Business Commons^™

Constraints In Adoption Of Moongbean Production Technology In Sundarban, West Bengal, Ganesh Chandra

Ganesh Chandra

The new agricultural technologies are considered to be the prime mover to the process of agricultural development in India. Understanding farmers’ perceptions of a given technology is crucial in the generation and diffusion of new technologies and farm household information dissemination. Pulses in India have long been considered as the poor man’s only source of protein. Moongbean (green gram) is one of the important pulse crop in India, plays a major role in augmenting the income of small and marginal farmers of Sundarban. Constraints are the circumstances or causes, which prohibit farmer to adopt improved farm technology. This constraint study …

How You Estimate The Yield Curve Matters!, Luiz Paulo Fichtner, Pedro Santa-Clara

Luiz Paulo Fichtner

We evaluate a two-factor Cox et al. (1985a,b) model using Euribor zero-coupon yields. We estimate this model using a state-space framework, where we sum a log-likelihood function of the state vector dynamics to a log-likelihood function of cross-section pricing errors. We introduce a likelihood-scaling weight in the joint log-likelihood function and show that there is a tradeoff in how one estimates a yield curve. Giving more weight to the cross-section of pricing errors improves the fitting and forecasting of Euribor yields, while giving more weight to the log-likelihood function of the state vector dynamics improves interest rate derivative pricing at …

Out-Of-Sample Predictability Of Bond Returns, Luiz Paulo Fichtner, Pedro Santa-Clara

Luiz Paulo Fichtner

We test the out-of-sample predictive power for one-year bond excess returns for a vari- ety of models that have been proposed in the literature. We find that these models perform well in sample, but have worse out-of-sample performance than the historical sample mean. We write the one-year excess return on a n-maturity bond at time t + 1 as the difference between n times the n-maturity bond yield at time t, and the sum of n − 1 times the (n − 1)-maturity bond yield at time t + 1 and the one-year bond yield at time t. Instead of …

The Return Of Dr. Strangelove: How Austerity Makes Us Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb…And Cyber War, Jan Kallberg, Adam Lowther

Jan Kallberg

With sequestration looming—generating significant cuts to defense spending—the United States may find itself increasingly relying on nuclear and cyber deterrence as an affordable way to guarantee national sovereignty and prevent major conflict. While earlier defense planning and acquisitions were based on economic conditions that no longer exist, Congress’ options to balance the budget by cutting defense spending are politically palatable because far fewer American are “defense voters” than “social welfare voters,” according to a number of recent public opinion surveys.

Fai La Macroeconomia Giusta. Le Molte Ragioni Del Libro Di Paul Krugman Fuori Da Questa Crisi, Adesso!, Mario Pianta

Mario Pianta

Open Access Week 2012: Digital Asset Management Systems (Dams), Lisa Zillinski, Sonia Lorenz

Lisa Zilinski

No abstract provided.

Identity-Based On-Line/Off-Line Signcryption, Dongdong Sun, Xinyi Huang, Yi Mu, Willy Susilo

Professor Yi Mu

We present an identity-based on-line/off-line signcryption scheme, where most of computations are carried out when the message is not available(i.e., off-line stage) and the on-line part of our scheme does not require any exponent computations and therefore is very efficient. It combines the functionalities of signature and encryption and is provably secure in the random oracle model. We also show that our scheme is indistinguishable against adaptive chosen-ciphertext attacks (IND-IDSC-CCA2) and is existentially unforgeable against adaptive chosen-message attacks (EF-IDSC-ACMA).

La Clase Media, Guillermo Arosemena

Guillermo Arosemena

No abstract provided.

Collaboration In Supply Chain: A Multi-Agent Approach, Xin Li, Sim K. Lau

Dr Sim Kim Lau

Supply chain collaboration has become a critical success factor for supply chain management. Supply chain collaboration builds on information sharing, collaborative planning and execution. Many information systems have been developed for supply chain management. However, these systems do not sufficiently support collaborative supply chain. Recently, intelligent agent technology has received a great potential in supporting transparency in information flows and modeling the dynamic supply chain for collaborative supply chain. This paper explores the similarities between multi-agent system and supply chain to investigate the appropriateness of multi-agent based technology to model supply chain system and support collaborative supply chain planning and …

The Development Of A User Self-Help Knowledge Management System For Help Desk: Deployment Of Knowledge Management Approach And Software Agent Technology, Kar Yin Leung, Sim K. Lau

Dr Sim Kim Lau

Most help desks have admitted their call volume has increased in the past decade while “help unavailable when needed” is the major reason for service delivery failure and user dissatisfaction. The habit of calling help desk for simple problems has prompted the investigation of transferring part of first-level troubleshooting duty from help desk to user. This research proposes the development of user self-help knowledge management system that allows user to solve simple and routine technical enquiries. The proposed approach incorporates software agent to allow autonomous handling of enquiries so that the most appropriate solution and user communication can be facilitated.

Knowledge Management In Information Technology Help Desk: Past, Present And Future, Kar Yin Leung, Sim K. Lau

Dr Sim Kim Lau

Information technology has changed the way organizations function. This resulted in the reliance of help desks to deal with information technology related areas such as hardware, software, and telecommunication. Besides, the adoption of business process reengineering and downsizing have led to the shrinkage of the size of help desk. The shorter information technology product life cycle has worsened the situation by increasing the already sizeable help desk’s user base. Consequently, the help desk has to cover more information technology products and resolute more technical enquiries with less staff. Thus, the outcome is clear that users have to wait comparably longer …

A Multi-Agent Approach Towards Collaborative Supply Chain Management, Xin Li, Sim K. Lau

Dr Sim Kim Lau

Supply chain collaboration has become a critical success factor for supply chain management and effectively improves the performance of organizations in various industries. Supply chain collaboration builds on information sharing, collaborative planning and execution. Information technology is an important enabler of collaborative supply chain management. Many information systems have been developed for supply chain management from legacy systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) into the newly developed advanced planning and scheduling system (APS) and e-commerce solutions. However, these systems do not provide sufficient support to achieve collaborative supply chain. Recently, intelligent agent technology and multi-agent system (MAS) have received a …

A Framework Of Ontology Revision On The Semantic Web: A Belief Revision Approach, Seung Hwan Kang, Sim K. Lau

Dr Sim Kim Lau

The focus of the research in ontologies shifts from ontology representation to ontology evolution perspectives that become an important field of ontology research. Even though ontology refers to specification of conceptualisation that provides a useful way to represent the semantics of the Web resources, there is a still need for maintaining and handling ontologies. Because ontologies may change as a result of accepting new information, when this occurs, ontology needs to be revised. However the new information may contradict what was initially defined in the ontology when ontology revision is performed. To discuss this revision perspective, this research proposes an …

Developing Web Services Using Workflow Model: An Interorganisational Perspective, Geng Liang, Sim K. Lau, Zhaohao Sun

Dr Sim Kim Lau

This paper discusses how a workflow model can be used in the design and development of web services composition. We particularly investigate the development of web services composition in an inter-organizational workflow environment. We discuss respectively how to design an inter-organizational workflow from scratch when there is no existing internal workflow, and how to make existing internal workflows work together in an inter-organizational workflow environment.

Development Of A Web-Based Student Enquiry System: Integration Of Ontology And Cbr, Sim K. Lau, Seung Hwan Kang

Dr Sim Kim Lau

This paper discusses the development o f a web-based student enquiry system using techniques in case-based reasoning combined with advances in ontology. The system functions as an online enquiry front-desk to allow prospective students to fin d out if they are eligible for admission to a post-graduate course in an Australian University. Ontology is applied in the system to ensure explicit specifications of concept and definition of terminology can be achieved in the web-based system. The system applies case-based reasoning technique to handle the query.

Do Organisational Characteristics Explain The Differences Between Drivers Of Ict Adoption In Rural And Urban General Practices In Australia, Robert C. Macgregor, Peter N. Hyland, Charles Harvie

Associate Professor Peter Hyland

A number of studies have compared general medical practices in rural locations with those in urban locations. Some of these studies have concentrated on the reasons why a GP might choose to work in a rural or urban setting. Others have examined the type of work required to be undertaken by medical professionals. Increasing use of information and communications technology (ICT) in medical practices has led to some studies examining their use in rural as well as urban settings. However, little if any research has examined whether ICT adoption drivers differ between rural and urban GPs based on their organisational …

Designing A Regional E-Logistics Portal, Adrian Collins, George Ditsa, Aditya K. Ghose, Peter N. Hyland, Sim K. Lau

Associate Professor Peter Hyland

A variety of optimization and negotiation technologies hold the promise of delivering value to the logistics processes of businesses both small and large, yet they tend to remain inaccessible to SMEs (largely due to price and complexity concerns). This paper describes the early-phase steps in a project to develop a regional e- logistics portal. The project seeks to make constraint-based optimization and automated negotiation technologies accessible to SMEs within a portal that also serves their information needs. The paper highlights several novel aspects of the design of the portal, as well as a novel requirements gathering process involving community consultation.

Ready, Set...Pitch: Marketing Yourself Like An Entrepreneur, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Great elevator pitches are created to sell your idea, business, product or service in 30 seconds or less (the time it takes to go from the first floor to the top of the building in an elevator). It’s important to develop and practice an effective pitch so you are ready to use it under fire. When you step onto an elevator with Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, you want to be prepared! This worksheet will help you create an amazing pitch!!

The Freedom To Create Your Destiny, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

We have a unique gift in the United States, and that gift is freedom. The Declaration of Independence guarantees all of us “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This means we are free to pursue our lives and our vocations in any way that makes sense to us. Freedom is what makes America so great. What we do with our freedom is up to us. It is our choice. Freedom is our grandest opportunity and should be protected, especially in challenging times.

This radio update presents discusses the importance of freedom.

Acknowledge Your Inner Leader Worksheet, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Before you lead others, you must first lead yourself! The Inner Leader program walks participants through four phases of developing their inner leader: Discover, Decide, Design and Dare. Each phase of the Inner Leader Coaching Ecosystem can be used for personal innovation. Participants in this session will take Innovation Actions focused around personal and professional fulfillment.

Coaching Leaders: Co-Creating Purpose Based Innovation, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Innovation always begins with people, and leading innovation at the individual and organizational levels can be a tricky process. This presentation focuses on Dr. Connie's Inner-Leader Coaching Ecosystem and the positive impact it has had in three different cases.

Sustainability Through Profitability: The Triple Bottom Line, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Today’s highly competitive, globalized world requires organizations and businesses to think differently about how they are going to stay in business. Businesses can no longer afford to focus on profits as their sole purpose for existence. Organizations must instead think about the “Triple Bottom Line” and its implications for their ability to grow their brand, customer loyalty and profits.

How Do You Define Success?, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

What exactly is success? Many of the books, blogs and other for-profit resources available on success would have us believe that success is making it big in terms of money, power and fame. If you happen to have an executive title or big paycheck, you must be successful, right? This type of success is largely associated with external motivation and gratification. What is the cost of getting “to the top” or “making it big?” Sometimes, we forget to consider the tradeoffs associated with perceived success, or we only hear about the positive elements of money, fame and status. Rarely do …

Leading Innovation: Creating A Culture Of Sustainability For Communities, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Innovation is as essential to communities as it is to businesses and other organizations. This innovation workshop focused on core elements of leading innovation in communities.

Ready, Set...Pitch: Marketing Yourself Like An Entrepreneur (Powerpoint Pdf), Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Great elevator pitches are created to sell your idea, business, product or service in 30 seconds or less (the time it takes to go from the first floor to the top of the building in an elevator). It’s important to develop and practice an effective pitch so you are ready to use it under fire. When you step onto an elevator with Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, you want to be prepared! This worksheet will help you create an amazing pitch!!

A Research Report: Quality Of Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska (2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results) As Spoken On Kncy Radio Extension Update, October 1, 2011, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Hello! This is Connie Reimers-Hild with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension at the Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City, NE and host of the television show Market Journal with your Extension Update. Today, I am going to update you on some of the results of the well-being section of the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll. This particular section of the poll will detail the 2,490 responses from the 2011 Poll. With all the negativity these days, I get to be the bearer of positive news, which is great! The 2011 Rural Poll found that most rural Nebraskans believe they …

Innovation Begins With People: Leading With A New Lens, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Innovation Begins with People: Leading with a New Lens will focus on developing innovation strategies for communities. Topics covered include leadership, creativity, innovation, teamwork, trends, challenges and opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Leadership And Teamwork: The Key To Innovation In The 21st Century, Connie I. Reimers-Hild, Susan N. Williams

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Entrepreneurial leadership and continuous innovation are vital components of 21st century communities and organizations. Entrepreneurial leaders must realize the importance of environmental, social and global issues while creating an atmosphere of innovation designed to help followers become more entrepreneurial themselves. Entrepreneurial individuals and teams have the ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities, innovate, take risks, adapt to rapid change and marshal resources to achieve their goals. When individuals come together as an effective team, they can produce a synergy to meet the demands of a rapidly changing and competitive work environment. Therefore, entrepreneurial leaders must develop entrepreneurial individuals and …

An Entrepreneurial Approach To Career Development, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

This article explains how people can use an entrepreneurial approach to career development in and effort to advance their careers and employment opportunities.

What's Your Pitch? Explain Your Business In 30 Seconds (Or Less)!, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

This keynote presentation was designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and community leaders use the "High 5" Elevator Pitch developed by Connie Reimers-Hild, Ph.D. (creimers2@unl.edu) to better sell themselves, their businesses and communities.