Abstract: Business strategy, a road map telling us how the business plans to be successful, does not guarantee success. Strategy execution requires business processes that do what the strategy calls for--and do it well. In today's automated world, these business processes rely on business systems. Therefore, a direct link exists between the success of business strategy and business systems. Poor systems are a frequent reason for the failure of a business strategy.

Abstract: There are two types of project portfolio management (PPM) solutions for professional services organizations (PSO). For smaller PSOs, best-of-breed vendors provide hosted solutions with out-of-the-box integrations, while integrated PPM solutions provide the complete back-office systems preferred by many larger PSOs.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM), once a solution only larger organizations could afford, enables companies to analyze, recommend, authorize, activate, expedite, and monitor projects. In recent years, however, small to medium businesses have been able to benefit from PPM too, through software-as-a-service models of this tool.

Abstract: Many companies recognize the need for project portfolio management (PPM) and implement a solution, but encounter cultural resistance to the initiative. Yet other companies can integrate PPM with virtually no resistance. The difference is the readiness for and acceptance of change in the company. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls, adhere to proven best practices, and realize the benefits and huge return on investment (ROI).

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) software can provide a dynamic decision-making process for assessing projects such as portfolios, prioritizing projects, and allocating limited resources to meet key organizational objectives. Using PPM can also help you better align and manage your people, projects, and processes—giving you the ability to react quickly to change and minimize risk in the current declining market.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) is a hot topic, and there’s no shortage of related advice. However, much of the current advice is incomplete—or flat-out wrong. Before purchasing a tool, buyers should familiarize themselves with established theories for valuing projects. Armed with understanding, they can avoid getting 'burned' by the unsuitable PPM tools that are being pushed in the marketplace.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) has become a critical component in the IT business lexicon. It provides structure and consistency to the process associated with the planning, prioritization, management, and control of project portfolios. By using PPM, IT departments can align their IT and business strategies and improve performance in project-based work, and enhanced corporate governance.

Abstract: Enterprises of all sizes today face common problems dealing with handling increasing business complexity while reducing costs. The solution continues to be the automation of business processes. SAP is an established leader in addressing the needs of large enterprises. Building on that performance and identified best practices, SAP built and launched SAP Business One. SAP Business One was designed to offer small and medium businesses the same business streamlining and efficiencies at a scale and scope appropriate to their needs. IDC recently interviewed a number of companies that have successfully deployed SAP Business One. The purpose of our interviews was to determine what impact the software had on their productivity and cost reduction.

Abstract: As more business processes exist in an electronic universe, the need to manage the IT services that enable these processes increases. Business service management does this and achieves the IT alignment with the business necessary to ensure service improvement activities are prioritized with business objectives. Business service management applies the adage that if you improve IT, you improve the business. This paper presents an overview of business service management concepts and describes how Proxima Centauri provides a solution for this. It also describes how Six Sigma can be used as an underlying quality improvement process to eliminate the associated costs of poor quality.

Abstract: Research shows that companies implementing product portfolio management (PPM) solutions achieve greater success in profitability because of their ability to monitor product value throughout the product selection and development processes. With the ability to evaluate this information through PPM capabilities, companies can take corrective action to maximize product value during new development—or kill projects that won’t deliver sufficient returns.

Abstract: Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Enterprise asset management (EAM) system. Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) system. Integrated workplace management system (IWMS). Each type of facility management solution offers different functionalities and features, and one may be better than another for your company’s needs. Learn more about the differences and how an integrated solution is a “must have.”

Abstract: Aspen Technology recently announced its e-commerce initiative, Aspen e-Business, which is the first in a planned series of business-to-business e-commerce applications. As part of the initiative, AspenTech will partner with business-to-business application vendor Extricity Software, Inc. to deliver e-commerce solutions. Though Aspen lags behind other enterprise application software vendors in e-commerce offerings, recent business restructuring efforts and its hold on the process manufacturing segment may lead to success.

Abstract: In the present context of business, it is becoming essential for the business world to provide electronic commerce in addition to their good old business model. An electronic commerce application adds lot of value to business models and helps overall growth in the different areas of business, business management, tracking, and customer support. Customers find it’s much easier to access the products and services of a corporation through an e-commerce application and corporations find it easier to reach their customers.

Abstract: For over a decade, organizations have struggled with a gap between IT and business due to shifts in perceptions of what business intelligence (BI) should be. Often, skilled IT workers get stuck in low-level reporting roles, while business workers can’t access and analyze information fast enough to make strategic decisions. This discussion with an industry technologist offers some ideas for bridging the IT/business gap.

Abstract: Nowadays, it’s easy to spend nearly as much time trying to make the pieces of your supply chain work together as you actually spend working. Managing disparate systems and solving communication issues create challenges that keep your business-to-business (B2B) solutions from working in sync. Find out how integrating the technology, business processes, and communication of your entire business community can help.

Abstract: The core components of a retail information system are inventory management, inventory optimization, revenue management, sales management, and reports and inquiries. Non-core components can include financial, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and warehouse management systems.

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are software systems that cover the range of interaction a company has with its current, or potential customers. Its functionality can include marketing automation, sales force automation, help desk, customer service and support, partner management, contract management and creation, project and team management, Internet sales, e-mail response management, analytics, and important technical criteria.

Abstract: Executives and management consultants agree that effective business process management involves placing the day-to-day decisions into the hands of business operations managers. By applying operational business intelligence (BI)—which assembles data from the business as it happens, reports on it, and analyzes it—companies gain the necessary information and tools needed to make decisions and improve business performance.