Vlatko Čerić

Building the knowledge economy

Generation and exploitation of knowledge became one of the most significant components in the new economy. The paper first investigates the influence of information and communications technology on the economy, with specific emphasis on Internet economy and electronic commerce. The paper then describes characteristics of the knowledge economy, discusses knowledge, presents main issues relevant for building of knowledge economy and gives an overview of the situation and perspectives of knowledge economy in Europe.

Diagrammatic representations of the conceptual simulation model for discrete event systems

Diagrammatic modelling representation methods in discrete event simulation are varied and can be classified as follows: simulation strategy neutral, simulation strategy oriented, simulation language oriented, and methods borrowed from other computer modelling areas. The main diagrammatic methods are described in some detail (augmented Petri nets, activity cycle diagrams, event graphs and GPSS block diagrams) and demonstrated by an example. The advantages and disadvantages of these representation methods are briefly discussed.

Visual interactive modeling and simulation as a decision support in railway transport logistic operations

Abstract This paper presents an experience in visual interactive modeling and simulation of the railway transportation flows for NATO strategic deployment in Bosnia from Hungary through Croatia. Development of the visual interactive model using the ServiceModel software is described, and simulation abilities of the model are presented. Simulation can be done in the planning and interactive mode, and it can include breakdown in the railway operation. On the basis of this modeling and simulation experience, the advantages and disadvantages of using the visual interactive modeling and simulation of transport networks are discussed.

Algorithmic art: Technology, mathematics and art

This paper describes algorithmic art, i.e. visual art created on the basis of algorithms that completely describe generation of images. Algorithmic art is rooted in rational approach to art, technology and application of mathematics. It is based on computer technology and particularly on programming that make algorithmic art possible and that influences it most. Therefore we first explore relations of technology and mathematics to art and then describe algorithmic art itself.

Expert systems in curriculum of business studies of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb: A survey 2003 – 2007

In this paper authors present their experience in teaching expert systems as a topic of business studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb, as well as their approach to adjustment of technical topic to the interest of audience in social studies. Modifications of approach include heavy stress on practical work in the computer laboratory, project method of teaching and development of team work in order that students acquire competencies expected from economists in modern business environment. Statistics about students, their success in the course, their opionions and project grades are presented and analyzed in order to disclose good practices and guidelines for future work.

Algorithmic mirror

In the digital era, the human face can be viewed in a way that was never before possible, due to both digital technologies and the ability of the algorithmic approach to dealing with image elements. Algorithmic manipulation of human facial elements enables one to see the face in a new way, due to the fact that the very same pixels that form the image are transformed or regrouped in unexpected ways. Since we are sensitive to even minor variations in human faces, we can sometimes feel uneasy about these algorithmic manipulations; however, even then we understand that we are discovering something completely new in something so familiar.