Zvonko Čapko

Economic and financial analysis of investments in information security

The paper analyzes information security investments from both economic and financial points of view. Authors research special characteristics of information security investments and the difficulties which appear during the determination of input parameters of the economic analysis. Challenges in application of internal rate of return method are also analyzed. The constructed model of cash flow analysis of information security solution investments shows the feasibility of calculating the net present value, internal rate of return and the return on capital when using such an approach.

Tele-immersion as a positive alternative of the future

We will try to show the basic principles of teleimmersive system, its main components, development, demonstrations and potential uses one of todays most challenging network application. Teleimmersion involves combining teleconferencing, telepresence and virtual reality to allow individuals to manipulate shared environment, converse, interact and even see each other. Teleimmersion is at the crossroad of researches related to virtual reality and networking, vision of computers and user interfaces. So, it can be said that just a little part of all of this research areas is unified and carefully sistemated.

Using web applications in education

Given that todays communication both in business and education takes place largely with the help of the Internet, the aim of this paper is to investigate how much we use the available web applications, tools, platforms and other technologies for an efficient and technologically enhanced communication. In fact, our aim is to investigate changes in the development of information and communication technology, and adaptation of teaching methods and techniques in education. We have investigated the extent to which web tools are applied in everyday activities. All teachers and students filled out the questionnaire to assess availability for web applications, their use and purpose. They were also asked to indicate whether the web tools are sufficiently used in teaching, whether their application has resulted in the expected efficiency, and what are the expectations when it comes to upgrading these tools. In conclusion, there is the emphasis on the importance of monitoring progress in the development of technology, the need to master new and modern methods and techniques of teaching and learning.

Geometric programming in designing of mental models on the example of strategic thinking between synergies competition and cooperation

In this paper we consider the mental models in context of encouraging innovative and creative development and shift in strategic thinking. Mental models encourage multiperspectival approach to the process of representing imagination in strategic thinkng. Visual designing of mental models can show how a new way of thinking may works in different contexts and situations. Geometric programming is considered in the function of mental models designing. The model of lemniscate is used in visualization and modeling of synergies between competition and cooperation in business in the context of strategic thinking.

Strategic Analysis of Inter-Organizational Systems Informatization Development in Croatia in Terms of Electronic Business

The internal and external key factors of increased performance in business activities and processes within micro, meta, macro, global and mega business systems are represented through investments in information technologies across intelligent interorganizational systems that enforce a more informational “intellectual” business system within the corporate environment. The key factor of added value and optimal business resource management as well as the development of infrastructure and superstructure is the recognition of strategic development of inter-organizational information in terms of connection with inter-organizational systems. Accordingly, we’ll approach this scientific discussion that analyzes the mentioned factors, and above all information technology, assuming a new paradigm standing point regarding the informatization of business systems, highlighted by an intensive evolution of strategic approaches to the development of informatization in interorganizational systems and their link to the development of electronic business. Under these conditions, business activities and process management are now depending, more than ever, on an appropriate computer supported business network that improves the performance of information technologies using intelligent solutions that encourage new levels of informatization. The first step, upon defining the best development strategies of business systems informatization in Croatia in terms of a more efficient and high-quality connection within the inter-organizational system, is to analyze the business system informatization conditions and advantages in order to ensure modern information technologies like those used in developed countries. Croatia’s position regarding business systems informatization and their actuation within inter-generational systems is assessed according to the research conducted on the level of information technology and electronic business applications. A strategic matrix is used to analyze the strategic approaches and development phases of business system informatization strategies. In regards to the development phase and application, the latter assigns strategies of information technologies practice to the four quadrants of the matrix. Appropriate levels of development of electronic business are allocated to every informatization strategy, whereas different levels can correspond to the same style of informatization strategy, and business systems informatization can be associated with different levels of development of electronic businesses. Croatian organizations are positioned in the appropriate quadrant of the informatization development strategic matrix, along with the corresponding level of electronic businesses. When analyzing the level of development and application of information technologies and electronic businesses of Croatian organizations, the features of every single level are being considered and compared. The key paradigm features of a transition to a higher level within the inter-organizational system, in terms of informatization opportunities and methods, are being evaluated. The synergic influence of informatization technologies development factors towards processes, goals and performances of inter-organizational systems are being modeled according to the analyses and fusion of different levels of informatization strategies and electronic business development.

Methodological framework of business reengineering within logistics system

Methodological scope of business reengineering is designed by using logistics information systems researches carried out in most highly developed countries. Methods of information system development are analysed from the business engineering point of view. The example of the information system development in function of business reengineering describes the usage of system structural analysis method in redesigning the process of transport of goods, which is critical for optimization of process of transport within the system of logistics. Basing upon the analysis of the logistics system business necessities and studies of information system development researches of certain companies in Germany and USA, some of the significant factors of strategic development of logistics information systems have been defined. Definition of critical information system development factors and their mutual interaction intensity provides the guidelines for forming the methodological scope of business reengineering of system of logistics