Integrated Project Portfolio Management as a Tool for Strategic Steering and Business Control

Tutkielman p����tavoitteena oli tutkia miten projektisalkun hallinnalla voidaan tukea organisaation strategista ohjausta ja liiketoimintaa. T��m��n lis��ksi avaintavoitteina oli kuvata projektisalkun hallinnan nykytilanne kohdeyrityksess��, paljastaa erityisi�� kehitystarpeita ja lopulta luoda kohdeyrityksen projektisalkunhallinnalle tavoitetila. Kirjallisuuskatsauksessa pohdittiin projektisalkun hallinnan roolia ja tavoitteita, projektisalkun hallinnassa k��ytt��v���� prosessia, sek�� menetelmi�� ja tekniikoita, joilla salkkua hallitaan. Ty��n empiirisess�� osassa syvennyttiin tutkimaan projektinsalkun hallintaan liittyvi�� erityispiirteit�� kohdeyrityksess��. Tutkimustulosten huolellinen analysointi osoitti, ett�� aikaisempi kirjallisuus ei riitt��v��sti huomioi kokonaisvaltaisen, integroidun l��hestymistavan tarvetta ja viestinn��n t��rkeytt�� projektisalkun hallinnassa. Tutkimuksen johtop����t��ksin�� luotiin uusi integroitu projektisalkun hallintamalli ja m����riteltiin kohdeyritykselle projektisalkun hallinnan tavoitetila sek�� ne kehitysaskeleet, joita yrityksen tulisi l��hitulevaisuudessa ottaa.

Activity-Based Costing Model for a Vendor Managed Inventory Service

Uusien paperikoneiden kysynt�� on v��hentynyt ja j��lkimarkkinointipalveluiden, kuten huoltojen ja varaosamyyntien, merkitt��vyys paperikoneliiketoiminnassa on kasvanut entisest����n viime aikoina. Uudentyyppisi�� palveluja kilpailuedun lis����miseksi kehitell����n jatkuvasti. Esimerkki t��llaisesta palvelusta on sopimusperusteinen varastointipalvelu, jossa osat ovat myyj��n varastossa kunnes asiakas ottaa ne k��ytt����n. Diplomity��n tavoite on rakentaa malli varastoinnin kustannuslaskentaan ja laskea sen avulla varastointipalvelun kustannukset. Perinteinen toimitusketju monine varastoineen ei nykyk��sityksen mukaan ole en���� kustannustehokas. Yh�� useammat yritykset kaupan ja teollisuuden aloilla ovat ryhtyneet soveltamaan VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) teoriaa toimitusketjuissaan. Varastot ovat t��ll��in keskitettyj��, tiedonkulku toimitusketjun portaiden v��lill�� on nopeaa ja kysynt����n pystyt����n vastaamaan lyhyemm��ll�� viiveell�� sen ennakoitavuuden paranemisen takia. Ty��n tuloksena on toimintolaskentaan pohjautuva kustannuslaskentamalli, jota voidaan hy��dynt���� my��s hinnoittelup����t��ksi�� teht��ess��. Ty��ss�� esitell����n mallin soveltaminen eri tapauksiin ja ehdotetaan jatkotoimenpiteit��.

INCLUDING RISK IN ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS:A STOCHASTIC SIMULATION MODEL FOR BLUEBERRY INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN CHILE

ABSTRACT The traditional method of net present value (NPV) to analyze the economic profitability of an investment (based on a deterministic approach) does not adequately represent the implicit risk associated with different but correlated input variables. Using a stochastic simulation approach for evaluating the profitability of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production in Chile, the objective of this study is to illustrate the complexity of including risk in economic feasibility analysis when the project is subject to several but correlated risks. The results of the simulation analysis suggest that the non-inclusion of the intratemporal correlation between input variables underestimate the risk associated with investment decisions. The methodological contribution of this study illustrates the complexity of the interrelationships between uncertain variables and their impact on the convenience of carrying out this type of business in Chile. The steps for the analysis of economic viability were: First, adjusted probability distributions for stochastic input variables (SIV) were simulated and validated. Second, the random values of SIV were used to calculate random values of variables such as production, revenues, costs, depreciation, taxes and net cash flows. Third, the complete stochastic model was simulated with 10,000 iterations using random values for SIV. This result gave information to estimate the probability distributions of the stochastic output variables (SOV) such as the net present value, internal rate of return, value at risk, average cost of production, contribution margin and return on capital. Fourth, the complete stochastic model simulation results were used to analyze alternative scenarios and provide the results to decision makers in the form of probabilities, probability distributions, and for the SOV probabilistic forecasts. The main conclusion shown that this project is a profitable alternative investment in fruit trees in Chile.

Intercultural business communication between Arabs of the United Arab Emirates and Finns

Kun kauppaa k��yd����n eri maanosien v��lill��, t��rm��t����n vieraisiin kulttuureihin ja erilaisiin kaupank��yntitapoihin. T��m�� tutkimus keskittyy suomalaisten liikemiesten ja - naisten ty��h��n Yhdistyneiss�� Arabiemiraateissa kulttuurierojen n��k��kulmasta. Tavoitteena on kuvata kulttuurierojen vaikutuksia kaupank��yntiprosessiin ja l��yt���� niit�� ongelmia, joita t��m��n prosessin aikana kohdataan. Tavoitteena on tuottaa tietoa, jonka avulla kulttuurieroista johtuvia ongelmia voidaan v��hent���� tulevaisuudessa. Tutkimuksen teoreettinen tausta perustuu Hofsteden kulttuurista vaihtelua kuvaaviin dimensioihin ja Ting Toomeyn kulttuurisen identiteetin neuvotteluprosessin malliin. N��ihin malleihin perustuen luotiin t��h��n tutkimukseen oma kulttuurien v��lisen kohtaamisen malli. Tutkimusongelmia ovat: 1) Miten suomalaiset liikemiehet kuvailevat arabien kaupantekokulttuuria? Kuinka vastapuoli kuvailee omaa kaupantekokulttuuriaan? 2) Mink��lainen on suomalaisten ja arabien v��linen kaupank��yntiprosessi? 3) Mink��laisia ongelmia kohdataan teht��ess�� kauppaa suomalaisten ja arabien kesken? Tutkimus on etnografinen, laadullinen haastattelututkimus (n=12). Haastattelut tehtiin suurimmaksi osaksi Yhdistyneiss�� Arabiemiraateissa, osin Suomessa. Erilainen kulttuuritausta n��kyy kaupank��ynniss��. Kollektivistinen, maskuliininen, islamilaisen uskontoon ja vain v��h��isess�� m����rin suoraan kielelliseen koodistoon perustuva kulttuuri heijastuu kaupank��yntiprosessiin. Yst��vyyden ja sukulaisten sek�� muiden verkostojen merkitys korostuu. Ruumiin kieleen, ilmeisiin ja eleisiin liittyv�� kommunikaatio on erilaista ja voi aiheuttaa v����rink��sityksi��. My��s aikak��sitys ja sopimusk��yt��nt�� poikkeavat suomalaisesta. Kaikki n��m�� voivat aiheuttaa ongelmia kaupank��yntiprosessissa. T��rkeimmiksi tekij��iksi ongelmien kohtaamisessa nousivat ammattitaidon lis��ksi k��rsiv��llisyys ja joustavuus. Ongelmia voidaan v��hent���� huolellisella valmistautumisella ennen ulkomaille l��ht����. Toinen tapa on jatkuviin ty��kokemuksiin perustuen oppia paikallista kulttuuria ja sen piirteit��.

Selecting, testing and modifying a model for identifying potential key customers

T��m�� ty�� tehtiin globaaliin elektroniikka-alan yritykseen. Diplomity�� liittyy haasteeseen, jonka lis����ntynyt globalisaatio ja kiristyv�� kilpailu ovat luoneet: case yrityksen on selvitett��v�� kuinka se voi saavuttaa kasvutavoitteet my��s tulevaisuudessa hankkimalla uusia asiakkaita ja olemalla yh�� eneneviss�� m����rin maailmanlaajuisesti l��sn��. Tutkimuksen tavoite oli l��yt���� sopiva malli potentiaalisten avainasiakkaiden identifiointiin ja valintaan, sek�� testata ja modifioida valittua mallia case yrityksen tarpeiden mukaisesti. Erityisesti raakadatan ker����minen, asiakkaiden houkuttelevuuskriteerit ja kohdemarkkinarako olivat asioita, jotka tarvitsivat tutkimuksessa huomiota. Kirjallisuuskatsauksessa keskityttiin yritysmarkkinoihin, eri asiakassuhteenhallinnan l��hestymistapoihin ja avainasiakkaiden m����ritt��miseen. CRM:n, KAM:n ja Customer Insight-ajattelun perusteet esiteltiin yhdess�� eri avainasiakkaiden identifiointimallien kanssa. Valittua Chevertonin mallia testattiin ja muokattiin ty��n empiirisess�� osassa. Tutkimuksen empiirinen kontribuutio on modifioitu malli potentiaalisten avainasiakkaiden identifiointiin. Se auttaa p����t��ksentekij��it�� etenem����n systemaattisesti ja organisoidusti askel askeleelta kohti potentiaalisten asiakkaiden listaa tietylt�� markkina-alueelta. Ty�� tarjoaa ty��kalun t��h��n prosessiin sek�� luo pohjaa tulevaisuuden tutkimukselle ja toimenpiteille.

Implementing Role Based Access Control into the Enterprise Environment to Support Business and IT Functions

The thesis studies role based access control and its suitability in the enterprise environment. The aim is to research how extensively role based access control can be implemented in the case organization and how it support organization���s business and IT functions. This study points out the enterprise���s needs for access control, factors of access control in the enterprise environment and requirements for implementation and the benefits and challenges it brings along. To find the scope how extensively role based access control can be implemented into the case organization, firstly is examined the actual state of access control. Secondly is defined a rudimentary desired state (how things should be) and thirdly completed it by using the results of the implementation of role based access control application. The study results the role model for case organization unit, and the building blocks and the framework for the organization wide implementation. Ultimate value for organization is delivered by facilitating the normal operations of the organization whilst protecting its information assets.

An integrated model of adoption and development of e-commerce in companies

Since the mid-1990s researchers have sought to understand why some firms embark on e-commerceoperations on the Internet while others prefer to wait and see how events unfold. We still have todetermine which variables contribute to explaining the extent to which firms use e-commerce, giventhat to date the literature has not yet offered conclusive evidence on this question. The current workaims to provide an integrated vision of the set of factors influencing the e-commerce adoptionprocess. We use a sample of 2,038 firms of all types that trade their products either with otherorganizations or with end-consumers.

Supporting Solution Business with an Integrated Enterprise System

Some of the world���s leading companies now compete by providing integrated solutions to identify and solve each customer���s business problem by providing services to design, integrate, operate and finance a product or system during its life cycle. At the same time, because of the requirements of new global economy, companies are implementing new integrated ERP systems. The objective of this thesis was to define how solution offering can be implemented in the integrated ERP system so that it is possible to sell, deliver and maintain solution offering with the new enterprise applications. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study research consisting of literature review, theme-interviews and an analysis phase. For a start this study introduces new insight for combining solution business, offering modeling and modern ERP system theories. The results of this research illustrate the limitations of an integrated ERP system to support solution business and show the need to develop a commercial product model in order to improve the combination of solution offering and IT systems.

Competitors' Financial Performance Monitoring Model

The objective of the thesis was to develop a competitors��� financial performance monitoring model for management reporting. The research consisted of the selections of the comparison group and the performance meters as well as the actual creation of the model. A brief analysis of the current situation was also made. The aim of the results was to improve the financial reporting quality in the case organization by adding external business environment observation to the management reports. The comparison group for the case company was selected to include five companies that were all involved in power equipment engineering and project type business. The most limiting factor related to the comparison group selection was the availability of quarterly financial reporting. The most suitable performance meters were defined to be the developments of revenue, order backlog and EBITDA. These meters should be monitored systematically on quarterly basis and reported to the company management in a brief and informative way. The monitoring model was based on spreadsheet construction with key characteristics being usability, flexibility and simplicity. The model acts as a centered storage for financial competitor information as well as a reporting tool. The current market situation is strongly affected by the economic boom in the recent years and future challenges can be clearly seen in declining order backlogs. The case company has succeeded well related to its comparison group during the observation period since its business volume and profitability have developed in the best way.

Groupware and Workflow Tools - A Case study of SAP Business Workflow Supporting System Integration in a Global Telecommunication Company

Workflow management systems aim at the controlled execution of complex application processes in distributed and heterogeneous environments. These systems will shape the structure of information systems in business and non-business environments. E business and system integration is a fertile soil for WF and groupware tools. This thesis aims to study WF and groupware tools in order to gather in house knowledge of WF to better utilize WF solutions in future, and to focus on SAP Business Workflow in order to find a global solution for Application Link Enabling support for system integration. Piloting this solution in Nokia collects the experience of SAP R/3 WF tool for other development projects in future. The literary part of this study will guide to the world of business process automation providing a general description of the history, use and potentials of WF & groupware software. The empirical part of this study begins with the background of the case study describing the IT environment initiating the case by introducing SAP R/3 in Nokia, the communication technique in use and WF tool. Case study is focused in one solution with SAP Business Workflow. This study provides a concept to monitor communication between ERP systems and to increase the quality of system integration. Case study describes a way create support model for ALE/EDI interfaces. Support model includes monitoring organization and the workflow processes to solve the most common IDoc related errors.

Technological and business challenges of smart grids

Growing recognition of the electricity grid modernization to enable new electricity generation and consumption schemes has found articulation in the vision of the Smart Grid platform. The essence of this vision is an autonomous network with two-way electricity power flows and extensive real-time information between the generation nodes, various electricity-dependent appliances and all points in-between. Three major components of the Smart Grids are distributed intelligence, communication technologies, and automated control systems. The aim of this thesis is to recognize the challenges that Smart Grids are facing, while extinguishing the main driving factors for their introduction. The scope of the thesis also covers possible place of electricity Aggregator Company in the current and future electricity markets. Basic functions of an aggregator and possible revenue sources along with demand response feasibility calculations are reviewed within this thesis.

Distribution development in global business environment

The purpose of this master���s thesis was to analyze a case company���s distribution and its elements. With different distribution structure options a customer can be served with different ways. However, cost elements and service elements create different trade-offs. In this work the case company���s distribution���s present state was analyzed and conclusions were made. Based on these conclusions different alternatives for distribution were created. These different alternatives were analyzed through simulations and with more traditional calculations to compose the total operative costs of each alternative. Also other aspects were considered, such as required organizational changes and the possible better customer service. With the suggested 3-stock distribution structure shorter delivery times and possibly more punctual deliveries for products kept in stock could be achieved with the same operative costs as in current direct delivery model. Also, similar benefits could be achieved with other products with the 3-stock model.

Spare part business analysis and development

The purpose of this Thesis was to comprehensively analyze and develop the spare part business in Company Oy���s five biggest product groups by searching development issues related to single spare parts��� supply chains as well as the spare part business process, make implementation plans for them and implement the plans when possible. The items were classified based on special characteristics of spare parts and on their actual sales volumes. The created item classes were examined for finding improvement possibilities. Management strategies for classified items were suggested. Vendors and customers were analyzed for supporting the comprehensive supply network development work. The effectiveness of the current spare part business process was analyzed in co-operation with the spare part teams in three business unit locations. Several items were taken away from inventories as uselessly stocked items. Price list related to core items with one of the main product group���s core item manufacturer was suggested to be expanded in Town A. Refinement equipment seal item supply chain management was seen important to develop in Town B. A new internal business process model was created for minimizing and enhancing the internal business between Company���s business units. SAP inventory reports and several other features were suggested to be changed or developed. Also the SAP data material management was seen very important to be developed continuously. Many other development issues related to spare parts��� supply chains and the work done in the business process were found. The need for investigating the development possibilities deeper became very clear during the project.

SME internationalisation from a network perspective : an empirical study on a Finnish-Greek business network

The study examines the internationalisation process of a contemporary SME firm and explores the impact of its business network on this development. The objective of the study is to understand SME internationalisation and its dynamics from a network perspective. The purpose of this research project is to describe and explore the development process of a firm and its business network by identifying the changes, critical events and influence factors that form this development. It is a qualitative case study, which focuses on a Finnish focal firm and its respective business network as it expands into the Greek market. It is a longitudinal research process, which covers a period of time from 1994 to 2004. The empirical study concentrates on the paper trading and converting business. The study builds on the network theory and the framework provided by Johanson and Mattsson's (1988) model on network internationalisation. The incremental internationalisation theories and network theories form the theoretical focus. The research project is organised according to a process view. The focal firm evolves from a domestically-oriented small subsidiary into an internationally experienced company, which has activities in several market areas and numerous business networks in various market segments and product categories. The findings illustrate the importance of both the domestic and foreign business network context in a firm's internationalisation process. The results of the study suggest theoretical modifications on a firm's internationalisation process by broadening the perspective and incorporating the strategic context of a firm. The findings suggest that internationalisation process is a non-linear process, which does not have a deterministic order in its development. The findings emphasise the significance of relational networks, both managerial and entrepreneurial, for establishing position in foreign markets. It implies that a firm's evolution is significantly influenced by its business network and by critical events. Business networks gain coherence due to common goals and they use accumulated capabilities to exploit market opportunities. The business network sets constraints and provides opportunities, which makes the related decision making strategically important. The firm co-evolves with its business network. The research project provides an instrumental case study with a description of an SME internationalisation process. It contributes to existing knowledge by illustrating dynamics in an international business network and by pinpointing the importance of suppliers, customers, partners, ownerships and competition to the internationalisation process.

Knowledge modeling for innovative companies: case of business incubator

The paper presents a study which is aimed at building a knowledge model for a case company ��� business incubator ���Ingria��� (St. Petersburg, Russia). The business incubator is one of its kind organization in St. Petersburg, and one of the few in Russia, providing services for innovative entrepreneurial companies at an international level. Business incubation impact is deeply researched from the point of view of knowledge engineering. The paper also provides a broad analysis of various knowledge engineering tools used for visualization of knowledge, as well as knowledge modeling techniques.