484
MARY ALTALO
1.
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concepts behind the
application of modeled observing system information to the needs of the
various economic sectors of the global business community. We will use
examples from developed and developing nations to demonstrate how the
information is used and the process by which it is “mainstreamed” into the
business practices of industry. We will introduce concepts of marketplace
dynamics and their vulnerability to environmental variability.
There are a number of ideas that will be explored in this chapter. The
first is related to the “provider push” of the information –that is the “build it
and they will use it” approach, versus the “user pull” whereby businesses
and economies truly recognize the importance of the information and create
the demand for the data and create a “voice” to policy makers to support the
provision of that data. The second concept that we wish to explore is that of
understanding the various industry drivers for the use of the information—
that is what makes them sit up and take notice that they need the
information—this may be everything from regulation to good citizenship.
The third concept is to introduce the various industry segments that are in
need of this information. Since there has been much attention paid to natural
resource management, marine transport and oil and gas operations, this
chapter will concentrate on the less frequently examined areas of the
economy such as regional utilities management, construction, and tourism.
The fourth concept is an introduction to the approach that we use to ascertain
and “value” how information is used and how it impacts the performance of
business. Here the method of an “industry trial” or “beta testing” and audit
analysis are introduced. In order to illustrate the method, a number of case
studies will be explored with particular emphasis on the power industry, and
the tourism or leisure industry. In the case of the power industry, examples
are used from developed as well as developing nations. The next concept
explored is the production of decision aids for the industry and methods for
linking multiple decision support tools to optimize operational performance.
Finally, the need to create a sound family of business plans including
financial, marketing, governance, science etc in order to “execute” the
transition is demonstrated.
2.
Provider “push” vs. user “pull” for observing system
information
The application of scientific information gleaned from the deployment of
new technologies is often difficult. Part of the problem stems from the need
for “translation” between the provider and user community, but even within
the academic community, the disciplines required in this transition phase
MARY ALTALO
1.
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concepts behind the
application of modeled observing system information to the needs of the
various economic sectors of the global business community. We will use
examples from developed and developing nations to demonstrate how the
information is used and the process by which it is “mainstreamed” into the
business practices of industry. We will introduce concepts of marketplace
dynamics and their vulnerability to environmental variability.
There are a number of ideas that will be explored in this chapter. The
first is related to the “provider push” of the information –that is the “build it
and they will use it” approach, versus the “user pull” whereby businesses
and economies truly recognize the importance of the information and create
the demand for the data and create a “voice” to policy makers to support the
provision of that data. The second concept that we wish to explore is that of
understanding the various industry drivers for the use of the information—
that is what makes them sit up and take notice that they need the
information—this may be everything from regulation to good citizenship.
The third concept is to introduce the various industry segments that are in
need of this information. Since there has been much attention paid to natural
resource management, marine transport and oil and gas operations, this
chapter will concentrate on the less frequently examined areas of the
economy such as regional utilities management, construction, and tourism.
The fourth concept is an introduction to the approach that we use to ascertain
and “value” how information is used and how it impacts the performance of
business. Here the method of an “industry trial” or “beta testing” and audit
analysis are introduced. In order to illustrate the method, a number of case
studies will be explored with particular emphasis on the power industry, and
the tourism or leisure industry. In the case of the power industry, examples
are used from developed as well as developing nations. The next concept
explored is the production of decision aids for the industry and methods for
linking multiple decision support tools to optimize operational performance.
Finally, the need to create a sound family of business plans including
financial, marketing, governance, science etc in order to “execute” the
transition is demonstrated.
2.
Provider “push” vs. user “pull” for observing system
information
The application of scientific information gleaned from the deployment of
new technologies is often difficult. Part of the problem stems from the need
for “translation” between the provider and user community, but even within
the academic community, the disciplines required in this transition phase