IT Services Research Articles

AI patenting and employment: evidence from the world’s top R&D investors

For assessing the overall impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial to continuously monitor large corporations. This paper delves into the examination of 42 corporations that rank among the world's largest investors in R&D, accounting for over one-third of AI patents globally. The focus is on their post-patenting performance, specifically in terms of employment changes, and comparing it with the outcomes of 42 similar companies operating in the same sectors. The latter also recorded substantial levels of R&D expenditures but were not significantly involved in AI patenting. The key findings reveal that, in the medium – and high-tech manufacturing sectors, companies with the highest proportions of AI patents incurred in employment reductions. Conversely, IT services companies experienced substantial employment growth. Along with tentative explanations of these findings, advantages, limitations, and possible developments of this type of analysis are illustrated in the concluding section.

Centring or suburbanization? Changing locations of producer services in Shanghai

Producer services are a critical indicator of global cities in advanced economies, whose spatial-temporal dynamics reflect the trajectory of urban transformation. However, the growth of producer services in China cannot be fully explained by current theories (e.g. neoclassical, institutional, global city and human capital theories), especially regarding their development process and geographical contexts. This study developed a context-sensitive analytical framework to comprehensively examine the location of producer services in Shanghai, a global city. We used rigorous geospatial analytical methods and considered sectoral differences and local contexts, especially institutional factors and urban spatial structure. We found that producer services in Shanghai were still concentrated in the city centre, but a dispersion trend could be detected, and subcentres were emerging in suburban areas. Further analysis highlighted producer service firms’ significant sector differences and various underlying spatiotemporal locational determinants. We identified positive effects of agglomeration on the emergence of centres for IT and research services. However, the concentration of financial and real estate services needs diversity, and agglomeration had a negative impact on them. Also, access to public transit promoted the development of IT and research services. Our study suggests that none of the existing theories alone can explain the location of producer servicer firms in Shanghai, and that sectoral heterogeneity and spatiality of producer services should be seriously considered in policy development and future studies.

Deciphering the Spatial Stickiness, Co-occurrence, and Co-change of Industries at the Scale of City

This paper analyzes the location of industries in two metropolitan cities to investigate how firms are spatially distributed, and identify the prevailing trends in firm location choice. By defining a “Region Index” metric, we show how industries have concentrated in or diffused from the regions-of-interest over time. We apply this metric to the Central Area (CA) of Singapore and the London Region to decipher the relative tendency of industries to locate at CA as well as London. To analyze the spatial co-location of industries, we constructed a community network, which reveals subtle spatial relationships between firms. Extending this approach temporally to create a co-change network, we deduce the occurrences of industries in Singapore and London that move into or out of a spatial region synchronously. Based on this approach, we elucidate firm types that not only co-change but also co-occur in space and remain within a region-of-interest. Overall, we observe certain common and contrasting patterns of industry movements in the context of Singapore and London through the analysis. “Other Activities Auxiliary to Financial Services” is found to have the consistent tendency of diffusing out of CA and London throughout the period of study. Conversely, opposite movement patterns are observed where we see the proclivity of IT and digital service firms to locate in London but relocate out of CA, while the Media, Financial Services, and Life Insurance subsectors tend to diffuse out of London but concentrate in the CA of Singapore.

PROACTIVE HORIZONTAL SCALING METHOD FOR KUBERNETES

Context. The problem of minimizing redundant resource reservation while maintaining QoS at an agreed level is crucial for modern information systems. Modern information systems can include a large number of applications, each of which uses computing resources and has its own unique features, which require a high level of automation to increase the efficiency of computing resource management processes.
 Objective. The purpose of this paper is to ensure the quality of IT services at an agreed level in the face of significant dynamics of user requests by developing and using a method of proactive automatic application scaling in Kubernetes.
 Method. This paper proposes a proactive horizontal scaling method based on the Prophet time series prediction algorithm. Prometheus metrics storage is used as a data source for training and validating forecasting models. Based on the historical metrics, a model is trained to predict the future utilization of computation resources using Prophet. The obtained time series is validated and used to calculate the required number of application replicas, considering deployment delays.
 Results. The experiments have shown the effectiveness of the proposed proactive automated application scaling method in comparison with existing solutions based on the reactive approach in the selected scenarios. This method made it possible to reduce the reservation of computing resources by 47% without loss of service quality compared to the configuration without scaling.
 Conclusions. A method for automating the horizontal scaling of applications in Kubernetes is proposed. Although the experiments have shown the effectiveness of this solution, this method can be significantly improved. In particular, it is necessary to consider the possibility of integrating a reactive component for atypical load patterns.

Public Library Services in Rural Australia: Challenges and Prospects

ABSTRACT This article reports the findings of a survey of more than 100 Australian outer regional and remote public library managers. Public libraries in these areas serve more than 2.5 million Australians, representing an important yet under-researched topic. Using an online questionnaire, with a response rate of more than 40%, we asked public library managers in rural Australia about the services provided by both fixed-site and mobile libraries (where applicable), as well as online and other outreach services. Questions also covered the value, issues and challenges of respondents’ library services. Findings suggest that while rural libraries perform some similar functions to their more urban counterparts, and share some challenges, they are especially valued by their communities in the absence of alternative services and social outlets, making the library even more of a key facilitator, potentially, of social inclusion and community interaction. Respondents also noted an increasing demand for IT services and digital literacy support among their users, a need sometimes at odds with the challenge these libraries face maintaining up-to-date technical infrastructure.

Antecedents of Feedback-Seeking Behavior and Its Conditional Impacts: Applying the Framework of Workplace Entitlement

This study proposes and empirically tests a more elaborate model for feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) by including new potential predictors (perceived overqualification, hostile attributional style, and overwork climate) involved with a range of entitlement forms. As well, it aims to identify the extent to which FSB varies within its boundary conditions (i.e., regulatory foci, mutual recognition respect, and motivational climate). A series of hierarchical, moderated regression analyses were used to explore the hypotheses. Data were collected from a stratified sample of 444 employees working largely in manufacturing and IT service industries in eastern China. A hostile attributional style and an overwork climate negatively impact FSB. Although perceived overqualification does not have a direct effect, its interaction with a prevention focus (rather than a promotion focus) easily induces FSB. From the use of the influential predictors and moderators, a thorough understanding of their effects on FSB not only neutralizes the concern over reducing employees’ FSB, but also assists in providing possibilities to create a feedback-rich culture. We provide some insights on how an inflated sense of entitlement can be extended to understand the evolving nature of FSB through another feedback-seeking motive behind the instrumental one. As a different attempt, it adds further value in ongoing feedback research by showing the conditional impacts on such behaviors.

Examining IT Service Management at Company XYZ through the Lens of ITIL V3 Service Operation Domain

Examining IT Service Management at Company XYZ through the Lens of ITIL V3 Service Operation Domain

Theoretical perspectives on predictive analytics in it service management: Enhancing service quality

This paper explores the theoretical perspectives underpinning the application of predictive analytics in IT service management (ITSM) to enhance service quality. It begins with an introduction to predictive analytics in the context of ITSM and the significance of improving service quality in IT operations. Theoretical frameworks such as Systems Theory, Information Theory, Decision Theory, and Machine Learning Theory are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles guiding predictive analytics in ITSM. The paper examines the practical applications, challenges, and benefits of predictive analytics in ITSM, emphasizing its role in anticipatory problem resolution, proactive service improvements, and predictive maintenance. Case studies and examples of successful implementations are presented to illustrate real-world applications and best practices. Additionally, future directions and emerging trends in predictive analytics technology are explored, along with their potential impact on ITSM practices and ethical considerations. Overall, this paper contributes to the theoretical foundation and practical insights for leveraging predictive analytics to enhance service quality in ITSM.

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.

Revolutionizing America's Cloud Computing the Pivotal Role of AI in Driving Innovation and Security

Cloud computing represents a transformative approach to delivering IT services via an interconnected network of servers, collectively referred to as the "Cloud." This virtualized environment seamlessly integrates networks, servers, applications, storage, and services, facilitating convenient access for users with minimal administrative overhead. This comprehensive review article centers on two fundamental pillars of cloud computing: virtualization and containerization. It examines their groundbreaking influence on resource management and deployment efficiency. Additionally, the paper explores upcoming trends and challenges expected to shape the cloud computing landscape from 2025 to 2030.An emphasis is placed on the anticipated adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, providing organizations with tailored solutions while reducing the risks associated with vendor lock-in. The emergence of edge computing is highlighted as a key solution to address latency concerns and foster a competitive environment for the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning within cloud frameworks is poised to unlock new avenues of innovation and optimization, propelling digital transformation. The article underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure user privacy. Ongoing price competitions among cloud providers and heightened regulatory scrutiny are also examined, underscoring the dynamic nature of cloud computing. By offering insights into the past, present, and future trajectory of cloud computing, this article affirms its pivotal role in driving digital innovation and empowering organizations to thrive in an interconnected world. In conclusion, the article provides recommendations for businesses to leverage emerging technologies and effectively navigate evolving challenges in the realm of cloud computing.

Revolutionizing America's Cloud Computing the Pivotal Role of AI in Driving Innovation and Security

Cloud computing represents a transformative approach to delivering IT services via an interconnected network of servers, collectively referred to as the "Cloud." This virtualized environment seamlessly integrates networks, servers, applications, storage, and services, facilitating convenient access for users with minimal administrative overhead. This comprehensive review article centers on two fundamental pillars of cloud computing: virtualization and containerization. It examines their groundbreaking influence on resource management and deployment efficiency. Additionally, the paper explores upcoming trends and challenges expected to shape the cloud computing landscape from 2025 to 2030.An emphasis is placed on the anticipated adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, providing organizations with tailored solutions while reducing the risks associated with vendorlock-in. The emergence of edge computing is highlighted as a key solution to address latency concerns and foster a competitive environment for the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning within cloud frameworks is poised to unlock new avenues of innovation and optimization, propelling digital transformation. The article underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure user privacy. Ongoingprice competitions among cloud providers and heightened regulatory scrutiny are also examined, underscoring the dynamic nature of cloud computing. By offering insights into the past, present, and future trajectory of cloud computing, this article affirms its pivotal role in driving digital innovation and empowering organizations to thrive in an interconnected world. Inconclusion, the article provides recommendations for businesses to leverage emerging technologies and effectively navigate evolving challenges in the realm of cloud computing.

Addressing Knowledge Gaps in ITSM Practice with “Learning Digital Commons”: A Case Study

AbstractInformation Technology Service Management (ITSM) constitutes a suite of specialized organizational capabilities aimed at optimizing the value derived from IT services. The practice of ITSM encompasses a range of complementary frameworks. However, the practitioner community lacks a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the knowledge embedded within these frameworks.Addressing this gap, we developed Service-Symphony, an instance of a Learning Digital Commons (LEDICO) designed to empower the ITSM community with a holistic knowledge-learning experience, with design principles based on epistemic logic, cognitive constructivist learning theory and cognitive schema theory. Leveraging the Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm, we systematically constructed and assessed Service-Symphony. Evaluation tools included surveys and web analytics. Survey responses revealed a consensus among participants, with the majority expressing alignment with the four design principles underpinning Service-Symphony. Web analytics data further indicated significant engagement, with 148,796 users accessing Service-Symphony between April 2019 and September 2022.This paper contributes both to theory and practice. Theoretical contributions include the establishment of a conceptual model and a multi-grounded design theory based on cognitive constructivist learning, cognitive schema and epistemic logic. The practical contributions include e the deployment of a public domain ITSM digital commons tailored to the specific needs of the ITSM community, which is also used as supplementary learning resource for ITSM students.

Returns and Risks in Dynamic Stocks

In the current scenario of high volatility in the stock exchange, it's crucial for investors to make informed decisions. The surge of millennial investors into the market, aiming for substantial returns, highlights the importance of a solid grasp of statistical tools and measures for sound decision-making. This study delves into the risk and return analysis of various stocks alongside their benchmark indices to decode the stock movements in relation to the market. The primary goal for any investor is to amplify profits while minimizing risks. This research aids investors by offering insights into various statistical methods for analyzing stock risks and returns. The research concentrated on gathering daily data, including the closing prices of stocks from 2019 to 2023, from the stock market. It calculated the daily returns of these stocks and measured their standard deviations, focusing on key sectors such as Automobile, Banking, Finance, FMCG, and IT. These sectors are pivotal in reflecting the country's economic health. Further analysis was conducted using beta and regression analysis to assess the risk associated with the indices compared to market indices like NIFTY AUTOMOBILE, BANK NIFTY, NIFTY FINANCE, NIFTY FMCG, and NIFTY IT Service. This helped in understanding the indices' performance versus the benchmark indices and integrating various statistical tools to differentiate the risk and return profiles across sectors. The study aims to identify which sector presents a favorable investment opportunity in terms of risk and return.

Formation of Information and Digital Competence of the Modern Teacher of the New Ukrainian School

The article examines modern trends in the creation of an informational educational space, the issue of the introduction of information and digital technologies that ensure effective interaction of individuals in society; the essence of the concept of "informational and digital competence" of the teacher of the New Ukrainian School, the structure of the informational and digital competence of the teacher based on integration, namely: technological literacy, deepening of knowledge, creation of means of information provision of the needs of humanity, with the help of technical means; an analysis of international and domestic legal documents regarding the formation of information and digital competence of teachers was carried out. It was determined that in the conditions of the reform of modern education in Ukraine, the formation of the teacher's information and digital competence becomes relevant, and the specific tasks of the development of the educational process during the implementation of the Concept of the New Ukrainian School in general secondary education institutions, where information and digital competence is one of the professional skills of the teacher, are outlined. , the ability to apply information and communication technologies in the educational process of an educational institution, and the ability to receive information and operate it according to one's own needs and requirements in the development of programs, documents, and organization of cooperation. Priorities, technological principles of building an information and educational environment, implementation of effective methods of teaching and access to knowledge, formation of information and digital competencies of the teacher, which is a powerful tool that contributes to the improvement of the process of creation, storage, processing, and distribution of educational materials, intensification of the educational process, increase speed and quality of perception, understanding and assimilation of knowledge by students, as well as joint work with them; the definition of the concept of "information and digital competence" is clarified. The Digital Competence Framework for pedagogical workers is an important tool for the creation of educational standards, assistance in the creation and planning of educational initiatives aimed at increasing the level of digital literacy and the practical use of IT technology tools and services, the development of educational programs by providers of educational services (DigCompEdu), developed European Joint Research Center; their main provisions, the views of researchers regarding the information and digital competence of the teacher, defined according to the professional standard of the teacher, are disclosed because the use of digital technologies in education is currently one of the most important and stable trends in the development of the global educational process.

DELINEATING DODONG AND INDAY: A Baseline Study on the Informal Youth Employment in General Santos City

With the seeming presence of the working youth in the Philippines, the need to revisit and check the status of youth employment is viable. In the context of the growing city of General Santos, the study determined the situation of the informal youth employment as well as their socio-demographic profile, employment profile, reasons for working, and their concerns and needs. The study is a qualitative research and utilized descriptive method to meet the desired outcome. The youth considered in the study are aged 15-24 and residents of any of the Top 6 most populous barangays. The sectors included eateries/food services, fishing, agrivet supplies, educational services, construction work, transportation, domestic help, public market/retail stores, IT services, and offices. In terms of socio-demographic profile, the participants are at the average age of 18, mostly Cebuanos and schooling. Most sectors are low-paying so some participants are into short periods of service. Their working conditions are described as flexible, risky and dangerous, humid and dirty, near distant, and the jobs are often recommended by a family/friend. Their reasons for working are to support the family's needs, to provide for their personal needs and additional allowance, and to gain skills and experiences. The concerns and needs revealed that there were issues with compensation, social services benefits, incentives, facilities, and equipment, secured workplace, workload, overtime, employer’s treatment, health/sanitation, job tenure and salary deduction. The severity of the phenomenon must be revisited and reviewed by the authorities since any one of the variables may affect the status and the future of these young employees.

IT Service Management System Practices in Kenya

This research investigates ITSM adoption and adaptation, and the challenges faced by leading Kenyan companies. Using a case study approach and guided by ISO/IEC 20000 and ITIL frameworks, the study highlights how Kenyan organizations successfully leverage ITSM to improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation capabilities. Findings offer recommendations for businesses in Kenya seeking to optimize their IT service delivery for competitive advantage in a rapidly digitizing economy.

Cloud center energy consumption control for predictability in neural fuzzy systems

Cloud computing provides tool-based IT services to customers worldwide. It is built on a fee-for-service model and enables the hosting of large programs from consumer, scientific, and commercial domains. However, cloud application hosting data centers have enormous energy consumption, which leads to high operating expenses and a carbon footprint. Cloud centers get a lot of requests from different users every day. The centers need strong servers that consume a lot of energy and peripherals in order to run in order to meet these needs. It should go without saying that reducing cloud center energy usage requires efficient resource utilization. We have taken a novel hybrid method in this study. Neural fuzzy systems have been employed for the dynamic resource allocation in the cloud with the goal of minimizing energy consumption and load prediction, and the ant colony optimization method has been utilized for the virtual machine's movement. The experimental results show that the proposed strategy works optimally, as compared to other methods in the literature that have the same objective. When compared to other comparable approaches, the suggested solution has an average resource loss of 23.1 % in 720 time periods and an average request denial rate that is 6.5 % lower. Moreover, extensive testing with the SPECpower benchmark has confirmed the proposed methodology, yielding a forecast accuracy of over 97 % for the proposed energy consumption model.

Assessing the Effect of Task Automation in Labor Markets: Case of IT Services Industry

Assessing the Effect of Task Automation in Labor Markets: Case of IT Services Industry

Investment Cooperation of the EAEU Countries and Latin America in Modern Conditions

The relevance of the study is related to the trend of the states of the "global" South towards a polycentric world, accompanied by an independent foreign economic course. The EAEU is interested in expanding cooperation with Latin American countries. The purpose is to conduct a comparative analysis of the macroeconomic indicators of the EAEU and LAC countries and FDI destinations based on statistical data. Objectives: to analyze the current state of macroeconomic indicators of the integration associations of the EAEU and LAC in order to identify identical development indicators; to characterize the country and sectoral directions of FDI of the EAEU countries in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in comparison with similar investments of the countries of the "collective" West and the United States. Methodology. Investment cooperation is analyzed within the framework of the theory of structural functionalism (Parsons) using macroeconomic indicators of foreign trade cooperation based on UNCTAD statistics on world investments, data from the central banks of Bolivia, Brazil, statistical agencies CEPAL and the Bank of Russia. Results. It has been proved that investment flows between the EAEU and LAC have developed unevenly, and the volume of investments has fluctuated significantly. This trend reflects the general stagnation of the EAEU's investment activity in Latin America outside the commodity sectors. The leading sector attracting investment is the software and IT services sector in LAC. Conclusions. There is a trend towards an increase in the volume of trade turnover between the regions of the EAEU and the LAC, but investment cooperation between the countries is slowed down due to the logistical inaccessibility of the region, the insufficient development of the port infrastructure of the LAC, the lack of interbank relations, and insufficient state support in the LAC.

Potentials and Limits of PMN-PT and PIN-PMN-PT Single Crystals for Pyroelectric Energy Harvesting

Waste heat is inherent to industrial activities, IT services (e.g., data centers and microprocessors), human mobility, and many other common processes. The power lost each year in this way has been estimated in the 1000 TWh in the EU which, owing to skyrocketing energy prices and not least the urgent need for decarbonizing the economy, has engendered tremendous research efforts among scientists and engineers to recover/recycle this waste energy. Beyond established thermal engineering solutions for waste heat, advances in multifunctional materials open new paradigms for waste heat harvesting. Two smart material types are of particular focus and interest at present; these are thermoelectric and pyroelectric materials, which can both transform heat to electrical power, though via different effects. The present paper summarizes our research work on a new class of pyroelectric materials, namely <111> oriented (1-x)(Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT) and x-Pb(In1/2 Nb1/2)O3-y-Pb(Mg1/3 Nb2/3)O3-(1-x-y)-PbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) single crystals that exhibit some of the highest pyroelectric properties ever measured. First, a figure of merit for pyroelectric energy harvesting is derived, followed by a detailed assessment of the properties of the said crystals and how they depend on structure, poling, thickness, and temperature. The properties are further contrasted with those of conventional pyroelectric crystals. It is concluded that the PMN-PT-base single crystals are best suited for harvesting devices with a working temperature range from 40 to 100 °C, which encompasses waste heat generated by data centers and some chemical and industrial processes, affording the highest figure of merit among pyroelectric materials.