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• 1. [Article] Biofuels: Innovation Growth and Adoption in the United States

  Biofuels production has had several effects on the agriculture, land use, rural economics and also in environmental aspects. This is because in one way or another, some agricultural products have had their ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biofuels: Innovation Growth and Adoption in the United States Author: Upadhyay, Jubin, Ju, Jiali, Alzamil, Ziyad, Alyamani, Badr Year: 2011 Biofuels production has had several effects on the agriculture, land use, rural economics and also in environmental aspects. This is because in one way or another, some agricultural products have had their prize increased due to their high demand in the industrial sector, domestic sector, and the energy industry. For instance, the prize of corn has gone high because there has been a high demand for corn to be used in ethanol production. On the other hand, this situation has provided economic incentives for some producers to devote additional land to corn production (Gaffigan 2009). This means that there are potential effects of biofuels production in the future. The potential future effects of expanded biofuels production in the U.S also include production of new energy crops for advanced biofuels. It must be understood that these new crops may affect the production of other crops and livestock on agricultural land. The increasing corn ethanol production has had mixed effects on land use, crop selection and livestock production. For instance, in 2007, increased corn prizes led farmers to devote more land for corn and less for soybeans. It is therefore necessary to formulate policies that will harmonize the production of energy and food in the same land. Production of biofuels must be encouraged in a controlled manner in order to reduce overdependence on fossil fuel and at the same time make sure that the acreage of land devoted for agricultural produce is not reduced to the advantage of biofuels production. Title: Biofuels: Innovation Growth and Adoption in the United States Author: Upadhyay, Jubin, Ju, Jiali, Alzamil, Ziyad, Alyamani, Badr Year: 2011 Biofuels production has had several effects on the agriculture, land use, rural economics and also in environmental aspects. This is because in one way or another, some agricultural products have had their prize increased due to their high demand in the industrial sector, domestic sector, and the energy industry. For instance, the prize of corn has gone high because there has been a high demand for corn to be used in ethanol production. On the other hand, this situation has provided economic incentives for some producers to devote additional land to corn production (Gaffigan 2009). This means that there are potential effects of biofuels production in the future. The potential future effects of expanded biofuels production in the U.S also include production of new energy crops for advanced biofuels. It must be understood that these new crops may affect the production of other crops and livestock on agricultural land. The increasing corn ethanol production has had mixed effects on land use, crop selection and livestock production. For instance, in 2007, increased corn prizes led farmers to devote more land for corn and less for soybeans. It is therefore necessary to formulate policies that will harmonize the production of energy and food in the same land. Production of biofuels must be encouraged in a controlled manner in order to reduce overdependence on fossil fuel and at the same time make sure that the acreage of land devoted for agricultural produce is not reduced to the advantage of biofuels production. Close

• 2. [Article] Finex Marketing Plan

  The purpose of this marketing plan is to find an appropriate target market for the Finex 12” cast iron skillet. Within this market, a marketing strategy needs to be developed which caters to the need of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Finex Marketing Plan Author: Finn, Daragh, Boss, Viktoria, Kessler, Lukas, Krueger, Justin, Worcester, Amitabha Year: 2014 The purpose of this marketing plan is to find an appropriate target market for the Finex 12” cast iron skillet. Within this market, a marketing strategy needs to be developed which caters to the need of the customer and assures financial stability for the company. From extensive research and customer surveys, the most promising customer identified for the Finex skillet are “prestige customers” who value boutique goods with a superior design and very high quality. Accordingly, a price reflecting the high quality of the skillet is set within the marketing strategy section. Within the unique value proposition for this product, the features most desired by the customer segment are highlighted. Also the promotion and placement strategy are tuned to the needs of the prestige customer segment. Overall, the marketing plan allows Finex to continue to sell a successful and profitable product. Title: Finex Marketing Plan Author: Finn, Daragh, Boss, Viktoria, Kessler, Lukas, Krueger, Justin, Worcester, Amitabha Year: 2014 The purpose of this marketing plan is to find an appropriate target market for the Finex 12” cast iron skillet. Within this market, a marketing strategy needs to be developed which caters to the need of the customer and assures financial stability for the company. From extensive research and customer surveys, the most promising customer identified for the Finex skillet are “prestige customers” who value boutique goods with a superior design and very high quality. Accordingly, a price reflecting the high quality of the skillet is set within the marketing strategy section. Within the unique value proposition for this product, the features most desired by the customer segment are highlighted. Also the promotion and placement strategy are tuned to the needs of the prestige customer segment. Overall, the marketing plan allows Finex to continue to sell a successful and profitable product. Close

• 3. [Article] LeadApp: Sales Opportunity Management

  When bringing a product to market, companies must attract customers and sell to those who are willing to buy. The model we use to describe that process is the sales funnel, and though it has been challenged ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: LeadApp: Sales Opportunity Management Author: Atkinson, Paul, Wease, Greg, Lui, Jonathan, Omulindi, Jared Year: 2015 When bringing a product to market, companies must attract customers and sell to those who are willing to buy. The model we use to describe that process is the sales funnel, and though it has been challenged it is still broadly accepted. This is particularly clear in high-tech markets where high-value products often have a very long sales cycle, but bringing a product to market is often a young tech company’s Achilles’ heel. We believe these companies would be well served by the combination of software and services we propose. Title: LeadApp: Sales Opportunity Management Author: Atkinson, Paul, Wease, Greg, Lui, Jonathan, Omulindi, Jared Year: 2015 When bringing a product to market, companies must attract customers and sell to those who are willing to buy. The model we use to describe that process is the sales funnel, and though it has been challenged it is still broadly accepted. This is particularly clear in high-tech markets where high-value products often have a very long sales cycle, but bringing a product to market is often a young tech company’s Achilles’ heel. We believe these companies would be well served by the combination of software and services we propose. Close

• 4. [Article] NEST 3rd Generation Thermostat: 2017 United States Marketing Plan

  Current-State Assessment ● The Nest thermostat is currently holding a leader position in the crowded U.S. smart thermostat market, with approximately 35 percent market share.1 ● American consumers are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: NEST 3rd Generation Thermostat: 2017 United States Marketing Plan Author: Viratos, Brea, Binus, Joshua, Dabab, Maoloud, Beltaif, Nader, Laraichi, Oussama, Hanayneh, Shihab Year: 2017 Current-State Assessment ● The Nest thermostat is currently holding a leader position in the crowded U.S. smart thermostat market, with approximately 35 percent market share.1 ● American consumers are increasingly purchasing smart thermostats; subsequently, market forecasts of consumer demand project a growth market.2 ● The smart thermostat market is a sub-market to a much larger smart home market, with billions of growth potential to Google/Nest in the coming years. Sales of smart thermostats offer a high-value opportunity to establish a beachhead in one of the most promising electronic device-related markets in the coming decades--possibly the most promising ● The biggest barrier capable of being addressed, directly, by Nest is the high purchase price ($250). 2017 U.S. Target Market ● Mid- and high-level income homeowners (with broadband internet access) ● Do-it-yourself (DIY) problem solvers 2017 Sales & Revenue Forecasts ● Total Achievable Market = $1.5B (6M units) ● Serviceable Available Market ○ Low Estimate = $480M total revenue (1.92M units) ■ Assumes 35 percent market share ○ High Estimate = $600M total revenue (2.4M units) ■ Assumes 40 percent market share 2017 Goals and Objectives ● Goals: Increase sales/profit and jump the chasm ● Objectives ○ Increase customer retention by providing high-quality customer services, solving issues quickly and effectively ○ Expand sales to existing customers who have a prior generation Nest thermostat. ○ Leverage utility relationships/programs to lower prices and gain access to midincome market. ○ Expand footprint in retail markets (do-it-yourselfers, home builders, service professionals). Title: NEST 3rd Generation Thermostat: 2017 United States Marketing Plan Author: Viratos, Brea, Binus, Joshua, Dabab, Maoloud, Beltaif, Nader, Laraichi, Oussama, Hanayneh, Shihab Year: 2017 Current-State Assessment ● The Nest thermostat is currently holding a leader position in the crowded U.S. smart thermostat market, with approximately 35 percent market share.1 ● American consumers are increasingly purchasing smart thermostats; subsequently, market forecasts of consumer demand project a growth market.2 ● The smart thermostat market is a sub-market to a much larger smart home market, with billions of growth potential to Google/Nest in the coming years. Sales of smart thermostats offer a high-value opportunity to establish a beachhead in one of the most promising electronic device-related markets in the coming decades--possibly the most promising ● The biggest barrier capable of being addressed, directly, by Nest is the high purchase price ($250). 2017 U.S. Target Market ● Mid- and high-level income homeowners (with broadband internet access) ● Do-it-yourself (DIY) problem solvers 2017 Sales & Revenue Forecasts ● Total Achievable Market = $1.5B (6M units) ● Serviceable Available Market ○ Low Estimate = $480M total revenue (1.92M units) ■ Assumes 35 percent market share ○ High Estimate = $600M total revenue (2.4M units) ■ Assumes 40 percent market share 2017 Goals and Objectives ● Goals: Increase sales/profit and jump the chasm ● Objectives ○ Increase customer retention by providing high-quality customer services, solving issues quickly and effectively ○ Expand sales to existing customers who have a prior generation Nest thermostat. ○ Leverage utility relationships/programs to lower prices and gain access to midincome market. ○ Expand footprint in retail markets (do-it-yourselfers, home builders, service professionals). Close

• 5. [Article] Analysis and Evaluation of Criteria Impacting HER Adoption With AHP Model

  Information systems have been making a noticeable entrance in the healthcare, although their adoption has been slow. This paper examines the factors influencing the electronic healthcare records (EHR) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Analysis and Evaluation of Criteria Impacting HER Adoption With AHP Model Author: Hogaboam, Liliya, Ju, Jiali, Ucar, Duygu, Mudavadi, Caroline Year: 2011 Information systems have been making a noticeable entrance in the healthcare, although their adoption has been slow. This paper examines the factors influencing the electronic healthcare records (EHR) adoption by modeling behavioral intention of physicians towards EHR adoption. Three main criteria: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and external factors along with the subcriteria, are studied by the authors. Analytical hierarchical process (AHP) model is tested through the expert judgment questionnaire of physicians in Portland metro area. PCM software and Excel were used analyze the results of the pairwise comparisons done by the experts. The results showed high importance of the Perceived Ease of Use criteria on the behavioral intensions of physicians towards EHR adoption. Search ability and user interface – subcriteria of Perceived Ease of Use had some of the highest values. Another important subcriterion in the analysis under External Factors Criteria was Cost. None of the criteria evaluated could be considered unimportant, i.e. having really low values after the analysis. All of the respondents think that EHR should be mandatory in terms of reducing of time spent and errors, improving the outcomes and productivity and in terms of optimum patient treatment. Title: Analysis and Evaluation of Criteria Impacting HER Adoption With AHP Model Author: Hogaboam, Liliya, Ju, Jiali, Ucar, Duygu, Mudavadi, Caroline Year: 2011 Information systems have been making a noticeable entrance in the healthcare, although their adoption has been slow. This paper examines the factors influencing the electronic healthcare records (EHR) adoption by modeling behavioral intention of physicians towards EHR adoption. Three main criteria: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and external factors along with the subcriteria, are studied by the authors. Analytical hierarchical process (AHP) model is tested through the expert judgment questionnaire of physicians in Portland metro area. PCM software and Excel were used analyze the results of the pairwise comparisons done by the experts. The results showed high importance of the Perceived Ease of Use criteria on the behavioral intensions of physicians towards EHR adoption. Search ability and user interface – subcriteria of Perceived Ease of Use had some of the highest values. Another important subcriterion in the analysis under External Factors Criteria was Cost. None of the criteria evaluated could be considered unimportant, i.e. having really low values after the analysis. All of the respondents think that EHR should be mandatory in terms of reducing of time spent and errors, improving the outcomes and productivity and in terms of optimum patient treatment. Close

• 6. [Article] Is Employee Development a Sound Investment for Employers?

  Training is a necessary part of all modern employment. Employee development is a different kind of process involving long term mentorship and continuing follow-up of results which can be particular to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Is Employee Development a Sound Investment for Employers? Author: Nguyen, Hung, Nickeson, Matt, Provenzola, Jeremy, Siriwannangkul, Benjamas, Runde, Neil Year: 2011 Training is a necessary part of all modern employment. Employee development is a different kind of process involving long term mentorship and continuing follow-up of results which can be particular to high technology firms. However, significant costs are associated with both kinds of endeavors. Can a tangible, monetary value be placed on training and development? Our hypothesis is that it can, but that training offers largely intangible benefits to companies such as improvements in employee attraction, motivation, and retention. Examples from literature and a custom survey distributed to mid-level managers in several high-tech Portland firms resulted in confirmation of our hypotheses that employee development offers few tangible but many intangible benefits which can improve employee performance. Title: Is Employee Development a Sound Investment for Employers? Author: Nguyen, Hung, Nickeson, Matt, Provenzola, Jeremy, Siriwannangkul, Benjamas, Runde, Neil Year: 2011 Training is a necessary part of all modern employment. Employee development is a different kind of process involving long term mentorship and continuing follow-up of results which can be particular to high technology firms. However, significant costs are associated with both kinds of endeavors. Can a tangible, monetary value be placed on training and development? Our hypothesis is that it can, but that training offers largely intangible benefits to companies such as improvements in employee attraction, motivation, and retention. Examples from literature and a custom survey distributed to mid-level managers in several high-tech Portland firms resulted in confirmation of our hypotheses that employee development offers few tangible but many intangible benefits which can improve employee performance. Close

• 7. [Article] Business Plan for NewDirection

  Every year more than 2 million students graduate from universities. However, due to the intense competition in the job market, about 10 percent graduates are unsuccessful in acquiring a job offer within ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Business Plan for NewDirection Author: Getman, Michael, Samal, Subasis, Suharto, Yulianto, Yang, Jiting Year: 2009 Every year more than 2 million students graduate from universities. However, due to the intense competition in the job market, about 10 percent graduates are unsuccessful in acquiring a job offer within six months of graduation. There are often more inherent constraints and challenges for international students. This is a high waste for both national labor resource and students' personal values. Besides the economic situation, the major reasons for graduate unemployment are they don't know which position fits their ability and they cannot pass either the general interview or the technical interviews. The international students have more difficulty due to language barriers and their lack of knowledge about American company cultures. Title: Business Plan for NewDirection Author: Getman, Michael, Samal, Subasis, Suharto, Yulianto, Yang, Jiting Year: 2009 Every year more than 2 million students graduate from universities. However, due to the intense competition in the job market, about 10 percent graduates are unsuccessful in acquiring a job offer within six months of graduation. There are often more inherent constraints and challenges for international students. This is a high waste for both national labor resource and students' personal values. Besides the economic situation, the major reasons for graduate unemployment are they don't know which position fits their ability and they cannot pass either the general interview or the technical interviews. The international students have more difficulty due to language barriers and their lack of knowledge about American company cultures. Close

• 8. [Article] A Way to Understand the Process, Improve and Come Up with Outstanding Outcomes in a Team

  Our team was committed to provide and encourage cohesion and collaboration between team members. Trust improved extensively compared to the initial stages of forming and storming. Our team valued each ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Way to Understand the Process, Improve and Come Up with Outstanding Outcomes in a Team Author: Hogaboam, Liliya, Gomez, Fredy, Balasubramanian, Aparna, Garcia, Jorge, Talla, Rajasree, Natarajan, Rupha Year: 2012 Our team was committed to provide and encourage cohesion and collaboration between team members. Trust improved extensively compared to the initial stages of forming and storming. Our team valued each other’s opinion and implemented this mandate into the rules. Team learned to appreciate the differences and strengthen relationships through positive and constructive feedback. Team confronted ‘issues but not the people’. Overall, our Norming stage was the inflection point which moved us towards the high performing team curve. Title: A Way to Understand the Process, Improve and Come Up with Outstanding Outcomes in a Team Author: Hogaboam, Liliya, Gomez, Fredy, Balasubramanian, Aparna, Garcia, Jorge, Talla, Rajasree, Natarajan, Rupha Year: 2012 Our team was committed to provide and encourage cohesion and collaboration between team members. Trust improved extensively compared to the initial stages of forming and storming. Our team valued each other’s opinion and implemented this mandate into the rules. Team learned to appreciate the differences and strengthen relationships through positive and constructive feedback. Team confronted ‘issues but not the people’. Overall, our Norming stage was the inflection point which moved us towards the high performing team curve. Close

• 9. [Article] A Decision Model for Purchasing the Highest Value Printer for Student Home Use

  Students have a wide selection of printers to choose from, with a variety of technologies and features making a purchasing decision difficult. Using our group members as experts, and scope focused on multifunction, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Decision Model for Purchasing the Highest Value Printer for Student Home Use Author: Belding, Jeff, Loanzon, Emy, Millward, Helen, Seboni, Lone, Sibanda, David, Torgeson, Tiffani Year: 2009 Students have a wide selection of printers to choose from, with a variety of technologies and features making a purchasing decision difficult. Using our group members as experts, and scope focused on multifunction, or “all-in-one”, printers to provide a single solution for all of our printing, copying, and scanning needs. Multi-function printers have become more popular and affordable. This paper presents six criteria expert users of all-in-one printers, have identified as critical in purchasing an all-in-one printer for student home use. Thes e six criteria were applied to an HDM (Hierarchical Decision Model), a decision making tool for addressing this problem . A review of related literature and studies provided background information on hierarchical decision-making. Pairwise Comparisons and the Pairwise Comparison Method (PCM) were used to analyze the numerical rankings for each criterion given by each expert. By referencing the hierarchical decision-making model and the results gathered from Pairwise Comparisons, a prospective printer buyer could optim ise their selection of a printer for student home use. The paper concludes with sensitivity analysis and recommendations for purchas ing a multifunctional printer for student home use, based on the HDM presented in the study. The results and analysis demonstrated that HP PhotoSmart C4580 is the most important alternative that meets the problem objective “Highes t Value All in one Printer” between $100 and $200. Title: A Decision Model for Purchasing the Highest Value Printer for Student Home Use Author: Belding, Jeff, Loanzon, Emy, Millward, Helen, Seboni, Lone, Sibanda, David, Torgeson, Tiffani Year: 2009 Students have a wide selection of printers to choose from, with a variety of technologies and features making a purchasing decision difficult. Using our group members as experts, and scope focused on multifunction, or “all-in-one”, printers to provide a single solution for all of our printing, copying, and scanning needs. Multi-function printers have become more popular and affordable. This paper presents six criteria expert users of all-in-one printers, have identified as critical in purchasing an all-in-one printer for student home use. Thes e six criteria were applied to an HDM (Hierarchical Decision Model), a decision making tool for addressing this problem . A review of related literature and studies provided background information on hierarchical decision-making. Pairwise Comparisons and the Pairwise Comparison Method (PCM) were used to analyze the numerical rankings for each criterion given by each expert. By referencing the hierarchical decision-making model and the results gathered from Pairwise Comparisons, a prospective printer buyer could optim ise their selection of a printer for student home use. The paper concludes with sensitivity analysis and recommendations for purchas ing a multifunctional printer for student home use, based on the HDM presented in the study. The results and analysis demonstrated that HP PhotoSmart C4580 is the most important alternative that meets the problem objective “Highes t Value All in one Printer” between $100 and $200. Close

• 10. [Article] Use of PCM Modeling in selection of an HDTV

  Hierarchical Decision Modeling (HDM) used with Pairwise Comparison Modeling (PCM) provides a valuable and effective tool for estimating the relevant importance of criteria contributing toward making a ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Use of PCM Modeling in selection of an HDTV Author: Marino, Leopoldo, Vannaprapa, Noppadon, Bottjen, Philip, Danskin, Rodney, Ngarmnil, Thanaporn Year: 2013 Hierarchical Decision Modeling (HDM) used with Pairwise Comparison Modeling (PCM) provides a valuable and effective tool for estimating the relevant importance of criteria contributing toward making a decision. This paper demonstrates the use of HDM and PCM in making a consumer purchase decision. For the purpose of the demonstration, five individuals were asked to rank the importance of various attributes considered when selecting a High Definition Television (HDTV). The attribute weights given the relative rankings were calculated using PCM software and summed to generate an aggregate value for the group. Twenty-seven current TV models were then selected from a list of top consumer choices and compared to the calculated weights of each attribute to select an optimal HDTV selection for each individual and for the group. The rationale used in selecting relative attributes, building the HDM model and selecting the HDTV models are explored and explained. The model can easily be adapted with a different choice of attributes and models and the weights can be calculated for any number of individuals or groups of individuals. The result should therefore provide a simple to follow demonstration of the use of Hierarchical Decision Modeling and Pairwise Comparison Modeling in multi-criteria decision making. Title: Use of PCM Modeling in selection of an HDTV Author: Marino, Leopoldo, Vannaprapa, Noppadon, Bottjen, Philip, Danskin, Rodney, Ngarmnil, Thanaporn Year: 2013 Hierarchical Decision Modeling (HDM) used with Pairwise Comparison Modeling (PCM) provides a valuable and effective tool for estimating the relevant importance of criteria contributing toward making a decision. This paper demonstrates the use of HDM and PCM in making a consumer purchase decision. For the purpose of the demonstration, five individuals were asked to rank the importance of various attributes considered when selecting a High Definition Television (HDTV). The attribute weights given the relative rankings were calculated using PCM software and summed to generate an aggregate value for the group. Twenty-seven current TV models were then selected from a list of top consumer choices and compared to the calculated weights of each attribute to select an optimal HDTV selection for each individual and for the group. The rationale used in selecting relative attributes, building the HDM model and selecting the HDTV models are explored and explained. The model can easily be adapted with a different choice of attributes and models and the weights can be calculated for any number of individuals or groups of individuals. The result should therefore provide a simple to follow demonstration of the use of Hierarchical Decision Modeling and Pairwise Comparison Modeling in multi-criteria decision making. Close