How ill is your IT Portfolio? : Measuring Criticality in IT Portfolios Using Epidemiology

in 40th International Conference on Information Systems, Munich, Germany, 2019 (2019)

IT project portfolios, consisting of IT projects, also interact with the entire IT landscape. In case of a failure of only one element, existing dependencies can lead to a cascade failure, which can cause ... [more ▼]

IT project portfolios, consisting of IT projects, also interact with the entire IT landscape. In case of a failure of only one element, existing dependencies can lead to a cascade failure, which can cause high losses. Despite the present effects of systemic risk, research into IT portfolio management lacks suitable methods to quantitatively assess systemic risk. We follow the design science research paradigm to develop and evaluate our ‘on track’ or ‘in difficulty’ (TD) method by applying the SI model, representing a recognized network diffusion model in epidemiology, in an IT portfolio context. We evaluate our method using a real-world dataset. We introduce a criticality measure for diffusion models in IT portfolios and compare the TD method’s results and the alpha centrality to human judgment as a benchmark. From our evaluation, we conclude that the TD method outperforms alpha centrality and is a suitable risk measure in IT portfolio management. [less ▲]

Batterien als Schlüsseltechnologie : Durch interdisziplinäre Batterieforschung zu einer nachhaltigeren Energiewirtschaft

in Spektrum (2019), 15(1), 64--67

Framing Microgrid Design from a Business and Information Systems Engineering Perspective

in Business and Information Systems Engineering (2019), 61(6), 729--744

Microgrids are decentralized distribution networks that integrate distributed energy resources and balance generation and loads locally. The introduction of microgrids can help overcome challenges of ... [more ▼]

Microgrids are decentralized distribution networks that integrate distributed energy resources and balance generation and loads locally. The introduction of microgrids can help overcome challenges of global energy systems. Despite this potential, in the information systems domain, research on microgrids has been limited. The paper on hand studies the design of microgrids for electric energy. Experts we interview state that technological microgrid solutions have been solidly developed; yet, lack of economic and business consideration is stalling their deployment. We argue that research in business and information systems engineering can provide integrated perspectives bridging from technology to markets. Therefore, from an extensive interdisciplinary literature review, we derive a framework that structures microgrid design and may guide information systems researchers. The framework comprises four layers: energy technology and infrastructure, information and communication infrastructure, application systems, and governance. We evaluate the framework in interviews with 15 experts from industry and 3 from academia. The given feedback and examples allow us to iteratively refine the framework, instantiate it, and point out research directions on microgrids in business and information systems engineering. [less ▲]

Supporting communication and cooperation in the asylum procedure with Blockchain technology : A proof of concept by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

Report (2019)

The proof of concept showed that the use of Blockchain technology could support cross-organisational communication and cooperation in the asylum procedure. In addition, Blockchain could provide an ... [more ▼]

The proof of concept showed that the use of Blockchain technology could support cross-organisational communication and cooperation in the asylum procedure. In addition, Blockchain could provide an important foundation for the establishment of digital identities and allow an asylum seeker’s procedure to be tracked based on this identity. Admittedly, not all applicable data protection regulations were fully implemented in the proof of concept. However, the findings gained as part of the project provide a promising basis for the development of a Blockchain-based solution for the asylum procedure that complies with data protection requirements. Moreover, the developed concept could scale beyond Germany’s borders. Blockchain-based, transnational management of asylum procedures could therefore become a joint project of the European member states to strengthen cooperation while safeguarding federal structures. This means that Blockchain technology could be the start of digital federalism in Europe (including the asylum procedure). [less ▲]

Initial conditions for the marketing of demand flexibility: status quo analysis and meta study. 2 version

Report (2019)

The present work is part of the research project "Synchronized and energy-adaptive production technology for the flexible alignment of industrial processes to a fluctuating energy supply (SynErgie ... [more ▼]

The present work is part of the research project "Synchronized and energy-adaptive production technology for the flexible alignment of industrial processes to a fluctuating energy supply (SynErgie)" funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. As one of the "Kopernikus projects for the energy transition", the SynErgie research project aims to enable energy-intensive industries in Germany to adapt their electricity demand to the increasingly fluctuating electricity supply. In the past, electricity systems were usually designed so that the generation side of the market was adapted to the temporal behavior of consumption. However, due to the increased expansion of volatile renewable energies, power generation is subject to uncontrollable, weather-dependent fluctuations, which is why making the overall system more flexible is becoming increasingly important. Because the producer side can only offer the required flexibility in the form of a reduction in feed-in, there is a so-called flexibility gap. As became clear on December 14, 2018 and January 10, 2019, this flexibility gap is already pushing the power system to its limits of stability. Only through the use of many compensation mechanisms or With options for flexibility, the security of supply could just be maintained on these days. The industrial processes considered in SynErgie represent a subset of potential flexibility options and can contribute to load adjustment to fluctuating generation as well as to the provision of system services and relief of the grids. In a liberalized, competitive electricity market, the market and regulatory framework conditions are of great relevance with regard to the development of the potential for flexibility in demand. This study therefore first describes the basics of the electricity market design and the constituent legal framework. Current discussions about the basic price system (unit price system vs. zonal system vs. nodal system) are not dealt with. The processing of these discussions as well as the specific analysis of the effects of the price system on demand flexibility is the content of the work packages of the Cluster IV “Market and Electricity System” pending in SynErgie II. The present study therefore rather works on potential obstacles to the participation of flexible demand processes and always refers to the application to industrial processes. The analysis forms the basis for future work in Cluster IV and provides cross-cluster information about the status quo of market structures and regulatory framework conditions. In addition to the systematic processing of the market framework, the scientific literature and already published studies on the subject of demand flexibility (demand side management and demand response) are analyzed and summarized in a meta study. The analysis forms the basis for future work in Cluster IV and provides cross-cluster information about the status quo of market structures and regulatory framework conditions. In addition to the systematic processing of the market framework, the scientific literature and already published studies on the subject of demand flexibility (demand side management and demand response) are analyzed and summarized in a meta study. The analysis forms the basis for future work in Cluster IV and provides cross-cluster information about the status quo of market structures and regulatory framework conditions. In addition to the systematic processing of the market framework, the scientific literature and already published studies on the subject of demand flexibility (demand side management and demand response) are analyzed and summarized in a meta study. [less ▲]

Challenges and Opportunities of Blockchain-based Platformization of Digital Identities in the Public Sector

in Workshop on Platformization in the Public Sector, 26th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) (2018)

Digitalization promises unprecedented opportunities for public sector institutions to increase efficiency of current and to introduce new services. One of these opportunities are unique digital identities ... [more ▼]

Digitalization promises unprecedented opportunities for public sector institutions to increase efficiency of current and to introduce new services. One of these opportunities are unique digital identities which could improve migration and refugee management, simplify distribution of social services, and improve healthcare systems. A major challenge, however, to the adoption of such digital identities is finding a suitable technological basis. Blockchain might be such a technology. The challenges of introducing blockchain-based digital identities, however, are both significant and fuzzy. To provide guidance on how to overcome these challenges, we provide a detailed exploration of blockchain-based platformization of digital identities and discuss interview insights from refugee and migration management in Germany. We find that blockchain offers promising solutions for unique digital identity management. Likewise, we find that implementation in the public sector would entail a range of organizational and technological challenges. Successful adoption, on the other hand, might ultimately pave the way for decentral and efficient e-government services. [less ▲]

A Privacy Preserving Approach to Collaborative Systemic Risk Identification : the Use-case of Supply Chain Network

in Security and Communication Networks (2018)

Globalization, and outsourcing are two main factors which are leading to higher complexity of supply chain networks. Due to the strategic importance of having a sustainable network it is necessary to have ... [more ▼]

Globalization, and outsourcing are two main factors which are leading to higher complexity of supply chain networks. Due to the strategic importance of having a sustainable network it is necessary to have an enhanced supply chain network risk management. In a supply chain network many firms depend directly or indirectly on a specific supplier. In this regard, unknown risks of network’s structure can endanger the whole supply chain network’s robustness. In spite of the importance of risk identification of supply chain network, firms are not willing to exchange the structural information of their network. Firms are concerned about risking their strategic positioning or established connections in the network. The paper proposes to combine secure multiparty computation cryptography methods with risk identification algorithms from social network analysis to address this challenge. The combination enables structural risk identification of supply chain networks without endangering firms’ competitive advantage. [less ▲]

Towards a Theory of Decentral Digital Process Ecosystems : Evidence from the Case of Digital Identities

in Workshop Blockchain Research ? Beyond the Horizon (2018)

Blockchain could transform process management and usher in decentral digital process ecosystems. Such ecosystems present a paradigm shift from central control towards decentral coordination and we ... [more ▼]

Blockchain could transform process management and usher in decentral digital process ecosystems. Such ecosystems present a paradigm shift from central control towards decentral coordination and we increasingly see them appear in various places. Here, we provide our idea of a theory of the emergence of these ecosystems and their theoretical constructs. Our theory builds on a single-case study in the area of digital identities for refugees in Europe. [less ▲]

A Solution in Search of a Problem : A Method for the Development of Blockchain Use Cases

in 24th Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) (2018)

Blockchain technology is a very recent and fast evolving phenomenon with the potential to disrupt various industries. Organizations are thus increasingly looking at the technology and are forming multi ... [more ▼]

Blockchain technology is a very recent and fast evolving phenomenon with the potential to disrupt various industries. Organizations are thus increasingly looking at the technology and are forming multi-functional teams to evaluate the technology and its impact on their businesses. However, researchers and practitioners still lack a technology-driven, systematic approach to understand the potential of blockchain and to develop convincing use cases. We address this research gap by applying an action design research approach and situational method engineering to propose a method for the development of blockchain use cases. Following this approach, we iteratively evaluated and further developed the proposed method through application and testing in four distinct industries. We thus derive constructive knowledge at the cutting edge of digital transformation, innovation management, and utilization of emerging technologies. In addition, our research supports practitioners in systematically developing blockchain use cases. [less ▲]

Decision Flexibility vs. Information Accuracy in Energy-intensive Businesses

in 26th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) (2018)

Demand-side management and demand response are integral building blocks for environmental sus-tainability. Exchange-based power pricing serves as an economic mechanism to set incentives to shift demand to ... [more ▼]

Demand-side management and demand response are integral building blocks for environmental sus-tainability. Exchange-based power pricing serves as an economic mechanism to set incentives to shift demand to periods where prices are low. Low power prices also serve as an indicator for green(er) power, since high feed-ins from variable renewable sources push the electricity price downward. For businesses, minimizing electricity costs thus not only contributes to economic but also environmental sustainability. Hence, especially energy-intensive businesses can become greener and more competitive by integrating volatile electricity prices into their production planning activities. In this paper, we demonstrate that the length of the planning horizons is key to achieve more sustainable outcomes due to the trade-off between decision flexibility and information accuracy. Decision flexibility – i.e. the ca-pability to shift processes – increases with longer planning horizons. Information accuracy – i.e. price accuracy – increases with shorter planning horizons. Information Systems (IS) can help to balance this trade-off. We follow a data-driven approach and derive both actual and predicted electricity spot prices from historic electricity intraday market data in Germany. We find that decision flexibility and infor-mation accuracy affect the planning horizon as conceived. First results indicate that more sustainable outcomes are achieved with longer planning horizons. [less ▲]