Abstract: A lower-court judge in St. Paul granted a subpoena to Northwest Airlines allowing them the search the home computers of employees for evidence of allegedly illegal union activities.

Abstract: This is part two of a note describing an opportunity TEC had to evaluate and compare the four top ERP vendors for a client. Each vendor’s offering differed in such areas as functionality, flexibility, process fit and ease of use. Find out what TEC learned as a result of the selection engagement.

Abstract: The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (also known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 0f 2002) was passed by US lawmakers to reinforce honest and transparent corporate practices in the wake of the various public accounting scandals and corporate failures of the 1990s. The Act, named after US Senator Paul S. Sarbanes and US Congressman Michael G. Oxley, has changed the way public companies do business. Although not specifically covered under the Act, non-public entities are also finding that bankers, investors, and acquisition candidates are now conditioned to expect increased transparency and real-time disclosures, in effect placing a greater accounting and reporting burden on companies that are not legally obligated to comply with this act. As with any far-reaching legislation of this magnitude, there is plenty of hype that has emerged in connection with this law. This document is designed to help companies large and small navigate some of the 'hype' that sometimes blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Abstract: Efforts to improve the efficiency and maturity of a quality assurance (QA) or test organization have largely been academic exercises, and difficult to apply to real-world software development environments. Today, with newer methods such as the Testing Maturity Model (TMM), it’s easier to assess, implement, and improve test processes. Learn about fresh techniques for assessing the effectiveness of QA organizations.

Abstract: Consultant Paul Mitnick chose the Training Partner learning management system (LMS) to help a real estate firm consolidate its learning management program. In addition to a breakdown of the steps involved in his LMS software selection process, you’ll also discover how the LMS implementation went—including the testing and timing involved in ensuring that all data was in the new LMS before it was accessed by users.

Abstract: Corporations are at risk because Web applications and servers make them susceptible to hackers and cyber crooks. However, companies can perform security risk assessments that mitigate risk by applying security risk management policies designed to protect a company’s data.

Abstract: Software vendors and users often view advanced data visualization and dashboard capabilities as the “sizzle” that helps sell the product. This over-simplification misses the key point that ADV delivers the “steak” (i.e., the relevant information) users need to make accurate assessments that optimize business results. Discover how ADV and dashboards can help you keep your company focused on its core mission.

Abstract: The conventional unit of measurement for software size is the point. Unfortunately, the point-based measurement system fails to account for many of the complexities of software development. This paper proposes software size units (SSUs) as an alternative to points, defines their component elements, and explains how to use SSUs for more accurate software estimations and easier productivity assessments.

Abstract: An unprecedented wave of security breaches has led to the establishment of technical standards, IT governance frameworks and laws designed to improve and enforce IT security. Companies are under increasing pressure to control their IT infrastructures more effectively. Learn how ongoing automated vulnerability assessments, together with well-defined network security policies, can simplify the compliance process.

Abstract: Acquiring, validating, and managing sales tax and use tax exemption certificates can be challenging. However, the appropriate exemption certificate management (ECM) strategy can help avoid sales tax audit risk while lowering audit assessments and penalties. Learn how to find the right solution for your organization.

Abstract: CourseUp!—a developer of computer-based training solutions for franchises—chose SumTotal to provide technology for delivering instruction on how to best launch and run a franchise. CourseUp! needs a platform that manages the transfer of information from corporations to their franchises, and software for developing online assessments and scenario-based training. Find out how SumTotal helps deliver cost-effective solutions.

Abstract: Is your information security system staying on top of the 400 new threats that appear monthly? Securing your Web applications is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of testing and re-testing for new vulnerabilities, especially when vital data is in development or production. Learn how a Web application security optimization process can help you perform effective continuous assessments of your system.

Abstract: The term “triage” refers to the process by which service managers rank the status of IT structures in priority, and sort them based on their need for immediate action. In today’s environment, this process is very cumbersome and time-consuming. Thus, in order to effectively manage IT infrastructures, service manager need tools that allow them to make assessments in real time.

Abstract: Enterprise impact analysis is the heart of the incident management process. Unlike threat-based risk assessments, this analysis focuses on the business impacts, regardless of the cause. Delving into the functions of enterprise elements, the analysis evaluates how any interruption will affect normal functioning. It also provides a framework for determining what’s relevant—and what isn’t relevant—to managing the incident.

Abstract: The current focus in operational risk management is on enterprise-wide data capture across loss events, key risk indicators and self-assessments, with follow-up actions based on triggers. A system should satisfy regulatory requirements, such as Basel II and the US Sarbanes Oxley Act, and be built in a manner that minimizes the impact of changing business management functionality.

Abstract: Human capital is the most valuable asset of any organization and human resources must be more strategic and provide more value, rather than be solely a cost center. A new talent acquisition model that integrates assessments in an automated screening process can help effectively and efficiently yield consistently higher-quality candidates with the demonstrated skills, behaviors, and work style that are required to succeed.

Abstract: While an electronic data interchange (EDI) initiative improves supply chain communication and speeds up the exchange of goods and services, it is a complicated undertaking. To get started, learn how Inovis Professional Services array of consulting and training offerings, including assessments and technology planning, can help you implement mission-critical integrated solutions efficiently and cost-effectively.

Abstract: Sales force automation (SFA) solutions hold plenty of promise for companies looking to empower their sales representatives. In addition to providing timely data, SFA solutions can help managers better forecast future sales, and provide senior-level managers with accurate performance assessments. Find out what to look for in a SFA solution, what you can expect to pay for it, and how you can get the most value from it.