An assessment of emerging business models from blockchain technology / Geraldo Serrano

Date : December 13, 2017
Number of Pages : 86 leaves
Adviser : Dr. Serafin D. Talisayon

Abstract

The emergence of the digital economy have disrupted and turned obsolete a number of traditional business models while giving birth to new business models attributed to it. Blockchain is one of the emerging digital technologies today that is expected to truly disrupt business models especially in industries that rely on trust, such as the financial sector. The public, shared, and tamper proof ledger are the core features of the technology and these allow people to transact with anyone on the network. This results in a "trustless economy" as the blockchain allows performing a transaction of any asset of value in a chronologically-updated, distributed, and cryptographically sealed manner while verification of the transactions happen with the consensus of system participants. With these core features of the technology, this research acknowledges that blockchain is capable of increasing transparency, enhancing efficiency, reducing risks, and cutting expenditures associated with transaction costs as evident in the first applications of the technology. Blockchain was introduced after the financial crisis in 2008 through a whitepaper that also introduced Bitcoin, the first blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. As evident, blockchain's first application is in the financial sector but with the other economic sectors that heavily relies on trust, blockchain is expected to be employed beyond its financial use-cases. Smart contract is another application of blockchain that is expected to be employed by firms to change their current systems. Ethereum is an example of a blockchain technology platform with a smart contract functionality. The rise in popularity and adoption of the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains have resulted in the establishment of different blockchain startups patterned after their protocols while incumbent firms are pouring in millions of dollars in research and development (R&D) efforts to develop blockchains both privately and on a large scale. With the current hype about blockchain, the benefits as well as the drawbacks of the technology are surfacing.

This research focused on exploring the current adoption and applications of blockchain at the global level through case analysis of companies that started deploying the technology with an analysis of its effect to the introduction of new business models, anchored on the pace of technology substitution as a theoretical construct. Blockchain technology and business models were proposed to have a two-way relationship. Case analysis and interview results revealed this relationship with the emergence of new business models attributed to the adoption of blockchain technology. Tokenization, disintermediation, digital lock-in, and platform-as-a-service as well as P2P networks are some identified business models either created or enhanced by blockchain. Value patterns were also recognized owing to the features associated with the technology to include transparency, privacy, and security. The research contributed to the literature by examining the pace of a technology's application at the firm level and explored its several contributions to the development of new business models. 

Designing an intellectual property management information system for the University of the Philippines Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office / Roxanne B. Llamzon

Date : December 14, 2017
Number of Pages : 125 leaves
Adviser : Dr. Serafin D. Talisayon

Abstract

It is imperative for the University of the Philippines (UP) to facilitate the dissemination of research outputs and innovations generated by its faculty and students. Technology transfer is the primary mechanism to fulfill UP's mandate to be both a research-intensive and public service-oriented national university. The audit and protection of intellectual property assets are the first steps to not only successful technology transfer, but also to building an innovation ecosystem in the university.

Information technology plays a key role in the efficient and effective execution of complex, multi-stakeholder processes, such as intellectual property management in UP Manila. To introduce improvements to the system, a preliminary investigation was conducted, leading to the determination of functional requirements, which were used as inputs to the definition of the overarching conceptual framework and design of the proposed solution - an intellectual property management information system.

In the proposed system, the intellectual property management information system simplifies the process by automatically performing 39% of tasks. With this design, it will be possible to have a single, electronic system to eliminate confusing processes and duplication of work; generate reports in an instant, on demand; increase transparency- because the information will be publicly available on the web; and potentially create a conducive channel for collaboration between the university and external partners.

The final output, which is expected by March 2018, is the working prototype of the intellectual property management information system.

Uplifting software development practices in the Philippines : a framework for improvement / Juper C. Perdiguerra

Date : December 18, 2017
Number of Pages : 116 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Maria Elizabeth A. Francisco

Abstract

There is very limited research on the software development practices in the Philippines. A study or assessment in this topic is important to see how we compare with other countries. Furthermore, a study in this area will help us find gaps and solutions in order to improve overall software development practices. Software development managers and also team members can gain insights on how to improve their current software development practices.

This study attempts to be one of the few types of researches in the Philippine software development industry. This will serve as a reference for possible future studies, such as finding gaps in the industry software development practices versus what is taught in college. Ultimately, this study aims to help uplift the Philippines's software development practices. This is one step in order to improve our overall standing in the software development industry.

The research methodology utilized frequency analysis and cross-tabulation analysis of the results of a targeted survey. The survey respondents are all professionals working in an IT department or a software development team. Technology management concepts are synthesized with the results of the analysis in order to provide recommendations and create a framework for software development.

Results show that there are many companies that do not follow any software standards. There are also more companies that are not utilizing different software development tools, and project management or tracking tools. Furthermore, results show that some of the most common cause of project delays include underestimated project scope and customer and/or management changes.

Software development practices in the Philippines are generally good especially for bigger companies who have more resource to acquire more tools and provide training. However, there are still a lot of improvements needed. The recommendations section of this research laid some points on where an organization can improve and determine which process or methodology they need to adopt. 

Technology assessment for the acquisition of a reverse osmosis system for the pharmaceutical water requirements of Hizon Laboratories, Inc. / Jennifer U. Paler

Date : December 2017
Number of Pages : 74 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Nestor O. Rañeses

Abstract

Water is a vital commodity in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. For Hizon Laboratories, Inc. (HLI), water is utilized as a starting material in the production of pharmaceutical products, for chemical and microbiological analyses, and for cleaning of equipment and product-contact components. Thus, it is important for HLI's water system to provide pharmaceutical water with highest and consistent quality. Technology assessment using the STEEP evaluation criteria was performed to compare HLI's current system and the proposed system using reverse osmosis. A multi-criteria decision analysis was then performed to arrive at informed and sound decisions. Deionization using ion-exchange resins has been used by HLI to produce purified water since 1991. On average, the monthly usage of purified water at HLI is 475 cubic meters. Due to its large consumption, it is necessary to perform regeneration of deionizers three times a week (on average). Handling strong corrosive chemicals (HCI and NaOH) in the regeneration of cation and anion resins pose a great risk to operators. In addition, the need for frequent regeneration also results to unstable water quality, high operational costs and unnecessary downtime. Reverse osmosis (RO) is an alternative system of water purification that makes use of semi-permeable membranes. With RO, water impurities are effectively reduced and operational costs are significantly lower. Cost per cubic meter of water using RO system is cheaper at P71.66 as compared to P112.72 per cubic meter using ion-exchange resins. Based on the comparative assessment, it can be concluded that HLI would greatly benefit from shifting to the RO system. 

Comparative assessment of the entrepreneurial ecosystems of US, Israel, UK, China, India, Singapore and Philippines / Asela Linglingay R. Villanueva

Date : December 20, 2017
Number of Pages : 90 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Edison D. Cruz

Abstract

This paper will assess and discuss the global entrepreneurial ecosystems of countries with strong entrepreneurial enterprises such as United States (US), Israel, United Kingdom (UK), China, India and Singapore. Entrepreneurial ecosystem is defined as a set of interdependent actors and factors coordinated in such a way that they enable productive entrepreneurship within a particular territory. The economic growth, optimism and the promise of jobs that entrepreneurs bring as supported by government efforts to create opportunity and prosperity has generated an extraordinary increase in empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystems which remains to be economically relevant and dynamic. 

Moreover, this paper provides a review on the components of entrepreneurial ecosystem, elements, approaches, framework, measurement and other relevant information. Through the comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research conducted, data were analyzed to come up with a comparative assessment which can be used by entrepreneurs for decision making, strategy formulation or as a guide for their technology improvement. To boost the study, local entrepreneurial ecosystem condition was also incorporated and assessed to relate the current condition with the intervention and initiatives done by the government. The paper concludes the discussion of strong and weakest aspect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the countries being studied. 

Building the enterprise architecture (EA) capability and defining EA's role in the digital future of SN Aboitiz Power Group / Maria Teresa G. Cabigon

Date : December 11, 2019
Number of Pages : 83 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Ma. Elizabeth A. Francisco

Abstract

This paper details SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group's journey as it starts to adopt the Enterprise Architecture (EA) discipline as part of its strategic management process.

The EA concept was first conceptualized by the author, the Chief Information Officer of SNAP Group. It then described what the main purpose was that warrant the need for an EA discipline in managing and governing the SNAP's Information Technology (IT). 

To support the business case of the EA implementation in SNAP, a review of related literatures was made about EA's evolution frameworks, value, challenges, benefits and success factors.

SNAP's EA journey was discussed. It described how SNAP operationalized EA in relation to the execution of its IT Roadmap, that contains its intent to implement relevant technologies to digitally transform the business.

Furthermore, this paper presented the results of the initial implementation and the recommendations on how to sustain the EA practice in SNAP.

Like in any management system practices, maturity in the practice of EA discipline is a journey. The SNAP management's commitment to make EA an integral part of the management process is, therefore, very critical to its sustainability and effectiveness. 

Strategic techniques for the creation of a business plan and technology roadmap for a local legal technology startup / Mark Paolo Navata

Date : December 18, 2019
Number of Pages : 50 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Glen Imbang

Abstract

The aim of this study was to integrate different business and strategic concepts to develop a strategic plan for a legal technology startup which primarily offers a cloud-based platform for managing the different aspects of legal operations, from task management to billing, which are not addressed by the majority of the startups in Asia, particularly in the Philippines. It utilizes technologies such as data analytics and machine learning to provide systematic solution for legal practice woes. This study covers strategic concepts such as internal and external analyses, scanning and analysis. The strategic management cycle was used as the core framework for this research. The researcher examined models and frameworks on strategy that would integrate business operations, finance, and marketing into one document with respect to technology and infrastructure. With the pressure to modernize lest face competitive disadvantage among lawyers and firms in the present times, legal technology startups are well positioned to address the gaps between law and innovation. While other industries have long embraced cutting-edge technologies, the legal profession has yet to adopt present day technologies such as cloud and artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, with the changing behavior of young lawyers and demand for efficiency by both lawyers and clients, the researcher strongly believes that there will be increased adoption of legal technology solutions in the near future. To conclude, the researcher believes that legal industry is ripe for innovation and a gold mine for legal tech startups. The startup discussed on this paper will be able to capture the market with the right strategic tools/techniques and business concepts from Technology Management (TM) classes.