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Blockchain as an emerging technology has increased the interests within various industries because of its salient features. A potential application of blockchain for embodied carbon (EC) estimating is being explored. Though there are several databases/tools to estimate EC, the accuracy of estimates prepared using them is affected due to several limitations. As a solution, a prototype blockchain-based EC (BEC) Estimator for distributed supply chain-based EC estimating has been introduced. The data models and user flow diagram that lead to development of a BEC Estimator are developed and evaluated in this study.

A case study approach assisted in developing the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator. A Delphi-based expert forum was used to evaluate and produce the refined data models and user flow diagram.

The BEC Estimator adopts a waterfall model, a system development lifecycle model, in developing the application. The phases, system analysis and system design, consisting the development of the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator are discussed.

Estimating EC accurately plays an important role in construction. The BEC Estimator uses the supply chain based embodied carbon estimating method to estimate EC accurately. This paper demonstrates the data models and user flow diagram developed for the BEC Estimator.

Summarizes the most important principles of concurrent engineering [CE] and computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]. Discusses system data flow and IDEFo diagrams used as graphical descriptions of the engineering process. Introduces a software package called CIMpgr. Concludes that CIM addresses the total information requirements and management of a company from the development of a business plan through to the shipment of a product and the follow‐up support.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of using the business network channel (Bunch) approach for modelling business networks and studying the business network evolution. Business network models put the structures of process models into context by visualising roles and communication channels for social interactions.

The research applies a case study-based approach involving the creation of business network visualisations to capture snapshots of an industrial firm's business network over a three-year period. A questionnaire-based study was also conducted with 18 key informants to evaluate the Bunch approach against existing business network modelling techniques.

This study shows that when business networks – as opposed to business processes – are diagrammatically modelled, patterns of relations between individuals can also be visualised and factored into how information systems are (re)designed and deployed. The study also finds that as business networks evolve, the ability to offer complementary channels of communication and coordinate business/technological information is vital to how upturns in process times improves overall business effectiveness and efficiency.

The major contribution of this paper is an exposition on how the Bunch approach could serve as a pedagogical tool for gaining clarity on their roles and links within the business and as an analytical tool for studying the evolution of business networks in relation to roles, links, information technologies, business strategies and business network anomalies.

This paper addressed an object‐oriented modeling of the quality control information system (QCIS) and its implementation for small‐medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The major idea is to convert the data structure, system behavior and computational aspect of the QCIS into models: object, dynamic and functional models using the object‐oriented modeling technique in a user‐friendly and economical way. Then, based on an SME environment, the paper expounds the methodology by implementing the models into a computerized QCIS. The system is expected to be affordable and self‐developed by most SMEs. The system can manipulate quality data dynamically to keep the quality control information up to date. It can guarantee different types of charts, lists and reports in the support of quick quality decision making with minimal human efforts.

During recent years integration has been the key issue for many manufacturing organisations. The authors review recent developments and ongoing research work and propose a methodology based on existing tools and techniques which would allow integration of the material flow system with the supporting information system.

The purpose of the paper is to obtain insight into, and provide practical advice for, event‐based conceptual modeling.

The paper analyzes a set of event concepts and uses the results to formulate a conceptual event model that is used to identify guidelines for creation of dynamic process models and static information models.

The paper characterizes events as short‐duration processes that have participants, consequences, and properties, and that may be modeled in terms of information structures. The conceptual event model is used to characterize a variety of event concepts and it is used to illustrate how events can be used to integrate dynamic modeling of processes and static modeling of information structures.

The results are unique in the sense that no other general event concept has been used to unify a similar broad variety of seemingly incompatible event concepts. The general event concept can be used to improve dynamic and static modeling.

An effective supply chain requires a smoothly operating information system. Accurate information must flow among the links in a timely, coordinated fashion, which minimizes distortion. The system must incorporate supply‐and‐demand information, and constantly changing information about real world events that affect the chain. This paper provides a structure for these flows through a data flow diagram (DFD) and with a case study of its application to the Alaskan North Slope Oil (ANS) supply chain. The properties of this DFD are presented for push, pull and hybrid push/pull supply chains. Management can use the DFD approach to improve supply‐chain operations. Information flows can be rationalized and streamlined and feedback loops can be defined to measure performance. IT professionals can apply the generic nature of the DFD to a wide variety of logistics activities, including warehouse and carrier operations.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model which is aimed at assisting end‐users, i.e. construction practitioners who are without a proper legal background for effective administration of construction contracts, to enable them to make correct interpretations and decisions in dealing with vast amount of legal information.

This study proposes the application of data warehouse technology in the contract administration process of the construction industry. Upon identification of a comprehensive list of problems associated with construction contracts based on the feedback from 12 reputed experts in the construction industry, a conceptual model is developed using data flow diagram.

The results show that data warehouse technology is feasible and practical to the construction practitioners in the contract administration process.

This research focuses only on the development of a conceptual model and thus the practicability aspect of the model is a major concern. As such, the resulting practical implications are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia, raising the question of generalizability of the proposed model, as well as across different industries and countries.

It is posited that the proposed conceptual model, when implemented, would enable construction practitioners to administer construction contracts with better clarity and accuracy, so that interpretation errors and disputes can be mitigated. This will facilitate the development of harmonious working relationships.

The application of data warehouse technology in contract administration is rather new in the construction industry. The conceptual model thus offers a more effective and proactive approach in construction contract administration towards dispute resolution and/or prevention.

Presents a table comparing business process for the future manufacturing enterprises with a set of mapping techniques and methodologies. The first section is a brief introduction about the current situation for many European manufacturing companies. After that, describes the process‐based organization and a set of generic processes. Presents two key processes which were identified for each of five enterprises of the future suggested by Puttick. Following this, gives a description of the most common techniques and methodologies currently used, together with an evaluation of them. The table obtained by matching the processes with the techniques can be used as a guide when choosing the most suitable mapping technique or methodology for a enterprise’s key processes.

The Unified Modeling Language has become an alternative to traditional modeling languages such as data flow diagrams for use in systems analysis. A modeling language is used to represent an information system so that analysts can use the model to make decisions about the design of the system and to communicate with stakeholders about the system. This study examines the comparative effectiveness of the UML and traditional modeling languages in communicating information about a system design. The study examines this on three types of individuals: individuals with no knowledge of either modeling language, individuals with no knowledge of either language that were provided training in one of the languages, and individuals that have had more extensive training in one of the languages. The study finds that there is no difference in the ability to communicate system design information between the languages for the first two types of individuals. However, the study finds that, for more extensively trained individuals, systems modeled with the UML are better able to communicate information about the data in the system while systems modeled with traditional languages are better able to communicate information about the process used by the system.