E-STRATEGIES

The Synergy Between BPM and SOA

Business Process Management (BPM) is the key discipline and technology for automating, managing and improving business processes across various organizations. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is concerned with producing and managing reusable business services from IT systems or as new services, then using them to build (compose) agile business applications faster. In general, SOA is somewhat lower-level, development-centric and technical, while BPM is higher-level and business-oriented. This article provides an introduction to SOA and BPM. It explores the relationship between BPM and SOA, their similarities, differences and synergies, and how they complement and work with each other.

© 2006 International Business Machines Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Reprint Courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation.

E-ENVIRONMENT

Purchase Behavior in the E-Commerce Revolution

-- Bholanath Dutta

Just as the industrial revolution radically changed the nature of work, created enormous wealth, altered family structure, spawned new lifestyles and eventually affected even the primary form of the government throughout the world, the e-commerce revolution is bringing about profound changes. Consumer analysts must be equipped to understand and interpret these changes and their effects both on society and marketing strategies. The article examines the challenges faced in online shopping.

© 2007 IUP . All Rights Reserved

E-TECHNOLOGIES

Converging Digital Surveillance and IT Systems

-- Edward Hicks, Thomas Maruska and Michael Trofimoff

This article explains the importance of tuning IT systems to realize the full potential of digital surveillance systems, and presents real-life examples that illustrate how digital surveillance systems can be enhanced by making the appropriate links to IT.

© 2007 BT INS Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.

E-GOVERNANCE

Nemmadi : An E-Governance Project of the State of Karnataka

-- Radhakumari Challa

The article examines the attempt made by the Government of Karnataka to bridge the digital divide in the state through a unique project called Nemmadi. The major objective of the project is to empower rural citizens by offering government services at their doorstep.

© 2007 IUP . All Rights Reserved

CASE STUDY

Erp Implementation Failure at Hershey Foods Corporation

-- Vivek Gupta and Indu P

The case examines in detail the reasons behind the failure of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation at the US-based Hershey Foods Corporation. In late 1996, Hershey began modernizing hardware and software systems in the company. The company was running on legacy systems, and with the impending Y2K problems, it chose to replace those systems and shift to client/server environment. As per the original plan, it was to switch to the new ERP system by April 1999. The project was running as per schedule till January 1999, and when it came to the last leg of implementation, the company faltered and could switch to the new system only in July 1999. Hard pressed for time, Hershey went in for Big Bang ERP implementation which led to several problems pertaining to order fulfillment, processing and shipping. The case explains in detail, the events leading to the failure of ERP implementation and examines the reasons behind it.

© 2008 ICMR. All Rights Reserved. For accessing and procuring the case study, log on to www.ecch.com or www.icmrindia.org.

INTERVIEW

"I Don't Think Telecom Valuations Are Stretched in India."

-- Randall L Stephenson

Randall L Stephenson, Chairman and CEO of AT&T Inc., discusses AT&T's plans in India in the wireless market, telecom regulations in the Indian market, comparison of US, Chinese and Indian telecom markets, product development activities in India and the growth prospects of telecom industry in India.

© 2007 Business Today (www.businesstoday.digitaltoday.in), August 13, 2007. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.

BOOK REVIEW

Catalyst Code : The Strategies Behind the World's Most Dynamic Companies

-- Authors : David S Evans and Richard Schmalensee
Reviewed by G P Mrudhula

Rapid advances in communication technologies are building network of groups that exchange views across the globe. It has become easier for the entrepreneurs to generate value by creating simultaneous and mutually-beneficial relationships among the different groups of the customers they serve. This phenomenon known as Catalyst Code has gained momentum. It brings together the challenges faced by the customers. The book, Catalyst Code, draws lessons from early history, modern day business, and the authors' ground-breaking research into what really makes these companies successful.

© 2007 Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. All Rights Reserved. IUP holds the copyright for the review.