MODERN TRENDS IN APPLICATION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF ENTERPRISE

Global transformational processes in the economy against the background of the systemic development of information technologies, as well as the forced acceleration of the transition of all processes and life support systems to digital format against the background of a global pandemic, led to the rapid development of entrepreneurial activity in the digital space. This transition is most observed in trade, education, as well as other sectors and spheres of the economy. Authors of this article, relying on a number of different studies of the DI (digitization index) of business over the past 5 years, conclude that there are a large number of unsolved problems in this process, despite the stable nature of this trend. Exploring the possibilities of the architectural approach as the most relevant way of transforming companies in the direction of digitalization, this article provides an overview of its three main schools. Using the accumulated theoretical research and experience in the practical implementation of business digitalization projects, the authors summarize main problems of implementing enterprise architecture management systems and determine main trends in further application of the methodology, clarify the concept of "enterprise architecture", "enterprise architecture management" and "architectural approach" in the context of their practical application.

Integrating AI Microservices into Hard-Real-Time SoS to Ensure Trustworthiness of Digital Enterprise Using Mission Engineering

Due to the increased complexities and operating speeds of today’s and tomorrow’s system-of-systems (SoS) architectural configurations for digital enterprises, the design of new domain architecture management systems is required. A key element of these new designs will be the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) microservices to provide dynamically containerized and orchestrated service capabilities within a lightweight interoperability fabric with the ability to operate in hard-real-time environments. Each containerized AI microservice exposes an independent, programmable function, which enables it to be easily reused, evolved, or replaced without compromising interoperability across critical mission essential functions to execute mission threads. In addition, embedded in this design needs to be a trust management layer to enforce reliable messaging and trust amongst the actors. This paper provides a framework for planned research and demonstrates the feasibility of microservices using a representative simple problem to demonstrate the application of the framework. Early positive analysis results using AI microservices within an SoS environment shows that the 500 milli-second (ms) threshold for latency can be met.

Local Content In Information Management

This article is an opinion paper on the pride of place of the nationally and internationally patronised and hence, celebrated contents of the Kenneth Dike Library (KDL) of the University of Ibadan, the first university library in Nigeria. The work traced the history of the Library from inception till date, emphasising the rarity, age, uniqueness and the yet relevancy of its contents in the face of the modern and emerging Information and Communications Technologies. The contents discussed include print and non-print materials (for instance, electronic resources and the institution’s repository, among others), artefacts, realia, pictures, drawings, processes, services, capacity, architecture, management and personnel deployed in the main and branch libraries of the University of Ibadan Library System. The author proffered reasons why the KDL is perceived the best among other university libraries in Nigeria and highlighted ten ‘firsts’ recorded by the Library in recent time which have further enhanced its reputation as the first and the best. The work concluded with a call on the private sector and good spirited individuals to support the federal government and the University of Ibadan towards achieving all the laudable goals of the KDL for now and the future.

Developing and implementing contextualised S&OP designs – an enterprise architecture management approach

PurposeThis paper provides a five-step Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) approach to systematically guide the development and implementation of contextualised Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) designs.Design/methodology/approachA case study is conducted at a European chemical manufacturer. The research applies the five-step approach, embracing the descriptive and prescriptive EAM functions combined with the lens of contingency theory.FindingsThe research findings demonstrate the suitability of the proposed EAM approach for the contextualisation of S&OP designs from a contingency theory perspective. Its descriptive EAM function serves to assess context-specific S&OP challenges and enables to analyse the contextual fit of S&OP designs. Its prescriptive EAM function guides the development and implementation of context-specific S&OP designs towards increasing the S&OP effectiveness. EAM's integrated view onto people, process and information technology served to analyse current practices on the dynamics of S&OP contextualisation in innovation- and quality-driven contexts. Thereby, the paper contributes to a better S&OP contingency understanding.Practical implicationsThe EAM approach offered in this paper provides a concrete and practically applicable guidance to support managers to face their context-specific challenges and guide the contextualisation of their S&OP designs to increase the S&OP effectiveness. Moreover, practitioners can improve their understanding regarding the need for S&OP design adjustments to reflect changes in their companies' contingencies.Originality/valueThe research introduces a novel EAM approach for S&OP contextualisation, particularly reflecting contingency theory's dynamic view of structural adjustments to regain fit (SARFIT).