Abstract
This paper discusses project management and several causes of project failure. At the core of these reasons for project failure are communication issues within the project. These issues are related to software development methodologies and how Agile Development is becoming more effective for software and program development than tradition project management structures. Finally, Microsoft is noted as well-known adoptee of Agile Development methodologies with its use of the Scrum method as well as a host of other Agile Development techniques.

From the Paper
"Projects and project management are of singular importance to any business enterprise because they form the nexus of the primary activity of the business. Without projects and project management, no work would be completed or, at best, limited work of questionable quality would be the result. Researchers have observed that one of the most basic causes of project failure is a lack of real-time updates and poor visibility into ongoing tasks (Oates, 2006, para.2). While traditional project management has always recognized the need for periodic updates to both executive management as well as line employees regarding a project's status, contemporary project management recognizes these periodic updates as outdated and not suited to the technological environment within which most organizations operated today."

Tags:agile, development, project

Abstract
This paper describes the Scrum method of Agile software architecture development and includes a UML activity diagram.

From the Paper
"The Scrum method of Agile software development employs an iterative process in which projects progress via a series of month-long iterations called sprints. Scrum works well in projects where the requirements are not yet fully identified or that are changing at a rapid pace. Scrum starts with the Product Backlog; a list of all desired changes to the product. A sprint planning meeting is held at the..."

Tags:Scrum, Agile, software development, UML activity diagram

Abstract
This paper discusses the Agile Manifesto, a conceptual framework for software development. The paper focuses primarily on Martin Fowler, one of the pioneers of the Agile Manifesto and one of the gurus of design patterns. The paper discusses how Fowler is able to emphasize the importance of this methodology in writing software.

From the Paper
"Although Fowler strives to achieve simplicity in his software design and development, other critics view the simplistic approach "as not realistic (Fowler, 2006)" and then on the other hand, a rebuttal can be made by stating, "but if you make it too complex then people have to understand a bunch of stuff that's nothing to do with the pattern in order to understand the pattern. (Fowler, 2006)" Still, Fowlers style promotes an easier understanding of any system and renders the output as usable, reusable and understandable not only to other developers by the lay users as well. Like a well written English literature, Fowler divides his pattern work into the Alexandrian form wherein (Fowler, 2006)"

Tags:K.I.S.S., principle, development, simplistic, technology, core, solution

Abstract
The paper discusses a fixed budget proposal. This proposal as reviewed by the paper, is specifically designed for a company named 'Agile Software Development.' The paper states that when developing software programs, details should be provided on the different elements, and compares and contrasts four principles of proposal design. The paper concludes suggesting that a fixed budget proposal with a variable element provides the most flexibility when designing and developing software programs for a company.

Outline:
Introduction
Fixed Budget - "Agile on a Fixed Budget" Proposal
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A fixed budget typically entails many restrictions, meaning a defined amount of money is available for defined purposes. This amount should not vary much on a fixed budget proposal. Ambler reviews three factors of "resources, schedule, and scope" noting that even in a fixed budget, "at least one must vary" because if it does not quality production will "suffer" (Ambler, p. 1). Why is this? Quality will often decrease because technical staff may have to conform to "budgetary constraints" typically introduced by a fixed budget. This may lead according to Ambler (2007) the technology team to taking shortcuts which will also sacrifice quality. In any other type of budget, like a flexible budge, all three factors (resources, schedule and scope) could vary in terms of funding. This allows more flexibility for management (Ambler, 2003). However, Ambler (2007) notes that rarely in the technology field do software applications or development teams utilize a flexible budget fully (Ambler, 2003). Some resources, especially funding when considering the fixed budget, can vary (Ambler, 2007). Typically when someone is using a fixed budget, all financing options are fixed. However, one may provide a fixed estimate at the start of a project which allows the stakeholders to "minimize" their perceived risk; then stakeholders can treat an IT investment like "a true investment" by increasing the amount of money they provide to effective teams and decreasing funding to inefficient or ineffective teams. "

Tags:budget, design, money

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a fictitious company, XYZ which is a UK-based PC manufacturing company that has worldwide operations. The paper analyzes supply chain management in this company. It then discusses the company's key areas of supply chain development, agility and integration. It looks at the importance of each area and how they can be successfully implemented into the organization.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is Supply Chain
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Decisions
Supply Chain Integration
SCM, CRM ERP and Extranets
Agile Supply Chains
Supply Chain ICT
Conclusions

From the Paper
"In the case of Dell ICT, it enables individual customers to customise their purchase (i.e. configure to order). The greater the extent to which you can allow customers to customise product offerings, the greater the overall quality of the relationship becomes. In this case, technology can become the key contributor to improving communication with the supply chain and providing configuration tools for both suppliers and end customers. This is done through the interactive nature of the Internet, which is a key attraction to building a relationship with customers (Hoffman, Novak & Chatterjee, 1995). The involvement of the customer in the design, production, or delivery process before the actual sales transactions, using technology to limit the cost is a key competitive strategy providing customer intimacy and product leadership."

Tags:ICT, SCM, CRM, ERP, marketing, design, technology, customer

Abstract
This paper first asserts that assessing the influence of branding on consumer purchase behavior begins with an analysis of how the accumulated effects of marketing strategies contribute to the permanency of branding and their accumulative effects on consumers. Next, the author presents an extensive literature review and an explanation of the research methodology. The paper relates the findings of the study such as the importance of the trusted adviser role and the premier effect of selling value.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Executive Summary
Creating and Sustaining Trustworthy Brands with Web 2.0
Internal Collaboration Critical for Branding Consistency
Nordstrom's Moments of Truth and Branding Consistency
Summary
Exploring the Interrelationship of Trusted Advisers and Branding
Differentiating and Segmenting on Trust
Branding Contributes to Values-Based Segmentation Strategies
Organizational and Customer Value Alignment and Brand Relationships
Brand ROI Analysis Literature Review
Branding's Changing Role in Enterprises
Research Methodology
Methodology
Phase I
Follow-up Qualitative Interviews
Subject Population
Conclusion
Findings
Emergence of the Branding Maturity Model
Preliminary Conclusions and Recommendations
Key Findings
Discussion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"A brand is by definition the identity of a company, regardless if the company is producing products or selling services. Advertising and marketing strategies on the part of companies have as their catalyst the association of emotional and imagery-based attributes to a brand. A case in point are the many efforts of financial services firms including Fidelity Investments to link their brand with being a trusted adviser to others looking for guidance in managing their investments. The breakdown in trust within many financial services industries was precipitated by Enron, Tyco and many other scandals that also impacted the value of investor's portfolios."

Tags:transparency, nordstrom, segmentation, blog, adviser

From the Paper
"Introduction
The term "agile manufacturing" has recently been coined in the manufacturing industry. While it lacks a clear or formal definition (Maskell, 1994, p. 39), it is does embody the spirit of the changes, which are taking place in the global manufacturing industry today. In order for an organization to compete effectively in the world markets of today, more is required than just an implementation of new manufacturing techniques or the latest in Enterprise Requirements Planning (ERP) software such as PeopleSoft, SAP, or Oracle. Instead, the company must change its basic business processes and operations such that products, quality and service become second to none. Therefore, "agile manufacturing" represents not simply a set of techniques; rather, it represents a total, perhaps radical, changes in the way the ..."

Abstract
This paper relates that terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. The author explains that, in applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration and latency are evident. The paper points out that these factors operate in al Qaeda to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations.

From the Paper
"In applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, it is evident that factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency continue to al Qaeda, but to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations. Terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. For example, many of al Qaeda's functions are in conflict more often and are "on" or "off" more frequently and unexpectedly because of the global war on terror, which compels al Qaeda leaders, strategists, financiers, and cell members to be reactive much more often than they can be proactive."

Tags:al, qaeda, analysis

Abstract
This paper explains that legality is the ability of a supply chain design to maintain a balance of lean and agile supply chain practices during the course of productivity, which is applicable in an environment that is highly volatile and where demand is flexible. The author points out that the supplier must maintain a lean production schedule up to the decoupling point, followed by an agile one that responds and, thereafte,r takes advantage of volatile market conditions. The paper relates that the supply chain in the case of food production is not flexible in nature; therefore, most food suppliers are required to maintain lean operations to reduce waste, though waste does occur due to the perishable nature of goods.

From the Paper
"After this point, a corporation can focus on agility, or its ability to exploit profitable opportunities when a market is volatile and unpredictable. So one might assume that prior to the agility point, a company is working in a fairly straightforward environment where demand is relatively stable and profit margins are low. After the decoupling point; however, it is more likely that profit margins will rise if a company is willing to gamble and use the volatile marketplace associated with innovation and versatility to its advantage."

Tags:balance, lean, agile, productivity, food

Abstract
The theoretical and practical issues on organizational theories are discussed in this paper, concentrating on how the forces of compliance, the use of offshore facilities and outsourcing, the influence of the Internet on transparency and also speed of communications, and the lack of trust generally throughout organizations are all influencing the development and use of organizational theories. The paper evaluates and analyzes these factors from the perspective of why organizations need to be transformed from their hierarchical, inflexible structures into more agile organizations capable of responding more quickly to market dynamics.

Outline:
Synopsis
Analyzing the Theoretical and Practical Issues Driving Change
Organization Theory Concepts on Managing for Optimal Performance
Realigning Power Topologies for Higher Effectiveness
Sustaining and Solidifying Trust
Summary

From the Paper
"The one factor that has been researched in the context of both its theoretical and practical applicability to organization theory is trust. The lack of trust exacerbated by the growth of offshoring, outsourcing and the concentration on transparency and compliance. Often in responding to these factors organizations leave their employees sensing a lack of relative status, uncertainty about their futures, and a tendency to become negative about the changes as the subordinate is not involved in the decision process."

Tags:managing, departments, industry's, growth, culture, agile, organizations