Dynamic Process Management Research Articles

Social media information governance in multi-level organizations: How humanitarian organizations accrue social capital

Strategic social media use positively influences organizational goals such as the long-term accrual of social capital, and thus social media information governance has become an increasingly important organizational objective. It is particularly important for humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (HNGOs), whose work relies on accurate and timely information regarding socially altruistic behavior (donations, volunteerism, etc.). Despite the potential of social media for increasing social capital, tensions in governing social media information across an organization's different operational levels (regional, intermediate, and national) pose a difficult challenge. Prominent governance frameworks offer little guidance, as their focus on control and incremental policymaking is largely incompatible with the processes, roles, standards, and metrics needed for managing self-governing social media. This study offers a notion of dynamic and co-evolutionary process management of multi-level organizations as a means of conceptualizing social media information governance for the accrual of organizational social capital. Based on interviews with members of HNGOs, this study reveals tensions that emerge within eight focus areas of accruing social capital in multi-level organizations, explains how dynamic process management can ease those tensions, and proposes corresponding strategy recommendations.

Multiphysics Analysis System for Heat Pipe–Cooled Micro Reactors Employing PRAGMA-OpenFOAM-ANLHTP

A multiphysics analysis system for neutronics/thermomechanical/heat pipe thermal analysis of heat pipe–cooled micro reactors was developed using the PRAGMA code as the neutronics engine. PRAGMA, which was developed as a graphics processing unit (GPU)-based continuous-energy Monte Carlo code for power reactor applications, now has an extended geometry package to handle geometries with unstructured meshes generated by Coreform Cubit. The NVIDIA ray-tracing engine OptiX has been exploited for efficient neutron transport on unstructured mesh geometry. On the multiphysics side, the open-source computational fluid dynamics tool OpenFOAM and one-dimensional heat pipe analysis code ANLHTP have been adopted. The manager-worker system based on the message passing interface dynamic process management model enables efficient coupling of codes employing different parallelization schemes. With all the features, the multiphysics analysis of the 60-deg symmetrical sector model of the MegaPower three-dimensional core was performed for normal operation and heat pipe–failed conditions. The multiphysics coupling run time was about 2.5 h, in which the Monte Carlo simulation employing more than 10 billion histories was performed within half an hour on a single rack of computing nodes mounted with 24 NVIDIA Quadro GPUs. Accordingly, this demonstrates the soundness and robustness of the tightly coupled three-way multiphysics analysis system.

CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-CRITERIA SOLUTIONS TO SELECTION PROBLEMS

An approach to solving the problems of multi-criteria selection with the determination of suitable applicants based on the values of a number of criteria is considered. Known approaches to the solution of these problems do not always allow determining reasonable solutions with full consideration of the features of the selected criteria and their evaluation conditions. Comparison of evaluations by criteria often takes place from subjective positions without proper justification, which affects both the results of the selection and the possibilities of their practical application. Known multi-criteria selection procedures use fixed measurement scales to compare values, which in practical situations may not correspond to real ratios of indicators. Another significant shortcoming of these procedures is ignoring the presence of non-linear dependencies between evaluations by criteria and attributes of decisions made in different ranges of their values. The above indicates the possibility of obtaining inadequate evaluations of decisions with corresponding negative consequences. The paper proposes an approach to the construction of solutions to multi-criteria selection problems based on the definition of applicants by ordering them according to the degree of approximation to the option with the best ratios of evaluations according to the selected performance criteria based on iterative concessions according to the specified criteria. Applicants are compared on the basis of the ratios of assessments according to the agreed criteria, the definition of which is provided by a set of mathematical models that reproduce the dependence of the values of individual criteria on the attributes of the applicant decisions. The formation of a sequence of candidates for solutions is based on the results of comparisons according to individual criteria, which allows to determine alternative solutions and evaluate their effectiveness with the construction of a Pareto subset. An example is considered that reproduces the processes of choosing alternative options for building a virtual data processing system based on the characteristics of virtual machines from providers of cloud processing technologies. The obtained research results indicate the possibility of using the proposed approach as part of decision-making support subsystems to solve the problems of operational management of dynamic service and production processes.

ON THE CONCEPT OF VECTOR OPTIMIZATION IN THE TASKS OF MULTICRITERIAL CHOICE

Problems of multi-criteria choice with estimates of applicants by a number of local criteria are considered. Known approaches to the solution of such problems use their peculiarities with the allocation of the corresponding classes of problems and a number of assumptions that significantly limit the possibilities of their practical application. This is the use of fixed scales to compare values that do not correspond to real ranges of values, the assumption of linear relationships between quality assessments and decision attributes, the absence of nonlinear relationships between estimates of local criteria and parameter values of solutions from different ranges. The given circumstances can lead to the loss of adequacy of the taken decisions and cause unacceptable consequences. An approach to procedures of multi-criteria optimization based on the content of optimization as a choice of a solution applicant with the best values of the chosen vector criterion within the elements of the admissible solution set is outlined. To find a solution, it is suggested to use a generalized criterion in the form of a scalar product of vectors, one of which contains components of the values of local criteria for the solution pretender, and the other is a virtual vector of the target reference in a given space with the best or predicted values. To compare the applicants, we propose approaches to forming a subset of Pareto optimal solutions as a set of solutions by consistent local criteria, using a series of concessions on the local criteria represented by mathematical models with the allocation of alternatives to change the values of local criterion estimates, allowing the formation of consistent solutions. The results of the analysis allow us to use the proposed approaches to form a subset of effective solutions in the decision support subsystems, providing operational management of dynamic processes of service and production.

The media space of the educational sphere as a logistic system: features of management and personality formation

Development of digitization (including education) leads to difficulties in management and regulation of important multidimensional dynamic social economical systems, where problems of efficient management occur requiring for interdisciplinary approach and active application of information technologies and computers. It is required to develop new methods of risk management (in the fields of national security, personal security), since information nonmilitary action as the most important hazard of hybrid wars is precepted as motion along the road of progress, democracy, tolerance. The research objective implies search and implementation of optimum management of stepwise digitization of education by means of monitoring and reconfiguration of digital platforms as elements of global logistic system (with consideration for consciental risks). Targets include analysis of features of dynamics and management of digitization of educational platforms in relation with maturity of social institutions, COVID-19, ecology of information space, degree of informatization of society, role and composition of mental structures, etc.; detection of factors influencing dynamics of persons and social institutions involved in education. The interrelation between digitization of education and development of educational platforms has been described. The conclusions have been made about the advantages and disadvantages of management formed by analogy with management of dynamic processes running on classical logistic systems. Recommendations have been given on how to reduce the dependence of a human on behavioral stereotypes imposed by various algorithmic energy information structures. In the frames of community, this would provide productive existence in unique personal space, efficient communication with surrounding people together with preservation of mentality and self-consciousness, cultural and national identity.

Інформаційне забезпечення динамічного управління бізнес-процесами з колективним експертним оцінюванням

Information support of dynamic business process management with collective expert evaluation. The principles of information support of business process dynamic management by collective assessment by a team of insider experts in the conditions of dynamic changes and information uncertainty are developed. Information support of dynamic management is based on the formation of a team of expert insiders who are employees of the enterprise, who know and understand the problems of the enterprise from within and are interested in solving problems of the enterprise. The main stages of collective expert evaluation and its features in the implementation of the concept of "collective intelligence" are considered. The main advantages of collective expert evaluation with the involvement of insider experts are shown. Approbation of the proposed concept showed its effectiveness.

Time-minimal set point transition for nonlinear SISO systems under different constraints

Set point transition of nonlinear plants plays an important role in many applications where dynamic process management has to be considered. This transition should be rapid – as operation in the new set point increases the economical benefit – but in compliance with all safety regulations. We present a feedforward approach for a time-minimal set point transition of single-input, single-output nonlinear plants with respect to input, state and output constraints. The conceptual idea is based on the design of an optimization problem utilizing a coordinate change of the plant and a special setup function for the output trajectory. This allows the simultaneous planning of the trajectory and determination of the corresponding control signal. The formulation of the set point transition as an optimization problem provides a flexible design with respect to the integration of inequality constraints. Additional flexibility is provided by the type of setup functions, which permit any adjustment of the output trajectory between the set points. In contrast to other works, we focus on the stationarity of the system output, which allows a faster transition compared to the requirement to reach a steady state of all states. Finally, we present an example from the field of process systems engineering to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.

The principle of program management of parameters of elastic-dissipative connections of suspension transport system

Problem statement. Theoretical researches conducted in many countries showed that active suspension systems which use acceleration as a signal of reverse connection or absolute speed allow to improvie operational qualities and stability of transport greatly. The researches were made on the models with one degree of freedom. During the research amplitude-frequency characteristics were built and they were used while checking the management system in active power coefficient changes. Amplification coefficients of the management system were chosen by means of simple permutation. The results of the research showed that the level of body acceleration with single-step suspension system was reduced a half. The creation of effective devices of active management of dynamic processes is impossible without knowledge of theoretical basis – the law of management. The decision of common problem of active management is well-known from the theory of optimal management, but the practical results were obtained only for the simplest models. In the work [9] the law of active management by the method of dynamic programming for continuous stochastic systems for fixed regimes of transport movement is obtained. The estimated scheme looked like a double-mass mechanic system with two degrees of freedom. As the criteria for optimality quadratic quality functional was taken into account. The mass coefficients of functional were chosen freely, i.e. the authors have not decided on the question of quality coefficient functional choice. The author of the work [1] offered technical intakes which permit using matrix method of dynamic programming towards the synthesis of complex systems parameters and developing methodology of gradual designing of the suspension transport coaches system. Purpose of the article – to obtain the law of the optimal management according to the method of stochastic dynamic programming and develop the scheme of program management of parameters of elastic-dissipative connections of the suspension transport system. Methodology. The algorithm of stochastic dynamic method of programming for systems with degrees of loose has been examined and the law of the optimal management parameters of elastic-dissipative connections has been obtained. Results. Analytical expression of the law of the optimal management parameters of elastic-dissipative connections is obtained that contains the vector of the system state evaluation. The elements of vector evaluation are the generalized coordinates and speed, i.e. active management power must not contain generalized acceleration. The scheme of program management of parameters of elastic-dissipative connections of suspension system has been developed. Scientific novelty. The principle of program management of parameters of elastic-dissipative connections of the suspension transport system is proposed. Practical relevance. There are all necessary preconditions for the creation of local high-speed transport.

A Process-Centered Approach to the Description of Clinical Pathways-Forms and Determinants.

The aim of the study is to indicate the need for variability in the presentation of clinical pathways, in various phases of their implementation, and to define the forms of presentation of clinical pathways required by physicians in both the Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems, as well as the determinants of the selection of the forms of description, in relation to the performed medical actions. The results of the study are a significant lead-in towards further research on the required form of the user interface in systems supporting dynamic business process management (dynamic BPM). The research is a pilot of a survey study, conducted to ascertain the usefulness and feasibility of the adopted methodology, for a wider project on the determinants of the form of description of clinical pathways. An exploratory pilot survey, in a large multi-specialization hospital in Poland, was conducted. The survey sample consisted of 28 purposely selected heads of all hospital departments, and the medical team of the pediatric ward. Descriptive analysis was carried out on the data collected. The results of the study have unambiguously supported the claim that physicians require the form of presentation of clinical pathways to change, depending on the particular phase of the diagnostic–therapeutic process, as well as establishing the main determinants thereof. This pilot study is one of the first attempts to establish the factors determining the choice of clinical pathway presentation in HIS/EMR systems. While not conclusively decisive in terms of the forms of presentation or the determinants of their choice, it indicates the directions of further research, both from the point of view of ergonomics and the usability of HIS/EMR systems, as well as the management of medical knowledge, as part of the dynamic management of clinical pathways.

StructOpt: A modular materials structure optimization suite incorporating experimental data and simulated energies

StructOpt, an open-source structure optimization suite, applies genetic algorithm and particle swarm methods to obtain atomic structures that minimize an objective function. The objective function typically consists of the energy and the error between simulated and experimental data, which is typically applied to determine structures that minimize energy to the extent possible while also being fully consistent with available experimental data. We present example use cases including the structure of a metastable Pt nanoparticle determined from energetic and scanning transmission electron microscopy data, and the structure of an amorphous-nanocrystal composite determined from energetic and fluctuation electron microscopy data. StructOpt is modular in its construction and therefore is naturally extensible to include new materials simulation modules or new optimization methods, either written by the user or existing in other code packages. It uses the Message Passing Interface’s (MPI) dynamic process management functionality to allocate resources to computationally expensive codes on the fly, enabling StructOpt to take full advantage of the parallelization tools available in many scientific packages.

A scalable real-time tracking and monitoring architecture for logistics and transport in RoRo terminals

Supply chain management and complex logistics compel constant monitoring and handling of even more growing shipment chains. Therefore, it prompts the necessity to track and trace goods, for ensuring the control and management of the different logistics operations. In port terminals, tracking and tracing cargo is primitive for smooth and flexible services. Technologies such as RFID, GPS, RTLS, etc. are widely used for monitoring cargo flow in the logistics chain. In light of this, this paper proposes a novel architecture based on auto-ID technologies like QRcode, Barcode, Magnetic card ID to support real-time tracking of vehicles in a RoRo terminal and provide their stay time as well as processing time in each service. The modeled system aims to solve dynamic logistics process management problems, monitor rolling cargo, identify similar behavior as well as increase traffic flow and reduce check-in time.Design/approach: The proposed architecture provides a real-time tracking capability. It tracks a vehicle in each area of the terminal through a portal that identify it using a barcode, a QRcode or a magnetic ID card. The system performs the process logic checking/reasoning and provides process knowledge support.Originality: The proposed architecture is a novel approach which leverages the logistics performance in RoRo terminals and facilitates the tracking of vehicles and provides a real-time knowledge support on processes for those who handle logistics operations.

Passenger level of service estimation model for queuing systems at the airport

This paper presents a model for the management of passenger service operations at airports by the estimation of a global index of the level of service. This paper presents a new approach to the scheduling of resources required to perform passenger service operations at airports. The approach takes into account the index of level of service as a quantitative indicator that can be associated with airport revenues. Taking this index into account makes it possible to create an operating schedule of desks, adapted to the intensity of checking-in passengers, and, as such, to apply dynamic process management. This offers positive aspects, particularly the possibility of improvement of service quality that directly translates into profits generated by the non-aeronautical activity of airports. When talking about level of service, there can be distinguish other important indicators that are considered very often (eg maximum queuing time, space in square meters). In this model, however, they are considered as secondary. Of course, space in square meters is important when designing a system. Here this system is already built and functioning. The concept of the model is the use of a hybrid method: computer simulation (Monte Carlo simulation) with multiple regression. This paper focuses on the presentation of a mathematical model used to determine the level of service index that provides new functionality in the current simulation model, as presented in the authors’ previous scientific publications. The mathematical model is based on a multiple regression function, taking into account the significance of individual elementary operations of passenger service at an air terminal.

Re-thinking and re-operationalizing product innovation capability

PurposeThis paper aims to enhance the understanding of the essence of product innovation capability (PIC) as a dynamic capability by systematically assessing its conceptualization and construct validity. The paper answers the call by numerous researchers to undertake research efforts to better understand and operationalize dynamic capability constructs.Design/methodology/approachA priori and scholarly contentions based on complementarities between the tenets of three prominent frameworks (Dynamic Capability View, Process Management and Organizational Ambidexterity) were utilized for conducting a theoretical triangulation, as presented in the paper. Established approaches to explication and measurement of multi-dimensional latent constructs were used for guiding this paper.FindingsThis paper enhances the conceptualization of dynamic capabilities and identifies a lacuna in frequently adopted PIC operationalization approaches that is pertinent to other dynamic capabilities. It presents substantive and specific prescriptions for enabling the development of superior capability (both dynamic and operational) measurement models in empirical research.Research limitations/implicationsThe diverse implications for research and practice are discussed in the paper alongside suggestions for future research.Originality/valueThis paper guides future theoretical and empirical research by reviewing the conception and validity of PIC. It presents a comprehensive conception of dynamic capabilities by extending the dynamic capability definition to address the identified problems. The arguments presented have wide-ranging applications and broad generalizability across multiple research fields.

The construction of a corporate dictionary for the needs of the dynamic business process management

The construction of a corporate dictionary for the needs of the dynamic business process management

Information Governance in Dynamic Networked Business Process Management

Competition in today’s globalized markets forces organizations to collaborate within dynamic business networks to provide mass-customized integrated solutions for customers. The collaboration within dynamic business networks necessitates forming dynamic networked business processes (DNBPs). Networked business processes need to be supported by high quality information that is exchanged in a trustworthy environment. Information governance (IG) is described as a holistic approach to different mechanisms that support high quality and secure information exchanges. However, dynamism of networked business processes causes IG issues like unsecured information access and low quality information products to emerge. In this paper, a comprehensive list of the IG issues in DNBPs is identified through structured steps. The identified IG issues are characterized within four main categories, respectively, information product quality, information service quality, information security, and metadata issues. For the evaluation of the practical significance of the identified IG issues, a case study is conducted in a business network that provides mobility solutions. In this way, the paper closes the gap between studies on IG, which have mostly concentrated on IG within the borders of a single organization or IG in stable business networks, and studies on dynamic business networks, which have addressed the formation of dynamic inter-organizational interactions without paying rigorous attention to information artefacts that are exchanged.

A Hypermedia Middleware for Process Enactment and Adaptation

Dynamic business process management incorporates the capabilities needed to deal with the fast-paced change inherent in today's business processes. While process-aware information systems (PAIS) face an increasing challenge to dynamically adapt running processes to context changes, support for such dynamic adaptation during process enactment remains limited. Furthermore, while the use of web service APIs for enterprise application integration (EAI) and cloud accessibility has garnered broad community support, current PAIS lack a standardized API and often require use of their proprietary clients or APIs. In this paper, we explore the use of hypermedia as the engine of application state (HATEOAS) for process enactment and process adaptation. Our approach Adapting Processes via Processes using hypermedia (AProProh) situates a HATEOAS-based middleware between RESTful clients and heterogeneous PAIS that can dynamically guide a PAIS-agnostic process client in the navigation, enactment, and adaptation of process instances. Dynamically generated hypermedia enables clients to dynamically apply valid adaptations and adjust their process navigation dynamically to a changed process model while supporting long-running operational requests. A case study based on a prototype realization shows the viability of the approach for supporting dynamic process navigation and process adaptation and characterizes its performance.

Research on Configurable Workflow Technology in PDM System

This paper analyzed the deficiency of the static process management in the traditional PDM workflow system, and proposed a new configurable workflow system model for the dynamic and multiple characteristics of the equipment product design business process. On the basis of PDM workflow engine, the model introduced the configurable workflow form and logic processing program, the total workflow template definition and customized workflow participant selection module, and put forward the key technology solutions. This model could solve the problem of the lack of flexibility in workflow design and maintenance. It had been successfully applied to the design management process for multiple equipment products, and improved the dynamic process management capability of PDM system.

Becoming a Learning Organization Through Dynamic Business Process Management

As customers demand easier access to individualized products and services, companies now face an ongoing problem of how to deliver flexible and innovative solutions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. In this environment, the only sustainable form of competitive advantage rests in the ability to learn faster than the competition (de Geus, 1988). The article returns to the somewhat forgotten concept of the learning organization and explores how its principles can be applied with the use of dynamic business process management (dynamic BPM). Enabling in this concept individual or team-based limited experimentation and providing conditions for learning though experience in the course of performing business processes allows for the constant creation of practical knowledge. This article provides examples of how dynamic BPM facilitates the constant creation and verification of practical knowledge, with the aim of improving and adapting processes to maintain the competitive advantage of the organization.

Becoming a Learning Organization Through Dynamic Business Process Management

As customers demand easier access to individualized products and services, companies now face an ongoing problem of how to deliver flexible and innovative solutions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. In this environment, the only sustainable form of competitive advantage rests in the ability to learn faster than the competition (de Geus, 1988). The article returns to the somewhat forgotten concept of the learning organization and explores how its principles can be applied with the use of dynamic business process management (dynamic BPM). Enabling in this concept individual or team-based limited experimentation and providing conditions for learning though experience in the course of performing business processes allows for the constant creation of practical knowledge. This article provides examples of how dynamic BPM facilitates the constant creation and verification of practical knowledge, with the aim of improving and adapting processes to maintain the competitive advantage of the organization.

Lifecycle driven planning of infrastructure: public and private experiences with more integrated approaches for managing project complexity

Currently, many initiatives are under implementation in the Netherlands to integrate the stages of policymaking, plan development, construction, and operations and maintenance in the lifecycle of the infrastructure planning process by more explicitly involving business organizations. However, generally speaking, these integration initiatives stand alone and only connect a maximum of two stages at a time. In this article we explore whether and how contemporary lifecycle integration initiatives could be combined into a more integrated approach to be better able to address infrastructure planning complexities. We provide a framework for dealing with project complexity that distinguishes internal complexity, defined as the interrelatedness between project components, and external complexity, defined as the interaction of the project with its context. After assessing public and private experiences in combining single integration initiatives in complex settings by means of two focus group discussions, we conclude that current initiatives that connect stages in the planning process are suitable for addressing internal complexity. However, external complexity proves to be more difficult to adequately tackle when combining these lifecycle integration initiatives. We therefore recommend applying a more dynamic process management approach that stimulates continuous public-private interaction throughout the stages of the planning lifecycle. This could be facilitated by introducing alliances and cross-functional public-private teams.