Optimisation of Web Protocols and Services - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: OPTIMISATION OF WEB PROTOCOLS AND SERVICES Optimisation of Web Protocols and Services The following study will discuss the impact of optimisation of existing internet protocol on the carbon footprints'(Intelligent Energy Aware Networks) of ICT company and optimisation of existing internet protocol on the qualitative and quantitative business environment in terms of cost and profitability. This study will give new directions to motivate organisations to optimise their existing internet protocols so that they can increase their organisational performance. Optimisation of Web Protocols and Services Introduction A carbon footprint can be defined as "the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) that is released from an organization, at a particular event or from a product or an individual". There are various tests that can be used to calculate Carbon footprint of an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) comapny. After calculating the total amount of carbon footprint, an organization can acquire a strategy in order to reduce this amount of GHG emission. This can be achieved by technological advancements, improved services, product management, altering carbon capture, Green Public or Private Procurement (GPP), utilisation strategies etc. Like many improved efficiencies in the business environment, optimisation of Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology by utilising Intelligent Energy Aware Networks in order to reduce carbon footprint can be achieved both quantitatively and non-quantitatively. The best way to optimise the quantitative function of cost efficiencies remains through Activity-Based Costing (ABC). ABC has become a prevalent cost method for many manufacturing and production industries since its inception. In addition, it has gained exposure in the service industry over the last decade. (Kocakulah, Mehmet, Diekmann, 2005, 10) Despite popular opinion, service companies are ideal candidates for ABC due to their minimal amount of direct materials. They maintain a high level of fixed costs based on personnel who supply indirect support to products and consumers. Fortunately, cost efficiencies from VoIP implementation apply to both manufacturing and service organisations. Hence, this study involves the effectiveness of innovation of the existing internet protocols and creation of the brand new protocol or service system for internet. Non-quantitative attributes are harder to measure than quantitative. As a result, they tend to provide confusing conclusions. Improvements not significantly increasing companies bottom-line are viewed as a poor investment decision when in fact they may improve efficiency. Such capital expenditures are best measured with a scorecard approach which reflects "cause and effect" relationships. (Travis, 2004, 137) Perhaps the easiest sell for VoIP systems remains their ability to save corporations money. Unlike many of VoIP's benefits, cost savings is quantitative in nature. There are several ways in which cost savings occurs. Most savings stems from the ability of offices geographically located in different states or countries to communicate with one another without incurring long-distance fees. This benefit occurs because traditional circuit switches do not carry the electronic signal. Instead, the signal travels through a web based connection and is reassembled at the termination point. Electronic signals travel over the web free of charge the same way e-mail is delivered. Since VoIP is classified as information or data service as opposed to communication service, no charge is incurred. Statement of the problem Achievement of optimisation of VoIP technology can reduce carbon footprints and improve business environment. Research Questions The study is meant to answer following research questions. Q1. How to establish an effective process to calculate the overall cost of the current PBX network and compare to the expense of optimising a VoIP network? Q2. What are the Core segments traceable to the PBX network? Q3. How to support activities applicable to PBX long-distance calls? Q4. What are the Core segments traceable to a VoIP network? Q5. What Supporting activities are applicable to a VoIP installation? Q6. How did optimisation of VoIP decrease ICT carbon footprint and increase efficiency of business environment? Purpose of the study The following study will discuss the effect of optimisation of VoIP of carbon footprint with the help of both quantitative and non-quantitative methodologies applicable to the cost and profitability in the business environment. Furthermore, the study will examine recent regulation topics surrounding VoIP technology and provide examples of current applications. Literature Review The lessening of carbon footprints with the help of expansion of alternative projects, like wind energy or reforestation, is usually called Carbon offsetting. Due to the elimination of long-distance phone charges, many companies see an immediate benefit to their net income. Obviously, results vary depending on the structure and logistical position of company locations. Firms spread out in different states, regions, and/or countries achieve savings through inter company communications, whereas, other firms with high volume long-distance calls associated to sales may reap more benefits from daily business operations. Why are all companies not jumping on the VoIP bandwagon? After all, the savings from the reduction of long-distance calls provides adequate justification. One of the most challenging problems companies face with the decision to optimise their VoIP technology deals with the high level of sunk costs already associated with their PBX network. Many companies feel they need to fully depreciate their traditional PBX systems before incurring additional expenses on reducing carbon footprints and optimisation of a new system. Just as many firms are struggling with the decision to optimise their existing VoIP technology, many businesses struggle with the decision not to optimise VoIP. For these companies, VoIP is an excellent solution to old PBX systems needing expensive replacement and hefty maintenance contracts. For them, the new technology costs only a fraction of the technology it is replacing. Benefits of Optimising VOIP (BALANCED SCORECARD APPROACH) Additional benefits from reducing carbon footprints and VoIP optimisation occur from reduced administration costs as a result of employee moves, additions, and changes. Although these are more subjective and less quantitative in nature, they are equally as important as other tangible capital expenditures. Like many non-quantitative features, VoIP can be measured best with a balanced scorecard approach (BSC). The process enables users to identify and measure factors critical to business needs not easily measured under traditional cost accounting methods. It examines lead and lag indicators by measuring drivers and outcomes. Some research suggests future profit (lag indicator) is actually greater when performance drivers (lead indicator) are expressed in non-financial terms. Current Optimisations of VOIP Technology The market appears to be dictating demand for optimising VoIP technology. Economists can approximate when and how much; however, the determining factor for capital implementation occurs when businesses start optimising. The basic optimisation for corporate VoIP technology occurs in three stages. First, the company must enable the underlying data network to ensure voice security. Second, it must plan for the equipment necessary to facilitate a VoIP network. Lastly, it must begin the adaptation toward new software applications used in IP telephony. The process of optimisation of VoIP technology has simplified the process of relocation of an employee. Mapping extensions, re-programming call-handling features, activating new phone sets and re-customising employee configurations are eliminated with optimisation of VoIP technology. All configuration data is tied to the employee rather than the office network or physical extension. As a result, all modifications can be made through the network. In addition, cost benefits exist due to the lack of IT support needed to perform modifications. The future of IP networks lies in the convergence of a variety of applications. These include IP telephony, audio conferencing, videoconferencing, unified messaging, and presence technologies (i.e., "chat" capabilities). The basic idea behind convergence is the ability to consolidate several network platforms. Traditionally, companies were forced to pay for two different networks; one for voice capabilities and another for data systems (i.e. IBM is expected over the next five years to reduce voice/data communications by 25% due to the implementation of a global VoIP network). IBM's efficacy will stem from the reduction of the number of PBX switches from 900 currently in use to just two IP-based platforms. Employees today are less tied to their offices than their predecessors. The mere introduction of the cell phone has altered the way business is performed and amount of carbon footprint released. The future will include even more change. IP networks enable employees to set up call lists including multiple phone numbers so calls to a VoIP number can automatically follow them to their desired location or office. (Salterio, Steven, Webb, Alan, 2003, 39) This feature also facilitates the use of call capabilities available on desk phones.19 The same control can be used to block or screen unwanted calls from specific numbers. Faxes can be converted into voicemail and vise versa. Mobile employees possessing internet access can turn their laptop into an office with the same advanced features. Since VoIP systems do not require a special phone, calls from a customer can be forwarded to an employee's cell phone without disclosing the number. (Hope, Jeremy, Fraser, Robin, Rosen, Cheryl, 2006, 28) Assumptions of an Investment in optimising VoIP Like traditional budget goals, the scorecard approach maintains incentives. The difference between the two lies in the measuring stick. Under the scorecard approach, goals are met by optimising key performance indicators (KPI). These can be based on industry benchmarks, cost-to-income ratios, free cash flow, economic value added, and return on capital. This aspect differs from traditional budgets because they are not based purely on financial performance. Objective of the study The objective of the analysis is to optimise the cost and profitability ramifications associated with scrapping the current PBX system for a VoIP network while reducing the carbon footprint of the ICT Company. Scope of the study The study will give new directions for motivating optimisation of web protocols to reduce carbon footprint within organisations. Most individuals who utilise the internet have experienced failures while browsing the web. If web browsers can experience trouble, so can VoIP users. Hence, the optimisation of such types of web protocols makes it easier for organisation and its employees to achieve desired targets according to their anticipated targets. However, most of the time, failures are attributed to traffic surges to a particular IP address. Hence, the network is usually to blame. Methodology The method of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) will be used to ascertain the total cost of traditional PBX (Private Branch exchange) networks compared to VoIP systems and reduction of carbon footprints of the company. The ABC methodology singles out cost structures per task allowing a net result from numerous tasks to be identified. Through this identification process, efficient and effective operations are determined. As a result, only profitable decisions are implemented. This paper will focus on the decision to implement VoIP and the best techniques used to measure its efficiencies in reducing carbon footprints. An objective must be established in order to implement an activity based system followed by the appropriate steps. General steps utilised in this study will include: (1) identification of cost drivers; (2) monitoring and recording of all material activities and time allocated to each cost; (3) implementation strategy; and (4) measuring results and developing conclusions. Data Collection and Analysis The whole process of optimising VoIP technology to reduce carbon footprints of the organisation will be done in two months duration which will involve feedback from the CEO and employees of organisation after optimisation of VoIP after ensuring company’s ability to ensure voice security. The data will be collected from respondents to a 2003 Sage Research survey and a 2003 IDC survey of organisation’s employees. Further considerations of the benefits will be demonstrated through chart displays. Second, it will involve assessment of the equipment necessary to facilitate an optimised VoIP network. Lastly, it will involve employees’ and CEO’s feedback about the adaptation toward new software applications used in IP telephony. An overall strength of the project will be the variety of measures used to assess the effects of the optimising VoIP technology within organisation: effects on carbon footprints, effects of optimisation on employees, effects of the process on customers, and achievement of anticipated targets. Based on the assumptions viewed in the above problem, the study will analyse if optimisation of VoIP technology in an organisation will may or may not encourage use of traditional PBX network or an older version of VoIP. The analysis will demonstrate if despite a higher net present value, the VoIP technology will still remain open to further optimisation which leads to a higher effective annual cost. The best way to measure the quantitative function of cost efficiencies remains through activity-based costing (ABC). However, non-quantitative attributes are harder to measure than quantitative. As a result, they tend to provide confusing conclusions. Time Scale Tasks Week 1-2 Week 3-4 Week 5-6 Week 7-8 Research on Internet for journals and library for books Take notes on articles and books, work on how to format research data Start writing the Literature Review & ask for teacher's feedback Final Modification for the Literature Review Actual Submission "Literature Review Report" Make questions for questionnaires and interview Get the teacher's feedback on the questions Submit Final Form of questionnaires and Interview questions Distribute questionnaires among the selected people Conduct the Interview Collect the questionnaires and put together statistical results for analysis Writing final draft of study and seek the teacher's comments Perform all editing and complete the "Final Chapter of Research Project" References Follet, Jennifer, Lingblom, Marie. (2004) "The Call You Can't Ignore." Pg 18-22. Hope, Jeremy, Fraser, Robin, Rosen, Cheryl. (2006) "Trash the budget." Optimize. Pg 24-31. Kocakulah, Mehmet C., Diekmann, Douglas (2005) "Implementing Activity-Based Costing (ABC) to Measure Commercial Loan Profitability". The Journal of Bank Cost & Management Accounting: 3-15. Salterio, Steven, Webb, Alan (2003) "The balanced scorecard." CA Magazine. 136, pg 39. Travis, Paul. (2004) "Telecoms Call Up IT To Stay Relevant." Information Week. Pg. 137-138. Read More