PhD Theses




Stefan RADULESCU

Title: Contributions to Improve Work Processes using Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems

Supervisor: Professor Theodor BORANGIU
Start date: 2011


Cloud computing is a new concept that has the potential to change the way we work and interact. Cloud computing implies the existence of an IT infrastructure (servers, networks) enabling the provision to end users of storage space, processing power and applications as services. These services can be purchased and used as long as necessary, without high initial costs. Also, users of these services do not know with accuracy the location from where a service is provided. After delivery mode cloud services can be SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) Depending on the owner, a cloud can be private, public or hybrid.

BPM (Business Process Management) is a management approach that focuses on change management in order to continuously improve processes within a company. Business processes are in the center of this approach. A process can be described as a standard method that provides higher value (output) for the client from using the resources (inputs). In BPM, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is used to improve processes.

E-learning covers all forms of electronic learning and teaching. ICT systems are used for implementing the learning process. Essentially E-learning is the transfer of knowledge using ICT. Processes and E-learning applications include CBT (Computer Based Training) IBT (Internet Based Training), WBT (Web Based Training) and digital collaboration.

During elaboration of this thesis I will identify ways to improve business processes using ICT, especially cloud computing. As the business processes that can be analyzed, the main focus will be the learning and teaching processes in an academic environment. For their improvement through ICT I will also consider using E-learning. For the practical part I will mainly use the IBM Cloud Burst available in the cloud computing laboratory at CIMR. As a secondary objective in this thesis I will consider using cloud technology in the online shops (e-commerce).