Non-functional properties (NFPs) represent an important facet of service descriptions, especially when a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach is used. An effective SOA service development approach requires the identification, specification, implemen-tation, aggregation, management and monitoring of service-related NFPs. However, at this point in time, NFPs are either not handled at all or handled partially in proprietary ways. The goal of this thesis is to encourage their availability for use. In this thesis, the focus is on the NFPs relevant from the perspective of service consumers, in opposition to the perspective of service providers (or developers) and to multi-perspectives. In other words, the scope covers only the NFPs that need to be pub-lished to help service consumers determine whether a given service is an appropriate one for their needs (e.g., description of NFPs to be attached to the service along with the functionality description). This thesis provides the following contributions to the SOA knowledge base: definition of a domain-independent catalogue comprising 17 NFPs relevant to the descriptions of atomic services from the perspective of service consumers. These NFPs have been derived from a literature review and have been vali-dated via a two-step survey; formalization of NFP representation by defining data structures to enable quantifying and codifying them, together with a corresponding XML schema; definition, implementation and validation of algorithms to aggregate the NFPs of the composite service based on the NFPs of its underlying services, with a discussion of the NFP aggregation limitations; definition of a modeling approach for the NFP-aware selection of services, which involves aspect-oriented modeling with the User Requirements Nota-tion, in the context of SOA; integration of NFP descriptions into the Web Services Description Language (WSDL); and definition and use of the discriminator operator in service composition, to en-able the creation of fault-tolerant composite services. Overall, this work contributes to research by providing better insight on the nature, rele-vance, and composability of NFPs in a service engineering context. As for industrial im-pact, this work contributes a validated collection of NFPs with a concrete syntax and composition algorithms ready to be used for defining, selecting, and composing NFP-driven services and for evolving current SOA-related standards.

Non-functional properties (NFPs) represent an important facet of service descriptions, especially when a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach is used. An effective SOA service development approach requires the identification, specification, implemen-tation, aggregation, management and monitoring of service-related NFPs. However, at this point in time, NFPs are either not handled at all or handled partially in proprietary ways. The goal of this thesis is to encourage their availability for use. In this thesis, the focus is on the NFPs relevant from the perspective of service consumers, in opposition to the perspective of service providers (or developers) and to multi-perspectives. In other words, the scope covers only the NFPs that need to be pub-lished to help service consumers determine whether a given service is an appropriate one for their needs (e.g., description of NFPs to be attached to the service along with the functionality description). This thesis provides the following contributions to the SOA knowledge base: definition of a domain-independent catalogue comprising 17 NFPs relevant to the descriptions of atomic services from the perspective of service consumers. These NFPs have been derived from a literature review and have been vali-dated via a two-step survey; formalization of NFP representation by defining data structures to enable quantifying and codifying them, together with a corresponding XML schema; definition, implementation and validation of algorithms to aggregate the NFPs of the composite service based on the NFPs of its underlying services, with a discussion of the NFP aggregation limitations; definition of a modeling approach for the NFP-aware selection of services, which involves aspect-oriented modeling with the User Requirements Nota-tion, in the context of SOA; integration of NFP descriptions into the Web Services Description Language (WSDL); and definition and use of the discriminator operator in service composition, to en-able the creation of fault-tolerant composite services. Overall, this work contributes to research by providing better insight on the nature, rele-vance, and composability of NFPs in a service engineering context. As for industrial im-pact, this work contributes a validated collection of NFPs with a concrete syntax and composition algorithms ready to be used for defining, selecting, and composing NFP-driven services and for evolving current SOA-related standards.

Non-functional properties (NFPs) represent an important facet of service descriptions, especially when a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach is used. An effective SOA service development approach requires the identification, specification, implemen-tation, aggregation, management and monitoring of service-related NFPs. However, at this point in time, NFPs are either not handled at all or handled partially in proprietary ways. The goal of this thesis is to encourage their availability for use. In this thesis, the focus is on the NFPs relevant from the perspective of service consumers, in opposition to the perspective of service providers (or developers) and to multi-perspectives. In other words, the scope covers only the NFPs that need to be pub-lished to help service consumers determine whether a given service is an appropriate one for their needs (e.g., description of NFPs to be attached to the service along with the functionality description). This thesis provides the following contributions to the SOA knowledge base: definition of a domain-independent catalogue comprising 17 NFPs relevant to the descriptions of atomic services from the perspective of service consumers. These NFPs have been derived from a literature review and have been vali-dated via a two-step survey; formalization of NFP representation by defining data structures to enable quantifying and codifying them, together with a corresponding XML schema; definition, implementation and validation of algorithms to aggregate the NFPs of the composite service based on the NFPs of its underlying services, with a discussion of the NFP aggregation limitations; definition of a modeling approach for the NFP-aware selection of services, which involves aspect-oriented modeling with the User Requirements Nota-tion, in the context of SOA; integration of NFP descriptions into the Web Services Description Language (WSDL); and definition and use of the discriminator operator in service composition, to en-able the creation of fault-tolerant composite services. Overall, this work contributes to research by providing better insight on the nature, rele-vance, and composability of NFPs in a service engineering context. As for industrial im-pact, this work contributes a validated collection of NFPs with a concrete syntax and composition algorithms ready to be used for defining, selecting, and composing NFP-driven services and for evolving current SOA-related standards.

La présente étude est une tentative d'approche multidisciplinaire visant à une meilleure compréhension des structures profondes des Alpes Occidentales. Elle est basée principalement sur des données de sismique-réflexion profonde, mais elle accorde une égale importance à des données provenant d'autres disciplines géophysiques (sismique réfraction, gravimétrie, tomographie, etc.) et géologiques (tectonique, stratigraphie, métamorphisme, géochronologie, etc.). Un des fils conducteur de ce travail est la géodynamique: toute interprétation des structures profondes actuelles des Alpes Occidentales doit pouvoir s'expliquer dans un contexte d'évolution géodynamique de cette chaîne de montagne compatible avec les observations de la géologie de surface et avec des modèles géodynamiques actualistes. A cet effet l'approche utilisée part du connu (la géologie de surface) pour descendre progressivement dans le monde moins connu des structures profondes à l'échelle crustale d'abord et lithosphérique ensuite. L'interprétation détaillée de profils sismiques dans le domaine interne des Alpes a permis de mettre en évidence l'importance des déformations ductiles et en particulier le rôle important des rétro-plissement dans la configuration actuelle du système de nappe. A l'échelle crustale et lithosphérique, l'interprétation de cinq traverses sismiques réparties dans les Alpes Occidentales a révélé de nombreuses similitudes, telles que l'importante subduction de la plaque continentale Européenne atteignant une profondeur de 150 km sous la plaine du PÔ. Ces interprétations ont aussi démontré des différences apparaissant progressivement le long de l'axe de la chaîne alpine, telles que la géométrie et la composition de l' indenteur Adriatique. Ces différences ont pu trouver une explication cohérente dans un scénario d'évolution géodynamique qui met en évidence l'héritage de structures liées à l'ouverture de l'océan Téthysien dans la formation des structures résultant de la collision continentale des plaques Européenne et Adriatique

Non-profit organizations are an indivisible part of the structure of today’s economy, the good they offer are rarely discountenanced, yet they face multiple problems that threaten the traditional foundations of their operations. Projects run by these organizations face new measurement metrics that streamlines how funds are subsequently obtained, they face stiff competition from counterpart organizations who strive to outdo each other for funds needed for programs and it is common place to see governments grant focus change with attendant change in the disbursement of funds. These dynamics place extra demand on non-profit organizations to be relevant in terms of programs and also to constantly re-strategize in the event that prior guaranteed funds are no longer accessible. Taking a cue from the models and theories of entrepreneurship, network systems and dynamic capabilities; projected as the framework for understanding how these non-profit organizations can sustain operations and remain relevant, the research work in this thesis seeks empirical evidence from the field in order to determine if the theories projected have the possibility of being applied in the operations of the non-profit sector. / folakoyejo@yahoo.com olukoyejo.ogundare@ericsson.com +2347034073516

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This study aims to advance the understanding of Digital Opportunity Trust’s (DOT) value proposition by characterizing the ‘modus operandi’ and to develop a method to explore the impact of entrepreneurship in the developing (or under-developed) regions of the world undertaken by Digital Opportunity Trust. DOT is an initiative to help reduce poverty, and to achieve greater social and economic stability by empowering people with skills and knowledge by utilizing new technologies in their communities. Prior research suggests the adaptation of ‘Information and Communication Technology’(ICT) and technological advancement as a means of addressing 500 million people worldwide, those residing at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (Prahalad, 2005) for an effective social transformation. “Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT)” is one of the not-for-profit (NFP) / non-governmental organizations (NGO), which strives to accomplish this goal by blending ‘entrepreneurial’ education with ‘corporate social responsibility’ to foster new ventures that use digital communications technology. DOT is operating in eleven (11) countries for more than eight (8) years now, rendering it important to validate and evaluate the extent to which Information and Communication Technology ICT allows people in poor communities to exchange knowledge, and to compete with new enterprise. Personal interviews (Case Study Methodology) with DOT’s executives, staff, interns and contractors were arranged to gather insightful information and to characterize the value proposition. The aim is to gather estimates of achievement for each of the defining attributes (‘as things are’ to reflect present achievement and ‘as things could be’ to reflect how far the attribute might be ‘pushed’). While it must be the responsibility of DOT’s leaders to articulate formally its value proposition, evidence gathered in this case study points in possible directions. For example, DOT’s value proposition is based on a humanitarian goal and a win-win situation that benefits the people of underdeveloped regions as well as DOT itself. DOT does not merely advance monetary aid to the poor regions of the world; rather it creates a model of economical sustainability. It empowers people by imparting technical prowess and training to them. This not only keeps them abreast of the whole world, but also helps improve their quality of life. DOT provides technological initiatives and programs in developing areas, while adhering effectively to accountability structure. Multinational companies and not-for-profit organizations can gain useful and practical knowledge from DOT’s experience. DOT brings an edge to entrepreneurship by advocating productivity and skill, especially in technological fields. The poor man’s plight turns into a healthy, industrious skill. An emerging paradigm for creating shared value suggests that this is precisely the model worldwide corporations should invest in and apply in these ever-challenging economic times.

This study aims to advance the understanding of Digital Opportunity Trust’s (DOT) value proposition by characterizing the ‘modus operandi’ and to develop a method to explore the impact of entrepreneurship in the developing (or under-developed) regions of the world undertaken by Digital Opportunity Trust. DOT is an initiative to help reduce poverty, and to achieve greater social and economic stability by empowering people with skills and knowledge by utilizing new technologies in their communities. Prior research suggests the adaptation of ‘Information and Communication Technology’(ICT) and technological advancement as a means of addressing 500 million people worldwide, those residing at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (Prahalad, 2005) for an effective social transformation. “Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT)” is one of the not-for-profit (NFP) / non-governmental organizations (NGO), which strives to accomplish this goal by blending ‘entrepreneurial’ education with ‘corporate social responsibility’ to foster new ventures that use digital communications technology. DOT is operating in eleven (11) countries for more than eight (8) years now, rendering it important to validate and evaluate the extent to which Information and Communication Technology ICT allows people in poor communities to exchange knowledge, and to compete with new enterprise. Personal interviews (Case Study Methodology) with DOT’s executives, staff, interns and contractors were arranged to gather insightful information and to characterize the value proposition. The aim is to gather estimates of achievement for each of the defining attributes (‘as things are’ to reflect present achievement and ‘as things could be’ to reflect how far the attribute might be ‘pushed’). While it must be the responsibility of DOT’s leaders to articulate formally its value proposition, evidence gathered in this case study points in possible directions. For example, DOT’s value proposition is based on a humanitarian goal and a win-win situation that benefits the people of underdeveloped regions as well as DOT itself. DOT does not merely advance monetary aid to the poor regions of the world; rather it creates a model of economical sustainability. It empowers people by imparting technical prowess and training to them. This not only keeps them abreast of the whole world, but also helps improve their quality of life. DOT provides technological initiatives and programs in developing areas, while adhering effectively to accountability structure. Multinational companies and not-for-profit organizations can gain useful and practical knowledge from DOT’s experience. DOT brings an edge to entrepreneurship by advocating productivity and skill, especially in technological fields. The poor man’s plight turns into a healthy, industrious skill. An emerging paradigm for creating shared value suggests that this is precisely the model worldwide corporations should invest in and apply in these ever-challenging economic times.