New structuring of the eC-Problematic through the eBusiness-Matrix

The introduction of electronic commerce (eC) is technically and organizationally complicated, often incurring high realization and implementation costs. The department has developed tools that can be used by small to medium sized companies to determine which individual strategy is best for that company. The essence of this tool is a new approach to solving eC-Problems: the eBusiness-Matrix.

Data and process integration as a basic requirement of eBusiness

One of the fundamental requirements for the successful application of eBusiness-Strategies is the integration of data and processing systems, operations and application processes and their linking with such systems as EDI, EAI and SCM. On the basis of standardized telecommunications flows and data formatting, for example XML and EDIFACT, the automation structure can be streamlined. The goal is to provide a steady flow of information that extends over the entire added value (supply) chain. Using models and simulation in the department, appropriate solutions are developed and tested for practical implementation.

Planning and analysis of dynamic systems

The dynamic analysis of systems through simulation is often the only practical way to arrive at a feasible basis for decision making in businesses combined of complex interrelated operations. Within simulation, “professional play” is carried out using simulation models to observe behavior and measure the limits of a system in order to support the planning of enterprise processes and improve the design of information architecture. The comprehensive planning of a total information system is thereby considerably improved, as the interdependence of parallel processes can be analyzed.

The design and realization of business processes

Most of today’s companies have established standard applications software as their primary software platform. SAS-Systems have many advantages, one of them being the possibility of creating modular setups with customized parameters. Time consuming, individual software development can therefore be avoided - a further advantage of SAS-Systems. SAS-libraries provide not only comprehensive software tools for the conception and carrying out of tasks, but also for the operation of the software itself. In order to sustain a practice-oriented and practically based course of study which is fully integrated within the framework of commerce and production, the independently developed firm Aetna LIVE AG, is one example that is referred to in the context of the university program.

The reality behind new development possibilities

The new organization of operative processes in the public administrative sector offers much potential for economization. Even after taking the total work force into consideration, significant savings could be measured for both companies and citizens, which allow them to become more competitive within the international market. Unfortunately, complete computerization has often not been realized or worse, been met with public opposition. Our department is involved on many levels with the development of a completely integrated form of eGovernment. This undertaking extends from data processing on the local level, consulting on the state level up to the development of international usable solutions for eProcurement and public tendering.

Planning and coordination of company-wide business processes

In the past, companies reduced their added value and coordination workload through outsourcing and the employment of systems distributors. Through this process, they lost the essential transparency needed to maintain control over these important business operations. Supply Chain Management (SCM) reduces this deficiency and helps companies maintain a universal overview while fulfilling work contracts for their clients. Better control of both internal and external flows of information and materials can then be established. Within the course of study, projects focus on organizational changes as well as economic opportunities which companies can implement to produce a more comprehensive planning system.

Mastering the complex through quality engineering

Modeling is the most important tool for the design and analysis of information systems. Good communication is made possible through the implementation of modeling methods which support many levels of abstraction and visible partitioning. Only then can knowledge be applied to project development and improvements in speed and automation be achieved. A technical system must be adaptable to the many and constant changes occurring within companies. One of the most important roles of Business Information is the development of methods for model building which support the ever- changing behavioral and social patterns of its human resources.

Connecting physical and electronic transport

An essential feature of modern logistics is the link between horizontal and vertical process chains of various companies through supply networks. For this the identification of all commodities must, by all means, be ensured constantly. Only then can consignment bottlenecks or wrong deliveries be avoided. The identification of products and the movement of goods will be improved in the future through RFID-technology which is already starting to replace Barcodes. In the department, the possibilities of integration of the new components and software solutions in existing infrastructures are evaluated. In addition, all new ways of allocating goods are developed and explored.

Teaching and learning with multimedia

Since 1989, the department has been developing a Hyper-Media system for education and continuing education purposes implementing Business Administration and Business Information Technology. During this period, several self-teaching programs have been developed that offer thousands of web pages full of multi-media views into the various themes of business administration instruction. Innovative applications not only provide the user with a comprehensible arrangement and structure, but guarantee continuing updates and long-term technical support.

A unique overview of the market

An in-house examination of the many and various solutions for Management-Information, Data-Warehouse, Planning and Enterprise Content Management systems available on the market today has long been one of the functions of the program. A comparison of products and the compilation of knowledge is documented in a study put out by the Business Application Research Center (BARC, www.barc.de) which is supplemented by goal- oriented consultations with cooperating companies.

Developing practical approaches

Analogous to imprecise definitions of the term knowledge, 60% of companies are incapable of determining the concrete tasks that the management of the resource knowledge implies. The concept of Consultative Information Processing developed within the department helps and guides users executing complex tasks. The combination of business processes with knowledge blocks and navigation logic allow the program to proactively offer suggestions for the further course of action and offer warning notices concerning unfavorable decisions.

Answers to upcoming challenges

Companies see themselves confronted with the need to meet risks and opportunities more systematically. For this reason risk management offers approaches and methods. A growing significance in this issue has led to an efficient risk management design with the support of the so- called Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS). These systems are permanently tested in Risk Intelligence Labs of the Faculty and evaluated in regard to their operational application.