Regular& INTEGRATED
PO1 : Computational Knowledge: Apply knowledge of computing fundamentals, computing specialization, mathematics, and domain knowledge appropriate for the computing specialization to the abstraction and conceptualization of computing models from defined problems and requirements.
CA 1.1: Demonstrate competence in mathematical modelling
PI 1.1.1: Apply the knowledge of discrete structures, linear algebra, statistics and numerical techniques to solve problems
PI 1.1.2: Apply the concepts of probability, statistics and queuing theory in modeling of computer-based system, data and network protocols
CA 1.1: Demonstrate competence in mathematical modelling
CA 1.2: Demonstrate competence in basic sciences
PI 1.2.1: Apply laws of natural science to an engineering problem
CA 1.2: Demonstrate competence in basic sciences
CA 1.3: Demonstrate competence in computing fundamentals
PI 1.3.1: Apply computing fundamentals
CA 1.3: Demonstrate competence in computing fundamentals
CA 1.4: Demonstrate competence in specialized engineering knowledge to the program
PI 1.4.1: Apply theory and principles of computer science and engineering to solve an engineering problem
CA 1.4: Demonstrate competence in specialized engineering knowledge to the program
PO1 : (Foundation Knowledge): Apply knowledge of mathematics, programming logic and coding fundamentals for solution architecture and problem solving.
CA 1.1: Demonstrate competence in mathematical modelling
PI 1.1.1: Apply the knowledge of discrete structures, linear algebra, statistics and numerical techniques to solve problems
PI 1.1.2: Apply the concepts of probability, statistics and queuing theory in modeling of computer-based system, data and network protocols
CA 1.1: Demonstrate competence in mathematical modelling
CA 1.2: Demonstrate competence in basic sciences
PI 1.2.1: Apply laws of natural science to an engineering problem
CA 1.2: Demonstrate competence in basic sciences
CA 1.3: Demonstrate competence in computing fundamentals
PI 1.3.1: Apply computing fundamentals
CA 1.3: Demonstrate competence in computing fundamentals
CA 1.4: Demonstrate competence in specialized engineering knowledge to the program
PI 1.4.1: Apply theory and principles of computer science and engineering to solve an engineering problem
CA 1.4: Demonstrate competence in specialized engineering knowledge to the program
PO2 : Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, research literature, and solve complex computing problems reaching substantiated conclusions using fundamental principles of mathematics, computing sciences and relevant domain disciplines.
CA 2.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate complex engineering problem
PI 2.1.1: Evaluate problem statements and identifies objectives
PI 2.1.2: Identify processes/modules/algorithms of a computer-based system and parameters to solve a problem
PI 2.1.3: Identify mathematical algorithmic knowledge that applies to a given problem
CA 2.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate complex engineering problem
CA 2.2: Demonstrate an ability to formulate a solution plan and methodology for an engineering problem
PI 2.2.1: Reframe the computer-based system into interconnected subsystems
PI 2.2.2: Identify functionalities and computing resources
PI 2.2.3: Identify existing solution/methods to solve the problem, including forming justified approximations and assumptions
PI 2.2.4: Compare and contrast alternative solution/methods to select the best methods
PI 2.2.5: Compare and contrast alternative solution processes to select the best process
CA 2.2: Demonstrate an ability to formulate a solution plan and methodology for an engineering problem
CA 2.3: Demonstrate an ability to formulate and interpret a model
PI 2.3.1: Able to apply computer engineering principles to formulate modules of a system with required applicability and performance.
PI 2.3.2: Identify design constraints for required performance criteria
CA 2.3: Demonstrate an ability to formulate and interpret a model
CA 2.4: Demonstrate an ability to execute a solution process and analyze results
PI 2.4.1: Applies engineering mathematics to implement the solution
PI 2.4.2: Analyze and interpret the results using contemporary tools
PI 2.4.3: Identify the limitations of the solution and sources/causes
PI 2.4.4: Arrive at conclusions with respect to the objectives.
CA 2.4: Demonstrate an ability to execute a solution process and analyze results
PO2 : (Problem Analysis): Identify, review, formulate and analyse problems for primarily focussing on customer requirements using critical thinking frameworks.
CA 2.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate complex engineering problem
PI 2.1.1: Evaluate problem statements and identifies objectives
PI 2.1.2: Identify processes/modules/algorithms of a computer-based system and parameters to solve a problem
PI 2.1.3: Identify mathematical algorithmic knowledge that applies to a given problem
CA 2.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify and formulate complex engineering problem
CA 2.2: Demonstrate an ability to formulate a solution plan and methodology for an engineering problem
PI 2.2.1: Reframe the computer-based system into interconnected subsystems
PI 2.2.2: Identify functionalities and computing resources
PI 2.2.3: Identify existing solution/methods to solve the problem, including forming justified approximations and assumptions
PI 2.2.4: Compare and contrast alternative solution/methods to select the best methods
PI 2.2.5: Compare and contrast alternative solution processes to select the best process
CA 2.2: Demonstrate an ability to formulate a solution plan and methodology for an engineering problem
CA 2.3: Demonstrate an ability to formulate and interpret a model
PI 2.3.1: Able to apply computer engineering principles to formulate modules of a system with required applicability and performance.
PI 2.3.2: Identify design constraints for required performance criteria
CA 2.3: Demonstrate an ability to formulate and interpret a model
CA 2.4: Demonstrate an ability to execute a solution process and analyze results
PI 2.4.1: Applies engineering mathematics to implement the solution
PI 2.4.2: Analyze and interpret the results using contemporary tools
PI 2.4.3: Identify the limitations of the solution and sources/causes
PI 2.4.4: Arrive at conclusions with respect to the objectives.
CA 2.4: Demonstrate an ability to execute a solution process and analyze results
PO3 : Design /Development of Solutions:
Design and evaluate solutions for complex computing problems, and design and evaluate systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
CA 3.1: Demonstrate an ability to define a complex/open-ended problem in engineering terms
PI 3.1.1: Able to define a precise problem statement with objectives and scope
PI 3.1.2: Able to review state-of-the-art literature to synthesize system requirements.
PI 3.1.3: Able to choose appropriate quality attributes as defined by ISQ/IEC/IEEE standard
PI 3.1.4: Explore and synthesize system requirements from larger social and professional concerns
PI 3.1.5: Able to develop software requirement specifications (SRS).
CA 3.1: Demonstrate an ability to define a complex/open-ended problem in engineering terms
CA 3.2: Demonstrate an ability to generate a diverse set of alternative design solutions
PI 3.2.1: Able to explore design alternatives
PI 3.2.2: Able to produce a variety ol potential design solutions suited to meet functional requirements.
PI 3.2.3: Identify suitable non-functional requirements for evaluation of alternate design solutions
CA 3.2: Demonstrate an ability to generate a diverse set of alternative design solutions
CA 3.3: Demonstrate an ability to select optimal design scheme for further development
PI 3.3.1: Able to perform systematic evaluation of the degree to which several design concepts meet the criteria.
PI 3.3.2: Consult with domain experts and stakeholders to select candidate engineering design solution for further development
CA 3.3: Demonstrate an ability to select optimal design scheme for further development
CA 3.4: Demonstrate an ability to advance an engineering design to defined end state
PI 3.4.1: Able to reline architecture design into a detailed design within the existing constraints
PI 3.4.2: Able to implement and integrate the modules
PI 3.4.3: Able to verify the functionalities and validate the design
CA 3.4: Demonstrate an ability to advance an engineering design to defined end state
PO3 : (Development of Solutions): Design, develop and investigate problems with as an innovative approach for solutions incorporating ESG/SDG goals.
CA 3.1: Demonstrate an ability to define a complex/open-ended problem in engineering terms
PI 3.1.1: Able to define a precise problem statement with objectives and scope
PI 3.1.1: Able to define a precise problem statement with objectives and scope
PI 3.1.2: Able to review state-of-the-art literature to synthesize system requirements.
PI 3.1.3: Able to choose appropriate quality attributes as defined by ISQ/IEC/IEEE standard
PI 3.1.4: Explore and synthesize system requirements from larger social and professional concerns
PI 3.1.5: Able to develop software requirement specifications (SRS).
CA 3.1: Demonstrate an ability to define a complex/open-ended problem in engineering terms
CA 3.2: Demonstrate an ability to generate a diverse set of alternative design solutions
PI 3.2.1: Able to explore design alternatives
PI 3.2.2: Able to produce a variety ol potential design solutions suited to meet functional requirements.
PI 3.2.3: Identify suitable non-functional requirements for evaluation of alternate design solutions
CA 3.2: Demonstrate an ability to generate a diverse set of alternative design solutions
CA 3.3: Demonstrate an ability to select optimal design scheme for further development
PI 3.3.1: Able to perform systematic evaluation of the degree to which several design concepts meet the criteria.
PI 3.3.2: Consult with domain experts and stakeholders to select candidate engineering design solution for further development
CA 3.3: Demonstrate an ability to select optimal design scheme for further development
CA 3.4: Demonstrate an ability to advance an engineering design to defined end state
PI 3.4.1: Able to reline architecture design into a detailed design within the existing constraints
PI 3.4.2: Able to implement and integrate the modules
PI 3.4.3: Able to verify the functionalities and validate the design
CA 3.4: Demonstrate an ability to advance an engineering design to defined end state
PO4 : Conduct investigations of complex Computing problems: Use research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions.
CA 4.1: Demonstrate an ability to conduct investigations of technical issues consistent with their level of knowledge and understanding
PI 4.1.1: Define a problem for purposes of investigation, its scope and importance
PI 4.1.2: Able to choose appropriate procedure algorithm, dataset and test cases
PI 4.1.3: Able to choose appropriate hardware/software tools to conduct the experiment.
CA 4.1: Demonstrate an ability to conduct investigations of technical issues consistent with their level of knowledge and understanding
CA 4.2: Demonstrate an ability to design experiments to solve open-ended problems
PI 4.2.1: Design and develop appropriate procedures/methodologies based on the study objectives
CA 4.2: Demonstrate an ability to design experiments to solve open-ended problems
CA 4.3: Demonstrate an ability to analyze data and reach a valid conclusion
PI 4.3.1: Use appropriate procedures, tools and techniques to collect and analyze data
PI 4.3.2: Critically analyze data for trends and correlations, stating possible errors and limitations
PI 4.3.3: Represent data (in tabular and/or graphical forms) so as to facilitate analysis and explanation of the data, and drawing of conclusions
PI 4.3.4: Synthesize information and knowledge about the problem from the raw data to reach appropriate conclusions
CA 4.3: Demonstrate an ability to analyze data and reach a valid conclusion
PO4 : (Modern Tool Usage): Select, adapt and apply modern computational tools such as development of algorithms with an understanding of the limitations including human biases.
CA 5.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify/create modern engineering tools, techniques and sources
PI 5.1.1: Identify modern engineering tools, techniques and resources for engineering activities
PI 5.1.2: Create/ad and tools and techniques to solve engineering problems
CA 5.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify/create modern engineering tools, techniques and sources
CA 5.2: Demonstrate an ability to select and apply discipline-specific tools, techniques and resources
PI 5.2.1: Identify the strengths and limitations of tools for (i) acquiring Information (ii) modeling and simulating, (iii) monitoring system performance, and (iv) resources creating engineering designs.
PI 5.2.2: Demonstrate proficiency in using discipline-specific tools
CA 5.2: Demonstrate an ability to select and apply discipline-specific tools, techniques and resources
CA 5.3: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the suitability and limitations of tools used to solve an engineering problem
PI 5.3.1: Discuss limitations and validate tools, techniques and resources
PI 5.3.2: Verify the credibility of results from tool use with reference to the accuracy and limitations, and the assumptions inherent in their use.
CA 5.3: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the suitability and limitations of tools used to solve an engineering problem
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
PO5 : Modern Tool Usage: Create, select, adapt and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern computing tools to complex computing activities, with an understanding of the limitations.
CA 5.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify/create modern engineering tools, techniques and sources
PI 5.1.1: Identify modern engineering tools, techniques and resources for engineering activities
PI 5.1.2: Create/ad and tools and techniques to solve engineering problems
CA 5.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify/create modern engineering tools, techniques and sources
CA 5.2: Demonstrate an ability to select and apply discipline-specific tools, techniques and resources
PI 5.2.1: Identify the strengths and limitations of tools for (i) acquiring Information (ii) modeling and simulating, (iii) monitoring system performance, and (iv) resources creating engineering designs.
PI 5.2.2: Demonstrate proficiency in using discipline-specific tools
CA 5.2: Demonstrate an ability to select and apply discipline-specific tools, techniques and resources
CA 5.3: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the suitability and limitations of tools used to solve an engineering problem
PI 5.3.1: Discuss limitations and validate tools, techniques and resources
PI 5.3.2: Verify the credibility of results from tool use with reference to the accuracy and limitations, and the assumptions inherent in their use.
CA 5.3: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the suitability and limitations of tools used to solve an engineering problem
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
PO5 : (Individual and Teamwork): Function and communicate effectively as an individual or a team leader in diverse and multidisciplinary groups. Use methodologies such as agile.
CA 11.1: Demonstrate an ability to form a team and define a role for each member
PI 11.1.1: Recognize a variety of working and learning preferences; appreciate the value of diversity on a team
PI 11.1.2: Implement the norms of practice (e.g. rules, roles, charters, agendas, etc.) of effective team work, to accomplish a goal.
CA 11.1: Demonstrate an ability to form a team and define a role for each member
CA 11.2: Demonstrate effective individual and team operations--communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
PI 11.2.1: Demonstrate effective communication, problem- solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
PI 11.2.2: Treat other team members respectfully
PI 11.2.3: Listen to other members
PI 11.2.4: Maintain composure in difficult situations
CA 11.2: Demonstrate effective individual and team operations--communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
CA 11.3: Demonstrate success in a team-based project
PI 11.3.1: Present results as a team, with smooth integration of contributions from all individual efforts
PI 11.3.2: Use project management tools to schedule an engineering project, so it is completed on time and on budget.
CA 11.3: Demonstrate success in a team-based project
PO6 : Professional Ethics: Understand and commit to professional ethics and cyber regulations, responsibilities, and norms of professional computing practices.
CA 6.1: Demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical dilemmas
PI 6.1.1: Identify situations of unethical professional conduct and propose ethical alternatives
CA 6.1: Demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical dilemmas
CA 6.2: Demonstrate an ability to apply the Code of Ethics
PI 6.2.1: Identify tenets of the ASME professional code of ethics
PI 6.2.2: Examine and apply moral & ethical principles to known case studies
CA 6.2: Demonstrate an ability to apply the Code of Ethics
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PO6 : (Project Management and Finance): Use the principles of project management such as scheduling, work breakdown structure and be conversant with the principles of Finance for profitable project management.
CA 8.1: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the economic and financial performance of an engineering activity
PI 8.1.1: Describe various economic and financial costs/benefits of an engineering activity
CA 8.1: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the economic and financial performance of an engineering activity
CA 8.2: Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the costs/benefits of alternate proposals for an engineering activity
PI 8.2.1: Analyze and select the most appropriate proposal based on economic and financial considerations.
PI 8.2.2: Analyze different forms of financial statements to evaluate the financial status of an engineering project
CA 8.2: Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the costs/benefits of alternate proposals for an engineering activity
CA 8.3: Demonstrate an ability to plan/manage an engineering activity within time and budget constraints
PI 8.3.1: Identify the tasks required to complete an engineering activity, and the resources required to complete the tasks.
PI 8.3.2: Use project management tools to schedule an engineering project, so it is completed on time and on budget.
CA 8.3: Demonstrate an ability to plan/manage an engineering activity within time and budget constraints
PO7 : Life-long Learning: Recognize the need, and have the ability, to engage in independent learning for continual development as a computing professional.
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
PI 7.1.1: Describe the rationale for the requirement for continuing professional development
PI 7.1.2: Identify deficiencies or gaps in knowledge and demonstrate an ability to source information to close this gap
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
PI 7.2.1: Identify historic points of technological advance in engineering that required practitioners to seek education in order to stay current
PI 7.2.2: Recognize the need and be able to clearly explain why it is vitally important to keep current regarding new developments in your field
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PI 7.3.1: Source and comprehend technical literature and other credible sources of information
PI 7.3.2: Analyze sourced technical and popular information for feasibility, viability, sustainability, etc.
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PO7 : (Ethics): Commit to professional ethics in managing software projects with financial aspects. Learn to use new technologies for cyber security and insulate customers from malware
CA 6.1: Demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical dilemmas
PI 6.1.1: Identify situations of unethical professional conduct and propose ethical alternatives
CA 6.1: Demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical dilemmas
CA 6.2: Demonstrate an ability to apply the Code of Ethics
PI 6.2.1: Identify tenets of the ASME professional code of ethics
PI 6.2.2: Examine and apply moral & ethical principles to known case studies
CA 6.2: Demonstrate an ability to apply the Code of Ethics
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PO8 : Project management and finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the computing and management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
CA 8.1: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the economic and financial performance of an engineering activity
PI 8.1.1: Describe various economic and financial costs/benefits of an engineering activity
CA 8.1: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the economic and financial performance of an engineering activity
CA 8.2: Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the costs/benefits of alternate proposals for an engineering activity
PI 8.2.1: Analyze and select the most appropriate proposal based on economic and financial considerations.
PI 8.2.2: Analyze different forms of financial statements to evaluate the financial status of an engineering project
CA 8.2: Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the costs/benefits of alternate proposals for an engineering activity
CA 8.3: Demonstrate an ability to plan/manage an engineering activity within time and budget constraints
PI 8.3.1: Identify the tasks required to complete an engineering activity, and the resources required to complete the tasks.
PI 8.3.2: Use project management tools to schedule an engineering project, so it is completed on time and on budget.
CA 8.3: Demonstrate an ability to plan/manage an engineering activity within time and budget constraints
PO8 : (Life-long learning): Change management skills and the ability to learn, keep up with contemporary technologies and ways of working.
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
PI 7.1.1: Describe the rationale for the requirement for continuing professional development
PI 7.1.2: Identify deficiencies or gaps in knowledge and demonstrate an ability to source information to close this gap
CA 7.1: Demonstrate an ability to identify gaps in knowledge and a strategy to close these gaps
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
PI 7.2.1: Identify historic points of technological advance in engineering that required practitioners to seek education in order to stay current
PI 7.2.2: Recognize the need and be able to clearly explain why it is vitally important to keep current regarding new developments in your field
CA 7.2: Demonstrate an ability to identify changing trends in engineering knowledge and practice
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PI 7.3.1: Source and comprehend technical literature and other credible sources of information
PI 7.3.2: Analyze sourced technical and popular information for feasibility, viability, sustainability, etc.
CA 7.3: Demonstrate an ability to identify and access sources for new information
PO9 : Communication Efficacy: Communicate effectively with the computing community, and with society at large, about complex computing activities by being able to comprehend and write effective reports, design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and understand clear instructions.
CA 9.1: Demonstrate an ability to comprehend technical literature and document project work
PI 9.1.1: Read, understand and interpret technical and non-technical information
PI 9.1.2: Produce clear, well-constructed, and well-supported written engineering documents
PI 9.1.3: Create flow in a document or presentation - a logical progression of ideas so that the main point is clear
CA 9.2: Demonstrate competence in listening, speaking, and presentation
PI 9.2.1: Listen to and comprehend information, instructions, and viewpoints of others
PI 9.2.2: Deliver effective oral presentations to technical and non-technical audiences
PI 9.2.3: Listen to other members
PI 9.2.4: Maintain composure in difficult situations
CA 9.3: Demonstrate the ability to integrate different modes of communication
PI 9.3.1: Create engineering-standard figures, reports and drawings to complement writing and presentations
PI 9.3.2: Use a variety of media effectively to convey a message in a document or a presentation
PO10 : Societal and Environmental Concern: Understand and assess societal, environmental, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues within local and global contexts, and the consequential responsibilities relevant to professional computing practices.
CA 10.1: Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of engineering and industrial practices on social, environmental and in economic contexts
PI 10.1.1: Identify risks/impacts in the life-cycle of an engineering product or activity
PI 10.1.2: Understand the relationship between the technical, socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability
PI 10.1.3: Understand the relevance of sustainability in all related areas
CA 10.2: Demonstrate an ability to apply principles of sustainable design and development
PI 10.2.1: Describe management techniques for sustainable development
PI 10.2.2: Apply principles of preventive engineering and sustainable development to an engineering activity or product relevant to the discipline
PO11 : Individual and Team Work: Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
CA 11.1: Demonstrate an ability to form a team and define a role for each member
PI 11.1.1: Recognize a variety of working and learning preferences; appreciate the value of diversity on a team
PI 11.1.2: Implement the norms of practice (e.g. rules, roles, charters, agendas, etc.) of effective team work, to accomplish a goal.
CA 11.1: Demonstrate an ability to form a team and define a role for each member
CA 11.2: Demonstrate effective individual and team operations--communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
PI 11.2.1: Demonstrate effective communication, problem- solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
PI 11.2.2: Treat other team members respectfully
PI 11.2.3: Listen to other members
PI 11.2.4: Maintain composure in difficult situations
CA 11.2: Demonstrate effective individual and team operations--communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and leadership skills
CA 11.3: Demonstrate success in a team-based project
PI 11.3.1: Present results as a team, with smooth integration of contributions from all individual efforts
CA 11.3: Demonstrate success in a team-based project
PO12 : Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Identify a timely opportunity and using innovation to pursue that opportunity to create value and wealth for the betterment of the individual and society at large.
CA 12.1: Demonstrate an ability to combine creativity, a sense of initiative, problem-solving, the ability to marshal resources, and financial and technological knowledge
PI 12.1.1: Acquire foundational knowledge of business laws and regulations to understand their nature and scope.
PI 12.1.2: Understand the civil foundations of the legal environment of business to demonstrate knowledge of contracts.
CA 12.2: Demonstrate an understanding of human-resources laws and regulations to facilitate business operations and innovations.
PI 12.2.1: Identify and describe various engineering roles; particularly as pertains to protection of the public and public interest at the globa,l regional and local level
PI 12.2.2: Interpret legislation, regulations, codes, and standards relevant to the discipline and explain its contribution to the protection of business operations and innovations.