The present study undertakes a critical review of the research around the multi-significant issue of the correlation between the IT investments and the economic performance to both micro and macroeconomic level. The aim of this study is to shed light on the interaction of IT with the economy, at corporate, industry and national level and document it¢ s contribution to productivity and therefore to economic growth. My conclusion is that there is a positive effect of IT investments to both the above economic indicators in all aspects, but is something that needs further research so as to find a more clear and risk adjusted relation.
The present study analyzes the relationship between ICT investments and productivity
in the Colombian manufacturing industry. It uses information from the second Survey
of Development and Technological Innovation (Encuesta de Desarrollo e Innovación
Tecnológica - EDIT) performed in 2005. The EDIT survey asks about investment
decisions on innovation and technological development, amounts invested, reasons
for investing, occupation level and quality of employed personnel, financing
mechanisms and loan commitments, effect of innovation, among others. Due to
the fact that the EDIT did not pose questions on firm performance variables, we
use complementary data from the Annual Manufacturing Survey (Encuesta Anual
Manufacturera - EAM) of 2004.
Economic impact of e20 F. Biagi Tech4i2Kasia Szkuta
Presentation given at the "Enterprise 2.0 in Europe" workshop where the results of the interim report of the “Enterprise 2.0 study were presented and discussed with experts. Economic impact of e20 F Biagi Tech4i2
Brussels, 14th of September 2010
A review on a thesis, titled The Impact Of Information Technology On Producti...Ukam John Victor
The power point presentation reviewed a mater's thesis as written by AHMAD SOBHANI. LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2008. and reviewed by VICTOR JOHN UKAM
IDC Manufacturing Insights Accelerating Business Change Through Next Generati...Anthony Robinson
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
IDC Manufacturing Insights recently conducted a worldwide study of over 375 enterprises, across multiple discrete manufacturing sectors covering 12 countries, on behalf of Infor. The survey showed that:
● Complexity is dramatically growing, with market, operational aspects, and IT the main business areas that will grow significantly in complexity over the next three years. To beat complexity, manufacturers will need to improve and speed up their decision-making capability.
● Ineffective or inadequate IT is emerging as the single most critical barrier to mastering complexity. Discrete manufacturers also recognize that their current ERP systems have a number of limitations or weaknesses that hamper their ability to improve decision making.
Other findings were that:
● Modernizing IT architectures and business applications used to support new, customer-driven operating models is a priority for companies across all industry segments. Manufacturers now have the opportunity to simplify IT architectures by leveraging the four IT forces of mobility, social technologies, big data analytics, and cloud computing. We believe that those companies that are currently investing aggressively in these four areas will soon enjoy the benefits of higher revenue growth, improved profitability, and customer-led innovation.
● New, enterprisewide "operational ERP" is needed as opposed to mere "financial ERP." Operational ERP will encapsulate the most critical operational processes — customer order management, manufacturing operations management, and supply chain execution — in a tight, integrated, and coordinated environment based on the four IT forces.
● Manufacturers may be in for a shock when it comes to managing this IT change. They will realize that past investments in traditional technologies are now rapidly becoming redundant.
The “Gartner Perspective: IT Spending” booklet provides an
overview of Gartner research on IT spending and functions as
a reference guide to top-level statistics and IT spending analysis.
It provides a glimpse into the
powerful insight Gartner can
provide as you navigate through
what may be the most important
year of your career.
The present study analyzes the relationship between ICT investments and productivity
in the Colombian manufacturing industry. It uses information from the second Survey
of Development and Technological Innovation (Encuesta de Desarrollo e Innovación
Tecnológica - EDIT) performed in 2005. The EDIT survey asks about investment
decisions on innovation and technological development, amounts invested, reasons
for investing, occupation level and quality of employed personnel, financing
mechanisms and loan commitments, effect of innovation, among others. Due to
the fact that the EDIT did not pose questions on firm performance variables, we
use complementary data from the Annual Manufacturing Survey (Encuesta Anual
Manufacturera - EAM) of 2004.
Economic impact of e20 F. Biagi Tech4i2Kasia Szkuta
Presentation given at the "Enterprise 2.0 in Europe" workshop where the results of the interim report of the “Enterprise 2.0 study were presented and discussed with experts. Economic impact of e20 F Biagi Tech4i2
Brussels, 14th of September 2010
A review on a thesis, titled The Impact Of Information Technology On Producti...Ukam John Victor
The power point presentation reviewed a mater's thesis as written by AHMAD SOBHANI. LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2008. and reviewed by VICTOR JOHN UKAM
IDC Manufacturing Insights Accelerating Business Change Through Next Generati...Anthony Robinson
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
IDC Manufacturing Insights recently conducted a worldwide study of over 375 enterprises, across multiple discrete manufacturing sectors covering 12 countries, on behalf of Infor. The survey showed that:
● Complexity is dramatically growing, with market, operational aspects, and IT the main business areas that will grow significantly in complexity over the next three years. To beat complexity, manufacturers will need to improve and speed up their decision-making capability.
● Ineffective or inadequate IT is emerging as the single most critical barrier to mastering complexity. Discrete manufacturers also recognize that their current ERP systems have a number of limitations or weaknesses that hamper their ability to improve decision making.
Other findings were that:
● Modernizing IT architectures and business applications used to support new, customer-driven operating models is a priority for companies across all industry segments. Manufacturers now have the opportunity to simplify IT architectures by leveraging the four IT forces of mobility, social technologies, big data analytics, and cloud computing. We believe that those companies that are currently investing aggressively in these four areas will soon enjoy the benefits of higher revenue growth, improved profitability, and customer-led innovation.
● New, enterprisewide "operational ERP" is needed as opposed to mere "financial ERP." Operational ERP will encapsulate the most critical operational processes — customer order management, manufacturing operations management, and supply chain execution — in a tight, integrated, and coordinated environment based on the four IT forces.
● Manufacturers may be in for a shock when it comes to managing this IT change. They will realize that past investments in traditional technologies are now rapidly becoming redundant.
The “Gartner Perspective: IT Spending” booklet provides an
overview of Gartner research on IT spending and functions as
a reference guide to top-level statistics and IT spending analysis.
It provides a glimpse into the
powerful insight Gartner can
provide as you navigate through
what may be the most important
year of your career.
A SOLUTION TO THE DILEMMA BETWEEN R&D EXPANSION AND THE PRODUCTIVITY DECLINE:...IJMIT JOURNAL
As a consequence of the two-faced nature of information and communication technology (ICT), a majority of ICT leaders have been confronting the critical problem of a dilemma between R&D expansion and productivity decline in the digital economy. However, Amazon has been able to accomplish a skyrocketing increase in R&D and market capitalization. Finland has also accomplished balanced advancement not only of welfare but also economic resurgence. This paper attempted to elucidate the miracle of two ICT leaders. By means of a comparative empirical analysis of respective development trajectories, the sources of their success were analyzed thereby the comparative advantage and disadvantage of each respective trajectories supportive to find a practical solution to the critical problem of a dilemma were identified. The sources of both successes can be attributed to harnessing the vigor of soft innovation resources from the marketplace. However, contrary to Amazon’s complementary use, Finland has depended on substitutionary use. While this approach contributes to easy resurgence, it casts a shadow to the innovative growth in the future. An insightful suggestion regarding balanced sustainable growth by cross learning was thus provided.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: TRANSFORMATION OF THE GROWTH CONCEPTIJMIT JOURNAL
The digital economy is transforming the traditional concepts of economic growth.The recent reversal trend
in GDP growth of ICT leaders can be attributed to effective utilization of soft innovation resources in
Finland and adherence to traditional resources in Singapore.Confronting a productivity decline in the
digital economy, global information and communication technology (ICT) leaders are transforming
business models into those with uncaptured GDP creation. This can be attributed tothe harnessing soft
innovation resourcesagainst a productivity decline. This in turn activates a self-propagating function and
induces supra-functionality beyond economic value corresponding to a shift in people’s preferences. It also
contributes to removingstructural impediments in GDP growth.Empirical analyses utilizing the
development trajectories of 500 global ICT firms and also world ICT leadersFinland and Singapore
demonstratedthese hypothetical views andprovided an insightful suggestion as to overcome aproductivity
decline in the digital economy.
Implementing bigdata analytics for small and medium enterprise (SME) regional...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering (IOSR-JCE) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of computer engineering and its applications. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in computer technology. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
Driving Productivity Growth: The Importance of Firm-Specific Knowledge AssetsStructuralpolicyanalysis
Rebecca Riley National Institute of Economic and Social Research & LLAKES, OECD Global Forum on Productivity UK Workshop, HM Treasury, London 14 October 2016
Presenting the results of the 4th annual CIONET IT Trends, based on +2500 global responses, of which +800 European.
The study shows that, overall, IT is becoming more strategic and business focused. It appears that organizations are becoming more digitized with their focus shifting away from tactical and organizational IT issues like efficiency, service delivery, and cost reduction to more strategic and organizational priorities like business agility, innovation, the velocity change in the organization, IT time to market, and the value of IT to the business. Some suggest that IT is the business. Time will tell if this is a widespread trend, but it is here now among global and European organizations, and it is confirmed by a corresponding shift in how CIOs are spending their time.
Analytics/Business Intelligence (A/BI) remains in first place as the largest IT investment, a ranking it has held for six years straight. It has ranked in the top three since 2003, when it was first added to the list. A/BI was selected by 801 organizations
Comprehensive Report:
M. Grazzi, G. Domini, D. Moschella, T. Treibich, 30 Novembre - 1 Dicembre 2021 -
Webinar: I cambiamenti strutturali: imprese, digitalizzazione, produttività, cultura e turismo
Titolo: L'impatto dell'automazione su diseguaglianze salariali e di genere: una analisi a livello di impresa
Positive Momentum Continues in CompTIA 2Q 2014 IT Business Confidence IndexCompTIA
The CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index continued its upward trend in Q2, marking the third consecutive quarter that information technology (IT) industry executives expressed optimism about business prospects. The index also suggests there is pent up demand among IT firms to increase their workforce. One-third of companies surveyed said they are understaffed, while 42 percent said they are fully staffed, but want to hire in order to expand.
From TION-EMO Theory To A New Beginning Of Artificial EmotionsWaqas Tariq
The author has proposed a new theory: the Tion–Emo Theory (TET) [1, 2] The TET concept makes it possible to build artificial emotions because the TET is a simple system and provides an organised structure with a nucleon that controls the emotional scheme with the self object. This emotional system seems to depend on three objects that are particular to three regions: the intellectual object (IO) in the intellectual region, the social object (SOO) in the semi-intellectual region and the self object (SEO) in the non-intellectual region [1]Connecting these three objects at their different levels of function appears to be a requirement for forming a self-sustainable system and producing emotion. The system needs two forces, the positive IO and the negative SEO; the SOO is necessary to mediate between the two. Self-survival hierarchy censorship systems regulate all survival matters, and the emotional energy that gives rise to the system is underlie by the SEO . Social hierarchy censorship sorts and regulates the social information that is also regulated by the SEO. Physiological neural network research supports the TET [2].
Reading digital comic on mobile phone is demanding now. Rather that create a new mobile comic content, adaptation of existing digital comic web portal is valuable. In this paper, we proposed an automatic e-comic mobile content adaptation method for automatically create mobile comic content from existing digital comic website portal. Automatic e-comic content adaptation is based on our comic frame extraction method combine with additional process to extract comic balloon and text from digital comic page. The proposed method work as a content adaptation intermediary proxy server application, while generating a Comic XML file as an input source for mobile phone to render a specific mobile comic contents. Our proposed method is an effective and efficient method for real time implementation of reading e-comic comparing to other methods. Experimental results show that our proposed method has 100% accuracy of flat comic frame extraction, 91.48% accuracy of non-flat comic frame extraction, and about 90% processing time faster than previous method.
Planning in Markov Stochastic Task DomainsWaqas Tariq
In decision theoretic planning, a challenge for Markov decision processes (MDPs) and partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) is, many problem domains contain big state spaces and complex tasks, which will result in poor solution performance. We develop a task analysis and modeling (TAM) approach, in which the (PO)MDP model is separated into a task view and an action view. In the task view, TAM models the problem domain using a task equivalence model, with task-dependent abstract states and observations. We provide a learning algorithm to obtain the parameter values of task equivalence models. We present three typical examples to explain the TAM approach. Experimental results indicate our approach can greatly improve the computational capacity of task planning in Markov stochastic domains.
A SOLUTION TO THE DILEMMA BETWEEN R&D EXPANSION AND THE PRODUCTIVITY DECLINE:...IJMIT JOURNAL
As a consequence of the two-faced nature of information and communication technology (ICT), a majority of ICT leaders have been confronting the critical problem of a dilemma between R&D expansion and productivity decline in the digital economy. However, Amazon has been able to accomplish a skyrocketing increase in R&D and market capitalization. Finland has also accomplished balanced advancement not only of welfare but also economic resurgence. This paper attempted to elucidate the miracle of two ICT leaders. By means of a comparative empirical analysis of respective development trajectories, the sources of their success were analyzed thereby the comparative advantage and disadvantage of each respective trajectories supportive to find a practical solution to the critical problem of a dilemma were identified. The sources of both successes can be attributed to harnessing the vigor of soft innovation resources from the marketplace. However, contrary to Amazon’s complementary use, Finland has depended on substitutionary use. While this approach contributes to easy resurgence, it casts a shadow to the innovative growth in the future. An insightful suggestion regarding balanced sustainable growth by cross learning was thus provided.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: TRANSFORMATION OF THE GROWTH CONCEPTIJMIT JOURNAL
The digital economy is transforming the traditional concepts of economic growth.The recent reversal trend
in GDP growth of ICT leaders can be attributed to effective utilization of soft innovation resources in
Finland and adherence to traditional resources in Singapore.Confronting a productivity decline in the
digital economy, global information and communication technology (ICT) leaders are transforming
business models into those with uncaptured GDP creation. This can be attributed tothe harnessing soft
innovation resourcesagainst a productivity decline. This in turn activates a self-propagating function and
induces supra-functionality beyond economic value corresponding to a shift in people’s preferences. It also
contributes to removingstructural impediments in GDP growth.Empirical analyses utilizing the
development trajectories of 500 global ICT firms and also world ICT leadersFinland and Singapore
demonstratedthese hypothetical views andprovided an insightful suggestion as to overcome aproductivity
decline in the digital economy.
Implementing bigdata analytics for small and medium enterprise (SME) regional...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering (IOSR-JCE) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of computer engineering and its applications. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in computer technology. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
Driving Productivity Growth: The Importance of Firm-Specific Knowledge AssetsStructuralpolicyanalysis
Rebecca Riley National Institute of Economic and Social Research & LLAKES, OECD Global Forum on Productivity UK Workshop, HM Treasury, London 14 October 2016
Presenting the results of the 4th annual CIONET IT Trends, based on +2500 global responses, of which +800 European.
The study shows that, overall, IT is becoming more strategic and business focused. It appears that organizations are becoming more digitized with their focus shifting away from tactical and organizational IT issues like efficiency, service delivery, and cost reduction to more strategic and organizational priorities like business agility, innovation, the velocity change in the organization, IT time to market, and the value of IT to the business. Some suggest that IT is the business. Time will tell if this is a widespread trend, but it is here now among global and European organizations, and it is confirmed by a corresponding shift in how CIOs are spending their time.
Analytics/Business Intelligence (A/BI) remains in first place as the largest IT investment, a ranking it has held for six years straight. It has ranked in the top three since 2003, when it was first added to the list. A/BI was selected by 801 organizations
Comprehensive Report:
M. Grazzi, G. Domini, D. Moschella, T. Treibich, 30 Novembre - 1 Dicembre 2021 -
Webinar: I cambiamenti strutturali: imprese, digitalizzazione, produttività, cultura e turismo
Titolo: L'impatto dell'automazione su diseguaglianze salariali e di genere: una analisi a livello di impresa
Positive Momentum Continues in CompTIA 2Q 2014 IT Business Confidence IndexCompTIA
The CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index continued its upward trend in Q2, marking the third consecutive quarter that information technology (IT) industry executives expressed optimism about business prospects. The index also suggests there is pent up demand among IT firms to increase their workforce. One-third of companies surveyed said they are understaffed, while 42 percent said they are fully staffed, but want to hire in order to expand.
From TION-EMO Theory To A New Beginning Of Artificial EmotionsWaqas Tariq
The author has proposed a new theory: the Tion–Emo Theory (TET) [1, 2] The TET concept makes it possible to build artificial emotions because the TET is a simple system and provides an organised structure with a nucleon that controls the emotional scheme with the self object. This emotional system seems to depend on three objects that are particular to three regions: the intellectual object (IO) in the intellectual region, the social object (SOO) in the semi-intellectual region and the self object (SEO) in the non-intellectual region [1]Connecting these three objects at their different levels of function appears to be a requirement for forming a self-sustainable system and producing emotion. The system needs two forces, the positive IO and the negative SEO; the SOO is necessary to mediate between the two. Self-survival hierarchy censorship systems regulate all survival matters, and the emotional energy that gives rise to the system is underlie by the SEO . Social hierarchy censorship sorts and regulates the social information that is also regulated by the SEO. Physiological neural network research supports the TET [2].
Reading digital comic on mobile phone is demanding now. Rather that create a new mobile comic content, adaptation of existing digital comic web portal is valuable. In this paper, we proposed an automatic e-comic mobile content adaptation method for automatically create mobile comic content from existing digital comic website portal. Automatic e-comic content adaptation is based on our comic frame extraction method combine with additional process to extract comic balloon and text from digital comic page. The proposed method work as a content adaptation intermediary proxy server application, while generating a Comic XML file as an input source for mobile phone to render a specific mobile comic contents. Our proposed method is an effective and efficient method for real time implementation of reading e-comic comparing to other methods. Experimental results show that our proposed method has 100% accuracy of flat comic frame extraction, 91.48% accuracy of non-flat comic frame extraction, and about 90% processing time faster than previous method.
Planning in Markov Stochastic Task DomainsWaqas Tariq
In decision theoretic planning, a challenge for Markov decision processes (MDPs) and partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) is, many problem domains contain big state spaces and complex tasks, which will result in poor solution performance. We develop a task analysis and modeling (TAM) approach, in which the (PO)MDP model is separated into a task view and an action view. In the task view, TAM models the problem domain using a task equivalence model, with task-dependent abstract states and observations. We provide a learning algorithm to obtain the parameter values of task equivalence models. We present three typical examples to explain the TAM approach. Experimental results indicate our approach can greatly improve the computational capacity of task planning in Markov stochastic domains.
Decision Tree Classifiers to determine the patient’s Post-operative Recovery ...Waqas Tariq
Machine Learning aims to generate classifying expressions simple enough to be understood easily by the human. There are many machine learning approaches available for classification. Among which decision tree learning is one of the most popular classification algorithms. In this paper we propose a systematic approach based on decision tree which is used to automatically determine the patient’s post–operative recovery status. Decision Tree structures are constructed, using data mining methods and then are used to classify discharge decisions.
A Simple Integrative Solution For Simultaneous Localization And MappingWaqas Tariq
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping is a method used to find the location of a mobile robot while at the same time build a constructive map of its surrounding environment. This paper gives a brief description about a simple integrative SLAM technique using a Laser Range Finder (LRF) and Odometry data, primarily for indoor environments. In this project, a solution for the SLAM problem was implemented on a differential drive mobile robot equipped with a SICK laser scanner.
One of the fundamental issues in computer science is ordering a list of items. Although there is a number of sorting algorithms, sorting problem has attracted a great deal of research, because efficient sorting is important to optimize the use of other algorithms. This paper presents a new sorting algorithm (Index Sort) which runs based on the previously sorted elements.. This algorithm was analyzed, implemented and tested and the results are promising for a random data.
Data mining visualization to support biochemical markers for liver fibrosis i...Waqas Tariq
The reference diagnostic test to detect fibrosis is liver biopsy (LB), a procedure subject to various limitations, including risk of patient injury and sampling error. FibroTest (FT) and ActiTest (AT) are biochemical markers (noninvasive tests) used in determining the level of fibrosis and the degree of necroinflammatory activity in the liver. The objective of this work is to discover the differences in the temporal patterns between noninvasive tests and liver biopsy by visualization tools, which made it easier to understand the relations of the complicated rules. This Study ware focused on the major serum fibrosis markers (FT/AT). The test uses a combination of serum biochemical markers with visualization technique to evaluate whether biochemical markers can be used to estimate the stage of liver fibrosis and necro-inflammatory activity in the liver.
Audio Art Authentication and Classification with Wavelet StatisticsWaqas Tariq
An experimental computation technique for audio art authentication is presented. Specifically, the computational techniques used by painting/drawings art authentication are transformed from twodimensional (image) into one-dimensional (audio) methods. The statistical model consists of first and higher-order wavelet statistics. Classification is performed with a multi-dimensional scaled 3D visual model. The results from the analyses of music/silence discrimination, audio art authentication, genre classification, and audio fingerprinting are demonstrated.
A Method to Provide Accessibility for Visual Components to Vision ImpairedWaqas Tariq
Non-textual graphical information (line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, etc.) are increasingly pervasive in digital scientific literatures and business reports which enabling readers to easily acquire the nature of the underlying information [1]. These graphical components are commonly used to present data in an easy-to interpret way. Graphs are frequently used in economics, mathematics and other scientific subjects. In general term data visualization techniques are useless for blind people. Being unable to access graphical information easily is a major obstacle to blind people in pursuing a scientific study and careers [2].This paper suggests a method to extract implicit information of Bar chart, Pie chart, Line chart and math’s graph components of an electronic document and present them to vision impaired users in audio format. The goal is to provide simple to use, efficient, and available presentation schemes for non textual which can help vision impaired users in comprehending form without needing any further devices or equipments. A software application has been developed based on this research. The output of application is a textual summary of the graphic including the core content of the hypothesized intended message of the graphic designer. The textual summary of the graphic is then conveyed to the user by Text to Speech software .The benefit of this approach is automatic providing the user with the message and knowledge that one would gain from viewing the chart.
Active Control of Tool Position in the Presence of Nonlinear Cutting Forces i...Waqas Tariq
This work presents a practical approach to the control of tool’s position, in orthogonal cutting, in the presence nonlinear dynamic cutting forces. The controller is Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) type constructed from an augmented model of both, tool-actuator dynamics, and a nonlinear dynamic model relating tool displacement to cutting forces. The latter model is obtained using black-box system identification of experimental orthogonal cutting data in which tool displacement is the input and cutting force is the output. The controller is evaluated and its performance is demonstrated
Mathematical Derivation of Annuity Interest Rate and its ApplicationWaqas Tariq
A fundamental task in business for investor or borrower is to know the interest rate of an annuity. In this type of problem, the size of each periodic payment(R), the term(n), and the amount(Sn) or the present value of the annuity(An) are usually given. However, a direct equation representing the Annuity Interest Rate(i) is not available, since an approximate value of the Annuity Interest Rate is obtained by interpolation method based on table showing (Sn/R) values. This paper emphasizes the real time computational problem for Annuity interest rate. It has therefore been important to derive an equation for computing the Annuity Interest rate. The evaluation of error analysis has been discussed. The new algorithm saved computational energy by approximately 99.9% than that of the tabulated one.
Design and Implementation of Sliding Mode Algorithm: Applied to Robot Manipul...Waqas Tariq
Refer to the research, review of sliding mode controller is introduced and application to robot manipulator has proposed in order to design high performance nonlinear controller in the presence of uncertainties. Regarding to the positive points in sliding mode controller, fuzzy logic controller and adaptive method, the output in most of research have improved. Each method by adding to the previous algorithm has covered negative points. Obviously robot manipulator is nonlinear, and a number of parameters are uncertain, this research focuses on comparison between sliding mode algorithm which analyzed by many researcher. Sliding mode controller (SMC) is one of the nonlinear robust controllers which it can be used in uncertainty nonlinear dynamic systems. This nonlinear controller has two challenges namely nonlinear dynamic equivalent part and chattering phenomenon. A review of sliding mode controller for robot manipulator will be investigated in this research.
Design of A Spell Corrector For Hausa LanguageWaqas Tariq
In this article, a spell corrector has been designed for the Hausa language which is the second most spoken language in Africa and do not yet have processing tools. This study is a contribution to the automatic processing of the Hausa language. We used existing techniques for other languages and adapted them to the special case of the Hausa language. The corrector designed operates essentially on Mijinguini’s dictionary and characteristics of the Hausa alphabet. After a brief review on spell checking and spell correcting techniques and the state of art in the Hausa language processing, we opted for the data structures trie and hash table to represent the dictionary. The edit distance and the specificities of the Hausa alphabet have been used to detect and correct spelling errors. The implementation of the spell corrector has been made on a special editor developed for that purpose (LyTexEditor) but also as an extension (add-on) for OpenOffice.org. A comparison was made on the performance of the two data structures used.
Computer Assisted System for Enhancing the Application of Ergonomics in Manuf...Waqas Tariq
The current paper focuses on the need and a plan for the development of a Computer Assisted Interactive and Intelligent Ergonomics System which, through a user friendly consulting mode presents the guidelines and formalized procedures for the application of ergonomics knowledge and data in manufacturing organizations. The system is expected to allow a production engineer or supervisor or even a worker with minimal ergonomics knowledge, to understand, analyze and find solutions to problems related to industrial ergonomics. A survey which is conducted in this regard is also described in this paper and through the out come of the survey it is shown that the poor acceptance and application of ergonomics is due to lack of exposure to ergonomics knowledge and non-availability of ergonomics knowledge in a suitable form for its application in manufacturing systems. 10
Multi User Detection in CDMA System Using Linear and Non Linear DetectorWaqas Tariq
DS-Code division multiple access is considered as the third generation of cellular mobile used in interim standard 95(IS-95) [1]and it is currently being standardized for universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS). CDMA offers attractive features, such as frequency reuse, soft handoff, increased capacity, and multipath combating. In a CDMA system, several users simultaneously transmit information over a common channel using pre-assigned codes. The conventional single user detector consists of a bank of filters matched to the spreading codes. This detector suffers from two problems. First, multiple access interference (MAI) produced by the other co-channel users is a significant limitation to the capacity of this detector. The second problem is the near-far effect which occurs when the relative received power of interfering signals becomes larger. A potential solution is multi-user detection which exploits the information of signals of interfering users. In the present study performance of various linear detectors like matched filter detector, MMSE detector, and adaptive LMS detector are studied. These are the linear detectors that operate linearly on the received signal statistics and are suboptimal detectors. The matched filter bank is the conventional detector and offers the simplest way of demodulating CDMA signals .The detector resulting from the MMSE (minimum mean square error) criterion shows better performance over the conventional one for low SNR value. Adaptive LMS is employed to enhance the BER performance in MUD application.Several factors motivated the research to apply neural network as multi-user detector. NN are nonlinear classifier in addition to being adaptive and computationally efficient. The performance of two layer perceptron neural network using BP learning rule is used for multi-user detection of CDMA signals in AWGN channels. The neural network detectors show improvement of BER in the comparative analysis done in the present work. and offers further research scope for solving multi-user detection problems in CDMA application.
A Business Review of E-Retailing in IndiaWaqas Tariq
Abstract As a professor in computer science I am very much interested in training my students in e-Commerce and prepared myself for an in depth research in this area and to present a quick journal about e-Retailing concepts / framework, how an organization can start e-Retailing business quickly? Its Pro’s & Con’s, how to make the e-Retailing venture successful? How retailers should plan / experience to achieve varying success by leveraging the internet technology? How to incorporate traditional retails practices with Internet technology? And strive for success in India. How internet is used by users and its use for online shopping. It serves a s a best article for all the readers across the globe. Keywords: E-Retailing in India, e-tailing, E commerce, Online store, retail, e business
An Efficient Hybrid Successive Markov Model for Predicting Web User Usage Beh...Waqas Tariq
With the continued growth and proliferation of Web services and Web based information systems, the volumes of user data have reached astronomical proportions. Analyzing such data using Web Usage Mining can help to determine the visiting interests or needs of the web user. As web log is incremental in nature, it becomes a crucial issue to predict exactly the ways how users browse websites. It is necessary for web miners to use predictive mining techniques to filter the unwanted categories for reducing the operational scope. The first-order Markov model has low accuracy in achieving right predictions, which is why extensions to higher order models are necessary. All higher order Markov model holds the promise of achieving higher prediction accuracies, improved coverage than any single-order Markov model but holds high state space complexity. Hence a Hybrid Markov Model is required to improve the operation performance and prediction accuracy significantly. The present paper introduces An Efficient Hybrid Successive Markov Prediction Model, HSMP. The HSMP model is initially predicts the possible wanted categories using Relevance factor, which can be used to infer the users’ browsing behavior between web categories. Then predict the pages in predicted categories using techniques for intelligently combining different order Markov models so that the resulting model has low state complexity, improved prediction accuracy and retains the coverage of the all higher order Markov model. These techniques eliminates low support states, evaluates the probability distribution and estimates the error associated with each state without affecting the overall accuracy as well as protection of the resulting model. To validate the proposed prediction model, several experiments were conducted and results proven this are claimed in this paper.
A Robotic Prototype System for Child MonitoringWaqas Tariq
Child monitoring systems use many different technologies, such as camera systems, wireless technology using RFID sensors, and GPS systems. These systems are capable of remotely reporting the status of the children but not able to take actions based on the scenarios. On the other hand, a robotic child monitoring system will show advantages in taking actions to warn and possibly protect the child from danger. In this paper we present the design and experimental testing of a robotic child monitoring prototype system. The whole system consists of a Khepera robot, a host computer, the distraction/alarm circuitry and a testing table. The experimental testing results show that this prototype system fulfills the requirement of finding and following the baby prop and also taking certain actions when the baby prop approaches danger area.
Innovation is a productive process which relies on human resources and investment
in capital assets procurement, machinery and/or equipments intended for technological
development and innovation activities. If the production function at the microeconomic
level is the relationship between productive factors and output, capital allocated to ICT
can be taken as another productive factor, in the same way as capital, work and human
capital. The relative ease of access to ICT, due to their fast price reduction and quality
increase, and to the fact that they are considered general purpose technologies, have led
various scholars to propose that ICT, due to their effect on cost reductions of coordination
among individuals and firms, may produce a change in firm structure. Likewise, innovation
also has an effect on productivity, mainly through total factor productivity but also by
interacting with other factors such as capital or human capital. This innovation refers
to technologically new processes and products, either at firm, local, country or global
level. The emphasis on novelty does not mean to make more of the same, but to expand
human knowledge frontier, observing that what is novel may also be applied at firm or
country level. Therefore, when we speak about innovation, we must understand that what
is new for a particular country may not be new at international level.
Winning with the Industrial Internet of Things: How to accelerate the journey...accenture
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will bring new economic growth, reinventing sectors that account for almost two-thirds of world output. The raw technical conditions for the widespread adoption of the IIoT are highly favorable. Today, the IIoT is helping to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and enhance worker safety. As the world struggles to emerge from a phase of weak productivity growth, fragile employment and pockets of inadequate demand, the IIoT offers a chance to redefine many sectors and accelerate economic and employment growth.
The annual IT barometer of the Finnish Information Processing Association has now been conducted for the third time. The barometer charts the importance of information technology (IT) for Finnish companies. Participating in the IT barometer this time were 176 persons in business or IT management in Finnish organisations of over 500 persons.
During the economic downturn, criticism levelled against the immediate utilisation of IT and, in particular, the operations of IT management has clearly increased, especially in business management. This increased criticism of IT and IT management likely reflects the high expectations placed on IT which have been difficult to fulfil in the poor financial situation.
The annual IT barometer of the Finnish Information Processing Association charts the importance of Information Technology (IT) for Finnish companies and organisations. The barometer gathers the views of the executive personnel about the utilisation of information technology, the kinds of changes to be expected within the next years, and the kind of IT know-how needed in the organisation in the future. The IT barometer can also be used to measure the differences of opinion between corporate and IT management personnel.
Internet of Things Index 2017. Excellent Report from IBM and The Economist Intelligence unit about the use of IOT nowadays, it´s main trends, problems and debate contents. Is really IOT going to change all in the next years?
Impact of Information Technology Investment to Financial Performance on Banki...Hendra Gunawan
This study examines the impact of technology on the performance of financial investment in banking companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange to prove its influence on the development of the banking company's financial performance. The data used in this research is secondary data uses financial statements that have been audited. Data analysis technique used is simple regression analysis. Results showed that between investments in information technology affect the company's financial performance. The results of this study illustrate that the company's financial performance would be if the investment in information technology in the company are used effectively and efficiently. This research is important for companies and organizations, in order to better the use or utilization of information technology in the enterprise. The company is only limited to the banking companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange, then further research is recommended to add criteria and indicator others that have not been addressed in this study, in addition to subsequent authors can also extend the sample population to another company with a different field such as manufacturing companies.
Recent Developments and Future Challenges of Integrated Care in Europe and Northern America
The International Network of Integrated Care, The Julius Center of the University Medical Center Utrecht and the University of Southern Denmark - 11th International Network of Integrated Care
Evaluation of Integrated Care: From methods to governance and applications
To understand the real impact of ICT within health care adopting a single analytical approach is inadvisable and that insight into the overall effects of ICT is best gained from consideration of a mix of study types
EO Briefing 2015 is structured in three chapters. The first chapter examines the impact of digital technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT) on business. The IoT presents an array of challenges and new revenue possibilities but the question is which companies will be able to capitalise on this opportunity. This an especially crucial question as C-suite executives see competition rising sharply in 2015.
A SOLUTION TO THE DILEMMA BETWEEN R&D EXPANSION AND THE PRODUCTIVITY DECLINE:...IJMIT JOURNAL
As a consequence of the two-faced nature of information and communication technology (ICT), a majority of ICT leaders have been confronting the critical problem of a dilemma between R&D expansion and productivity decline in the digital economy. However, Amazon has been able to accomplish a skyrocketing
increase in R&D and market capitalization. Finland has also accomplished balanced advancement not only of welfare but also economic resurgence. This paper attempted to elucidate the miracle of two ICT leaders. By means of a comparative empirical analysis of respective development trajectories, the sources of their success were analyzed thereby the comparative advantage and disadvantage of each respective trajectories supportive to find a practical solution to the critical problem of a dilemma were identified. The sources of both successes can be attributed to harnessing the vigor of soft innovation resources from the marketplace. However, contrary to Amazon’s complementary use, Finland has depended on substitutionary use. While this approach contributes to easy resurgence, it casts a shadow to the innovative growth in the
future. An insightful suggestion regarding balanced sustainable growth by cross learning was thus provided.
NEO OPEN INNOVATION IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: HARNESSING SOFT INNOVATION RESOURCESIJMIT JOURNAL
Successive increases in R&D that creates new functionality are essential for global competitiveness. However, unexpectedly, as a consequence of the two-faced nature of information and communication technology (ICT), excessive R&D results in a marginal productivity decline leading to a decrease in digital
value creation. In order to overcome such a dilemma, global ICT firms have been endeavoring to transform themselves into disruptive business model. Neo open innovation that harnesses soft innovation resources may be a solution to this critical question. On the basis of an empirical analysis focusing on forefront endeavors to this dilemma by global ICT firms, this paper attempted to demonstrate the above hypothetical
view. Noteworthy findings suggestive to transforming the traditional business model into disruptive innovation that satisfies people’s demand corresponding to their shift inpreferences in the digital economy is thus provided. In addition, a new concept for R&D resources in the digital economy is postulated.
JUSTIFICATION OF, AND BENEFITS REALIZATION BEYOND IT INVESTMENTS: ANALYSIS F...ijmvsc
This work looked at the justification of IT investments in general, to draw important conclusions that could
be beneficial to IT project managers and professionals, and then zero in on the angle of benefits realization
beyond IT investments.About 30 categories/sets of research outputs or articles out of more than 60 articles
reviewed were used for this work. No primary data was employed for this work. Articles were sourced from
databases such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Academia.edu, Google search engine, Elsevier, and so
on. The main themes used for the search were IT investments, Justification for IT investments, IT
investments benefit determination, value creation beyond IT investments, and so on. The results showed
that justification is unique to every firm, it is contextual, and so stakeholders must take into consideration
environmental factors, corporate and strategic goals, experience and expertise of stakeholders, and so on,
to design its framework and measures to justify IT investments. Zeroing on benefits realization, two things
run through all the discussions: benefits realization of IT investments must take into consideration the
organization's strategic objectives and that they do not simply emerge, as if by magic. Their realization has
to be planned, delivered, reviewed, and exploited to ensure value realization on a more consistent/constant
basis.
Similar to it & Economic Performance a Critical Review of the Empirical Data (20)
The Use of Java Swing’s Components to Develop a WidgetWaqas Tariq
Widget is a kind of application provides a single service such as a map, news feed, simple clock, battery-life indicators, etc. This kind of interactive software object has been developed to facilitate user interface (UI) design. A user interface (UI) function may be implemented using different widgets with the same function. In this article, we present the widget as a platform that is generally used in various applications, such as in desktop, web browser, and mobile phone. We also describe a visual menu of Java Swing’s components that will be used to establish widget. It will assume that we have successfully compiled and run a program that uses Swing components.
3D Human Hand Posture Reconstruction Using a Single 2D ImageWaqas Tariq
Passive sensing of the 3D geometric posture of the human hand has been studied extensively over the past decade. However, these research efforts have been hampered by the computational complexity caused by inverse kinematics and 3D reconstruction. In this paper, our objective focuses on 3D hand posture estimation based on a single 2D image with aim of robotic applications. We introduce the human hand model with 27 degrees of freedom (DOFs) and analyze some of its constraints to reduce the DOFs without any significant degradation of performance. A novel algorithm to estimate the 3D hand posture from eight 2D projected feature points is proposed. Experimental results using real images confirm that our algorithm gives good estimates of the 3D hand pose. Keywords: 3D hand posture estimation; Model-based approach; Gesture recognition; human- computer interface; machine vision.
Camera as Mouse and Keyboard for Handicap Person with Troubleshooting Ability...Waqas Tariq
Camera mouse has been widely used for handicap person to interact with computer. The utmost important of the use of camera mouse is must be able to replace all roles of typical mouse and keyboard. It must be able to provide all mouse click events and keyboard functions (include all shortcut keys) when it is used by handicap person. Also, the use of camera mouse must allow users troubleshooting by themselves. Moreover, it must be able to eliminate neck fatigue effect when it is used during long period. In this paper, we propose camera mouse system with timer as left click event and blinking as right click event. Also, we modify original screen keyboard layout by add two additional buttons (button “drag/ drop” is used to do drag and drop of mouse events and another button is used to call task manager (for troubleshooting)) and change behavior of CTRL, ALT, SHIFT, and CAPS LOCK keys in order to provide shortcut keys of keyboard. Also, we develop recovery method which allows users go from camera and then come back again in order to eliminate neck fatigue effect. The experiments which involve several users have been done in our laboratory. The results show that the use of our camera mouse able to allow users do typing, left and right click events, drag and drop events, and troubleshooting without hand. By implement this system, handicap person can use computer more comfortable and reduce the dryness of eyes.
A Proposed Web Accessibility Framework for the Arab DisabledWaqas Tariq
The Web is providing unprecedented access to information and interaction for people with disabilities. This paper presents a Web accessibility framework which offers the ease of the Web accessing for the disabled Arab users and facilitates their lifelong learning as well. The proposed framework system provides the disabled Arab user with an easy means of access using their mother language so they don’t have to overcome the barrier of learning the target-spoken language. This framework is based on analyzing the web page meta-language, extracting its content and reformulating it in a suitable format for the disabled users. The basic objective of this framework is supporting the equal rights of the Arab disabled people for their access to the education and training with non disabled people. Key Words : Arabic Moon code, Arabic Sign Language, Deaf, Deaf-blind, E-learning Interactivity, Moon code, Web accessibility , Web framework , Web System, WWW.
Real Time Blinking Detection Based on Gabor FilterWaqas Tariq
New method of blinking detection is proposed. The utmost important of blinking detections method is robust against different users, noise, and also change of eye shape. In this paper, we propose blinking detections method by measuring of distance between two arcs of eye (upper part and lower part). We detect eye arcs by apply Gabor filter onto eye image. As we know that Gabor filter has advantage on image processing application since it able to extract spatial localized spectral features, such line, arch, and other shape are more easily detected. After two of eye arcs are detected, we measure the distance between both by using connected labeling method. The open eye is marked by the distance between two arcs is more than threshold and otherwise, the closed eye is marked by the distance less than threshold. The experiment result shows that our proposed method robust enough against different users, noise, and eye shape changes with perfectly accuracy.
Computer Input with Human Eyes-Only Using Two Purkinje Images Which Works in ...Waqas Tariq
A method for computer input with human eyes-only using two Purkinje images which works in a real time basis without calibration is proposed. Experimental results shows that cornea curvature can be estimated by using two light sources derived Purkinje images so that no calibration for reducing person-to-person difference of cornea curvature. It is found that the proposed system allows usersf movements of 30 degrees in roll direction and 15 degrees in pitch direction utilizing detected face attitude which is derived from the face plane consisting three feature points on the face, two eyes and nose or mouth. Also it is found that the proposed system does work in a real time basis.
Toward a More Robust Usability concept with Perceived Enjoyment in the contex...Waqas Tariq
Mobile multimedia service is relatively new but has quickly dominated people¡¯s lives, especially among young people. To explain this popularity, this study applies and modifies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to propose a research model and conduct an empirical study. The goal of study is to examine the role of Perceived Enjoyment (PE) and what determinants can contribute to PE in the context of using mobile multimedia service. The result indicates that PE is influencing on Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and directly Behavior Intention (BI). Aesthetics and flow are key determinants to explain Perceived Enjoyment (PE) in mobile multimedia usage.
Collaborative Learning of Organisational KnolwedgeWaqas Tariq
This paper presents recent research into methods used in Australian Indigenous Knowledge sharing and looks at how these can support the creation of suitable collaborative envi- ronments for timely organisational learning. The protocols and practices as used today and in the past by Indigenous communities are presented and discussed in relation to their relevance to a personalised system of knowledge sharing in modern organisational cultures. This research focuses on user models, knowledge acquisition and integration of data for constructivist learning in a networked repository of or- ganisational knowledge. The data collected in the repository is searched to provide collections of up-to-date and relevant material for training in a work environment. The aim is to improve knowledge collection and sharing in a team envi- ronment. This knowledge can then be collated into a story or workflow that represents the present knowledge in the organisation.
Our research aims to propose a global approach for specification, design and verification of context awareness Human Computer Interface (HCI). This is a Model Based Design approach (MBD). This methodology describes the ubiquitous environment by ontologies. OWL is the standard used for this purpose. The specification and modeling of Human-Computer Interaction are based on Petri nets (PN). This raises the question of representation of Petri nets with XML. We use for this purpose, the standard of modeling PNML. In this paper, we propose an extension of this standard for specification, generation and verification of HCI. This extension is a methodological approach for the construction of PNML with Petri nets. The design principle uses the concept of composition of elementary structures of Petri nets as PNML Modular. The objective is to obtain a valid interface through verification of properties of elementary Petri nets represented with PNML.
Development of Sign Signal Translation System Based on Altera’s FPGA DE2 BoardWaqas Tariq
The main aim of this paper is to build a system that is capable of detecting and recognizing the hand gesture in an image captured by using a camera. The system is built based on Altera’s FPGA DE2 board, which contains a Nios II soft core processor. Image processing techniques and a simple but effective algorithm are implemented to achieve this purpose. Image processing techniques are used to smooth the image in order to ease the subsequent processes in translating the hand sign signal. The algorithm is built for translating the numerical hand sign signal and the result are displayed on the seven segment display. Altera’s Quartus II, SOPC Builder and Nios II EDS software are used to construct the system. By using SOPC Builder, the related components on the DE2 board can be interconnected easily and orderly compared to traditional method that requires lengthy source code and time consuming. Quartus II is used to compile and download the design to the DE2 board. Then, under Nios II EDS, C programming language is used to code the hand sign translation algorithm. Being able to recognize the hand sign signal from images can helps human in controlling a robot and other applications which require only a simple set of instructions provided a CMOS sensor is included in the system.
An overview on Advanced Research Works on Brain-Computer InterfaceWaqas Tariq
A brain–computer interface (BCI) is a proficient result in the research field of human- computer synergy, where direct articulation between brain and an external device occurs resulting in augmenting, assisting and repairing human cognitive. Advanced works like generating brain-computer interface switch technologies for intermittent (or asynchronous) control in natural environments or developing brain-computer interface by Fuzzy logic Systems or by implementing wavelet theory to drive its efficacies are still going on and some useful results has also been found out. The requirements to develop this brain machine interface is also growing day by day i.e. like neuropsychological rehabilitation, emotion control, etc. An overview on the control theory and some advanced works on the field of brain machine interface are shown in this paper.
Exploring the Relationship Between Mobile Phone and Senior Citizens: A Malays...Waqas Tariq
There is growing ageing phenomena with the rise of ageing population throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization (2002), the growing ageing population indicates 694 million, or 223% is expected for people aged 60 and over, since 1970 and 2025.The growth is especially significant in some advanced countries such as North America, Japan, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom and so forth. This growing older adult population has significantly impact the social-culture, lifestyle, healthcare system, economy, infrastructure and government policy of a nation. However, there are limited research studies on the perception and usage of a mobile phone and its service for senior citizens in a developing nation like Malaysia. This paper explores the relationship between mobile phones and senior citizens in Malaysia from the perspective of a developing country. We conducted an exploratory study using contextual interviews with 5 senior citizens of how they perceive their mobile phones. This paper reveals 4 interesting themes from this preliminary study, in addition to the findings of the desirable mobile requirements for local senior citizens with respect of health, safety and communication purposes. The findings of this study bring interesting insight to local telecommunication industries as a whole, and will also serve as groundwork for more in-depth study in the future.
Principles of Good Screen Design in WebsitesWaqas Tariq
Visual techniques for proper arrangement of the elements on the user screen have helped the designers to make the screen look good and attractive. Several visual techniques emphasize the arrangement and ordering of the screen elements based on particular criteria for best appearance of the screen. This paper investigates few significant visual techniques in various web user interfaces and showcases the results for better understanding and their presence.
Virtual teams are used more and more by companies and other organizations to receive benefits. They are a great way to enable teamwork in situations where people are not sitting in the same physical place at the same time. As companies seek to increase the use of virtual teams, a need exists to explore the context of these teams, the virtuality of a team and software that may help these teams working virtualy. Virtual teams have the same basic principles as traditional teams, but there is one big difference. This difference is the way the team members communicate. Instead of using the dynamics of in-office face-to-face exchange, they now rely on special communication channels enabled by modern technologies, such as e-mails, faxes, phone calls and teleconferences, virtual meetings etc. This is why this paper is focused on the issues regarding virtual teams, and how these teams are created and progressing in Albania.
Cognitive Approach Towards the Maintenance of Web-Sites Through Quality Evalu...Waqas Tariq
It is a well established fact that the Web-Applications require frequent maintenance because of cutting– edge business competitions. The authors have worked on quality evaluation of web-site of Indian ecommerce domain. As a result of that work they have made a quality-wise ranking of these sites. According to their work and also the survey done by various other groups Futurebazaar web-site is considered to be one of the best Indian e-shopping sites. In this research paper the authors are assessing the maintenance of the same site by incorporating the problems incurred during this evaluation. This exercise gives a real world maintainability problem of web-sites. This work will give a clear picture of all the quality metrics which are directly or indirectly related with the maintainability of the web-site.
USEFul: A Framework to Mainstream Web Site Usability through Automated Evalua...Waqas Tariq
A paradox has been observed whereby web site usability is proven to be an essential element in a web site, yet at the same time there exist an abundance of web pages with poor usability. This discrepancy is the result of limitations that are currently preventing web developers in the commercial sector from producing usable web sites. In this paper we propose a framework whose objective is to alleviate this problem by automating certain aspects of the usability evaluation process. Mainstreaming comes as a result of automation, therefore enabling a non-expert in the field of usability to conduct the evaluation. This results in reducing the costs associated with such evaluation. Additionally, the framework allows the flexibility of adding, modifying or deleting guidelines without altering the code that references them since the guidelines and the code are two separate components. A comparison of the evaluation results carried out using the framework against published evaluations of web sites carried out by web site usability professionals reveals that the framework is able to automatically identify the majority of usability violations. Due to the consistency with which it evaluates, it identified additional guideline-related violations that were not identified by the human evaluators.
Robot Arm Utilized Having Meal Support System Based on Computer Input by Huma...Waqas Tariq
A robot arm utilized having meal support system based on computer input by human eyes only is proposed. The proposed system is developed for handicap/disabled persons as well as elderly persons and tested with able persons with several shapes and size of eyes under a variety of illumination conditions. The test results with normal persons show the proposed system does work well for selection of the desired foods and for retrieve the foods as appropriate as usersf requirements. It is found that the proposed system is 21% much faster than the manually controlled robotics.
Dynamic Construction of Telugu Speech Corpus for Voice Enabled Text EditorWaqas Tariq
In recent decades speech interactive systems have gained increasing importance. Performance of an ASR system mainly depends on the availability of large corpus of speech. The conventional method of building a large vocabulary speech recognizer for any language uses a top-down approach to speech. This approach requires large speech corpus with sentence or phoneme level transcription of the speech utterances. The transcriptions must also include different speech order so that the recognizer can build models for all the sounds present. But, for Telugu language, because of its complex nature, a very large, well annotated speech database is very difficult to build. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to cover all the words of any Indian language, where each word may have thousands and millions of word forms. A significant part of grammar that is handled by syntax in English (and other similar languages) is handled within morphology in Telugu. Phrases including several words (that is, tokens) in English would be mapped on to a single word in Telugu.Telugu language is phonetic in nature in addition to rich in morphology. That is why the speech technology developed for English cannot be applied to Telugu language. This paper highlights the work carried out in an attempt to build a voice enabled text editor with capability of automatic term suggestion. Main claim of the paper is the recognition enhancement process developed by us for suitability of highly inflecting, rich morphological languages. This method results in increased speech recognition accuracy with very much reduction in corpus size. It also adapts Telugu words to the database dynamically, resulting in growth of the corpus.
An Improved Approach for Word Ambiguity RemovalWaqas Tariq
Word ambiguity removal is a task of removing ambiguity from a word, i.e. correct sense of word is identified from ambiguous sentences. This paper describes a model that uses Part of Speech tagger and three categories for word sense disambiguation (WSD). Human Computer Interaction is very needful to improve interactions between users and computers. For this, the Supervised and Unsupervised methods are combined. The WSD algorithm is used to find the efficient and accurate sense of a word based on domain information. The accuracy of this work is evaluated with the aim of finding best suitable domain of word. Keywords: Human Computer Interaction, Supervised Training, Unsupervised Learning, Word Ambiguity, Word sense disambiguation
Parameters Optimization for Improving ASR Performance in Adverse Real World N...Waqas Tariq
From the existing research it has been observed that many techniques and methodologies are available for performing every step of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system, but the performance (Minimization of Word Error Recognition-WER and Maximization of Word Accuracy Rate- WAR) of the methodology is not dependent on the only technique applied in that method. The research work indicates that, performance mainly depends on the category of the noise, the level of the noise and the variable size of the window, frame, frame overlap etc is considered in the existing methods. The main aim of the work presented in this paper is to use variable size of parameters like window size, frame size and frame overlap percentage to observe the performance of algorithms for various categories of noise with different levels and also train the system for all size of parameters and category of real world noisy environment to improve the performance of the speech recognition system. This paper presents the results of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Accuracy test by applying variable size of parameters. It is observed that, it is really very hard to evaluate test results and decide parameter size for ASR performance improvement for its resultant optimization. Hence, this study further suggests the feasible and optimum parameter size using Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) for enhancing resultant accuracy in adverse real world noisy environmental conditions. This work will be helpful to give discriminative training of ubiquitous ASR system for better Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Keywords: ASR Performance, ASR Parameters Optimization, Multi-Environmental Training, Fuzzy Inference System for ASR, ubiquitous ASR system, Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
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The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
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Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptx
it & Economic Performance a Critical Review of the Empirical Data
1. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 48
It & Economic Performance a Critical Review of the
Empirical Data
Georgios L. Vousinas vousinas@yahoo.com
Faculty of Sciences / Department of Informatics
and Telecommunications
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Athens, 15784, Greece
Abstract
The present study undertakes a critical review of the research around the multi-significant
issue of the correlation between the IT investments and the economic performance to both
micro and macroeconomic level. The aim of this study is to shed light on the interaction of IT
with the economy, at corporate, industry and national level and document it’ s contribution to
productivity and therefore to economic growth. The study concludes that there is a positive
effect of IT investments to both the above economic indicators in all aspects, but is something
that needs further research so as to find a clearer and risk adjusted relation.
Keywords: IT, Economic Performance, Productivity, Growth, Value Added
1. INTRODUCTION
For many years exists a serious debate of whether the revolution of Information Technology
(IT) has beneficial impact on productivity. Several studies back to the 80’s had shown
correlation between the IT investment and the productivity in the US economy, a situation
referred to as the productivity paradox or Solow paradox [1]. Since then, a decade of
research in business and nation level, has proved that the impact of IT investments on labor
productivity and hence on economic growth is not only positive but also significant. In this
paper is attempted a review of a large number of scientific articles referring to information
technology and productivity in micro and macro level. This is achieved with the use of a
general framework in order to categorize the research topics that results to the understanding
of the knowledge that has been accumulated until today and makes the road for new
discoveries and useful conclusions in this very important scientific field. The final conclusion
rejects the productivity paradox and this is easily perceived from the fact that IT is not simply
a tool for automation of the existing procedures, but recommends an inducement for
organizational changes that can lead to additional production benefits. Moreover, in spite of
the fact that during the mid 90’s the world witnessed a drastic reduction in IT investments and
the collapse of many internet related companies, this review shows that we shouldn’t ignore
the fundamental changes that have occurred as a result of corporate IT investments and also
that these benefits are transmitted to the real economy, with the innovating enterprises
leading the way.
First of all, in order to organize the research and identify the key points and the gaps as well,
the following scheme is cited so as to depict the aggregate findings.
2. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 49
SUPPLEMENTARY FACTORS
INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS
FIGURE 1: Aggregate table of research findings
Moving from left to right, the figure underlines the various inputs (labor and capital) in the
production process and the supplementary factors that affect it and allow the assessment of
the contribution of those inputs to the outputs (value added, GDP) and the several exported
results (economic growth, profitability, labor productivity and consumer surplus). In addition, it
goes further by separating between business, industry and national level analysis.
Before going further with the thorough analysis per level, it is very important to specify two
fundamental terms, investment on IT and economic performance, as well as to point out the
crucial role of IT to the production process and the aggregate impact on the economy.
Organizational & Managerial practices
Industrial organization & regulation
Economic Structure, Government policy & Human Resources
Improvements in the
production process due to:
-Capital intense
-Technology growth
-Labor specialization
Value added in:
-Nation level
-Industry level
-Business level
Labor
ΙΤ
Capital
Non-ΙΤ
PRODUCTION SYSTEM
ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
3. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 50
In the IT and productivity studies, it is of major importance to discriminate capital to its core
categories of investment, IT and non-IT. With the general term IT we mean investments on
computers and telecommunications and additionally to the related services, equipment
(hardware) and software. As for the importance of IT as a percentage of total capital
investment, the next table is cited.
Australia Canada Finland France Germany Italy Japan UnitedKingdom UnitedStates
1980 2.2 3.9 2.0 2.5 4.6 4.1 3.3 2.9 5.1
1990 5.5 4.5 3.6 3.5 5.5 4.2 3.8 6.0 7.0
1995 8.4 5.7 4.0 3.9 4.6 3.5 4.6 8.6 8.7
2000 7.2 7.9 2.9 4.4 6.1 4.2 5.2 8.4 8.3
1980 4.0 3.0 3.2 2.9 3.9 4.0 3.4 1.6 7.1
1990 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.2 4.8 5.7 4.0 2.0 7.5
1995 4.7 4.0 9.3 3.5 4.2 6.7 5.3 3.6 7.3
2000 5.6 4.2 15.3 3.9 4.3 7.2 6.9 3.6 8.0
1980 1.1 2.2 2.6 1.3 3.6 1.7 0.4 0.3 3.0
1990 4.6 4.9 5.2 2.6 3.7 3.8 3.1 2.1 8.0
1995 6.4 7.1 9.2 3.5 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.5 10.1
2000 9.7 9.4 9.8 6.1 5.7 4.9 3.8 3.0 13.6
1980 7.3 9.1 7.8 6.8 12.2 9.7 7.0 4.8 15.2
1990 13.9 13.2 12.7 9.4 13.9 13.7 10.8 10.1 22.5
1995 19.5 16.8 22.5 10.8 13.3 14.4 13.8 15.6 26.1
2000 22.5 21.4 28.0 14.4 16.2 16.3 16.0 15.0 29.9
ICTequipment and
software
IT equipment
Communications
equipment
Software
TABLE 1: Share of ICT investments to total investments
The term economic performance can be translated with a variety of ways in every level of
analysis. In national level, where a major part of the scientific debate has focused, it usually
refers to economic growth, labor productivity and consumer welfare. (Diagram 1). Economic
growth is the percentage change in GDP and is measured in national level. Labor productivity
is a measure of efficient utilization of human resources so as to produce value. It allows the
economy to provide low cost goods and services in relation to the consumers’ incomes and
so as to be competitive in the global markets. It is obvious that the rate of labor productivity
makes up an indicator of companies’ economic performance. The more productive a
company is in comparison with its rivals, the higher levels of profitability it enjoys leading to
the achievement of greater economic performance. Of course, as it will be shown further in
the paper, competition imposes to all the business players to focus on as much productivity
they can reach in order to avoid losing market share and finally, get out of the game. This
implies the continuous effort for improvements in the production methods, cost reduction and
price squeeze, with direct benefit for the consumers, known as consumer surplus.
Due to the clarification of the main terms, now we can proceed to the next level which
consists of the individual analysis per level.
2. CORPORATE LEVEL
Though the productivity paradox as initially formulated, focused on national level, the real
investments on IT take place primarily from companies that are interested in their own
performance and not to the country as a whole. Given that IT investments improve the
aggregate productivity, this doesn’t mean that enterprises individually enjoy the same
benefits. In fact, significant social benefits that increase the consumer welfare may be
created, but don’t have the same impact in companies. So as, it is of great importance the
issue of IT investments’ effects on business level.
Early studies during the decades of ’80 and ’90 weren’t able to evince the beneficial influence
of IT due to the lack of data and minor sampling measures [2],[3]. More discouraging were the
studies that concerned the services providing companies, like banks and insurance
companies, where the results showed small or non-existent correlation between IT and
productivity in spite of the fact that in these sectors becomes very difficult the measurement
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International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 51
and evaluation of the results [4],[5],[6]. The aforementioned studies highlighted the
importance of accurate measurements of the findings, especially in technology intense
companies where the bigger investments on IT took place. At the dawn of the 90s, more
extensive researches were carried out in large US enterprises with the use of data from
market analysis companies, experts and in according to the financial data from reliable
sources [7], [8]. These studies used econometric methods in order to relate the corporate
output (in form of value added) to a sum of inputs, including the work hours and the IT capital
stock and evaluate the marginal product or the output elasticity of IT (increase in value added
related to 1% increase in IT investments). The results concluded that IT investments
contribute to corporate productivity and show higher marginal returns in comparison to non-IT
investments. This remark relies on the better, bigger and more precise data, on the more
analytic research tools and on the higher levels of investments on IT. On the other side, many
unanswered issues are generated concerning the range of the positive react and mainly in
comparison to non-IT investments. The higher marginal product from other investments in
capital is translated by several scholars as “additional returns” or as I personally call them
“side effects”, which have to be adjusted in that way so as to take into consideration the
technological depreciation leading in lower net results. Of course, there are studies that with
the incorporation of the depreciation (up to 42% per year), end up in higher net results given
the estimation that many companies invest in IT. It is very important at this point to mention
that most studies don’t include the costs of supplementary investments, such as education
and specialization that in some cases can be larger than the real direct investments on IT.
With the addition of those expenditures, the results may be even more mediocre in
combination with bigger standard deviations in results as proved in many studies. Despite the
emerging questions, it is still possible an initial positive relation between IT and productivity
for a variety of reasons. IT investments pose higher risk by others and that’s why companies
expect much more benefits in order to cover the additional created risk. Most of the studies
don’t take into account the impact of this risk. Moreover, it is possible for adjusted costs to
exist. It is difficult and costly for companies to introduce new innovations regardless of the
continuously reducing prices of IT products. This is due to the delays in the development of
new technologies, the withdrawal of older systems and the changes in practices that don’t
allow the achievement of the optimal level of investments on IT. Recent studies highlight more
unanswered issues, like the controversial results per industry and the significance of the right
timing to fulfill the invest, as long as the different time periods of the returns with the presence
of lags. Two factors are responsible for the wide differentiation between various companies.
First of all, the particular characteristics of every company, like the market place, reputation
and goodwill or the capability of the executives that affect the strategic choices of the
company and hence, the earning of additional benefits by IT. Secondly, the differences in
organizational structure, strategy and administration methods that cause restructuring and
redesign of the procedures, may affect the final result.
Concerning the effect of IT capital on the measures of financial performance, such as market
value and profitability, the results are controversial due to the lack of instant correlation
between them. Despite the previous findings which showed that IT investments can influence
directly the company’s outputs and many organizational indices, financial performance is
determined by a broader variety of strategic and competitive factors that exceed the
productivity limits. Brynjolfsson and Yang (1997) found that every IT US dollar was related to
5$ up to 20$ additional capitalization for public organizations proving the connection between
IT and financial valuation, but stressing that this is a result of important non measurable
supplementary organizational practices [9]. In the matter of profitability, there is no clear
relation, as IT investment affects directly productivity and leads to consumer welfare, but don’t
necessarily improves the profit levels. The data and model practices are not in position to give
as a clear correlation between IT and profitability, but during the evolution of these models
incorporating more factors, it is expected that they will finally prove this relation.
3. INDUSTRY LEVEL
In spite of the fact than in corporate level, studies have given serious results and have
proceeded the research in satisfactory level, in industry level the research effort encountered
many difficulties due to lack of data. Nevertheless, a number of studies at the end of the 90s,
have shown that the growth of labor productivity has accelerated in various industry sectors
during the period 1995-9 in the US economy [10]. A research by Gordon (2000) came to the
5. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 52
conclusion that the improvement of labor productivity focused on the production sector of
durable goods and especially on IT industries, though more recent studies highlighted a
speed-up in non durable goods as well [11]. Studies by the Council of Economic Advisors
(CEA) are in favor of a positive result ranging from low to very high levels. This is identified by
the following Table 1 [12].
Industry 1989-1995 1995-1999 Change
Private industries 0.88 2.31 1.43
Agriculture 0.34 1.18 0.84
Mining 4.56 4.06 -0.50
Construction -0.10 -0.89 -0.79
Manufacturing 3.18 4.34 1.16
Durable goods 4.34 6.84 2.51
Nondurable goods 1.65 1.07 -0.59
Transportation 2.48 1.72 -0.76
Trucking 2.09 -0.78 -2.82
Air transportation 4.52 4.52 0
Other transportation 1.51 2.14 0.63
Communications 5.07 2.66 -2.41
Electricity
2.51 2.42 -0.09
Wholesale trade
2.84 7.84 5
Retail trade 0.68 4.93 4.25
Finance 3.18 6.76 3.58
Insurance -0.28 0.44 0.72
Real Estate 1.38 2.87 1.49
Services -1.12 -0.19 0.93
Personal services -1.47 1.09 2.55
Business services
-0.16 1.69 1.85
Health services -2.31 -1.06 1.26
Other services -0.72 -0.71 0.01
Industries by intensity of IT use
6. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 53
Intense IT use 2.43 4.18 1.75
Less intense IT use
-0.10 1.05 1.15
Finance, Insurance & Real
Estate
1.70 2.67 0.97
TABLE 2: Rate of labor productivity growth, 1989-1999
The CEA studies have also shown that this positive effect in labor productivity is related with
even better investments on IT. For instance, as it is demonstrated in the above table, the
average growth rate of labor productivity in the time period between 1995 and 1999
concerning the high-tech businesses, is four times as big as that of the low-tech companies.
The findings of the aforementioned research are reinforced by the study of Stiroh (2001), who
compared the production benefits during the 90s in 61 industrial sectors and found that in the
2/3 of the cases there was positive change in labor productivity after 1995 [13], [14].
Moreover, he concluded that the high intensity IT industries had 1.3% higher acceleration in
the growth rates of labor productivity than the rest. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute
(2001) showed that 38 industries that correspond to the 70% of GDP, also had positive
change in productivity after 1995 [15]. The capstone of the above is founded in the study of
Triplett and Bosworth (2002), which focused on 27 industries in the services sector [16]. It
was the first study to shed light in this neuralgic section of the economy with such accuracy
and recognizes the impact of IT and other factors in the production growth. An instant
conclusion is that after 1995, most of the high-tech companies in USA belong in the services
sector and the positive effect in their productivity has surpassed that of other sectors. All the
above are of major importance as they show that the improvement in productivity, mainly after
1995, is significant and broad-based, affecting the whole of the economy and getting out from
micro level. According to the view of Triplett and Bosworth (2002), this improvement often
don’t originated from new investment on IT, but from IT that existed a priori for over two
decades but hadn’t been reclaimed properly so as to bring the expected results.
4. NATIONAL LEVEL
The findings of the former studies show the contribution of many factors in economic growth
at corporate and industry level that, as many of them proved, may be able to explain to an
extent the national growth as well, but the key point in this situation is the as specific as
possible effect on IT capital both in terms of labor productivity and general growth. The first
studies in national level during the 80s and in the beginning of the 90s, didn’t show any
notable contribution of IT in productivity and economic growth [17],[18],[19],[20]. This result
however, is justified to a high grade from the fact that IT investments occupied only a small
portion of the capital stock in the economy so as to have a crucial role.(Sichel 1997) [21]. For
example, IT as part of the total investment in capital in US dollar terms, was at 3.5% in 1980
and at 9% in 1990. During the 90s however, IT investments grew drastically reaching 22% of
the total capital invest in the US economy. This fact has it’s origin in the constantly reducing
price of IT products per 17% in annual basis during the period 1959-1995 and 32% in 1995-9
(Jorgenson 2001), pushing many companies to the replacement of other forms of capital with
IT [22]. These very important investments on IT had multi-significant effect on economic
growth as it is conceivable from the following data. Labor productivity in USA that formerly
had an annual growth rate of 1.5% in the period 1973-1995, it almost triple sized at the level
of 3.1% per year from 1995 until 2000. Similarly, GDP increased per 3% in annual basis the
first period while it reached 5% the last five years of 2000 (CEA 1001). This increase is
proved in a lot of macroeconomic researches on the effects of IT investments and even by
many scholars that previously had an opposite opinion, showing the large impact on
economic growth at national level. A proof of the continuously positive and long-run effect of
IT investments in macro level are the data that are cited in the following Table 2.
7. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 54
Jorgenson & Stiroh
(2000-1) 1959-1973 1973-1995 1995-1999
GDP growth (annual
rate) 4.32 3.04 4.08
Capital Contribution
(% of total) 33 50 71
IT contribution to GDP
growth 4 13 28
Productivity growth
(annual rate) 2.94 1.40 2.11
IT contribution to
productivity growth 6 27 42
Oliner & Sichel
(2000) 1973-1995 1995-1999
GDP growth
2.99 4.82
Capital contribution
42 38
IT contribution to GDP
growth 17 23
Productivity growth
1.52 2.67
IT contribution to
productivity growth 31 41
TABLE 3: The contribution of IT to GDP growth and productivity
While therefore, the initial studies indicated a moderate contribution of IT to the rates of
economic growth and productivity, 4% and 6% respectively, most recent highlighted a greater
and more substantial effect. Specifically, the period 1973-1995 Jorgenson and Stiroh (2000)
found that 13% from the 3.04% of economic growth and 27% from the 1.4% of the labor
productivity rate is attributed to IT, while Oliner and Sichel (2000) found even greater figures
as shown in the following tables [23].
8. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 55
Time period France Germany Italy Holland USA
Labor
1991-1995 1.79 2.70 2.95 1.96 1.50
1996-1999 1.37 1.53 0.86 0.53 2.60
Total
1991-1995 0.87 1.83 1.98 1.20 0.92
1996-1999 0.83 0.97 0.45 0.47 1.47
TABLE 4: Productivity Growth Rate
TABLE 5: Contribution to GDP
The acceleration of the labor productivity rate between 1995-9 had it’s roots partially in the
radical raise of IT expenditures. The main reason for this effect on productivity was simply the
fact that the accumulated IT capital represented a remarkable bigger share of the total capital
stock in comparison to the previous periods. Thus, the contribution of IT on economic growth
reached the period 1995-9 the level of 28%, according to Jorgenson (2001) and 42% as for
labor productivity. Additionally with the investments on IT, the propagation and wide use of
internet and e-commerce have contributed positively. A study by Litan and Rivlin (2001)
estimated the impact on productivity by the use of Internet between eight industrial sectors
that make up for the 70% of US GDP [24]. The results showed a positive reaction of 0.2 to 0.4
basic trend of the productivity rate. In spite of the fact that in the rest of the world there was a
lack of significant research in the issue that we examine compared to that of USA, the key
findings in the developed countries of Europe and Asia simulate the above. For instance,
Schreyer (1999) made a research in the G-7 countries and found that IT had positive impact
on productivity in all the countries of the group in the period 1990-6 [25]. Another study by
OECD in 2000 by Daveri updated and extended the research in 18 countries [26]. Despite the
individual differences between the two studies, the final results were similar.
In conclusion, the big reduction in the price-return ratio of IT equipment has motivated an
increase in the investments of IT in the US economy and the rest of the world in the realm of
the improvement of economic perfomance. The big boom in the investments on IT from the
mid 90s and therefore, led to an acceleration of the rates of labor productivity and economic
growth.
Time Period Contribution to GDP
Information
Equipment
Software
Communication
Equipment
TotalProductivity
Oliner
/ Sichel
USA
1991-1995 0.25 0.25 0.07 0.92
1996-1999 0.63 0.32 0.15 1.47
Jorgenson /
Stiroh
USA
1991-1995 0.19 0.15 0.06 0.73
1996-1999 0.46 0.19 0.10 1.24
9. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 56
5. CONCLUDING REMARKS
As perceived from the aforementioned, the multi-significant issue of the relation between IT
and economic performance stands in the foremost of the scientific attention over the last
decades and is a key term in the research field of the telecommunications and informatics. It’s
importance is also proved by the fact that from the less than 12 studies during the 80s, we
reached the over 50 in the 90s. The research concerning the results of IT investments is
complicated containing a number of analytic tools so as to study a plethora of companies,
industries and countries. Beyond the complexity of the issue, three fundamental conclusions
are emerging from the previous review.
First of all, the productivity paradox as initially formulated by Robert Solow in 1987, fall. A
large number of studies proved the important effect of IT investments on corporate, industrial
and national productivity showing that information technology plays a crucial role.
Secondly, in spite of the fact that the so called “New Economy” and it’s benefits pull the
attention of the mass media at the end of the 90s, IT investments actually strengthen
productivity for over three decades period.
Thirdly, and mainly concerning companies, while the results of IT investments are in general
positive, there is a wide scale of performance among different enterprises. Some of them
focus on the temper of the companies, while additionally, there is strong evidence that
investments in organizational capitals due to managerial practices, like the decentralization of
decision making, the education of the staff and the restructuring of the corporate procedures,
have catalytic effect on the results of IT investments. The value of IT should be examined in
relation with such investments in organizational level and must be treated as supplementary.
This is justified by the fact that IT isn’t just a simple tool for automation of the existing
procedures, but is mainly an instigator for changes that can lead to productive profits.
As the Solow paradox has been solved, this review and evaluation of the studies suggests
that the issue of IT returns is much more complicated from the initial estimation and therefore,
more research is needed to shed light on several grey areas of the researches, mainly the
issues of the measurement of inputs and outputs at corporate and national level. Improved
methods of measurement, especially in terms of software and capital such as investments on
R&D and human capital is a first step. An even more important but difficult step is the
measurement of the outputs. This is of major significance for the services sector that
dominates in our days, where the problem becomes bigger. IT results in this area, that
consists of the 2/3 of the US economy, become less understood from all the other sectors and
possibly are underestimated. The right measurement is defined by the economic theory and
always depends on the available statistical data. The measuring process of IT consists of
three steps: 1) The quantity measurement in current prices (nominal terms) 2) The price
measurement adjusted for quality differences and 3) The measurement of real sizes in fixed
prices adjusted for quality. In the first step, the main issue is the right measurement of the
nominal added value per sector. For economic aspect, the second step is much more difficult
because contrary to the general trend of inflation to other goods and services, in IT we
encounter deflation owing to the quality improvements. The problem is that the structure of
suitable price indicators prerequisites the readjustment of the observable prices for quality
changes. The theory suggests two different methods for the measurement of fixed quality
prices: 1) the matched model and 2) the hedonic method (hedonics) that is the dominant. The
following table provides an indication of the degree that hedonic methods are adopted by nine
representative countries of OECD. Only USA have applied such methods for software and
communications equipment.
10. Georgios L. Vousinas
International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 57
Software Information Equipment
Communication
Equipment
Australia No US hedonic index for
computers adjusted for
changes in exchange rates
No
Canada They don’t have own
measurements. They
adjust & use US hedonic
indices
Hedonic indices for
computers and peripherals
No
Finland Average (50:50) profit
index of computer sector
& US hedonic price index
for software
Not referred Not referred
France No Hedonic index for
computers: combination of
hedonic measures for
France & US hedonic price
index adjusted for changes
in exchange rates
No
Germany No No No
Italy No No No
Japan No Hedonic index for computers
only
No
United
Kingdom
No No No
USA For stock software:
hedonic index For
software under notice:
average non-hedonic
index and stock software
index
Hedonic index for computers
and peripherals
Hedonic index for
switching
equipment
TABLE 6: Comparative table
Moreover, the present study has given priority to some areas for future research. Three are
the most important for professional practice. First of all, more analysis of the mechanisms is
necessary through which some companies receive high benefits from IT investments and
particularly, from these of supplementary assets. The second priority explains why some
industries of IT capital intensity haven’t shown benefits in productivity despite the large IT
investments. These two priority areas shall help in the direction of the settlement of some of
the most difficult and measuring issues. The third part is the paradox of profitability or else the
failure of the studies to show a positive relation between IT investments and the measures of
financial performance. It is very important for better data bases to be created and also for
models to control the additional factors that affect profitability.
Finally, the above findings must me combined with recent facts in the international economic
scene such as the current financial crisis. From the mid 00s and more drastically the last 3
years, IT investments have followed a declining route mainly due to the general economic
recession that the world economy has encountered with the highlight of the current crisis.
Likewise, the fall of many Internet related companies had a negative impact in two ways: not
only their own IT investments disappeared but also reduced the competition pressure to the
other companies so as to invest on technology.
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International Journal of Business Research and Management (IJBRM), Volume (3) : Issue (2) : 2012 58
Nevertheless, IT investments shall continue to exercise positive effect on productivity as
shown by the studies not only directly but indirectly too. The indirect way is documented by
the fact that companies that invested on IT are tied down in complementary managerial and
organizing practices that improve the benefits they enjoy from IT investments, discovering
and utilizing the returns that Internet and other networks provoke achieving notable profits in
productivity. A strong evidence for this positive impact, in spite of the current crisis, is the data
for the role of IT in the largest world economy, the US. These data show that in 2009, IT firms
contributed about $1 trillion to U.S. GDP, or 7.1 percent of GDP. Moreover, from 1991 to the
present, IT firms have contributed directly an average of $577 billion per-year in value-added
to America’s GDP. These direct contributions were equivalent to nearly one-third of the value-
added provided by all manufacturing [27].
The final conclusion is summarized in the words of the Nobel prized economist Joseph Stiglitz
for the US economy and the role of IT, that enclose all the meaning of the aforementioned
studies:
“For many reasons, the foundations of the US economy remain strong and strengthened
further during the 90s. The New Economy is real, in spite of the fact that it’s value has been
exaggerated. The new technologies have caused increases in productivity that will continue to
make a huge difference in our living standards” [28].
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