Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed)
(2020): An ETA Prediction Model for Intermodal Transport Networks Based on Machine Learning, Business & Information Systems Engineering: .
Abstract: Transparency in transport processes is becoming increasingly important for transport companies to improve internal processes and to be able to compete for customers. One important element to increase transparency is reliable, up-to-date and accurate arrival time prediction, commonly referred to as estimated time of arrival (ETA). ETAs are not easy to determine, especially for intermodal freight transports, in which freight is transported in an intermodal container, using multiple modes of transportation. This computational study describes the structure of an ETA prediction model for intermodal freight transport networks (IFTN), in which schedule-based and non-schedule-based transports are combined, based on machine learning (ML). For each leg of the intermodal freight transport, an individual ML prediction model is developed and trained using the corresponding historical transport data and external data. The research presented in this study shows that the ML approach produces reliable ETA predictions for intermodal freight transport. These predictions comprise processing times at logistics nodes such as inland terminals and transport times on road and rail. Consequently, the outcome of this research allows decision makers to proactively communicate disruption effects to actors along the intermodal transportation chain. These actors can then initiate measures to counteract potential critical delays at subsequent stages of transport. This approach leads to increased process efficiency for all actors in the realization of complex transport operations and thus has a positive effect on the resilience and profitability of IFTNs.
(2020): Real-time temperature prediction in a cold supply chain based on Newton´s law of cooling, Decision Support Systems, 141: .
Abstract: Many goods, including pharmaceuticals, require close temperature monitoring. This is important not only for complying with regulations but also for guaranteeing safety of use. A particular challenge in controlling a product's temperature arises during transportation. In cold supply chains (SCs), temperature is maintained by refrigerated containers. However, many situations, e.g. cooling system failure, lead to ambient temperature changes, and this needs to be detected as early as possible to prevent product damage. Existing approaches to temperature prediction are confined to long-term forecasts with relatively stable ambient temperatures and/or rely on multiple sensors in the known fixed positions. Since interventions in a SC are required immediately, there is a need for methods that provide real-time predictions regarding regular ambient temperature instability, i.e. when the ambient temperature changes unexpectedly in the short term. We propose a novel method that extends the applicability of Newton's law of cooling (NLC) to changeable ambient temperatures based on a set of temperature stability conditions and a sensor measurement error. In the method, an optimal number of measurements that characterize stable ambient temperatures and improve prediction reliability are selected. We compare the adapted NLC with artificial neural networks and autoregressive moving average models with respect to deviation prediction, prediction error, and execution time. Our evaluation based on real-world data shows that the adapted NLC outperforms existing baseline methods. In contrast to existing solutions, our method does not require any knowledge about the positioning of products within the container, further increasing its practical value.
(2019): On the move towards customer-centric business models in the automotive industry - a conceptual reference framework of shared automotive service systems, Electronic Markets, 29 (3): 473-500.
Abstract: Digitalization drives automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to change their value propositions and open-up towards greater collaboration and customer integration. The shift towards services implies a transformational change from product- towards customer-centricity. This study proposes a conceptual reference framework (CRF) out of a business model perspective to systematize automotive service systems. The CRF presents relevant dimensions and dependencies between the involved stakeholders and the necessary infrastructures in order to facilitate digital service conceptualization in the early phases of the service design. The artifact is developed based on a literature review and conceptual modeling, then iteratively evaluated by means of guideline-supported interviews from three different perspectives and applied to a real problem statement within a case workshop. The results suggest value creation for automotive services occurs in shared mobility networks among interdependent stakeholders in which customers play an integral role during the service life-cycle. Additionally, the results deepen the understanding of service business model development under consideration of industry-specific aspects and suggest the framework to be a beneficial structuring tool that can save resources and specify solution finding.
(2019): Event processing in supply chain management – The status quo and research outlook, Computers in Industry, 105: 229-249.
Abstract: Increasing supply chain complexity poses new challenges to managers. On the other hand, evolving information and communication technology offers ample opportunity for more reliable supply chain management practices. Event processing has established itself in many applications in logistics. Although the topic has enjoyed increasing popularity, there is no study taking stock of prior developments and guiding future research. Therefore, a systematic literature review on the topic of event processing in supply chain management from 2005 until the present is undertaken. Extant literature is synthesized and analyzed from technological and supply chain management perspectives to inform scholars and practitioners of existing field developments. Additionally, to guide future scholarly endeavors, a research agenda is derived from promising topics raised in papers and unfulfilled practical requirements. We find that current solutions primarily focus on a limited number of supply chain core processes and a restricted number of supply chain actors. The majority of publications focused on time-temperature sensitive products. Additionally, the domination of road transportation can be observed, while other modes of transport are often ignored in solution implementations. Decision support in terms of object traceability within the supply chain is found in most articles. RFID, typically accompanied by the Electronic Product Code Information Services standard, is the dominant enabling technology. Future research should focus on the topics of standardization, granularity, data sources, and cooperation. Moreover, holistic event processing supported by big data and machine learning techniques could create interfaces with other legacy business intelligence applications. Another promising area includes the exploration of new technologies, i.e. IoT, to enable new smart solutions.
(2019): Supply chain event management - the status quo and research outlook, Journal Computers in Industry, 105: 229-249.
(2017): Data security in decentralized cloud systems - system comparison, requirements analysis and organizational levels, Journal of Cloud Computing: .
Abstract: Cloud computing has been established as a technology for providing needs-orientated and use-dependent IT resources, which now are being used more frequently for business information systems. Particularly in terms of integration of decentralized information systems, cloud systems are providing a stable solution approach. Still, data security is one of the biggest challenges when using cloud systems and a main reason why many companies avoid using cloud services. The question we are facing is how cloud systems for integration of decentralized information systems have to be designed, in terms of technology and organization, so that privacy laws of the cloud user can be guaranteed. This contribution summarizes the results of a system comparison of decentralized cloud systems in social networks, a requirements analysis based on a literature analysis, and a model for organizational levels of cloud systems, derived from the requirements analysis.
(2015): Real-time information acquisition in a model-based integrated planning environment for logistics contracts, Journal of Object Technology, 14 (1): 2-26.
Abstract: In the past, logistics used to be a core function of production and trading companies but many of them started to outsource at least parts of their logistics functions to specialized logistics service providers in terms of logistics contracts. With this, sophisticated business models such as value added logistics service providers evolved which focus on tasks of planning, coordination and monitoring of entire supply chains involving multiple logistics providers. Challenges remain though, for instance how a complex logistics contract can be planned and how it can be assured that the providers comply with the planned process. In this article, we present a conceptual as well as technical solution to the monitoring of logistics services and show how to reuse this information in a model for the integrated planning of logistics contracts. A simulation model thereby ensures validity of the overall planning. An approach for integrating different models helps to overcome the problem of utilizing multiple models. Finally, an example scenario shows how each part contributes to a successful planning process for logistics contracts.
(2007): Towards adaptive management of QoS-aware service compositions, Multiagent Grid System, 3 (3): 299-312.
Abstract: Service compositions enable users to realize their complex needs as a single request. Despite intensive research, especially in the area of business processes, web services and grids, an open and valid question is still how to manage service compositions in order to satisfy both functional and non-functional requirements as well as adapt to dynamic changes. This article describes an approach towards adaptive management of QoS aware service compositions. This approach integrates well known concepts and techniques and proposes various execution strategies based on dynamic selection and negotiation of services included in a service composition, contracting based on service level agreements, service enactment with flexible support for exception handling, monitoring of service level objectives, and profiling of execution data. An important element of the approach is an open architecture for adaptive service composition management. Its first prototypical implementation has been developed within an EU-funded Adaptive Service Grid project.
Journal Articles (Professional)
(2019): Instrumente der Interaktionsintegration im Omni-Channel Handel, HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik: .
Abstract: Durch den Einfluss des E‑Commerce auf den Handel haben sich die Bedürfnisse der Kunden verändert. Der Omni-Channel-Handel kommt diesen Bedürfnissen entgegen und rückt den Kunden weiter in den Mittelpunkt. Die dadurch zunehmende Komplexität der Customer Journey stellt neue Anforderungen an den Handel: Für Händler wird es zunehmend schwierig, eine ganzheitliche Customer Journey über alle Touchpoints zu gestalten, da viele Teillösungen vorhanden sind, aber keine holistischen Konzepte vorliegen. Ein möglicher Ansatzpunkt, um den Kunden optimal durch die Customer Journey im Omni-Channel-Handel zu begleiten, ist daher eine Betrachtung anhand der horizontalen und der vertikalen Interaktionsachsen.
(2016): Dezentrale Datenhaltung und Datenschutz in Cloud-Netzwerken, Wirtschaftsinformatik & Management, 8 (5): 20-27.
Abstract: Nach wie vor ist das Thema Datenschutz eine der größten Herausforderungen bei der Nutzung von Cloud-Systemen. Eine Möglichkeit zur Sicherstellung des Datenschutzes besteht in der Dezentralisierung der Datenhaltung und Datenzugriffssteuerung. In diesem Artikel stellen wir eine Systemarchitektur für dezentrale Datenhaltung und Datenschutz auf Basis von Storage Clouds vor. Dabei werden die Datenbestände dezentral in Private-Cloud-Systemen durch Nutzer selbst verwaltet. Eine unabhängige Administrationskomponente regelt die Zugriffs- und Verteilungsrechte auf diese Daten. Ein von uns entwickelter Prototyp zeigt die Umsetzung am Beispiel eines sozialen Netzwerks.
(2014): Cloud Logistics - Innovationspotenziale durch Virtualisierung von Logistikeinheiten nutzen, Wirtschaftsinformatik & Management, 6 (1): 6-9.
(2014): Engineering und Management kundenindividueller Logistikdienste nach dem Cloud-Prinzip, Wirtschaftsinformatik & Management, 6 (1): 46-55.
Books
(2020): Smart Event Forecast for Seaports (SMECS): Endbericht Forschungsprojekt..
Abstract: Im SMECS-Projekt wurde durch Anwendung von KI-Verfahren des Maschinellen Lernens ein IT-System entwickelt, welches dynamisch die Ankunftszeit (ETA) von Containertransporten im intermodalen Vorlauf der maritimen Transportkette prognostiziert. Das System erkennt proaktiv Konflikte bei der Einhaltung des geplanten Transportverlaufes vom Warenversender bis zum Seehafen und befähigt die Anwender zu einer zielgerichteten und effizienten Durchführung geeigneter Störungsmaßnahmen durch die Vorgabe von akteursspezifischen Handlungsempfehlungen.
(2009): COSMA - Management of Service Level Agreements in Composite Services, Logos-Verl.: Berlin, 3832521224..
(2008): COSMA - Management of Service Level Agreements in Composite Services, Universität Leipzig: Leipzig..
(2004): Automated negotiation of service level agreements in service grids, Diploma thesis, Universität Leipzig: Leipzig..
Conference Proceedings
: Service Classification Framework for Logistics Service Map Creation: QUIS14 (2015) - Service Excellence in Management, .
: Realization of ETA Predictions for Intermodal Logistics Networks using Artificial Intelligence, in: Clausen, Uwe, Sven Langkau and Felix Kreuz (ed.): Advances in Production, Logistics and Traffic: Proceedings of the 4th Interdisciplinary Conference on Production Logistics and Traffic, Springer International Publishing: Cham, 155-176.
Abstract: Intermodal logistics networks such as the maritime transport chain require a precise interaction of numerous actors. However, due to their complexity, the closely interlinked processes are highly susceptible to disruptions. Companies are constantly faced with the challenge of dealing effectively and efficiently with disruptions and resultant delays. At the same time, they are confronted with increasing logistical requirements related to higher quality and flexibility demands of customers (Straube et al. 2013). Supply chains are becoming increasingly vulnerable, due to the associated necessity to cope with increasing volatility while simultaneously reducing risk buffers in processes as a result of rising cost pressure. Combined with ongoing changes due to digitization, this situation contributes significantly to an increasing need for improved information transparency among companies and their customers.
: Adding agility to software readiness procedures – a case on digital transformation from the automotive industry, in: Bednar, Peter, Ulrich Frank and Karlheinz Kautz (ed.): Proceedings of the European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) 2018, Porthsmouth/UK, June 23-28, 2018, .
: How low should you go? - Conceptualization of the Service Granularity Framework: Proceedings of the 24th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2016): Information Systems as a Global Gateway, .
Abstract: With an ongoing division of labor and concentration on core competencies in logistics, the flexibility and quality in logistics services can be increased in terms of contracting specialists for each step in a supply chain. In order to participate in such an environment and act successfully on the market, it is essential for logistics service providers to follow a service oriented paradigm and modularize their service portfolio from static end-to-end solutions to a flexible set of modular services. One of the main challenges is to find a ’suitable’ level of granularity for the modularization of existing logistics services. In this paper a conceptual framework of service granularity levels is developed. A systematic literature review is conducted in order to find existing concepts of service granularity. Findings are analyzed and finally synthesized towards their suitability for logistics services. Domain specific composition is supported by the logistics service map concept that contains catalog and construction kit for modular services. The paper’s contribution is a Service Granularity Framework dedicated to specialized scholars of service science and practitioners of logistics.
: Multi-dimensional Performance Measurement in Complex Networks – Model and Integration for Logistics Chain Management, in: Abramowicz, Witold (ed.): Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Business Information Systems (BIS2015), , 287-298.
Abstract: Global demands and emerging markets resulted in a rise of complexity in logistics over the last years. Furthermore, producing companies outsourced their logistics for reasons of flexibility. Hence, clients consult solution specialists for customer-focused end-to-end processes. The 4th party logistics business model offers an overall service management throughout an entire logistics chain by planning and controlling inherent processes. But because physical provisioning is outsourced to 3rd party providers, performance measurement is essential in order to meet service levels. Measuring sub providers poses difficulties because of different process definitions and communication standards. A relief is the growing amount of information during the process lifecycle. In this paper we present an integrated, strategically aligned provider rating model, applicable throughout the entire logistics process and capable of summing up operational information into ratios that are further aggregated into key performance indicators. Thereafter, we prove its applicability through a prototypical implementation.
: Engineering and Evaluation of Process Alternatives in Tactical Logistics Planning, in: Hammoudi, Slimane, Leszek A. Maciaszek and Ernest Teniente (ed.): Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems - Volume 2, , 166-176.
Abstract: The objective of tactical planning in logistics is the engineering and evaluation of processes within a given set of possible alternatives. Due to outsourcing and a division of labor, a high number of participants, available services and thus possible process alternatives arises within logistics networks. The additional wide range of service description and annotation methods result in a complex planning process. In order to support planning, a semi-automated approach is presented in this paper that is based on a combined catalog and construction system (for engineering) and a generic simulation approach (for evaluation) that are able to handle the variety of description and annotation methods. The basic concepts are presented and afterward associated by a model-driven approach in order to connect them and make them compatible to work with each other. Finally, a method is developed to foster a semi-automated engineering and evaluation of process alternatives.
: Metamodel of a Logistics Service Map, in: van der Aalst, Wil, John Mylopoulos, Michael Rosemann, Michael J. Shaw, Clemens Szyperski, Witold Abramowicz and Angelika Kokkinaki (ed.): Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Business Information Systems (BIS2014), , 185-196.
Abstract: With the principle of division of labor in logistics, an integrator can focus on planning and monitoring within a network, while subsidiary logistics service providers (LSPs) are responsible for the actual physical manipulation of goods. Because of heterogeneous service descriptions, processes and IT-systems, the integrator requires a platform that provides the ability to interact with LSPs and to plan, execute and monitor contracts for integrator’s customers. Such an integration platform is currently developed in the research project Logistics Service Engineering & Management. Crucial to such a platform is the ability to maintain a complete catalog and to efficiently identify and choose appropriate services. In this paper a metamodel-based approach is presented facing these requirements.
: Continuous Quality Improvement in Logistics Service Provisioning, in: van der Aalst, Wil, John Mylopoulos, Michael Rosemann, Michael J. Shaw, Clemens Szyperski, Witold Abramowicz and Angelika Kokkinaki (ed.): Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Business Information Systems (BIS2014), , 253-264.
Abstract: Driven by rising competitive constraints companies began to outsource at least parts of their internal activities to specialized external logistics providers in terms of contracts. Thereby, new business models like the fourth party logistics evolved, which acts like coordinator of the emerging logistics networks. The main task of the provider is the planning, monitoring and measurement of the different networks of its customers. Based on a method to integrate process modeling and their simulation, complex event processing to gather real-time information about process executions and service profiles to measure subsequent service providers’ quality – a closed loop approach for improving the quality of service provisioning is presented.
: The Service Meta Modeling Editor – Bottom-Up Integration of Service Models, in: Vom Brocke, Jan, Riitta Hekkala, Sudha Ram and Matti Rossi (ed.): Design Science at the Intersection of Physical and Virtual Design, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 386-393.
Abstract: The logistics service industry is characterized by a high level of collaboration between logistics customers and providers. In fact, sophisticated, knowledge-intense business models such as fourth party and lead logistics evolved in recent years that are responsible for planning, coordination, and monitoring entire supply chains across logistics companies. The Logistics Service Engineering and Management (LSEM) platform is a service-oriented infrastructure for the development and management of collaborative contract logistics enabling fourth party and lead logistics. The service modeling framework (SMF) is a central element of the LSEM-platform. It allows users of the platform to define, manage and combine logistics services from different providers and allows for an integrated view on complex services setups. In this paper, the Service Meta Modeling Editor is presented as an essential part of the SMF. It allows connecting and integrating various types of service models and avoids the need to define and maintain a complex, global service model. Instead a comprehensive service model is built bottom-up in that elements from different models are linked on a metamodel level.
: Towards a Logistics Service Map - Support for Logistics Service Engineering and Management, in: Blecker, Thorsten, Wolfgang Kersten and Christian M. Ringle (ed.): Pioneering solutions in supply chain performance management: Concepts, technology and applications17: 1. Aufl., Eul: Lohmar; Köln, 309-324.
: Towards Automated Logistics Service Comparison - Decision Support for Logistics Network Management: 14th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems, , 259-264.
Abstract: A recurring task when managing logistics networks in which logistics companies jointly offer services is the comparison of logistics services based on their underlying processes. The comparison is necessary for the integration of processes, the selection of logistics providers and the evaluation of a company's performance. Due to a high diversity of logistics services and their properties as well as due to the high amount of services automated logistics service comparison is needed to support this task. This paper presents basic requirements and evaluates the state of the art with regard to these requirements. In addition, an initial solution approach providing a solid base for future work is outlined.
: Modellgetriebene Integration von Logistik-Informationssystemenin die LSEM-Plattform, in: Heiß, Hans-Ulrich, Peter Pepper, Holger Schlingloff and Jörg Schneider (ed.): INFORMATIK 2011: Informatik schafft Communities: Beiträge der 41. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), Berlin, Deutschland, 04-07.10.2011192, Gesellschaft für Informatik: Bonn.
Abstract: Der Logistikdienstleistungssektor ist gekennzeichnet durch arbeitsteilige, kurz- und mittelfristige Zusammenarbeit von spezialisierten Logistikdienstleistern. Insbesondere sogenannte Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) Dienstleister stehen permanent vor der Aufgabe, unterschiedliche Logistikdienstleister und deren Informationssysteme ad hoc und ohne Medienbrüche in unternehmensübergreifende Informationsflüsse zu integrieren. Die Logistik Service Engineering & Management (LSEM) Plattform als Integrationsplattform für 4PL nimmt diese Anforderungen auf und stellt einen stufenweisen, modellgetriebenen Integrationsansatz bereit. In diesem Beitrag werden neben der LSEM Plattform selbst, die durch die Plattform unterstützen Integrationsarten vorgestellt. Näher beschrieben wird daneben ein Lösungsansatz zur modellgetriebenen Integration vonAnwendungssystemen in die LSEM Plattform.
: RFID-based Business Process Improvements: Case Study, Results and Recommendations, in: Abramowicz, Witold, Rainer Alt, Klaus-Peter Fähnrich, Bogdan Franczyk and Leszek A. Maciaszek (ed.): Informatik 2010: Business process and service science : proceedings of ISSS and BPSC, Leipzig, Germany, 27.09-01.10.2010177, Gesellschaft für Informatik: Bonn, 206-217.
Abstract: The success of an enterprise is largely determined by its ability and flexibility to react to changes and its business process stability and safeness. Innovative technologies help to improve the execution and management of business processes and ensure that a competitive position can be achieved or enhanced. Radio frequency identification is such an innovative technology with a high potential of optimisation within business processes for example for reduction of processing time and failure rates. By means of a practical case study this paper gives recommendations and shows how RFID can improve business processes.
: Proliferation in Service Types: Towards a Unifying Taxonomy of Service Types, in: Fähnrich, Klaus-Peter (ed.): Practitioner Track - International Symposium on Services Science (ISSS'09)16, Univ.: Leipzig.
Abstract: SSME and SOA are strongly connected perspectives. SOA modeling procedures, SOA management methodologies, SOA role concepts, and many other important aspects heavily depend and base on specific SOA service types defined in a service taxonomy. However, currently we are far from a consistent taxonomic understanding which causes communication problems regarding nearly all SOA issues hampering research as well as implementation efforts in this field. This paper reflects the current state of discussion by mapping several relevant proposals and presents a basic service taxonomy aiming at stopping the proliferation of service types. This basic taxonomy can be used as a basis for domain- or project-specific taxonomic refinements.
: A Capability Oriented Management Approach for Business Integration, in: Abramowicz, Witold and Leszek A. Maciaszek (ed.): Business Process and Services Computing: 1st international working conference, BPSC 2007 : September 25 - 26, 2007, Leipzig, Germany116, Gesellschaft für Informatik: Bonn.
Abstract: Service oriented architecture (SOA) has emerged as a popular software paradigm for integrating distributed applications. Services are generally regarded as interoperable building blocks for constructing, integrating, and merging applications. However, existing SOA based solutions often focus on solving technical integration problems while neglecting business-level capabilities which are most important for organizations. In this paper, we introduce the notion of capabilities as an important concept for business management. We identify major shortcomings of the existing service based solutions and outline a novel approach for capability oriented configuration and management that can react to the dynamically changing nature of business integration environments.
: Integration of Service Models - Preliminary Results for Consistent Logistics Service Management: 2012 Annual SRII Global Conference (SRII), , 100-109.
Abstract: The logistics industry is characterized by a high level of collaboration between logistics customers and providers. In fact, sophisticated, knowledge-intense business models such as 4th party logistics providers that are responsible for planning, coordination, and monitoring entire supply chains across logistics companies can be observed. However, integrated approaches for engineering and management of fourth party logistics are rather in its infancy. The Logistics Engineering and Management platform is a service-oriented approach for the development and management of long and mid-term logistics contracts. It serves as a collaboration platform and integrates services from different logistics providers. In this paper a core feature of the platform is presented, a service repository as a single point of truth coping with the complexity of miscellaneous service descriptions and models. Central idea behind this repository is the integration of different specialized service models and the construction of a comprehensive model, which supports direct implementation of services as concrete logistics tasks. In this article we present preliminary results of the service repository's development and realization and an outlook for future research.
: An Information Model for Managing Service Lifecycle Resources: 2009 IEEE International Conference on Services Computing, , 502-504.
Abstract: The development of enterprise-wide service-oriented architectures (SOA) is a complex task. In most cases, evolutionary approaches are used to deal with the arising complexity. However, most of the existing design methodologies and implementation strategies focus on more technical, service realization specific aspects. Challenges regarding the definition and the management of related service artifacts throughout the whole service lifecycle are neglected. Also the implementation of a lifecycle-encompassing information management infrastructure is not addressed adequately in research and industry. In this paper we introduce a common service management information model (coSIM) that builds a foundation for the management of services and service infrastructures during design-, run- , and change-time.
: An information Model for Service Lifecycle Management: 2009 2nd IEEE International Conference on Computer Science and Information Technology, , 253-257.
Abstract: The development of enterprise-wide service-oriented architectures (SOA) is a complex task. In most cases, evolutionary approaches are used to deal with the arising complexity. However, most of the existing design methodologies and implementation strategies focus on more technical, service realization specific aspects. Challenges regarding the definition and the management of related service artifacts throughout the whole service lifecycle are neglected. Also the implementation of a lifecycle-encompassing information management infrastructure is not addressed adequately in research and industry. In this paper we introduce a common service management information model (coSIM) that builds a foundation for the management of services and service infrastructures during design-, run- , and change-time.
: Towards Information Transparency in the Context of Service Management: 2010 IEEE International Conference on Service-Oriented Computing and Applications (SOCA), , 1-8.
: Logistics Service Map - Work-in-Progress: 2014 IEEE International Conference on Services Computing (SCC), , 861-862.
Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of the Logistics Service Map, a modular service construction system with an inherent catalog function. Specialized service providers, so called logistics integrators are to use this concept to integrate subsidiary service providers into logistics networks. The main purpose of the Service Map is to enable and to foster the development of atomic as well as composite logistics services used by the integrator to fulfill customers' requirements. After a brief presentation of the applied research methodology, the current progress of research is outlined and a draft of future research activities and discussion points is given.
: Listen to me: Improving process model matching through user feedback, in: Sadiq, Shazia, Pnina Soffer and Hagen Völzer (ed.): Business process management: 12th International Conference, BPM 2014, Haifa, Israel, September 7-11, 2014. Proceedings8659, , 84-100.
Abstract: Many use cases in business process management rely on the identification of correspondences between process models. However, the sparse information in process models makes matching a fundamentally hard problem. Consequently, existing approaches yield a matching quality which is too low to be useful in practice. Therefore, we investigate incorporating user feedback to improve matching quality. To this end, we examine which information is suitable for feedback analysis. On this basis, we design an approach that performs matching in an iterative, mixed-initiative approach: we determine correspondences between two models automatically, let the user correct them, and analyze this input to adapt the matching algorithm. Then, we continue with matching the next two models, and so forth. This approach improves the matching quality, as showcased by a comparative evaluation. From this study, we also derive strategies on how to maximize the quality while limiting the additional effort required from the user.
: Listen to Me: Improving Process Model Matching through User Feedback, in: Sadiq, Shazia, Pnina Soffer and Hagen Völzer (ed.): Business process management: 12th International Conference, BPM 2014, Haifa, Israel, September 7-11, 2014. Proceedings8659, , 84-100.
Abstract: Many use cases in business process management rely on the identification of correspondences between process models. However, the sparse information in process models makes matching a fundamentally hard problem. Consequently, existing approaches yield a matching quality which is too low to be useful in practice. Therefore, we investigate incorporating user feedback to improve matching quality. To this end, we examine which information is suitable for feedback analysis. On this basis, we design an approach that performs matching in an iterative, mixed-initiative approach: we determine correspondences between two models automatically, let the user correct them, and analyze this input to adapt the matching algorithm. Then, we continue with matching the next two models, and so forth. This approach improves the matching quality, as showcased by a comparative evaluation. From this study, we also derive strategies on how to maximize the quality while limiting the additional effort required from the user.
: Listen to Me: Improving Process Model Matching through User Feedback, in: Sadiq, Shazia, Pnina Soffer and Hagen Völzer (ed.): Business process management: 12th International Conference, BPM 2014, Haifa, Israel, September 7-11, 2014. Proceedings8659, , 84-100.
Abstract: Many use cases in business process management rely on the identification of correspondences between process models. However, the sparse information in process models makes matching a fundamentally hard problem. Consequently, existing approaches yield a matching quality which is too low to be useful in practice. Therefore, we investigate incorporating user feedback to improve matching quality. To this end, we examine which information is suitable for feedback analysis. On this basis, we design an approach that performs matching in an iterative, mixed-initiative approach: we determine correspondences between two models automatically, let the user correct them, and analyze this input to adapt the matching algorithm. Then, we continue with matching the next two models, and so forth. This approach improves the matching quality, as showcased by a comparative evaluation. From this study, we also derive strategies on how to maximize the quality while limiting the additional effort required from the user.
: COSMA: Ein integrierter Ansatz für das Management von Service Level Agreements bei Composite Services, in: Hansen, Hans Robert (ed.): Business Services: Konzepte, Technologien, Anwendungen. 9. Internationale Tagung Wirtschaftsinformatik, Wien, 25.-27. Februar 2009Bd. 246, Österr. Computer-Ges: Wien, 141-150.
Abstract: Die Service-Bereitstellung in Service-Oriented-Computing-Umgebungen wird durch Service Level Agreements (SLA) beschrieben. Aktuelle SLA-Management-Ansätze konzentrieren sich auf bilaterale Service-Provider-/-Requester-Konstellationen, gehen jedoch nicht auf SLA-Management- Anforderungen von Composite Service Providern ein. Diese betreffen das SLA-Management mit Providern von Atomic Services, mit Requestern von Composite Services und deren Abstimmung aufeinander. Ein Composite SLA Management Ansatz muss den Anteil von (Atomic) SLAs beim SLA-Management von (Composite) SLAs berücksichtigen. Der COSMA-Ansatz erlaubt ein integriertes Management von Atomic und Composite SLAs während deren gesamten Lebenszyklus. Er ermöglicht die Abbildung der Abhängigkeiten und Beziehungen zwischen unterschiedlichen SLAs und damit eine Kontrolle, Steuerung und Optimierung der SLA-Management-Aktivitäten.
: Managing Dynamics of Composite Service Level Agreements with COSMA: 2008 Fifth International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Knowledge Discovery (FSKD), , 584-589.
Abstract: Service provisioning is largely built on agreements specifying the mutual responsibilities of service providers and their customers with respect to functional and non-functional parameters. However, the dynamics that result from the service-oriented computing paradigm in particular in composite services place new challenges onto the management of composite service level agreements which could not be achieved yet. This paper discusses the management of SLAs involved in composite services using the COSMA approach. After introducing the COSMA approach, the usage of COSMAdoc instances for negotiating SLAs in composite services is presented in detail.
: Real-time service profiling for the efficient simulation of logistics networks: 2014 International Conference on Advanced Logistics and Transport (ICALT), , 253-258.
Book Chapters
: Increasing Recall of Process Model Matching by Improved Activity Label Matching, in: Daniel, Florian, Jianmin Wang and Barbara Weber (ed.): Business Process Management, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 211-218.
Abstract: Comparing process models and matching similar activities has recently emerged as a research area of business process management. However, the problem is fundamentally hard when considering realistic scenarios: e.g., there is a huge variety of terms and various options for the grammatical structure of activity labels exist. While prior research has established important conceptual foundations, recall values have been fairly low (around 0.26) – arguably too low to be useful in practice. In this paper, we present techniques for activity label matching which improve current results (recall of 0.44, without sacrificing precision). Furthermore, we identify categories of matching challenges to guide future research.
: Towards Real-Time Data Acquisition for Simulation of Logistics Service Systems, in: Pacino, Dario, Stefan Voß and Rune Møller Jensen (ed.): Computational Logistics, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 242-256.
: Modellgetriebene Ad-hoc-Integration von Logistikdienstleistern - Integrationsansatz und Prototyp, in: Mattfeld, Dirk Christian and Susanne Robra-Bissantz (ed.): Multikonferenz Wirtschaftsinformatik 2012: neue Ausg. 1., Gito: Berlin, 175-185.
: The Logistics Service Engineering and Management Platform: Features, Architecture, Implementation, in: van der Aalst, Wil, John Mylopoulos, Michael Rosemann, Michael J. Shaw, Clemens Szyperski and Witold Abramowicz (ed.): Business Information Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 242-253.
Abstract: The logistics service sector is faced with a growing complexity which needs to be handled by cooperating logistics providers aligning their services in a network. This paper introduces the Logistics Service Engineering and Management platform supporting the Fourth Party Logistics Provider business model that aims at establishing a coordinator of such a network. Hence the idea to employ the service oriented design paradigm at the software and at the business level along with the main features of the platform is presented. Furthermore the basic architecture is explained and a closer look at some implementation details is presented.
: Visualising Business Capabilities in the Context of Business Analysis, in: Abramowicz, Witold and Robert Tolksdorf (ed.): Business Information Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 242-253.
Abstract: Business capabilities represent potentials of an organisation to reach a specific goal or outcome. Business capabilities abstract from processes, resources and people that are required to provide the potential and are connected with a role model of provider and customer, both, internally and externally to an organisation. While related work provides fundamental concepts and usage descriptions of the business capability approach, so far the aspect of visualisation of business capabilities in the context of business analysis was only rudimentary addressed. In this paper, a three-dimensional business capability visualisation metaphor for business analyses is outlined which supports the visualisation of business capabilities and their qualifying dimensions but also the representation of their complex multi-dimensional interrelations.
: Die Entwicklung einer gemeinsamen IT-Plattform im Bereich Logistik, in: Liggesmeyer. Peter, Gregor Engels, Jürgen Münch, Jörg Dörr and Norman Riegel (ed.): Software Engineering 2009: Kaiserslautern, 02-06.03.2009143, Gesellschaft für Informatik: Bonn, 183-188.
Abstract: Gegenstand des vorliegenden Beitrags ist ein Phasenmodell, das der Entwicklung einer branchenspezifischen Shared-Services-Plattform dient. Das Phasenmodell wurde im Rahmen eines vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung finanzierten Projektes entwickelt und wird anhand der Erstellung einer Logistik-Service-Bus-Plattform praktisch eingesetzt. Der Beitrag umreißt das gesamte Vorgehen und fokussiert aufgrund ihrer herausragenden Bedeutung die beiden ersten Phasen.
: A case study on managing SLAs in composite services with COSMA, in: Abramowicz, Witold (ed.): Business process, services computing and intelligent service management: March 23-25, 2009, Leipzig, Germany ; [this volume contains papers from the BPSC 2009 Conference on Business Process and Services Computing, the ISM 2009 International Workshop on Intelligent Service Management and YRW-MBP 2009 Young Researchers Workshop on Modeling and Management of Business Processes]vol. 147, Ges. für Informatik: Bonn.
Abstract: COSMA proposes a novel SLA management approach for composite services. It supports a composite service provider in managing SLAs with providers of atomic services, in managing SLAs with requesters of composite services, and aligning both SLA management activities with each other. On this basis, a composite service provider can control and optimize its composite SLA management activities during the entire SLA lifecycle. This includes, in particular, planning and negotiating SLAs, monitoring and evaluating SLAs. In this paper, a case study on managing SLAs in composite services with the COSMA approach is presented in detail.
: Service Composition and Binding, in: Kuropka, Dominik, Steffen Staab, Peter Tröger and Mathias Weske (ed.): Semantic Service Provisioning, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 73-143.
Abstract: Service composition enables the creation of services previously unavailable through the aggregation of existing services. The result is called a service composition. Exposing a service composition as a service, the result is called a composed service. It can be distinguished from atomic services. Service composition approaches can be differentiated along two axes: point in time of composition and degree of automation. With design-time and run-time we can identify two different points in time for doing a composition. Additionally we can distinguish between three different degrees of automation: manual, assisted, and automated service composition.
: COSMA – An Approach for Managing SLAs in Composite Services, in: Bouguettaya, Athman, Ingolf Krueger and Tiziana Margaria (ed.): Service-Oriented Computing – ICSOC 2008, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 626-632.
Abstract: Service provisioning is largely built on agreements specifying the mutual responsibilities of service providers and their customers with respect to functional and non-functional parameters. Current SLA management approaches, i.e. WSLA, WS-Agreement, or WSOL, provide extensive SLA language formalizations and management frameworks. However, they focus on bi-lateral service requester/provider constellations neglecting the SLA management requirements of composite service providers, i.e. managing SLAs with atomic service providers and with composite service requesters and aligning both with each other. A SLA management solution for composite services has to consider the contribution of sourced services - formalized in their (atomic) SLAs (ASLA) - in the management of the provided service - formalized in its respective (composite) SLA (CSLA). This paper presents the novel COmposite Sla MAnagement (COSMA) approach for an integrated management of atomic and composite SLAs during their entire lifecycle. It can be utilized for controlling the relationships between ASLAs/CSLAs and thus serves as the basis for managing and optimizing the SLAs involved in composite services.
: Towards Adaptive Management of QoS-Aware Service Compositions - Execution Strategies, in: Kowalczyk, Ryszard (ed.): The 4th International Conference on Grid Service Engineering and Management, GSEM 2007: Leipzig, Germany, September 25, 2007 ; conference proceedings117, Ges. für Informatik: Bonn, 110-122.
Abstract: Service compositions enable users to realize their complex needs as a single request. Despite intensive research, especially in the area of business processes, web services and grids, an open and valid question is still how to manage service compositions in order to satisfy both functional and non-functional requirements as well as adapt to dynamic changes. In this paper we describe an approach towards adaptive management of QoS-aware service compositions. This approach integrates well known concepts and techniques and proposes various execution strategies based on dynamic selection and negotiation of services, contracting based on service level agreements, service enactment with flexible support for exception handling, monitoring of service level objectives, and profiling of execution data.
: Towards Adaptive Management of QoS-Aware Service Compositions – Functional Architecture, in: Dan, Asit and Winfried Lamersdorf (ed.): Service-Oriented Computing – ICSOC 2006, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 637-649.
Abstract: Service compositions enable users to realize their complex needs as a single request. Despite intensive research, especially in the area of business processes, web services and grids, an open and valid question is still how to manage service compositions in order to satisfy both functional and non-functional requirements as well as adapt to dynamic changes. In this paper we propose an (functional) architecture for adaptive management of QoS-aware service compositions. Comparing to the other existing architectures this one offers two major advantages. Firstly, this architecture supports various execution strategies based on dynamic selection and negotiation of services included in a service composition, contracting based on service level agreements, service enactment with flexible support for exception handling, monitoring of service level objectives, and profiling of execution data. Secondly, the architecture is built on the basis of well know existing standards to communicate and exchange data, which significantly reduces effort to integrate existing solutions and tools from different vendors. A first prototype of this architecture has been implemented within an EU-funded Adaptive Service Grid project.
: SLA Lifecycle Management in Services Grid: Requirements and Current Effort Analysis: 4th International Conference on Service, .
Abstract: An important aspect of managing service-oriented grid environments is management of agreement relationships between service providers and their customers. The key concept in addressing these agreements is service level agreement. In this paper we motivate the need for SLA lifecycle management in services grid and present results of our analysis on functional and non-functional requirements. Afterwards the state of the art in managing service level agreements is revisited by a comprehensive evaluation of current efforts and their respective strength and weaknesses in service level agreement lifecycle management systems. The results of this evaluation have been applied to the development of the open management platform Adaptive Service Grid which is an EU founded research project.