stride by equipping yourself with the profound knowledge and skills encapsulated within these pages. Let this guide be your gateway to a distinguished stature in the dynamic, multi-dimensional world of procurement and supply chain management.
Selling with Integrity
'Selling with Integrity: Sell Like Jesus- The Perfect Role Model!' is a transformative guide that invites sales professionals to embark on a journey of embracing Jesus as the ultimate Role Model in Sales. Through the exploration of eight fundamental steps in selling, this book reveals how biblical principles and Jesus' example can reshape the sales landscape.Drawing from Jesus' compassion, integrity, and servant leadership, readers discover how to create meaningful connections with customers based on love, trust, and empathy. Each chapter presents practical applications of Godly virtues in prospecting, preparing, approaching, uncovering needs, proving value, handling objections, up-selling, cross-selling, closing, and providing exceptional customer service.With compelling examples from Jesus' ministry and relevant biblical scripture, 'Selling with Integrity: Sell Like Jesus- The Perfect Role Model!' empowers a sales professional to transcend conventional sales techniques and embrace an authentic approach that reflects the heart of Jesus. This transformative journey leads to not only enhanced sales performance but also a profound impact on the lives of those served.Go ahead! Sell with Christ-like Excellence!
Putting a Value on Your Offering
Businesses that focus on the value they provide to customers, rather than the price they charge, have the freedom to set virtually any price they like. Business owners may learn how to break free from standard pricing practices and charge what they're really worth in Pricing for Profit.Readers will be able to put a dollar amount on the worth of their products or services, differentiate between price and value purchasers, bundle offers to get an edge in the market and delight customers, and craft a compelling marketing strategy that effectively communicates value.The cheap prices small businesses feel compelled to give hinder their ability to turn a profit and also make it harder for them to adapt to the needs of their clientele. This accessible and practical advice is a must-read for anyone who wants to boost unit sales, close more deals overall at higher prices, and make more money with less unnecessary work. It's loaded with useful formulas, script examples, clear explanations, interactive activities, and more.
Artificial Intelligence Theory For Management
This is an introductory book about Artificial Intelligence Theory based on Service Science. It is not for AI specialists. It is too simple for them. As unusual as it sounds, there is a very good reason for its existence. There are existing books on the subject that are very good but are very difficult to read. Its that simple. The concepts are complicated and some require complex math. A typical example is the subject of neural networks. A person should know what theory governs the new field of artificial intelligence, because we will be involved if only at the listening level or going into a meeting. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay this time. It's a third try to bring the subject to the forefront. It is here for the future, and it is here to stay because the world needs it. We are in the midst of war, preparation for defense, a dismal economic outlook, crime, killing, and so forth. We need it because if we continue the way we are going, we won't be going anywhere for very long. Practically everything is disarray. Just name them: violence, shady politics, global warming, discrimination, abortion, women's birth problems, men's cancer. What is the solution? It is twofold. Equitably use the information we have and permit the human race to communicate and act in a reasonable manner. Through Artificial Intelligence, often referred to as AI, we have the key to managing our lives on a daily basis - worldwide. There is a lot going on in the area of AI, as it's called. Young people all over the place are into it. New software is being developed. There is a generative AI system named ChatGPT developed by a company named OpenAI that has done a good job with new developments. What is a manager to do. A company named IBM is in the field with a system called IBM Watson, that operates out of the cloud is also in the game. In fact, this book can give you some insight into what is going on. It contains three snippets on ChatGPT, IBM Watson, and Data Science that are included at the end of the book. Instead of business and government leaders having to tell us what they are going to do, we can and will be addressing that subject through AI. AI is a systems concept, not a single piece of software you can buy at a local store. Can you imagine a kid telling you they have computers and AI, meaning software apps. You will be able to obtain AI capability but it needs to be blended into the infrastructure to its host organization. A good example is the Watson System developed by IBM. It can, will, and has done wonders with design and analytics, but you probably will need some help in employing the computational infrastructure. There are already competition systems but Watson is mentioned because it beat some Jeopardy! champions at their own game. So, here is what we are providing to you with in this book. A straightforward description of the subject of AI that is easy to read. No more and no less. You can jump into this book at any point and get something out of it. In addition, you will get a quick survey of Service Science. After all, Artificial Intelligence is a service In the best sense of the word. The book is not expensive and something you would enjoy giving to a relative or friend. The book adheres to the author's principle of no sex, no violence, and no bad language. It is accessible to all readers. This need not be said for a book of this type, but I like saying it.
Artificial Intelligence Theory For Management
This is an introductory book about Artificial Intelligence Theory based on Service Science. It is not for AI specialists. It is too simple for them. As unusual as it sounds, there is a very good reason for its existence. There are existing books on the subject that are very good but are very difficult to read. Its that simple. The concepts are complicated and some require complex math. A typical example is the subject of neural networks. A person should know what theory governs the new field of artificial intelligence, because we will be involved if only at the listening level or going into a meeting. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay this time. It's a third try to bring the subject to the forefront. It is here for the future, and it is here to stay because the world needs it. We are in the midst of war, preparation for defense, a dismal economic outlook, crime, killing, and so forth. We need it because if we continue the way we are going, we won't be going anywhere for very long. Practically everything is disarray. Just name them: violence, shady politics, global warming, discrimination, abortion, women's birth problems, men's cancer. What is the solution? It is twofold. Equitably use the information we have and permit the human race to communicate and act in a reasonable manner. Through Artificial Intelligence, often referred to as AI, we have the key to managing our lives on a daily basis - worldwide. There is a lot going on in the area of AI, as it's called. Young people all over the place are into it. New software is being developed. There is a generative AI system named ChatGPT developed by a company named OpenAI that has done a good job with new developments. What is a manager to do. A company named IBM is in the field with a system called IBM Watson, that operates out of the cloud is also in the game. In fact, this book can give you some insight into what is going on. It contains three snippets on ChatGPT, IBM Watson, and Data Science that are included at the end of the book. Instead of business and government leaders having to tell us what they are going to do, we can and will be addressing that subject through AI. AI is a systems concept, not a single piece of software you can buy at a local store. Can you imagine a kid telling you they have computers and AI, meaning software apps. You will be able to obtain AI capability but it needs to be blended into the infrastructure to its host organization. A good example is the Watson System developed by IBM. It can, will, and has done wonders with design and analytics, but you probably will need some help in employing the computational infrastructure. There are already competition systems but Watson is mentioned because it beat some Jeopardy! champions at their own game. So, here is what we are providing to you with in this book. A straightforward description of the subject of AI that is easy to read. No more and no less. You can jump into this book at any point and get something out of it. In addition, you will get a quick survey of Service Science. After all, Artificial Intelligence is a service In the best sense of the word. The book is not expensive and something you would enjoy giving to a relative or friend. The book adheres to the author's principle of no sex, no violence, and no bad language. It is accessible to all readers. This need not be said for a book of this type, but I like saying it.
Enterprise Design, Operations, and Computing
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Enterprise Design, Operations, and Computing, EDOC 2023, held in Groningen, The Netherlands, during October 30-November 3, 2023.The 12 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 36submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Enterprise Modeling, Enterprise Architecture & Engineering, Model-Based Software Engineering, Enterprise Analysis with Process Mining, Process Improvement & Engineering, and Modeling in an Enterprise Context.
Maximizing Value with Automation and Digital Transformation
This book is an indispensable guide for executives, programme leaders, and business owners on maximising value from automation and digital transformation. It provides a real-world journey map of automation, from RPA through to intelligent automation, with a focus on practical strategy and management principles intended to help seize the trillions of dollars that are still being left on the table by companies that have not yet made this leap. Though grounded on the research and advisory work of the author team, this book offers clear eyed, easy to read advice for avoiding the 'transformation bog' where many organisations find themselves, struggling to maintain their strategy in an environment that feels increasingly dynamic and confusing. This book is not blinded by the brilliant new technology and hones in on what works and what distracts. It provides a total value of ownership framework for navigation and identifies seven core digital capabilities required for success. Ultimately a book for realists rather than digital idealists, it will be a vital resource for professionals who must chart a course to verifiable business performance improvement through digital enterprise empowerment amid often conflicting priorities.
