Yannis A. Pollalis

Knowledge management in virtual enterprises: A systemic multi-methodology towards the strategic use of information

This paper examines the development of a systemic multi-methodology for knowledge management in virtual enterprises. The main objective is the strategic management of information for the acquisition of competitive advantage and the advance of networked corporate agreements (i.e., Virtual Enterprise Projects) in order to maintain business flexibility and innovation. Making use of systemic methodologies, emphasis is given on the creation and the sustenance of knowledge coming from both the internal and the external business environment, instead of directly intervening to the operational characteristics of the modern enterprise. We present an approach to knowledge management supported by four systemic methodologies namely the total systems intervention (TSI), the strategic assumption surfacing and testing (SAST), the viable systems model (VSM) and the problem structuring methodology (PSM). The composition of systemic methodologies can result in powerful multi-methodologies that effectively compensate complexity, combine different mental pictures and perspectives and handle diversity in a creative and innovative manner. Information systems, especially those involving multiple stakeholders, profoundly limit the capability of traditional generic methods of analysis to develop and utilize interventions. In this paper, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a multi-methodology designed to facilitate the creation of a knowledge exchange business network in the field of consulting companies that provide an ideal practice field for the verification and testing of the results of our study.

Using similarity measures for collaborating groups formation : A model for distance learning environments

Adaptability to each separate users needs and preferences is a common concern in modern e-learning systems. Among various adaptation techniques described in recent research, collaboration support seeks to create groups that efficiently work together in order to advance users learning. This paper defines two similarity coefficients between users and learning objects and focuses on automatic creation of properly matching collaborating groups based on an algorithmic approach. By adopting methods derived from Group Technology, the method simultaneously selects appropriate learning objects to form a corresponding educational package for each group, thus assuring optimal value of users learning.

MERIS (Medical Error Reporting Information System) as an innovative patient safety intervention: A health policy perspective

The economic crisis in Greece poses the necessity to resolve problems concerning both the spiralling cost and the quality assurance in the health system. The detection and the analysis of patient adverse events and medical errors are considered crucial elements of this course. The implementation of MERIS embodies a mandatory module, which adopts the trigger tool methodology for measuring adverse events and medical errors an intensive care unit [ICU] environment, and a voluntary one with web-based public reporting methodology. A pilot implementation of MERIS running in a public hospital identified 35 adverse events, with approx. 12 additional hospital days and an extra healthcare cost of €12,000 per adverse event or of about €312,000 per annum for ICU costs only. At the same time, the voluntary module unveiled 510 reports on adverse events submitted by citizens or patients. MERIS has been evaluated as a comprehensive and effective system; it succeeded in detecting the main factors that cause adverse events and discloses severe omissions of the Greek health system. MERIS may be incorporated and run efficiently nationally, adapted to the needs and peculiarities of each hospital or clinic.

Citizens' preferences on healthcare expenditure allocation: evidence from Greece

Priority setting and resource allocation across various healthcare functions are critical issues in health policy and strategic decision making. As health resources are limited while there are so many health challenges to resolve, consumers and payers have to make difficult decisions about expenditure allocation.

Decision Making On Optimal Choice Of Biomass-To-Ethanol Path By Means Of Fuzzy Swot Analysis

AbstractThis work deals with the optimal choice of biomass-to-ethanol path by using SWOT analysis, where Opportunities and Threats are including within a complete set of forecasting scenarios about the environmental change. The methodology developed is presented herein under the form of an algorithmic procedure with 24 activity stages and 6 decision nodes. A Delphi method properly modified to provide estimated scores in fuzzy form (to count for uncertainty) is also used. An implementation of this procedure for a district in Central Greece showed that the sugarbeet-to-ethanol path dominates over the alternatives of using corn and wheat as energy crops. Sensitivity analysis round the optimal choice proved that this is a robust solution.

Determination of optimal environmental policy for reclamation of land unearthed in lignite mines - Strategy and tactics

In this paper, optimal environmental policy for reclamation of land unearthed in lignite mines is defined as a strategic target. The tactics concerning the achievement of this target, includes estimation of optimal time lag between each lignite site (which is a segment of the whole lignite field) complete exploitation and its reclamation. Subsidizing of reclamation has been determined as a function of this time lag and relevant implementation is presented for parameter values valid for the Greek economy. We proved that the methodology we have developed gives reasonable quantitative results within the norms imposed by legislation. Moreover, the interconnection between strategy and tactics becomes evident, since the former causes the latter by deduction and the latter revises the former by induction in the time course of land reclamation.

Strategies for Increasing the Market Share of Recycled Products—A Games Theory Approach

A methodological framework (including 28 activity stages and 10 decision nodes) has been designed under the form of an algorithmic procedure for the development of strategies for increasing the market share of recycled products within a games theory context. A case example is presented referring to a paper market, where a recycling company (RC) is in competition with a virgin‐raw‐material‐using company (VC). The strategies of the VC, for increasing its market share, are the strengthening of (and advertisement based on) the high quality (VC1), the high reliability (VC2), the combination quality and reliability, putting emphasis on the first component (VC3), the combination quality and reliability, putting emphasis on the second component (VC4). The strategies of the RC, for increasing its market share, are proper advertisement based on the low price of produced recycled paper satisfying minimum quality requirements (RC1), the combination of low price with sensitization of the public as regards environmenta...