An empirical study of relationship between IT investment and firm performance: A resource-based perspective

The resource-based view of the enterprises generally attributes superior financial performance to organizational resources and capabilities. Firm-specific IT resources are classified as IT infrastructure, human-IT resources, and IT-enabled intangibles. This paper empirically examines the association between IT investment and firm performance. Results indicate that firms with high levels of IT infrastructure and human-IT resources have a strong positive relationship with IT-enabled intangibles, but not with firm performance. In addition, IT-enabled intangibles are strongly positively correlated with firm performance. The relationships between IT investment and corporate IT capability are also examined. The results suggest that IT investments have begun to show results, indicating that they can make a positive contribution to firm IT infrastructure. However, the various measures of IT investment do not appear to have a positive relationship with human-IT resources, and IT-enabled intangibles. Although IT investment is likely to improve organizational IT infrastructure, but the IT-enabled intangibles is the key factor to effect the business performance, and the human-IT resource is a driving force for the IT-enabled intangibles.     

中国产业IT能力与产业绩效的耦合协调度研究——基于微观数据的产业分类测度

随着互联网+战略的深入推进,了解不同产业内信息技术能力与产业绩效之间的协调发展情况,对于系统把握我国的信息化发展水平,分类制定有效产业政策具有重要意义。有别于以往采用宏观产业数据,重点评价工业化与信息化融合度,本文主要基于2008~2015年的上市公司的微观数据,采用耦合协调模型,分类测度四大类产业的IT能力与产业绩效的耦合协调度。研究发现:总体上看我国的产业IT能力与产业绩效之间存在中高度耦合关系,但耦合质量不高,耦合协调度处于中低水平,呈现逐渐上升趋势;此外,我国的不同的产业之间的耦合协调度发展趋势存在差异性,本文进一步分析了该差异的存在的原因,并提出政策建议。     

A Bayesian approach for assessing process precision based on multiple samples

Using process capability indices to quantify manufacturing process precision (consistency) and performance, is an essential part of implementing any quality improvement program. Most research works for testing the capability indices have focused on using the traditional distribution frequency approaches. Cheng and Spiring [IIE Trans. 21 (1) 97] proposed a Bayesian procedure for assessing process capability index C_p based on one single sample. In practice, manufacturing information regarding product quality characteristic is often derived from multiple samples, particularly, when a routine-based quality control plan is implemented for monitoring process stability. In this paper, we consider estimating and testing C_p with multiple samples using Bayesian approach, and propose accordingly a Bayesian procedure for capability testing. The posterior probability, p, for which the process under investigation is capable, is derived. The credible interval, a Bayesian analogue of the classical lower confidence interval, is obtained. The results obtained in this paper, are generalizations of those obtained in Cheng and Spiring [IIE Trans. 21 (1), 97]. Practitioners can use the proposed procedure to Cheng and Spiring determine whether their manufacturing processes are capable of reproducing products satisfying the preset precision requirement.     

核心人力资源对企业动态能力影响分析

企业动态能力是企业获取和发展可持续竞争优势的主要来源.面对当今激烈的市场竞争和不断变化的外部环境,如何培育企业的动态能力,已成为国内外学者所关注的热点问题.大量的研究表明,构建企业动态能力的关键要素在于企业的核心人力资源.因此,主要侧重于从核心入力资源管理的角度分析企业动态能力与核心人力资源的关系,包括核心人力资源如何影响动态能力的形成,以及在动态的环境下,核心人力资源应该怎样配合企业的总体战略提升企业竞争力提高企业的绩效.     

A framework for mapping the RFID-enabled process redesign in a simulation model

Empowered by the possibility to automatically identify unique product instances, the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is expected to revolutionize the supply chain processes. However, in view of the numerous possible ways that RFID can be implemented within the supply chain, the issue of supporting the design choices based on a credible assessment between the current (as-is) and the future (to-be) processes has become a matter of considerable concern and debate for both practitioners and academics alike. To design RFID implementations in the supply chain using a robust dynamic analysis, we resort to discrete event simulation. As a result, this paper conceptualizes the ‘RFID-enabled process redesign’ and proposes a framework regarding all possible types of RFID effects when integrating the technology within the supply chain processes. The research design was based on the empirical evidence through three case studies combined with the development of simulation models and on theoretical constructs regarding the information technology (IT)-enabled process redesign.     

Impact of information technology on the performance of logistics industry: the case of Hong Kong and Pearl Delta region

Over the last decade, a number of research studies have advocated the use of information technology (IT) in different aspects of logistics and distribution operations. This study examines the current state of the use of IT and its impact on logistics service performance through a survey of 210 logistics companies in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. A hypothetical model is also proposed in which the theories of the market-based view and the resource-based view are applied to link up the implications of IT capabilities with logistic performance. The model was tested using structural equation modelling. The findings suggested that (i) IT implementation directly enhances the service quality of the logistics companies; (ii) the impact of IT implementation improves service quality thereby creating competitiveness.     

Organizational Design, Information Transfer, and the Acquisition of Rent-Producing Resources

Within the resource-based view of the firm, a dynamic story has emerged in which the knowledge accumulated over the history of a firm and embedded in organizational routines and structures influences the firm's ability to recognize the value of new resources and capabilities. This paper explores the possibility of firms to select organizational designs that increase the likelihood that they will recognize and value rent-producing resources and capabilities. A computational model is developed to study the tension between an organization's desire to explore its environment for new capabilities and the organization's need to exploit existing capabilities. Support is provided for the proposition that integration, both externally and internally, is an important source of dynamic capability. The model provides greater insight into the tradeoffs between these two forms of integration and suggests when one form may be preferred over another. In particular, evidence is provided that in uncertain environments, the ability to explore possible alternatives is critical while in more certain environments, the ability to transfer information internally is paramount.     

基于分阶段求优的IT项目进度计划方法

本文针对IT项目实施过程的不确定性和项目资源的动态性，提出了一种基于分阶段求优的IT项目进度计划方法。该方法根据关键路径法将项目划分为着干个阶段，每个阶段视为一个独立的任务，对每一个独立的任务建模并抽象化为一个马尔可夫决策过程，利用动态规划的方法对每一个任务求解最优调度策略，以最小化该阶段的期望费用，为制定IT项目进度计划提供依据。     

The partial adjustment valuation approach with dynamic and variable speeds of adjustment to evaluating and measuring the business value of information technology

In this paper we develop the partial adjustment valuation approach in which the speeds of (partial) adjustment are assumed to be dynamic and variable, rather than fixed or constant, to assessing the value of information technology (IT). The speeds of adjustment are a function of a set of macroeconomic and/or microeconomic variables, observed and unobserved and, hence, become time-varying or dynamic and variable over time. The approach is illustrated by a practical application. The results imply that the constant speeds of adjustment may overestimate or underestimate the actual speeds of adjustment and, accordingly, may miscalculate the values of performance metrics. Thus, the partial adjustment valuation approach with dynamic and variable speeds of adjustment is more realistic and, more importantly, captures the changing patterns and trends of the adjustment speeds and the performance measures as well. As such, the partial adjustment valuation approach with constant speeds of adjustment fails to adequately explain the dynamic production process of a decision making unit. The empirical evidence also conflicts with the lopsided view that the productivity paradox does not exist in developed countries.     

基于FTA方法的COVID-19疫情应急防控决策研究

鉴于新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)的易感染性与聚集性等特点,基于COVID-19的传播机制,应用故障树分析(FTA)方法,研究了具有不同特征的疫情突发事件风险决策问题,包括疫情突发事件的动态演化过程、多种情景以及应急方案对突发事件的影响。通过分析COVID-19疫情突发事件的演化过程,构建故障树来描述导致突发事件演变的条件与因素之间的逻辑关系,给出了不同的可行应急方案。利用FTA预估出疫情突发事件发生的概率,计算出可行应急方案的整体排序值,获得最优应急方案。最后通过一个COVID-19确诊患者的案例分析,验证了所提出的方法的可行性和有效性。     

Simulation metamodeling with dynamic Bayesian networks

This paper presents a novel approach to simulation metamodeling using dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) in the context of discrete event simulation. A DBN is a probabilistic model that represents the joint distribution of a sequence of random variables and enables the efficient calculation of their marginal and conditional distributions. In this paper, the construction of a DBN based on simulation data and its utilization in simulation analyses are presented. The DBN metamodel allows the study of the time evolution of simulation by tracking the probability distribution of the simulation state over the duration of the simulation. This feature is unprecedented among existing simulation metamodels. The DBN metamodel also enables effective what-if analysis which reveals the conditional evolution of the simulation. In such an analysis, the simulation state at a given time is fixed and the probability distributions representing the state at other time instants are updated. Simulation parameters can be included in the DBN metamodel as external random variables. Then, the DBN offers a way to study the effects of parameter values and their uncertainty on the evolution of the simulation. The accuracy of the analyses allowed by DBNs is studied by constructing appropriate confidence intervals. These analyses could be conducted based on raw simulation data but the use of DBNs reduces the duration of repetitive analyses and is expedited by available Bayesian network software. The construction and analysis capabilities of DBN metamodels are illustrated with two example simulation studies.     

A three-dimensional fluid flow model for puddle formation in the single-roll rapid solidification process

The single-roll rapid solidification process (SRRSP) is considered to be a process of perspective to produce a Fe-Si-B ribbon of amorphous microstructure and near net shape products such as thin strips of stainless steel. The condition of a melt puddle between the nozzle and rotating wheel in the single-roll rapid solidification process significantly affects the quality and dimensional uniformity of the products as well as the smoothness of the operation. The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional fluid flow analysis system to model the formation of puddle and flow conditions of molten metal in the puddle for the single-roll rapid solidification processes which include the planar flow casting (PFC) process and the single-roll strip casting process. The model is based on a computational fluid dynamics technique called the SOLA-VOF scheme, which possesses the capability of treating transient fluid flow problems with the evolution of free boundaries. Furthermore, the SOLA-VOF scheme is extended from two dimensions to three dimensions. The simulated results reveal how the melt puddle is formed between the nozzle and the rotating substrate and its corresponding fluid flow behavior for the PFC process as well as the single-roll strip casting process. The test results also demonstrate that two-dimensional analysis cannot properly consider the actual flow condition in the puddle.     

Investigating and comparing the dynamic patterns of the business value of information technology over time

The long-debated issue of the business value of information technology (IT) to the firm (country) has received a great deal of attention in the literature. But the studies have rarely examined the dynamic patterns of the IT value as measured by the firm’s productive efficiency over time. The objective of this paper is to apply the three-factor constant elasticity of substitution (CES) time-varying stochastic production frontier models and use the same data set as used in several previous studies to investigate the dynamic patterns of IT value over time in connection with the issues of inputs substitution and complement and the productivity paradox. This paper adopts two analytical skills, collective and individual, to analyze the empirical results. Collectively, we find that the dynamic patterns of IT value are closely related to the substitution and complement of three inputs and the IT productivity paradox. Individually, we identify five common dynamic patterns of the IT value measured by productive efficiency and interpret their implications for the productivity paradox as summarized in a two by two matrix of practical applications and strategies. This matrix accounts for four different scenarios of the relationship between the average productive efficiency and the IT productivity paradox, illustrates some practical applications by the analytical results, and provides some business insights and managerial strategies for IT decision makers and PO/IS managers. This represents a new contribution to the understanding of the dynamic influence of IT investments upon the value of IT over time.     

Stochastic analysis of dynamical systems with delayed control forces

Reduction of structural vibration in actively controlled dynamical system is usually performed by means of convenient control forces dependent of the dynamic response. In this paper the existent studies will be extended to dynamical systems subjected to non-normal delta-correlated random process with delayed control forces. Taylor series expansion of the control forces has been introduced and the statistics of the dynamical response have been obtained by means of the extended Itô differential rule. Numerical application provided shows the capabilities of the proposed method to analyze stochastic dynamic systems with delayed actions under delta-correlated process contrasting statistics of response with estimates from Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation.     

Information technology and systems justification: A review for research and applications

Information technology (IT) such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID), wireless, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW), and Information Systems (IS) such as Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have had tremendous impact in education, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, retailing, pure services, and even war. Many organizations turned to IT/IS to help them achieve their goals; however, many failed to achieve the full potential of IT/IS. These failures can be attributed at least in part to a weak link in the planning process. That weak link is the IT/IS justification process. The decision-making process has only grown more difficult in recent years with the increased complexity of business brought about by the rapid growth of supply chain management, the virtual enterprise and E-business. These are but three of the many changes in the business environment over the past 10–12 years. The complexities of this dynamic new business environment should be taken into account in IT/IS justification. We conducted a review of the current literature on IT/IS justification. The purpose of the literature review was to assemble meaningful information for the development of a framework for IT/IS evaluation that better reflects the new business environment. A suitable classification scheme has been proposed for organizing the literature reviewed. Directions for future research are indicated.     

考虑IT基础设施作用的外部知识对企业流程创新影响的博弈模型

本文基于知识基础观理论和吸收能力理论,以两个异质性制造企业组成的寡头竞争市场为研究对象,参考经典研发竞争AJ模型和非对称研发模型,建立考虑IT基础设施作用的外部知识对企业流程创新影响的博弈模型。研究表明,对于异质性企业来说,成本和IT基础设施投入占优的企业通过流程创新将拥有更大的市场份额,且企业通过合作创新方式引入的外部知识量也随着初始生产成本差异和IT基础设施投入的变化而改变,总体来说,企业异质性是企业流程创新竞争不平衡性的重要原因。考虑IT基础设施作用的情况下,企业引入外部知识进行流程创新对均衡产量具有正向影响,对均衡利润的影响存在阈值,呈现先增加后降低的趋势。由于溢出效应的存在,两个企业的均衡利润随领先企业的IT基础设施投入的增加而增加,但领先企业的均衡利润随IT基础设施投入的增加幅度更大,且领先企业的均衡利润占优。本文进一步提出了加强IT基础设施建设,促进外部知识利用,提升企业流程创新能力的管理启示。     

旋转流动的低模分析及仿真研究

为了探讨Couette-Taylor流从层流到湍流过渡的方式以及流动发展到湍流之后混沌吸引子的某些特征等问题,采用低模分析方法研究了Couette-Taylor流的部分动力学行为及仿真问题,讨论了Couette-Taylor流三模态类Lorenz型方程组的动力学行为,包括定态的失稳、极限环的出现、分岔与混沌的演变和全局稳定性分析等。通过线性稳定性分析和数值模拟等方法给出了此三维模型分岔与混沌等动力学行为及其演化历程,并借此解释了Couette-Taylor流试验中观察到的部分涡流的演化过程.基于系统的分岔图、Lyapunov指数谱、功率谱、Poincaré(庞加莱)截面和返回映射等揭示了系统混沌行为的普适特征.     

动态空间调度的混合遗传算法

提出了一种基于混合遗传算法的动态空间调度方法。首先利用遗传算法产生多个可行的分段调度序列,再采用动态决定分段位置的启发式算法——平均最大空闲矩形策略对遗传算法产生的调度序列进行解码。同时以完工时间和平台利用率的加权和作为适应度函数,充分考虑了空间调度问题所特有的动态性和时空关联性。遗传进化过程收敛后得到近似最优解,实现了调度方案的全局优化。对船厂实际生产数据进行了实证分析以及与其它算法的对比分析,证明了所提方法在空间调度问题上的有效性和实用性。     

非正态情形下过程能力指数的近似置信限

文章讨论了当过程不满足正态性假设的情形下过程能力指数的近似置信限,并以Weibull分布为例给出了指数C′_(pm)的近似置信区间的具体形式和假设检验的检验统计量。最后给出了模拟验证。     

Decentralized and dynamic group formation of reconfigurable agents

Adaptive group formation in dynamic environments performed by heterogeneous swarms of simple agents is an interesting research topic. In this paper we consider an unsupervised scenario where the individuals of the swarm have limited information about their environment as well as limited communication capabilities. The particular case of a multi-agent model with self-organized reconfigurable agents where the agents are confronted with a resource collection task, different movement, and group formation tactics are analyzed experimentally. It is shown that cooperation in groups is profitable for the group members and the optimal group size depends on environmental parameters. Moreover, a simple strategy based on the agents ability to measure their own workload results in an adaptive behavior that influences the size of the groups and increases the performance of the overall system.