IT Enterprises Research Articles

Method of automated knowledge base construction for вusiness process management information systems

The object of research is the process of automated construction and enrichment of a knowledge base. An approach has been defined to address the problem of automated knowledge base construction in information system development projects. Research has been conducted on models and methods for the automatic construction of a knowledge base for process management information systems. It has been determined that finite predicates, as well as predicate models describing IT project artifacts, are suitable as the mathematical apparatus. The method for automated construction and enrichment of a knowledge base for process management information systems has been improved based on modified predicate models. The modification involves adding new predicates and aligning event logs with classes of artifacts and their properties. The feasibility of applying the proposed method in decision support tasks under intrusion detection conditions for processes in computer systems has been verified. The architecture and description of the main characteristics of the automated knowledge base construction system for decision-making tasks in IT enterprises, are provided. The proposed solutions have been tested during the automated construction of a knowledge base in an IT project. Advantages and disadvantages of the method were identified during the automated construction of a production knowledge base. Further development of the modified method may involve analyzing the success of predictions made using the knowledge base and adjusting the initial set of predicates based on the results of this analysis.

How perceived transparency in information system development processes improves project quality in agile IT enterprises

PurposeWith the increasing agility of IT enterprises, it is crucial to identify suitable managerial strategies for controlling information system development (ISD) projects in the new agile working environments. These environments are characterized by the collaborative nature of work and the recurring nature of communication. This study aims to explore how perceived transparency in ISD processes, controlled by transparency strategies, impacts project quality.Design/methodology/approachIn collaboration with a firm that implemented a customized Scaled Agile Framework, questionnaires were distributed to employees involved in ISD projects. The goal was to understand the influence of perceived transparency in ISD processes on project quality.FindingsOur research demonstrates that perceived transparency in ISD processes enhances project quality through knowledge exchange by strengthening goodwill trust among team members. Additionally, transparency improves project quality through client feedback by strengthening competence trust of clients toward the team. Goodwill trust of clients toward the team and competence trust among team members have less impact on project quality enhancement.Originality/valueThis study reveals the nomological network among the perceived transparency, different types of trust among stakeholders, social interactions among stakeholders, and project outcomes in agile ISD environments. This nomological network has been overlooked by previous studies that biased toward top-down, interorganizational communication. It highlights that not all types of trust among stakeholders are involved in the processes through which perceived transparency influences ISD project quality in agile working environments. Additionally, it exposes the limitations of transparency strategies for controlling projects in agile IT enterprises.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Polish IT Enterprises - Financial Sector Analysis

The subject of this article is a financial sector analysis of companies operating in the IT industry whose shares are listed on the main and parallel markets of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The analysis period covers the years 2018-2022, which includes the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinions vary regarding the impact of the pandemic on the activities of the described industry. The aim of the article is to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial situation of IT enterprises. The authors put forward 4 theses in the article: two regarding the impact of the pandemic on the financial situation of the examined industry, one stating the difference in the financial situation of companies listed on the primary and parallel markets (NC) and one stating the increase in the investment attractiveness of companies from the IT sector. The financial sector analysis of the IT industry in 2018-2022 allowed us to determine general trends in given analytical areas and confirm the theses. The determined statistical parameters show that the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the financial situation of IT sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange. The changes apply to most of the analyzed enterprises. The obtained results indicate differences in the financial situation of IT sector companies listed on the main market compared to the parallel market and an increase in the investment attractiveness of IT sector companies in the analyzed period. This article is a starting point for further research in the field of IT sector analysis, including determining or changing the market position of individual enterprises.

The role of international consulting in improving the international investment activity of the IT business

In wartime, the IT industry increases the provision of IT services not only in the domestic market, but also in foreign sales markets due to the increase in the export of IT products. However, there is a problem regarding the financing of foreign projects, so the purpose of the paper is to determine modern sources of financing IT business investment activities in order to enter the international sales markets of IT products and the use of international consulting as an effective management system for the development of foreign economic activities of domestic business entities in the field of IT. Such methods of scientific research as: systematization, comparison and systematic approach for finding sources of financing of international activities in the IT industry are applied; induction and deduction for the justification of preferential taxation and crediting, as well as the use of international consulting services for conducting export operations in the field of IT technologies. The modern conditions of taxation, crediting and financing of business entities are considered, which include: preferential taxation, credit programs for importers of IT products, inclusion of the IT industry in the "5-7-9" lending program, direct investment, use of crowdinvesting operations and fundraising. It is proposed to introduce a group of "small businesses and entrepreneurs" for IT enterprises and IT entrepreneurs as residents of Diya City and to create conditions for their preferential taxation. Measures have been developed to implement a special program for crediting the export of IT products through the export credit agency with the help of long-term bonds, as well as a special fund for crediting the IT business at the expense of deductions from all types of taxes and fees of Diya City residents. For the effectiveness of the proposed investment decisions, it is suggested to use the services of international consulting for the support of foreign economic activity.

Organizational Belonging Sense and Turnover Intention of Service of Outsourcing Employees in Zhongguancun in IT Industry in Beijing, China

Background and Aim: The purposes of this study were 1) to study the degree of organizational belonging sense of service outsourcing employees in Zhongguancun private IT enterprises in Beijing, China 2) to study the degree of turnover intention among IT industry service outsourcing employees 3) to study the recommendations to improve employee sense of belonging, thereby reducing employee turnover and improving employee performance and satisfaction. The samples of this study were 178 outsourced employees of private IT companies in Zhongguancun, Beijing, China calculated by and selected through a simple random sampling technique. The instrument used in the study was 21 items and 10 items with five close-ended rating scale questionnaires with 0.90 reliability and open-ended. The statistics encompassed frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Materials and Methods: The results of the personal data of the samples were found as follows: described by gender mostly male, with the number 90 at 50.06 %, described by age, mostly under 25-year-old, the number 47 at 27.41 %, described by educational level were master degree and above, at the number of 67 with 37.64 %, described by educational level were master degree and above, at the number of 67 with 37.64 %, described by married status, were unmarried, at the number of 93 with 52.25 %, described by the type of work, were non-packaged employees, at the number of 94 with 52.81 % and described by working years, were one to three (1-3) years, at the number of 46 with 25.84 %. Results: The results of the study were as follows; 1. The degree of organizational belonging sense of service outsourcing employees in Zhongguancun private IT enterprises in Beijing, China as a whole was rated at moderate. 2. The degree of turnover intention among IT industry service outsourcing employees as a whole was rated as moderated. 3. The degree of organizational belonging sense of service outsourcing employees in Zhongguancun private IT enterprises in Beijing, China as classified by item, all items were rated at moderated. 4. The first recommendation of the samples for improving the IT outsourcing employees' sense of belonging and preventing their propensity to leave was “The enterprise should create good culture by improving work cooperating among employees. The good corporation is the soul of the enterprise. It is the soil that breeds the sense of belonging to the organization and the employees will be proud to work in such an enterprise” Conclusion: The population of this study is 318 outsourced employees of private IT companies in Zhongguancun, Beijing, China.

A Performance Evaluation Method for Employees in Small and Medium-Sized IT Enterprises Based on Multiple Indicators

In recent years, research on performance evaluation of IT enterprises has become a hot topic worthy of attention. In some countries, IT enterprises have become essential in driving economic development. However, there are significant differences in personnel management, performance evaluation, and other aspects among listed IT enterprises, large IT enterprises, and small and medium-sized IT enterprises, making it difficult to standardize performance evaluation for different types of enterprises. Especially for small and medium-sized IT enterprises, there are still specific problems in performance evaluation due to the unique characteristics of the enterprise. The primary manifestation is that standardized evaluation indicators cannot be fully applicable to small and medium-sized IT enterprises, making it challenging to conduct dynamic evaluations based on the characteristics of the enterprise. This article is based on the research and analysis data of performance evaluation management for small and medium-sized IT enterprises in a particular region of China. It proposes a multi-indicator-oriented performance evaluation system for small and medium-sized IT enterprises and offers corresponding guarantee measures.

EXPLORING HRIS ADOPTION AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES IN HYDERABAD-BASED IT ENTERPRISES: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

This study aims to examine the IT companies in Hyderabad, India, and their adoption of HR information systems, as well as the impact of this adoption on performance results. The research aims to identify the factors influencing HRIS adoption, assess the challenges faced during implementation, and examine the overall impact of HRIS on organizational performance through the use of a case study methodology. In order to guide academic research and practical strategies for the implementation of HRIS, this study aims to analyze the special environment of Hyderabads information technology sector. By doing so, it hopes to provide insightful information. Furthermore, it offers a thorough analysis of how HRIS impacts the dynamics and success of businesses. KEYWORDS: HRIS adoption, IT enterprises, organizational performance, determinants, implementation challenges.

Особливості та проблеми дифузії клієнтських баз у діяльності ІТ-підприємств України

The purpose of the study is to identify the features and problems of diffusion of the client base of IT enterprises in Ukraine, to develop recommendations for solution of the latter. The article outlines the general situation in the IT market, in particular, draws attention to its turbulence and high instability of consumer preferences, when supply in the market dominates over demand. The components of the concept of «diffusion of client bases of enterprises» are considered. Under the concept of «diffusion» it is proposed to consider the conception that describes the patterns of distribution of cultural, social, economic and other phenomena, initially concentrated in one or more places, which imply the presence of a certain share of uncertainties, and «client base» – as the main source of business and income of the enterprise, containing information about both existing and potential clients. The main advantages of maintaining a client base of activities are presented, in particular: preservation of data; transfer of a client from one manager to another; analysis of the market situation; assessment of the target audience; formation of marketing strategy and business development. It is noted that client-oriented business management allows to increase the profit and overall efficiency of the enterprise by increasing the amount of revenue from the existing client base, as well as by optimizing operating costs. The stages of formation of the client base of activity for IT enterprises are proposed and detailed as: planning, development, implementation, and analysis. Attention is drawn to the matter that the main indicator of the diffusion of the client base of an IT enterprise is the «drawdown» of sales, which can be caused by both internal and external factors of influence. The statistics of changes in the geography of hiring on the example of the largest domestic IT enterprises, which is one of the indicators of client behavior, has been studied. It is noted that large enterprises do not experience the diffusion of the client base of activity to the same extent as it happens with small companies, so the diffusion of the client base of IT enterprises from Ukraine is not a mass phenomenon. Recommendations to encourage clients to cooperate with Ukrainian IT companies are proposed. Prospects for further research in this direction are the study of the specifics of the recovery of global demand in the IT industry after the recession.

Методичні аспекти побудови системи кар’єрного планування на прикладі підприємств IT-сектора

The Ukrainian IT sector remains the most dynamic sector of the economy, despite the geopolitical challenges of the ongoing full-scale war, and continues to develop rapidly. At this, the demand for qualified IT specialists is only growing, creating both opportunities for young professionals and competition in the market. This requires IT companies to significantly increase the efficiency of talent management. Accordingly, the development and implementation of new career planning strategies is an important task for Ukrainian IT enterprises, since the extant generally accepted approaches to personnel management do not always take into account the specifics of this industry. Effective career planning is an important aspect for organizational development and business stability, as it helps to increase the level of employee engagement and motivation, as well as reduce staff turnover. The main purpose of this article is to focus and prioritize the career planning system as an effective tool for personnel management. At this, the main task is to reveal the practical aspect of building the system on the example of companies in the IT sector. The article uses the methodology of generalization and systematization through methods of comparing differences and common features in the interpretation of the concepts of «career» and «career growth», analyzing the types of career movements on the example of companies in the IT sector, synthesizing the formation of career maps for employees of different departments and developing common approaches to building career plans, concretizing the key stages of career planning, inductive and deductive description of career transitions within the department and cross-team movements. The article analyzes scientific and practical approaches to understanding career planning, reveals the understanding of vertical and horizontal career movements. The key elements of the career planning system are disclosed. The methods of creating career maps are characterized and steps for building a career growth system on the example of IT companies are developed. The importance of creating job profiles in establishing a career planning system is indicated. Approaches to building career plans through the establishment of development goals are proposed.

G-Fuzz: A Directed Fuzzing Framework for gVisor

gVisor is a Google-published application-level kernel for containers. As gVisor is lightweight and has sound isolation, it has been widely used in many IT enterprises [1],[2],[3]. When a new vulnerability of the upstream gVisor is found, it is important for the downstream developers to test the corresponding code to maintain the security. To achieve this aim, directed fuzzing is promising. Nevertheless, there are many challenges in applying existing directed fuzzing methods for gVisor. The core reason is that existing directed fuzzers are mainly for general C/C++ applications, while gVisor is an OS kernel written in the Go language. To address the above challenges, we propose G-Fuzz, a directed fuzzing framework for gVisor. There are three core methods in G-Fuzz, including lightweight and fine-grained distance calculation, target related syscall inference and utilization, and exploration and exploitation dynamic switch. Note that the methods of G-Fuzz are general and can be transferred to other OS kernels. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the performance of G-Fuzz. Compared to Syzkaller, the state-of-the-art kernel fuzzer, G-Fuzz outperforms it significantly. Furthermore, we have rigorously evaluated the importance for each core method of G-Fuzz. G-Fuzz has been deployed in industry and has detected multiple serious vulnerabilities.

IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY ON TAX INCIDENCE FOR INDIAN IT COMPANIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This study investigates the impact of variations in the USD/INR exchange rate on the tax burden of Indian IT enterprises from 2019 to 2023. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect tax obligations by influencing the conversion of overseas income and the efficacy of hedging tactics. The research conducted an analysis using correlation and regression techniques on data from prominent IT companies like as Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and HCL Technologies. The findings indicate a notable and positive relationship between fluctuations in currency rates and tax expenses. Infosys and TCS demonstrate the highest levels of correlation, with around 82.6% and 88.8% of their variation in tax expenses being accounted for by variations in exchange rates, respectively. These findings emphasize the importance of using efficient risk management methods, such as strategic hedging and the strategic placement of subsidiaries, to reduce the negative impact of currency fluctuations on tax-related financial factors. Further research could investigate the role of government policies in mitigating these risks.

REVIEW of the monograph by Loskorich L., Perchi O. «Accounting and analytical support of the activities of IT enterprises in Ukraine»

Монографію присвячено питанням удосконалення обліково-аналітичного забезпечення діяльності підприємств ІТ-галузі. Розкрито сутність та класифікацію ІТ-підприємств через призму бухгалтерського обліку, виокремлено специфічні об’єкти й особливості обліково-аналітичного забезпечення діяльності ІТ-підприємств. Охарактеризовано специфіку організації бухгалтерського обліку на ІТ-підприємствах. Значна увага приділена організації обліку витрат залежно від моделей організації бізнесу підприємств ІТ сфери. Обґрунтовано систему індикаторів ризиків ІТ-проєктів і систематизовано способи управління ризиками з визначенням можливостей застосування облікових інструментів. Удосконалено організаційно-методичні положення аналізу ефективності ІТ-проєкту. Системний підхід, який прослідковується в монографії, значно підвищив наукову цінність дослідження та дозволив розв’язати цілий комплекс проблемних питань, пов’язаних з обліково-аналітичним забезпеченням діяльності ІТ-підприємств. Видання є корисним для здобувачів вищої освіти, викладачів, науковців, спеціалістів ризик-менеджменту, аналітиків, облікового персоналу, керівників компаній.

Youth Entrepreneurship: A Path to Nigeria's Development

The world is constantly in a state of flux. Contemporary realities such as the Internet revolution with the accompanying Information Age appear to have placed young people above other demographic categories. Increasingly, young people between their teens and early adulthood have been taking very active parts in economic activities and leading critical sectors, especially IT, banking, and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Their unmatched compliance and savviness in the use of the virtual space have exposed them to limitless knowledge and opportunities that hitherto were difficult to access. The case is not different in Nigeria. Nigerian youths are a formidable population category whose imaginative and creative ability can turn around Nigeria’s dwindling economy if bolstered with an enabling environment. However, the Nigerian State has not been able to leverage the ingenuities and economic capacities of its largest population cluster. This is particularly paradoxical considering Nigeria’s continuous struggle for development. This paradox informs this paper. In it, I foreground the need for the Nigerian State to shift its focus to youth entrepreneurship and encourage bourgeoning youth entrepreneurs to develop innovative economic and/or business activities that can improve the different aspects of Nigeria’s economy and social development. This has become an imperative, especially in light of accidental events like COVID-19. Innovative entrepreneurship, injecting new efforts and ideas, and leveraging youth potential will benefit Nigeria and will not only engender healthy economic performance but also reduce mass unemployment and poverty. Nigeria’s dream of becoming a global economic powerhouse may be built around the entrepreneurship, innovativeness, and creative capacities of her youth population.

Exploring the Role of Shared Leadership on Job Performance in IT Industries: Testing the Moderated Mediation Model

Shared leadership, unlike the traditional perspective, is characterized by the fact that organizational members constitute the source of its leadership. In fact, there is a lack of research on how shared leadership improves performance among small- and medium-sized enterprises in China. In particular, in the Chinese organizational context with a strong collectivist culture, sharing and cooperation among organizational members can have a great positive impact on the sustainability of small- and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, this study focused on shared leadership on job performance, unlike traditional leadership. According to the research background, it showed the need for research on the link between shared leadership and job performance and presented the moderated mediation effect of self-efficacy in the Chinese organizational context. In order to verify our purpose, a survey was conducted with 320 employees from small- and medium-sized IT enterprises in China. The results indicated that shared leadership positively influenced job performance via psychological stability. Additionally, the moderated mediation effect of self-efficacy was significant. Based on these results, this study suggested ways to improve job performance, verified related research models, and presented future research directions for job performance enhancement. Overall, this research contributed to expanding the research field of shared leadership via its role and influence in various industrial fields.

Innovative instruments for increasing the efficiency of human resources management of IT-companies

The mechanism of improving the efficiency of human resources management at IT-companies updates the implementation of innovative management tools in the processes of hiring, developing, and evaluating their employees. The goal of the work is to deepen the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the effectiveness of HR management at IT-companies in the social and labor context and to develop scientific and applied recommendations regarding the mechanism of its enhancement in the conditions of formation of a new economy. Measures outlined in the paper to apply the competency approach, to introduce the talent management algorithm on a systematic basis, and to develop the system of key performance indicators should be considered as a component of scientific and practical recommendations for improving the efficiency of human resources management in IT enterprises in the social and labor dimension. In order to improve the efficiency of human resources management at IT enterprises, it is necessary to develop and introduce a perfect mechanism as a systemic integrity of economic, social, and organizational processes of creating preconditions for innovative development of the enterprise as a benefit for the employer and decent work as a benefit for the employees. The scientific platform of the theoretical and applied construct of such a mechanism should be the managerial paradigm of harmonization of social and labor relations, and its internal architectonics should be formed in compliance with the values of corporate social responsibility and contain innovative tools in the format of the goals and results management system in contrast to the functions management system. On the basis of understanding of the essence and regulatory consolidation of competencies as the ability of a person to perform a certain type of activity, the model of functional and behavioral competencies of the IT project manager is developed, the trajectory of development of talents in the field of computer programming is given, the methodological basis of construction and the algorithm of development of the key system are developed and performance indicators are implemented.

Study of Factors and Relationships Shaping the Inclusion Prospects for LGBT Society: A Perspective Across Middle-Sized IT Enterprises in National Capital Region

LGBT society and their employee rights and call for inclusion and embedment across the organizational ecosystem marks a revolutionary change in organizational working in IT companies in India. The need to explore the theoretical basis for the relationship between the organization and workplace-driven attributes and the respective generalization of the 'diversity management and inclusive culture' construct is rampant. There is a growing realization that inclusive, integrative, and embedded LGBT personals often lead to wholesome and seamless business performance irrespective of sexual orientation and gender complexities. This study investigates the elements and linkages that impact LGBT societal inclusion chances inside middle-sized IT firms in the National Capital Region. Organizations are becoming more conscious of the significance of fostering an inclusive workplace for all workers, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). This study investigates the numerous elements that contribute to or impede LGBT inclusion, the links between these factors, and the overall prospects for LGBT persons in middle-sized IT firms. The research was conducted for seven to eight months across the chosen unit of analysis in a defined and phased manner. The research above was conducted across the time ranging from May 2021 to February 2022 across the 438 mid-career employees in permanent charge across IT organizations in North Indian perspective. The industrial locations were selected to offer coverage to the aspects that essentially determine and shape the decision-making across the industrial cities of NCR. The research observed the significant impact of identity-conscious programs, 'identity-blind programs,' 'age inclusiveness,' 'awareness,' and 'internal communications' on 'workplace diversity' and 'workplace inclusion' across the LGBT society.

Profitability determinants of companies in IT industry: case of Ukraine

Purpose. To identify patterns of profitability of IT enterprises by quantitative evaluation of the relationship of profitability of enterprises with the structure of capital and assets, taking into account the level of business activity and the main economic activity, as well as the formation of appropriate recommendations. Methodology. The empirical basis of the study was the aggregate performance of enterprises whose main economic activity belongs to Chapter 62 of the NACE “Computer programming, consultancy and related activities” during 2013–2020. Correlation and regression analysis was used to build a multifactor model of linear regression, which describes the dependence of return on assets from the ratio of long-term and short-term liabilities and provisions to liabilities of the balance sheet, the ratio of current assets to balance sheet assets, total assets and main economic activity. Findings. It has been established that the capital structure of IT companies is unsatisfactory due to the dependence on external sources of funding, including current liabilities, which have a negative impact on return on assets. It has been found that the structure of assets is dominated by current assets, the growth of which has a positive impact on the profitability of enterprises in the industry. This indicates the need to optimize non-current assets, given the level of their involvement in the production process. It is proved that by expanding markets, it is possible to ensure further growth in profitability of enterprises in the industry, as business activity has a positive effect on return on assets. The return on assets varies depending on the main type of economic activity. Originality. The relationship is identified between the efficiency of IT companies and the structure of their capital and assets, business activity and type of economic activity. Practical value. The applied value of the study is the ability to predict the profitability of assets of IT companies depending on the structure of sources of funding for their activities and areas of asset placement, business activity and the main type of economic activity. The recommendations can be used to improve the state policy of digital economy in terms of justifying the need to encourage business owners to reinvest profits, to involve enterprises more actively in national digital projects and support the product business model.

Influence of Industry 4.0 on strategies of companies entering the global market of data integration services

Purpose. To substantiate the theoretical principles and practical recommendations regarding the formation of the strategy of enterprises entering the market of data integration services in the conditions of Industry 4.0. Methodology. Research methods based on the principle of the unity of theory and practice were used in the research process, including: the historical-logical method (to study the evolution of market development and its trends); the analytical-statistical one (to determine the dynamics of market volumes); SWOT-matrix method analysis and DROC-analysis (to study the global market development of data integration services and to determine the company’s development scenarios in the market in the conditions of Industry 4.0); correlation-regression analysis (to study the dependence of marketing costs on net income of IT market leaders); taxonomic analysis (to systematize strategies used by market players under different conditions); qualitative research method (expert interview to analyze the state of the market and identify trends in its development). Findings. The state, conjuncture, key trends and drivers of the development of the data integration services market were comprehensively investigated, and the impact of Industry 4.0 was analyzed. The strategies of the leading players and possible scenarios for the development of companies on the market are determined. Originality. Empirical and theoretical research allowed us to propose directions for the implementation of digital-marketing technologies for enterprises to enter new b2b markets and to substantiate their strategies for entering the market of data integration services; in addition, to take into account the prospects for the development of this market in the post-war development of Ukraine. Practical value. The research results can be helpful to state authorities and researchers, applied in the functional activities of IT enterprises, namely, conclusions regarding the specifics and prospects for the development of the market of data integration services, its drivers, and their development strategies in turbulent times and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, directions for the implementation of technologies digital-marketing for entering new b2b markets, strategies and tactics for entering the data integration services market, in particular, when researching the global data integration services market and developing hybrid entry strategies.

Work-related stressors and coping behaviors among leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises

BackgroundOccupational health interventions for leaders are underrepresented in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). When creating and developing effective occupational health interventions, identification of the specific needs of the target group is regarded as an essential step before planning an intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to examine the subjectively experienced work-related stressors of leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises, (2) to explore coping behaviors leaders use to deal with the experienced work-related stressors, (3) to investigate resources supporting the coping process and (4) to identify potentially self-perceived consequences resulting from the experienced stressors.MethodsTen semi-structured interviews with leaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with content-structuring qualitative content analysis in accordance to Kuckartz.ResultsLeaders in small and medium-sized IT and technological services enterprises experience various stressors caused by work organization as well as industry-related stressors and other work-related stressors. To address the experienced stressors, leaders apply problem focused coping behaviors (e.g. performing changes on structural and personal level), emotional focused coping behaviors (e.g. balancing activities, cognitive restructuring) as well as the utilization of social support. Helpful resources for the coping process include organizational, social and personal resources. As a result of the experienced work-related stressors, interviewees stated to experience different health impairments, negative effects on work quality as well as neglect of leisure activities and lack of time for family and friends.ConclusionThe identified experienced work-related stressors, applied coping behaviors, utilized resources and emerging consequences underpin the urgent need for the development and performance of health-oriented leadership interventions for leaders in small and medium- sized IT and technological services. The results of this study can be used when designing a target-oriented intervention for the examined target group.

Energy‐efficient task scheduling and resource management in a cloud environment using optimized hybrid technology

AbstractCloud computing is a significant platform emerging for IT enterprises, business applications, and mobile computing. It is a dynamic environment where efficiently and properly allocating resources in such an environment becomes a tedious task. Most existing approaches cannot guarantee energy‐efficient resource management due to the existence of time‐dependent tasks. Cloud resources consume a huge amount of energy, which may reduce the Makespan of the entire network. The process of appropriate task scheduling may satisfy the user's requirement. Reducing energy consumption by satisfying the user's QoS requirements is essential to ensure each user's service level agreement (SLA). Therefore, to achieve an energy‐efficient and unique task scheduling, a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) based unique ranking (uRank‐TOPSIS) and a Hybrid state‐action‐reward‐state‐action (SARSA), Reinforcement Learning with Black widow Algorithm (HSRLBA) are proposed in this paper. Here, the task scheduling process is carried out using the uRank‐TOPSIS process by producing a set of unique weights and ranking the alternatives. Also, HSRLBA is used to perform resource allocation, which uses the Black widow Algorithm (BWA) to rapidly converge parallel agents in the SARSA model of RL. The Cloudsim simulator is used for experiments. The efficiency of the proposed framework is measured in terms of Makespan, Task Completion Ratio (TCR), total energy consumption, response time and resource utilization. The proposed uRank‐TOPSIS and HSRLBA achieved an energy consumption of 325 KWh, response time of 15.42 s, Makespan of the 1150 s, TCR of 98% and resource utilization of 92%. The proposed framework maximizes TCR and resource utilization and minimizes the Makespan, energy consumption, and response time.