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Meraka Institute, South Africa

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11 Papers

A Growth State Transition Model as Driver for Business Process Management in Small Medium Enterprises

Authors: Dina Jacobs ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ³

Affiliations: ¹ triVector, South Africa , ² CSIR Meraka Institute and University of Pretoria, South Africa , ³ University of Pretoria, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0006385305070519

Proceedings of AEM 2017, ISBN: 978-989-758-249-3

Quick Abstract

A key constraint for growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa is the business skills required to grow the enterprises through the stages of transformation. Business process management (BPM) is one of the skills that could add value during transformation. Understanding the stages of transformation during SME growth would assist to position BPM as an instrument of value for SMEs. These stages of SME growth are typically defined as part of the SME growth stage models. However, criticism against SME growth stage models is of concern. In this article, we propose the 5S SME Growth State Transition Model in order to counteract some of the criticisms. The value contribution of the Model lies in defining typical states associated with SME growth that can be used as input in research to position BPM as management approach during SME growth.

Towards a Conceptual Model for an e-Government Interoperability Framework for South Africa

Authors: Paula Kotzé ¹ and Ronell Alberts ²

Affiliations: ¹ CSIR Meraka Institute and University of Pretoria, South Africa , ² CSIR Meraka Institute, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0006384304930506

Proceedings of AEM 2017, ISBN: 978-989-758-249-3

Quick Abstract

In September 2016, the South African Government published a White Paper on the National Integrated ICT Policy highlighting some principles for e-Government and the development of a detailed integrated national e-Government strategy and roadmap. This paper focuses on one of the elements of such a strategy, namely the delivery infrastructure principles identified, and addresses the identified need for centralised coordination to ensure interoperability. The paper proposes a baseline conceptual model for an e-Government interoperability framework (e-GIF) for South Africa. The development of the model considered best practices and lessons learnt from previous national and international attempts to design and develop national and regional e-GIFs, with cognisance of the South African legislation and technical, social and political environments. The conceptual model is an enterprise model on an abstraction level suitable for strategic planning.

ACCEPTANCE OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEMS BY SMALL MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES

Topics: HCI on Enterprise Information Systems; Human Factors; Enterprise Resource Planning; Accessibility and Usability; Business-It Allignment

Authors: Rubina Adam ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ³

Affiliations: ¹ SAP Research Pretoria/Meraka Unit of Technology Development and University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute of the CSIR and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa , ³ Meraka Institute of the CSIR and University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003500302290238

Proceedings of ICEIS 2011, ISBN: 978-989-8425-53-9

Quick Abstract

ERP systems are widely used by large enterprises for managing functional areas of the enterprise. However, recently ERP systems have also been introduced to the small enterprise market. ERP systems are now considered an important small enterprise management aid that may contribute to the sustainability and growth of the small enterprise. Although there are several acceptance factors that may impact on the acceptance of ERP systems, limited research has been done to understand the acceptance of ERP systems by small enterprises. This paper addresses this gap by considering the strategic, business, technical and human factors that influence the acceptance of ERP systems in small manufacturing enterprises in South Africa. The consultative list of acceptance factors flowing from this research may guide future initiatives aiming to ensure the acceptance of ERP systems by small manufacturing enterprises.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (12)

Accessibility and Usability	Enterprise Software Technologies	Physiological Computing Systems
Databases and Information Systems Integration	HCI on Enterprise Information Systems	Simulation and Modeling
Enterprise Information Systems	Human Factors	Simulation Tools and Platforms
Enterprise Resource Planning	Human-Computer Interaction	Software Engineering

SECURE VIRTUALIZATION - Benefits, Risks and Controls

Topics: Cloud Risk, Challenges, and Governance; Virtualization Technologies

Authors: Mariana Carroll ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ¹

Affiliations: ¹ Meraka Institute of the CSIR and University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute of the CSIR and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003390400150023

Proceedings of CLOSER 2011, ISBN: 978-989-8425-52-2

Quick Abstract

Cloud computing is changing the IT delivery model to provide on-demand self-service access to a shared pool of computing resources (physical and virtual) via broad network access to offer reduced costs, scalability, flexibility, capacity utilization, higher efficiencies and mobility. In many instances cloud computing builds on the capabilities of a virtualized computing infrastructure enabling multi-tenancy, scalability and a highly abstracted cloud model. Even though cloud computing provides compelling benefits and cost-effective options for IT hosting and expansion, security of applications and data remains a number one business objective. It is therefore essential to ensure adequate security not only for cloud computing, but also for the underlying technologies enabling cloud computing. Management should understand and analyse risks in order to safeguard systems and data. The focus of this paper is on mitigation for virtualization security risks as a fundamental step towards secure cloud computing environments.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (5)

Cloud Computing		Cloud Risk, Challenges, and Governance		Virtualization Technologies
Cloud Computing Enabling Technology		Fundamentals

USING FORMAL ONTOLOGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSISTENT AND UNAMBIGUOUS FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Topics: Ontology Engineering; Knowledge Representation; Domain Analysis and Modeling

Authors: Marthinus C. Gerber ¹ , Aurona J. Gerber ² and Alta van der Merwe ³

Affiliations: ¹ University of Pretoria, South Africa , ² Meraka-CSIR and University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa , ³ Meraka-CSIR, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003658404190424

Proceedings of KEOD 2011/IC3K, ISBN: 978-989-8425-80-5

Quick Abstract

The purpose of accounting is to gather financial data of a business or entity, to interpret this data and to report the results in financial statements to the different users thereof. The interpretation of financial data is regulated by financial accounting standards including a conceptual framework that were developed to facilitate the reporting of financial information of entities. Due to the history of standards development as well as the mechanisms used, inconsistencies in the standards, framework and interpretations are part of the common legacy accountants are confronted with every day. The development of unambiguous and principle based financial accounting standards is therefore a key initiative at present of international accounting standards bodies such as the FASB and the IASB. This paper is concerned with the question of how recently developed computer science technologies could assist in dealing with and eliminating inconsistencies and ambiguities within and between different financial accounting standards. In our research we developed a formal ontology for some of the basic elements, and in this paper we report on our findings as well as make some suggestions for a formal approach to the conceptual framework and financial accounting standards development.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (11)

Artificial Intelligence	Information Systems Analysis and Specification	Ontologies and the Semantic Web
Data Engineering	Knowledge Engineering and Ontology Development	Ontology Engineering
Domain Analysis and Modeling	Knowledge Representation	Symbolic Systems
Enterprise Information Systems	Knowledge-Based Systems

GOING VIRTUAL - Popular Trend or Real Prospect for Enterprise Information Systems

Topic: Organisational Issues on Systems Integration

Authors: Mariana Carroll ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ²

Affiliations: ¹ Meraka Institute of the CSIR, South Africa , ² School of Computing, University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002899202140222

Proceedings of ICEIS 2010, ISBN: 978-989-8425-04-1

Quick Abstract

Organisations are faced with a number of challenges and issues in decentralised, multiple-server, physical, non-virtualized IT environments. Virtualization in recent years has had a significant impact on computing environments and has introduced benefits, including server consolidation, server and hardware utilization and reduced costs. Virtualization’s popularity has led to its growth in many IT environments. This paper provides an overview of the IT challenges in non-virtualized environments and addresses the question of whether virtualization provides the solution to these IT challenges.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (3)

Databases and Information Systems Integration

Enterprise Information Systems

Organisational Issues on Systems Integration

Towards an Enterprise Interoperability Framework

Authors: Paula Kotzé ¹ and Irina Neaga ²

Affiliations: ¹ Meraka Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Institute for ICT Advancement, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa , ² Systems Engineering Division, Loughborough University, United Kingdom

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003027100260029

Proceedings of AER 2010/ICEIS, ISBN: 978-989-8425-09-6

Quick Abstract

This paper presents relevant interoperability approaches and solutions applied to global/international networked (collaborative) enterprises or organisations and conceptualise an enhanced enterprise interoperability framework. The paper covers several key aspects including how holistic approaches of architecting principles, standards and semantics contribute to the development of an interoperability framework that can be flexibly used for interoperable complex systems, particularly ICT, that support global enterprises including organisations from multiple countries, e.g. European and African organisations. This proposed comprehensive approach of interoperability covers not only technical aspects, but also semantics alongside organisational and cultural aspects. The use of systems engineering thinking and architecting for achieving interoperability of complex systems is suggested.

TOWARDS THE FORMALISATION OF THE TOGAF CONTENT METAMODEL USING ONTOLOGIES

Topics: Modeling Concepts and Information Integration Tools; Information Engineering Methodologies; Ontology Engineering; Knowledge-Based Systems Engineering; Knowledge Management

Authors: Aurona Gerber , Paula Kotzé and Alta van der Merwe

Affiliation: School of Information Technology, North-West University, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002903200540064

Proceedings of ICEIS 2010, ISBN: 978-989-8425-05-8

Quick Abstract

Metamodels are abstractions that are used to specify characteristics of models. Such metamodels are generally included in specifications or framework descriptions. A metamodel is for instance used to inform the generation of enterprise architecture content in the Open Group’s TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel description. However. the description of metamodels is usually done in an ad-hoc manner with customised languages and this often results in ambiguities and inconsistencies. We are concerned with the question of how the quality of metamodel descriptions, specifically within the enterprise architecture domain, could be enhanced. Therefore we investigated whether formal ontology technologies could be used to enhance metamodel construction, specification and design. For this research, we constructed a formal ontology for the TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel, and in the process, gained valuable insight into metamodel quality. In particular, the current TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel contains ambiguities and inconsistencies, which could be eliminated using ontology technologies. In this paper we argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into metamodel construction and specification. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of a model, allowing for more precise and complete artifacts within enterprise architectures, and because these models use standardized languages, they should promote integration and interoperability.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (22)

Artificial Intelligence	Information Systems Analysis and Specification	Modeling Concepts and Information Integration Tools
Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support Systems	Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization	Ontologies and the Semantic Web
Biomedical Engineering	Knowledge Engineering	Ontology Engineering
Data Engineering	Knowledge Engineering and Ontology Development	Society, e-Business and e-Government
Enterprise Information Systems	Knowledge Management	Software Engineering
Health Information Systems	Knowledge-Based Systems	Symbolic Systems
Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics	Knowledge-Based Systems Applications	Web Information Systems and Technologies
Information Engineering Methodologies

Towards an Enterprise Repository Framework

Authors: Dina Jacobs ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ²

Affiliations: ¹ triVector; University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute; University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002193300770089

Proceedings of AER 2009/ICEIS, ISBN: 978-989-8111-93-7

Quick Abstract

The enterprise architect is dependent on the functionality of the enterprise repository to define and maintain the enterprise architecture. Two of the specific functionalities are typical ‘warehouse’ related functionalities. The one requirement is to integrate multiple business process reference models as source models, similar to the reuse of data from different sources in a data warehouse environment. The second requirement is the flexible visualization of business process models that has a ‘slice-and-dice’ flavour as used in the data warehouse domain. By means of analogical reasoning, our research investigates using the theoretical foundation of the data warehouse domain to contribute to the definition of an enterprise repository framework. Based on the similarities found, an enterprise repository framework is derived.

Towards the Use of Formal Ontologies in Enterprise Architecture Framework Repositories

Authors: Aurona Gerber and Alta van der Merwe

Affiliation: Meraka Institute, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002220801140124

Proceedings of AER 2009/ICEIS, ISBN: 978-989-8111-93-7

Quick Abstract

An enterprise architecture (EA) framework is a conceptual tool that assists organizations and businesses with the understanding of their own structure and the way they work. Normally an enterprise architecture framework takes the form of a comprehensive set of cohesive models or enterprise architectures that describe the structure and the functions of an enterprise. Generically, an architecture model is the description of the set of components and the relationships between them. The central idea of all architectures is to represent, or model (in the abstract) an orderly arrangement of the components that make up the system under question and the relationships between these components. It is clear within this context that the models within an enterprise architecture framework are complex. However, recent advances in ontologies and ontology technologies may provide the means to assist architects with the management of this complexity. In this position paper we want to argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into enterprise architecture frameworks. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more signicant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of her model, allowing for more precise and complete artifacts within enterprise architecture framework repositories, and because these models use standardized languages, they will promote integration and interoperability with and within these repositories.

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