Mladen Varga

Zachman framework in teaching information systems

The Zachman framework for information systems architecture is a classification scheme for development and documenting an enterprise-wide information system. It is useful in teaching various topics on information systems, such as: information systems development as an engineering process, basic information systems components and design artefacts, system development life cycle and information systems architecture, roles involved in development of information systems, control points of information systems development, focus of information systems development methods, and improving information systems maintenance. The Framework also helps improving information systems teaching programme.

Evaluating IT knowledge requirements for business professionals

Educational programs in information technology have to be continually re-evaluated and revised. A study was conducted to determine perceived IT knowledge requirements for business professionals. The study suggests that IT professionals in business have to be armed with a mix of knowledge in IT technology, management, and business operations. Also, it shows that practitioners perceive managerial and business issues as being more important than do students

Effects and evaluation of open government data initiative in Croatia

The paper is a follow-up to a previous paper where the authors described how users in a small transitional country perceive open government data. It gives an overview of the characteristics of the open data and the current state of a recently started implementation of an open data initiative in Croatia. Since the process involves a series of actions, the following questions need to be answered: what are the effects of an open data initiative and how could these effects be valued? As a starting point in answering these questions we provide an overview of current research initiatives on how to value effects of open government data. Approaches to open data research are usually classified into three broad groups: open data readiness assessments; open data implementation studies; and impact studies. We also bring an overview of the evaluation frameworks already in place in countries where open data initiatives are on the top of the political and social agenda. As a result, in this paper we propose actions in the areas of law and policy, as well as in the areas of organization and technology, which could benefit Croatias economic growth and democratic empowerment, as suggested by open data advocates.

Bad practices in complex IT projects

Complex IT projects, such as information systems development or ERP implementation, are often unsuccessful due to bad project management, inappropriate methodological approach or ignoring good practice. The paper considers typical and frequently repeated mistakes in IT projects known as bad practice and describes the ways of avoiding them. Bad practices are the signs of either management, methodological or communication problems that have to be avoided during the project lifetime.

Generic Model in Modelling Analytical Data Model

The paper presents an algorithm for generating analytical data model from collected business data requirements, which are represented by entities of interest, their associations and attributes. The requirements are described in generic form, which is capable to accept any model regardless their purpose. The algorithm finds proper entities which serve as analytical dimensions and finally generate analytical or dimensional data model.

Is there a gap between information technology and decision makers

A study was conducted to determine ways of decision making in Croatia. The study shows that in decision making process of Croatian managers dominates operational and programmed decision-making instead of strategic decision-making. The usage of information technology for decision-making support is limited to static reporting instead of dynamic reporting and more complex data analysis