ZERMEG III - Decision guidance for the visualisation of the achievements of sustainable corporate strategies

Status

completed

Summary

Within the framework of ZERMEG III a "virtual enterprise" was designed and programmed. This model reflects the user by means of a realistic displayed software the essential elements of a company regarding techniques, organisation and socio-economic environment. It enables the user to make managerial decisions for different periods. The effects of the management decisions are calculated and evaluated for mass and energy balances, organisation, situation of employees and social aspects. The models were developed by an expert group.

Aim is to provide decision help and to learn that a sustainable accretion of the company value and a same time optimization of resource efficiency and cost efficiency is possible. Increase in working conditions stimulation of innovation and a better cooperation within the company.

A rule-based object-oriented system was developed as a technical platform. The results are reported to the user in easy to understanding diagrams that show the changes achieved. For this reason the model is well suited as basis for interactive trainings and for gaining personal experiences. The program will be run under Java JSF (and XHTML, XML), so that a wide spreading, a reasonable programming effort and effective maintenance is guaranteed.

The model allows a number of scenarios, so that the user can make realistic experiences with long term effects of the decision made (thoughtful optimised use of resources in contradiction to short term economic optimisations). The model is based on results and experiences of six research projects under "Fabrik der Zukunft" (SUMMIT, ZERMEG I and II, Nachhaltigkeit in Cluster, Produktdienstleistungen, Environment Management Accounting) and integrates these results into a model for decision makers. The research teams of these R&D-projects contributed with their know-how.

The target groups for the model are practitioner, production managers, general managers and the middle management. The interactive work with the model prepares them for decisions that improve the company regarding sustainability based on the experiences gained so far. Therewith the model activates the user to develop an own business strategy based on the collected virtual experiences with sustainable business management.

The practical approach of this model was proven in tests with enterprises, a technical college and a university. The model is supported by background material and scenarios for the development of the economic and legal framework in order to be of great interest for a great number of decision makers. A wide spread dissemination is guaranteed. The model will be used from fall 2007 on in seminars at Graz University and the technical college of Fachhochschule Joanneum.

Project management

Dr. Johannes Fresner
STENUM GmbH

Project or cooperation partner

• DI Christian Angerbauer, Markus Möller, Mag. Petra Wolf, Dr. Thomas Dielacher
  STENUM GmbH
• Prof. Dr. Hans Schnitzer, DI Karin Taferner
  JOINTS, Joanneum Research
• DI Torsten Krichbaum
  JOH. PENGG AG
• Ing. Peter Kletzmayr
  Abwasserverband Knittelfeld u. Umgebung
• Dr. Gilbert Ahamer
  Universität Graz
• Dr. Stefan Vorbach
  Institut für Innovationsmanagement, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz
• DI Johannes Haas
  FH JOANNEUM GmbH, Produktionstechnik und Organisation
• Thomas Winter
  attractive software

Dr. Johannes Fresner
STENUM GmbH
Geidorfgürtel 21, 8010 Graz
Tel.: ++43 316 367156-70
Fax: ++43 316 367156-13
E-Mail: j.fresner@stenum.at