License GPL-2 NeedsCompilation No Repository CRAN

Description Various R programming tools for plotting dat

Quantifying hardware counter sampling error in computer system workload characterization

This technical report explores workload characterization using processor hardware counter sampling. We assume that we are measuring a set of hardware counter events greater than the number of physical counters on the processor, i.e., the counters are set to measure different events after every measurement. We characterize workloads on typical time scales between 5 and 30 minutes, with different phasing properties. We evaluate two competing strategies, a short sample time strategy designed to minimize overhead and a long sample time strategy designed to get better averaging. We find that both strategies are likely to produce accurate results, independent of underlying workload phasing, but neither strategy is ideal. We find that the optimal strategy is a fairly short sample time combined with continuous iteration over the counter set

Barriers to innovation within large financial services firms: An in-depth study into disruptive and radical innovation projects at a bank

Purpose - Since the 2008 financial crisis, the financial industry is in need of innovation to increase stability and improve quality of services. The purpose of this paper is to explore internal barriers that influence the effectiveness of projects within large financial services firms focussing on potentially disruptive and radical innovations. While literature has generally focused on barriers within traditional technology and manufacturing firms, few researchers have identified barriers for these type of firms. Design/methodology/approach - A framework of internal barriers was developed and validated by means of an explorative case study. Data were collected at a European bank by exploring how innovation is organized and what barriers influence effectiveness of eight innovation projects. Findings - Six items were identified as key barrier for potentially disruptive and radical innovations (e.g. traditional risk-avoidance focus, and inertia caused by systems architecture). As such, in the sample these were more important than traditionally defined barriers such as sources of finance, and lacking exploration competences. Research limitations/implications - Based on a small number of projects within one firm, the results highlight the need for more in-depth research on the effects of barriers and how barriers can be overcome within this industry. Originality/value - The results show that there is a discrepancy between the societal demand for radical change within the financial industry and the ability of large financial services firms to innovate. The study identifies which unique internal barriers hamper potentially disruptive and radical innovation in large financial services firms.Policy AnalysisEconomics of Technology and Innovatio