Identify and discuss some characteristics you have as a good Systems Analyst? Well, before we answer that question, and in case the one reading this post doesn’t know what a Systems Analyst is, then we shall give the definition of a Systems Analyst. I got this definition right here from the popular online encyclopedia, Wikipedia (which I think most of my classmates will also use as a reference for the definition of Systems Analyst).
“A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills: analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal. Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change. Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.
A systems analyst performs the following tasks:
• Interact with the customers to know their requirements
• Interact with designers to convey the possible interface of the software
• Interact/guide the coders/developers to keep track of system development
• Perform system testing with sample/live data with the help of testers
• Implement the new system
• Prepare High quality Documentation ”
Well, if you (the reader) read the definition above, I think it explained already what characteristics a good systems analyst must have, in order for the company he / she is working at to be more successful.
Analytical Skills
-Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems.
Well, this is a must for computer systems analysts. As the name suggests, systems analyst analyze systems for the progress of the company that they work in. He or she must know the background of the system, whether it has past problems or it is still on the developing stage, or it has worked very well for the company in the past years. The analyst must be able to find out the needed components (software, hardware, peopleware) from the data that he / she has gathered from the analysis. And from the analysis he or she has made, the systems analyst must prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.
But before they analyze something, a systems analyst must first inquire and consult with the management on what they want with the company and what its goals are. Then if they have the necessary information, they shall conduct an analysis on the computer system of the company based on the specifications given by the management. Then they design a system that shall meet the needs of the company, or the specific department he or she is working in for the company. That’s where the next skill is required, which is the technical skills.
Technical Skills
-Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms.
This skill here is essential (although I think all skills are essential and important), because there is no use in analyzing systems if you don’t know what you’re analyzing, am I right? That’s why you have to have the knowledge on different computer hardware, operating systems, different software and programming languages, and other technical things. And even though the systems analyst is not a graduate of any computer-related course, he / she has to have even at least a little knowledge of computers, because I think most of the time they will be working with computers. At least, they aren’t ignorant of what they are doing.
But if you have skills in different programming languages, different computer hardware (old or new), network systems, operating systems and other IT-related things, you will be more preferred by the company. In short, if you are a graduate of any bachelor’s degree course where there is a connection with IT, then it is a plus for you.
Management Skills
-Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
This is the part of being a systems analyst where you really have to be serious. Managing is not an easy task. As what I recall our professor has said to us, management is concerned with PDOC (Planning, Directing, Organizing and Controlling). All of these are essential in managing something, may it be people, resources, time, money, etc. It starts with planning, where you first plan what you have to manage. Its more like preparing for what you have to manage, really. Just like a floor plan or a blueprint or something like that. Next would be directing. It is where the instructions and directions are made, hence the word direction, right? And then there’s organizing. To organize means to coordinate something, or in cases of organizing people, it means to make somebody more effective. For the tasks in the company to be coordinated, there has to be someone that organizes everything, so that it goes out well. Then lastly, the controlling aspect. To control means to restrain or limit something. When there is chaos (the term is very dramatic, but correct nonetheless) in the business, there has to be someone in charge of controlling everything, and that is what the controlling task is all about. All in all, you need all these skills to manage something or someone effectively and efficiently.
With management skills, a systems analyst can have his assignment or project work in an organized way. His team and those under him can work well with each other, provided that they are managed well. Everything will be under control with the correct management skills and all will go to the right direction. When resources are managed well, there would be less resources that would come to waste. The right resources would be used in the right way. Risks would be prepared for, because the systems analyst has readied himself for it, because he has managed himself. Changes would be easier to handle because the systems analyst has managed everything that by the time changes occur, the system can adapt easily.
Interpersonal Skills
-Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Systems analysts don’t just the need the technical knowledge to be able to be good systems analyst. They have to develop their personality as well. They have to be what you call a “people person”. That means he must be able to socialize with people well, know how to communicate with them, how to talk to them with respect.
For example, an analyst has an idea about how to solve a certain problem within their system, and his colleague (another systems analyst) has also something to say and has another idea as well. They mustn’t argue on which solution is better or not immediately. They have to talk about it first. And they must not disprove of the other’s ideas immediately, not without the proper analysis (that’s what they do, analyze). Each must respect the other’s intent; because they are just doing all that they can for the improvement of the company.
And with the programmers, they have to deal with them nicely, because programmers as you know are very important, because they do the technical work in the system. If for example, as a systems analyst, you always underestimate them, or you always criticize their work in a not so good way that makes them depressed or stressed or something like that. If that’s the case, the programmer might not do his or her job well, and that would be bad for the company.
Here are some characteristics that for me are important when you are a Systems Analyst (the others are given above):
Ethical:
Concerning ethics, a systems analyst must keep information private.
Because you, as a systems analyst, are dealing with the company’s data, you have to access to it. So as not to ruin your career as a systems analyst, you have to keep all the information that comes to you as private. And as a systems analyst, it is part of your job to have a security plan for the system so information doesn’t leak to other people.
Industrious:
In my opinion, a systems analyst has to be industrious / hard-working (as with any job that you have). Being a systems analyst is a tedious task, and if you just get lazy all the time, then it’s counting light posts for you (from the Filipino phrase “nagbibilang ng poste”, which I think, means you don’t have a job). In all the jobs that you work for, you have to be hard-working, because when you work hard, better results will come. And with better results are better performances from the company.
Determination:
If you don’t have the determination to do something, then you wouldn’t want to finish that something, right? If the task given to you think will take long to finish, then your determination to finish that project will be your weapon to finish it. You also have to have some kind of a love for the project given to you so that you will enjoy what you want to do. And if you want, you can make something as a model for your determination (more like an inspiration to me), like the outcome of the project, if it can make the performance of the company better and if it can help you with your tasks. Or maybe you can make your pay as the object of your determination to finish your job.
Background of the Business:
If you work for a certain company as a systems analyst, you should have at least a little background with the processes and the activities with that company, even if the duty of the company isn’t your forte. With this knowledge, you can do better as a systems analyst, because you know what the specific parts of the company are that need improvement and development.
Flexibility:
Just like with a Strategic Plan, a systems analyst must also be flexible with the nature of work, because there might be some changes in the future that might happen. If he or she is flexible with everything, then he / she can adapt to the changes that might happen within the company, and he / she can be ready for it.
Responsibility:
This characteristic also is connected with the ethical issue for the System Analyst. Because the systems analyst is given the information and data of the company to work with so as to make a solution to the different problems within the system of the company, he must be responsible in handling it. Only the right people must have the power to take a look at that information. And because there are many people under the systems analyst, he should be responsible for what they might do, because all they do are just from the instructions that he / she have given them.
References:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
If you have the urge to comment at my post in my blog, go to
http://roycuevas.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The business plan and the IS plan
The question: “What should be the nature of the relationship between the business plan and the IS plan?”
To clear all of our minds, let’s first take a look at the definition of a business plan and an Information System (IS) plan. But before that, I’m gonna express first what I think a business plan and an information system plan is.
For me, a business plan is a plan that states what the business or the company’s plans for the future are. This plan should also contain the results that they would want to see by implementing the said plan. And also what they must do in order to achieve their goal (traits, personality, motivations). An IS plan for me is a company’s plan on what to do with everything in connection with information technology and information systems so as to help their business become successful. From the software to be used, trainings for the employees on using that particular software, the hardware to be used, and everything else connected to IT, that should be the content of the IS Plan.
From what I have read from Encarta Dictionaries, a business plan is a plan of future strategy. It is a plan that sets out the future strategy and financial development of a business, usually covering a period of several years.
And also, from the VERY popular site, Wikipedia.com (which I think is the major source of definitions for this forum), A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.
And here are some additional information from About.com:
Business Planning encompasses all the goals, strategies and actions that you envision taking to ensure your business’s survival and growth. Business planning can be broken down into two large topics; profit-making business planning and contingency business planning
Profit-making business planning is all the general business planning that must be done to start and run a successful business. The best known example of this type of business planning is the business plan. The business plan isn’t a do-it-and-forget-it business planning exercise but a living document that needs to be updated throughout the lifecycle of your business. Once the business has officially started, profit-making business planning will center on setting and meeting goals and targets. While some businesses make business planning an annual event, business planning is most effective when it’s done frequently and consistently. The business planning process of reviewing progress on business goals and targets and setting new ones should take place at least monthly.
Daily business planning is an incredibly effective way for individuals to focus on achieving both their own goals and the goals of the organization.
Contingency business planning (also known as business continuity planning) is the type of business planning that focuses on dealing with crises. A business contingency plan is a proposed implementation plan to deal with some new emergency, event or new information.
For me, a business plan and an information systems plan must coincide with each other. Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is a very essential factor for the growth and the betterment of a business. Why? Because information systems are now being used by companies in its different functions and departments. Information systems now help with data processing, networking, management issues and many, many more.
From what I have read from the pdf file “Strategic Information Systems Planning: A Review” by Somendra Pant and Cheng Hsu, these are the eras of information systems and their relationships. These data shown here are shown as follows: year - era -characteristics.
• 60s – Data Processing – Standalone computers, remote users, cost reduction function
• 70s & 80s – Management Information Systems (MIS) – Distributed process, interconnected, regulated by management service, supporting the business, user driven
• 80s & 90s – Strategic Information Systems (SIS) – Networked integrated systems, available and supportive to users, relate to business strategy, enable the business – business driven
We can see here that at first, information systems were not that important to a business. Computers were just used for basic data processing. They were just used for back-room operations and that was that. But later, their significance was slowly recognized. Companies later slowly made use of their information systems to help their business in its tasks and, naturally, to help their business prosper and become a success. Furthermore, planning for a company’s information systems plan was started. A plan for a company’s success was now related with its information system. Nowadays, an information systems plan of a company should be included with their business plan. That relationship should stay with the company.
For their plan to succeed, they should assess their needs. If these needs are clearly stated and declared, then they will know what to do with their information system. They should know now what their objectives and priorities would be. Also, they should be able to plan what they would need for their IS and its planned projects for the future. And if they are planning for the future, then what they plan should be flexible, so if there would be changes that will happen in the future, their projects and all they planned for could adjust without any problems.
There are also problems to be faced. One is the “veterans” problem. People from the management, particularly the old ones I suspect, would be doubtful about the information system plan. I can’t blame them because they have long been operating manually, either in accounting, human resource, etc. Just like in the May 2010 Elections where the government plans to automate and there are so many doubts, automated systems are not really that very convincing to other/older people. Other problems for the plan would be if there would be not enough resources for what you want to attain. Maybe the budget is not enough or something like that. But I’m sure that the company could think of ways to adjust their budget to meet their goals and objectives.
Basically, I think that the business plan is the master plan, and the IS plan would be under the master plan. The thought would be that the IS plan is just one of the plans of the company that need to be accomplished. There would be other plans other than the IS plan. And if all of these plans are finished, then the business plan would be a success. The information system plan would be one of the components of the business plan (I think).
The nature of the relationship of the business plan and the IS plan? I think their relationship should be that they are always connected with each other (if that company with the business has an information system, that is). If you have planned for your information system with the mindset of helping your company/business grow and be successful, then that would be very helpful for the business plan. That’s because, as stated earlier, the business plan is where you put your plans of reaching your goals, and the IS plan is one of those plans that aim to reach your goal. Having an information system in a company is a big help for that business, so it shouldn’t be ignored.
To clear all of our minds, let’s first take a look at the definition of a business plan and an Information System (IS) plan. But before that, I’m gonna express first what I think a business plan and an information system plan is.
For me, a business plan is a plan that states what the business or the company’s plans for the future are. This plan should also contain the results that they would want to see by implementing the said plan. And also what they must do in order to achieve their goal (traits, personality, motivations). An IS plan for me is a company’s plan on what to do with everything in connection with information technology and information systems so as to help their business become successful. From the software to be used, trainings for the employees on using that particular software, the hardware to be used, and everything else connected to IT, that should be the content of the IS Plan.
From what I have read from Encarta Dictionaries, a business plan is a plan of future strategy. It is a plan that sets out the future strategy and financial development of a business, usually covering a period of several years.
And also, from the VERY popular site, Wikipedia.com (which I think is the major source of definitions for this forum), A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.
And here are some additional information from About.com:
Business Planning encompasses all the goals, strategies and actions that you envision taking to ensure your business’s survival and growth. Business planning can be broken down into two large topics; profit-making business planning and contingency business planning
Profit-making business planning is all the general business planning that must be done to start and run a successful business. The best known example of this type of business planning is the business plan. The business plan isn’t a do-it-and-forget-it business planning exercise but a living document that needs to be updated throughout the lifecycle of your business. Once the business has officially started, profit-making business planning will center on setting and meeting goals and targets. While some businesses make business planning an annual event, business planning is most effective when it’s done frequently and consistently. The business planning process of reviewing progress on business goals and targets and setting new ones should take place at least monthly.
Daily business planning is an incredibly effective way for individuals to focus on achieving both their own goals and the goals of the organization.
Contingency business planning (also known as business continuity planning) is the type of business planning that focuses on dealing with crises. A business contingency plan is a proposed implementation plan to deal with some new emergency, event or new information.
For me, a business plan and an information systems plan must coincide with each other. Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is a very essential factor for the growth and the betterment of a business. Why? Because information systems are now being used by companies in its different functions and departments. Information systems now help with data processing, networking, management issues and many, many more.
From what I have read from the pdf file “Strategic Information Systems Planning: A Review” by Somendra Pant and Cheng Hsu, these are the eras of information systems and their relationships. These data shown here are shown as follows: year - era -characteristics.
• 60s – Data Processing – Standalone computers, remote users, cost reduction function
• 70s & 80s – Management Information Systems (MIS) – Distributed process, interconnected, regulated by management service, supporting the business, user driven
• 80s & 90s – Strategic Information Systems (SIS) – Networked integrated systems, available and supportive to users, relate to business strategy, enable the business – business driven
We can see here that at first, information systems were not that important to a business. Computers were just used for basic data processing. They were just used for back-room operations and that was that. But later, their significance was slowly recognized. Companies later slowly made use of their information systems to help their business in its tasks and, naturally, to help their business prosper and become a success. Furthermore, planning for a company’s information systems plan was started. A plan for a company’s success was now related with its information system. Nowadays, an information systems plan of a company should be included with their business plan. That relationship should stay with the company.
For their plan to succeed, they should assess their needs. If these needs are clearly stated and declared, then they will know what to do with their information system. They should know now what their objectives and priorities would be. Also, they should be able to plan what they would need for their IS and its planned projects for the future. And if they are planning for the future, then what they plan should be flexible, so if there would be changes that will happen in the future, their projects and all they planned for could adjust without any problems.
There are also problems to be faced. One is the “veterans” problem. People from the management, particularly the old ones I suspect, would be doubtful about the information system plan. I can’t blame them because they have long been operating manually, either in accounting, human resource, etc. Just like in the May 2010 Elections where the government plans to automate and there are so many doubts, automated systems are not really that very convincing to other/older people. Other problems for the plan would be if there would be not enough resources for what you want to attain. Maybe the budget is not enough or something like that. But I’m sure that the company could think of ways to adjust their budget to meet their goals and objectives.
Basically, I think that the business plan is the master plan, and the IS plan would be under the master plan. The thought would be that the IS plan is just one of the plans of the company that need to be accomplished. There would be other plans other than the IS plan. And if all of these plans are finished, then the business plan would be a success. The information system plan would be one of the components of the business plan (I think).
The nature of the relationship of the business plan and the IS plan? I think their relationship should be that they are always connected with each other (if that company with the business has an information system, that is). If you have planned for your information system with the mindset of helping your company/business grow and be successful, then that would be very helpful for the business plan. That’s because, as stated earlier, the business plan is where you put your plans of reaching your goals, and the IS plan is one of those plans that aim to reach your goal. Having an information system in a company is a big help for that business, so it shouldn’t be ignored.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
10 years from now...
10 years from now? I would like to have a job that can sustain me with all my needs. And if I have a family by that time, I would like that job of mine to sustain my family. And preferably, I would like that job to be connected with Information Technology, because that’s why I’m writing this post and why I’m enrolled in this course (BSIT, of course, hehe). I’d like my job ten years from now to be connected with the IT field, because that’s why I’m taking up BS Info. Tech. here in USeP, so I can get a job that can relate to information technology.
Actually, I have many desires and ambitions in life. When I was a kid, everything that I knew how to do, I thought I could do, if I just strive hard and kind of master it. I even put in my ambition in our yearbook when was in kindergarten: “I want to be a soldier.”. Everything that interested me had a reserved ambition in the back of my head. Even for the information technology field, I have many desires. I think any kind of job that’s connected with information technology interests me. I think I’m just gonna enlist here all of the jobs that I look upon ten years from now. I’m not being ambitious or anything, but I think it’s good if you have a kind of goal inside of you that motivates you to do the things that you have to do now to achieve that goal.
Computer Programmer:
This is the nature of the job’s work.
Computer programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the detailed instructions, called computer programs that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Many technical innovations in programming — advanced computing technologies and sophisticated new languages and programming tools — have redefined the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization.
I’m not that really good at programming, but I like programming. Every time you develop a source code for a program and your program works successfully, you get a feeling that you’re a genius because you just made your own program. But being a programmer isn’t an easy job, what with all the memorizing of syntax and the debugging, etc, that a programmer has to do. And you just don’t have to develop only programming skills, but also social skills, because sometimes, you have to work as a team with fellow programmers. You have to settle arguments between yourselves and you have to agree on different things and set aside your own ideas for the better ideas of others.
Network Administrator:
I got this definition of a Network Administrator from a popular site.
Network administrator is a modern profession responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprises a computer network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network equipment. A related role is that of the network specialist, or network analyst, who concentrates on network design and security.
Because also of my interest in computer hardware and how computers interconnect with each other, I have a desire to be a network administrator. I would like being in–charge with a company’s or school’s network topography, and I want to find ways on how to speed up their Internet connection. I also like this because I like to tinker with electronic equipment, and this where to go because this job is connected with hardware, and also is related to Information Technology.
Systems Analyst:
A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills: analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal. Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change. Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.
That’s what a systems analyst does. I like this kind of job because it is challenging because of the required skills for it. And I think I can attain all those skills (analytical, technical, management and interpersonal skills), if I just focus on my studies and if I train myself.
Database Administrator (DBA):
Got this next definition again, from another popular site(which I’m going to put in the References part of this post):
A database administrator (DBA) is a person responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance and repair of an organization's database. They are also known by the titles Database Coordinator or Database Programmer, and is closely related to the Database Analyst, Database Modeler, Programmer Analyst, and Systems Manager. The role includes the development and design of database strategies, monitoring and improving database performance and capacity, and planning for future expansion requirements. They may also plan, co-ordinate and implement security measures to safeguard the database. Employing organizations may require that a database administrator have a certification or degree for database systems (for example, the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator).
I have a particular interest in databases. I like to make queries with databases. I want to make systems that include a database/s in them. And I also want to manage and maintain a cool-looking system that lets you search, edit, delete and add entries, whatever those entries are. That’s why I also visualize myself having a job like this years from now.
Web Developer:
A web developer is a software developer or software engineer who is specifically engaged in the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over the HTTP protocol from a web server to a web browser.
I had a crash course in web development almost half a year ago, with my friends John David de Peralta, Jan Neil Gador, Jan Ray Suriba and Jalil Paniamba-an. It was all about web development, and I thought I lacked skill there because my colleagues were already ahead of me academically. We made use of Php, MySql and PhotoShop there. And our teacher, Sir Dennes, also showed us hot to upload our files to the Net using FTP. Back then, I didn’t know how to operate databases yet. But now that I’ve learned, my interest in web development grew more and more.
I love the Internet. I love how it gives you information with just a few clicks on your mouse. And I love also how the Internet works, like when you click a hyperlink, you are redirected to another page. And what with the different services that the Internet offers now. Social networking sites, e-commerce sites, video and audio streaming, and many more. You can almost find everything in the Internet. You can even find your next husband/wife in it through dating sites. I’d like to come up with another idea for another site that is different from other sites right now and make money out of it, hehe.
Game Developer:
I can’t deny the fact that I really like computer games. I like games on SuperNes, Famicom, Sega, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, PC-Games, online games and many, many more. It has always interested me on what the behind-the-scenes are when you’re making a video game. Sometimes, I get annoyed by the Japanese, because they make such good games with good graphics, like Tekken 6. I’d like to design my own game, be in charge with the game programming, the game plot, the characters’ designs, the gameplay, all of it! (Although all of these sounds impossible to do for only one person)
Everyone has his/her own strategies in reaching his/her goals in life. I myself have my own strategies; it’s just a matter of implementing these strategies in the right place and at the right time. Or I think we have to keep these strategies in mind all the time while focusing in what we want to obtain or what we want to be in life. Here are some of the strategies that I’m gonna be applying in life so I won’t get lost,hehe.
My Strategies:
Study Hard:
If I study and gain knowledge about many things about the field that I am into, then there is the possibility that I am more probable to be hired because of the skills that I have and know. If I have those skills, then I will use those to be able to reach my goals in life, and to be a better IT professional. Here in the University of Southeastern Philippines, you are really pushed to study hard, because the standards from our teachers here are high. And of course, we students should not be intimidated by these standards. Instead, we should accept and consider these as a challenge for us to be better IT students. And we should not always rely on what our professors teach us, because not knowledge will come from them. We should also study on our own. We should research on our own. And we should be curious and we should be updated about new trends and things pertaining to IT (especially because in the technological world, almost every month, there is always a change). We should study about new software and how to operate it; new technology that we should be aware of; and other stuff.
Discipline Myself:
All of the knowledge you have doesn’t count if you don’t discipline yourself. Discipline is very crucial to be a successful IT professional. Just by not letting yourself be late at school is a way of disciplining yourself. And that also goes when you have a job. Because you’re responsible for yourself now, you have to discipline yourself. You have to balance your work and your “extra-curricular” activities. It’s really ok to enjoy, only you have to limit yourself. I’m not being “perfect” here, but I really think that it’s the right thing to do.
Work Hard:
Working hard is very essential in being an IT professional because, I think, almost everyone needs to work hard in every job that they get. So no difference for IT professionals, right? If we work hard, it is more likely that we would get promoted in our job. In short, working hard will get us rewards.
After I graduate (and I will, or I must), I’ll find a job depending on the skills that I have. Actually, I’ve been observing and reading in newspapers and job fairs about the current job requirements for programmers and other possible jobs that are connected with IT, and depending on what I find out, I’m going to study or, better, I’m gonna train myself with those skills they need, or specific programs that they require their applicants to be knowledgeable of..
Or if I can still sustain myself, or my parents also want to, I can still continue to study after I graduate. I can still attend trainings, seminars and also vocational courses that can give me additional knowledge that will add up to my credentials when I apply for a job. I could take up courses that could teach me about computer hardware, trainings for graphics design, website-making and lots and lots of stuff connected to IT.
Also, my cousin in Cebu always tells me that after I graduate, I should go and work there, because the IT industry there is booming. Their IT Park is really good, and also her husband works there, as QA (don’t know if I’m right, but his job is about technical assistance), so I have “backers” there, if I need help, hehe. But if I were to work in Cebu, eventually, I would still go back to Davao, ‘coz it’s where my heart belongs. And if the IT scene here in Davao will boom years after I graduate and by the time that I have the skills necessary for a job, then I why no t work here? All my friends and loved ones are here, so why I won’t get homesick.
Of course, when I graduate, I won’t be “maarte” and be choosy with jobs. It’s okay for me if it’s not a very high-paying job, as long as it can sustain my needs. It’s better if you start from the bottom, and work your way up to the top, so we can experience what your workers’ needs are if you are at the top.
I can’t be sure of all that I have posted here, because I really don’t know what might happen in the years to come. Maybe I’ll get married early, or maybe some relative will want us to migrate. Or I might inherit a big fortune from a long lost grandfather and won’t need to work for myself and just put up a business. I just don’t know what’s gonna happen to me during those ten years of my life. All I know is I’m gonna do the best I can to get a good-paying job or even start a business, so I can help my family with all the expenses in the house. And also to support the needs of my family, if I have one.
Actually, I have many desires and ambitions in life. When I was a kid, everything that I knew how to do, I thought I could do, if I just strive hard and kind of master it. I even put in my ambition in our yearbook when was in kindergarten: “I want to be a soldier.”. Everything that interested me had a reserved ambition in the back of my head. Even for the information technology field, I have many desires. I think any kind of job that’s connected with information technology interests me. I think I’m just gonna enlist here all of the jobs that I look upon ten years from now. I’m not being ambitious or anything, but I think it’s good if you have a kind of goal inside of you that motivates you to do the things that you have to do now to achieve that goal.
Computer Programmer:
This is the nature of the job’s work.
Computer programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the detailed instructions, called computer programs that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Many technical innovations in programming — advanced computing technologies and sophisticated new languages and programming tools — have redefined the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization.
I’m not that really good at programming, but I like programming. Every time you develop a source code for a program and your program works successfully, you get a feeling that you’re a genius because you just made your own program. But being a programmer isn’t an easy job, what with all the memorizing of syntax and the debugging, etc, that a programmer has to do. And you just don’t have to develop only programming skills, but also social skills, because sometimes, you have to work as a team with fellow programmers. You have to settle arguments between yourselves and you have to agree on different things and set aside your own ideas for the better ideas of others.
Network Administrator:
I got this definition of a Network Administrator from a popular site.
Network administrator is a modern profession responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprises a computer network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network equipment. A related role is that of the network specialist, or network analyst, who concentrates on network design and security.
Because also of my interest in computer hardware and how computers interconnect with each other, I have a desire to be a network administrator. I would like being in–charge with a company’s or school’s network topography, and I want to find ways on how to speed up their Internet connection. I also like this because I like to tinker with electronic equipment, and this where to go because this job is connected with hardware, and also is related to Information Technology.
Systems Analyst:
A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills: analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal. Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change. Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.
That’s what a systems analyst does. I like this kind of job because it is challenging because of the required skills for it. And I think I can attain all those skills (analytical, technical, management and interpersonal skills), if I just focus on my studies and if I train myself.
Database Administrator (DBA):
Got this next definition again, from another popular site(which I’m going to put in the References part of this post):
A database administrator (DBA) is a person responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance and repair of an organization's database. They are also known by the titles Database Coordinator or Database Programmer, and is closely related to the Database Analyst, Database Modeler, Programmer Analyst, and Systems Manager. The role includes the development and design of database strategies, monitoring and improving database performance and capacity, and planning for future expansion requirements. They may also plan, co-ordinate and implement security measures to safeguard the database. Employing organizations may require that a database administrator have a certification or degree for database systems (for example, the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator).
I have a particular interest in databases. I like to make queries with databases. I want to make systems that include a database/s in them. And I also want to manage and maintain a cool-looking system that lets you search, edit, delete and add entries, whatever those entries are. That’s why I also visualize myself having a job like this years from now.
Web Developer:
A web developer is a software developer or software engineer who is specifically engaged in the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over the HTTP protocol from a web server to a web browser.
I had a crash course in web development almost half a year ago, with my friends John David de Peralta, Jan Neil Gador, Jan Ray Suriba and Jalil Paniamba-an. It was all about web development, and I thought I lacked skill there because my colleagues were already ahead of me academically. We made use of Php, MySql and PhotoShop there. And our teacher, Sir Dennes, also showed us hot to upload our files to the Net using FTP. Back then, I didn’t know how to operate databases yet. But now that I’ve learned, my interest in web development grew more and more.
I love the Internet. I love how it gives you information with just a few clicks on your mouse. And I love also how the Internet works, like when you click a hyperlink, you are redirected to another page. And what with the different services that the Internet offers now. Social networking sites, e-commerce sites, video and audio streaming, and many more. You can almost find everything in the Internet. You can even find your next husband/wife in it through dating sites. I’d like to come up with another idea for another site that is different from other sites right now and make money out of it, hehe.
Game Developer:
I can’t deny the fact that I really like computer games. I like games on SuperNes, Famicom, Sega, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, PC-Games, online games and many, many more. It has always interested me on what the behind-the-scenes are when you’re making a video game. Sometimes, I get annoyed by the Japanese, because they make such good games with good graphics, like Tekken 6. I’d like to design my own game, be in charge with the game programming, the game plot, the characters’ designs, the gameplay, all of it! (Although all of these sounds impossible to do for only one person)
Everyone has his/her own strategies in reaching his/her goals in life. I myself have my own strategies; it’s just a matter of implementing these strategies in the right place and at the right time. Or I think we have to keep these strategies in mind all the time while focusing in what we want to obtain or what we want to be in life. Here are some of the strategies that I’m gonna be applying in life so I won’t get lost,hehe.
My Strategies:
Study Hard:
If I study and gain knowledge about many things about the field that I am into, then there is the possibility that I am more probable to be hired because of the skills that I have and know. If I have those skills, then I will use those to be able to reach my goals in life, and to be a better IT professional. Here in the University of Southeastern Philippines, you are really pushed to study hard, because the standards from our teachers here are high. And of course, we students should not be intimidated by these standards. Instead, we should accept and consider these as a challenge for us to be better IT students. And we should not always rely on what our professors teach us, because not knowledge will come from them. We should also study on our own. We should research on our own. And we should be curious and we should be updated about new trends and things pertaining to IT (especially because in the technological world, almost every month, there is always a change). We should study about new software and how to operate it; new technology that we should be aware of; and other stuff.
Discipline Myself:
All of the knowledge you have doesn’t count if you don’t discipline yourself. Discipline is very crucial to be a successful IT professional. Just by not letting yourself be late at school is a way of disciplining yourself. And that also goes when you have a job. Because you’re responsible for yourself now, you have to discipline yourself. You have to balance your work and your “extra-curricular” activities. It’s really ok to enjoy, only you have to limit yourself. I’m not being “perfect” here, but I really think that it’s the right thing to do.
Work Hard:
Working hard is very essential in being an IT professional because, I think, almost everyone needs to work hard in every job that they get. So no difference for IT professionals, right? If we work hard, it is more likely that we would get promoted in our job. In short, working hard will get us rewards.
After I graduate (and I will, or I must), I’ll find a job depending on the skills that I have. Actually, I’ve been observing and reading in newspapers and job fairs about the current job requirements for programmers and other possible jobs that are connected with IT, and depending on what I find out, I’m going to study or, better, I’m gonna train myself with those skills they need, or specific programs that they require their applicants to be knowledgeable of..
Or if I can still sustain myself, or my parents also want to, I can still continue to study after I graduate. I can still attend trainings, seminars and also vocational courses that can give me additional knowledge that will add up to my credentials when I apply for a job. I could take up courses that could teach me about computer hardware, trainings for graphics design, website-making and lots and lots of stuff connected to IT.
Also, my cousin in Cebu always tells me that after I graduate, I should go and work there, because the IT industry there is booming. Their IT Park is really good, and also her husband works there, as QA (don’t know if I’m right, but his job is about technical assistance), so I have “backers” there, if I need help, hehe. But if I were to work in Cebu, eventually, I would still go back to Davao, ‘coz it’s where my heart belongs. And if the IT scene here in Davao will boom years after I graduate and by the time that I have the skills necessary for a job, then I why no t work here? All my friends and loved ones are here, so why I won’t get homesick.
Of course, when I graduate, I won’t be “maarte” and be choosy with jobs. It’s okay for me if it’s not a very high-paying job, as long as it can sustain my needs. It’s better if you start from the bottom, and work your way up to the top, so we can experience what your workers’ needs are if you are at the top.
I can’t be sure of all that I have posted here, because I really don’t know what might happen in the years to come. Maybe I’ll get married early, or maybe some relative will want us to migrate. Or I might inherit a big fortune from a long lost grandfather and won’t need to work for myself and just put up a business. I just don’t know what’s gonna happen to me during those ten years of my life. All I know is I’m gonna do the best I can to get a good-paying job or even start a business, so I can help my family with all the expenses in the house. And also to support the needs of my family, if I have one.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Almost Through
After all the sleepless nights, the so called "over-nights" and the busy work, the semester is almost through! I just hope that I won't have any failing gradesby the end of this sem. I still have my DBAD 3 grade coming up, my defense with my group for our accounting system and also my group's defense in our Simulation project.
After all this is through, I'm gonna enjoy myself. I have to.
Hahaha.
After all this is through, I'm gonna enjoy myself. I have to.
Hahaha.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Finals
This is the time of the semester where everyone is very busy, and that doesn't exclude me. We've been very busy doing our projects at other classmate's houses, making programs and so many more. I wish I could just end it all right now, and relax even just a bit, But no. We have to work hard and do our best, for the sake of not having a "singko" in our passbooks.
After this sem, there has to be a celebration. Unta lang,hehe..
After this sem, there has to be a celebration. Unta lang,hehe..
The Environment of Information(Assignment 9)
With the fast pace of growth of technology, particularly in the IT field, there are many fields in which there is an information environment. Because there is a need for information technology in corporations and organizations now, there will always be an information environment available for IT professionals, its just what they choose that matters. For me, I really want to try out to be a part of these so called information environments. But what is an environment anyway?
Here is an article that I got from the Internet that tackles and talks about an information environment. Actually, it doesn’t say much, so I’m also gonna put definitions from other resources. Usually, what I could find in the Net about Information Environments were from the military of the United States of America. So, here it is.
“What is the Information Environment?
The concept of a "physical environment" is one that we understand well. We talk about the environment in general, and that has come to specifically mean our natural resources: the lakes, the streams, the land, our oceans and air. We can also talk about specifics of the environment that contribute to an immediate purpose. For instance, if we want to go swimming, we can talk about if the lake is free of fish or if the water is a good temperature for swimming.
If we are talking about the "physical environment of a room", such as a classroom, we can talk about the physical attributes of the room: the color of its walls, the cleanliness of its floor, the placement of windows, the temperature and the like. We can also talk about the attributes of the room that contribute to its specific purpose: whether there is a computer in the classroom for students, whether the chairs are comfortable, if the VCR is functioning, if the video feed is "wavy", and so on.
We also talk about the "political environment," which is not a physical environment, but an environment of ideas, attitudes, laws and emotions. For instance, if a law is proposed, legislators have to consider the political environment. Is there a sense that the general population would accept this law? What would be the consequences if the law was passed? What would be the consequences to a particular legislator (like the proposer of the legislation, particularly!) if it were even proposed? And this process of consideration would include the economic situation of the country (a related system), whether the proposer is about to retire (personal consequences), and the implications of the implementation of the law.
The information environment shares attributes of all of these definitions of an environment. It is both a physical environment and an environment of ideas. It is the ways that information is being presented to us, the kinds of information that is being presented to us, and the impact that that information has on us. And "us" means "us" as people living in an information-rich society, as well as "us" as "professionals". Without carrying the analogy too far, we can understand that in this context, information is all around us.
With this very broad definition, our information environment includes advertising, nutritional labels on cans of soup, and messages on our microwaves and the signs on our highways. These, by in large, we leave to others.
When we consider the information environment, we need to consider these aspects:
• The technologies being used
• Laws and policies - and rights and ethics - governing the transfer of information
• The impact of all of this on the information professional, and on the user
• Our changing sense of community
Information professionals have always focused on the information technologies of importance to its users: books, videos, maps, sound recordings and the like.”
This article is like a general definition of an information environment, right? Here is a more likely IT-related definition of an information environment.
“An information systems environment is an area in which information systems professionals apply management systems and technology skills professionally in an organization. An environment does not and cannot constitute a single, focused knowledge area such as applications in mathematics, art, technology, law, statistics, or desktop publishing. Instead, an environment represents an ecosystem in which information systems are employed. The environment surrounds and impacts the systems and technologies that support it and whose inputs, processes or outputs are closely intertwined with their information system.”
I got this definition from a fellow IT student, and I think it’s good. I just don’t know where that student got this definition. Well now, we’re going to proceed to the real deal.
As an Information Technology student, I really want to be in an information environment where there is IT-related tasks and so on. Of course, that’s why I took up BSIT here in USEP-Obrero, right? Actually, I’m also not sure of what information environment I’m going to be in when I get a job(if I get one,hehe). But I have many interests, and all of those information environments interest me. It’ll just depend on whether my skills as an IT student will be qualified for those particular environments. But for sure, I’d have to focus in one so I can work at my full potential.
Being an IT student, there will always be something related to programming in your course. And that’s also one of the reasons why I took up IT, so that I could learn programming. One of the information environments that I would like to be in would be in an environment like this, where I make programs and information solutions for a company or an organization. The thing I like most in programming is that I get satisfied when I make a program that runs good and does all the functions that it needs to do. I could be in a third party company making programs for companies and etc., or I could be an in-house programmer, and make and maintain the information system of the company that I work at.
Or I could be involved in a web developing environment. I really like surfing the Net, and I like how it works. Although I’m still not good at web design, but I can learn if I have the resources needed for it. That’s my problem now, I don’t have the resources. But that’s another story. The Internet is now almost like a necessity for people. Research for students, communication between families, entertainment, social communities, finding partners in life, entrepreneurship… almost all can be done in the Internet now. That only implies that there is a need for people that make web sites and maintain it. Those people from the web developing community are the ones responsible for that, and I’d like to be a part of that environment. The Internet is very useful for people, and I’d like to be a part of those people that do useful things for mankind (Wow).
I would also like to be in Multimedia, whatever it may be, as long as it has computers involved in it. Like in animation. Whenever I see movies like Shrek, Ice Age and other CGI movies, I always say to myself “I’d really love to make 3D animation”. I even imagine if I can make a mini-movie all by myself in 3D, and I’d do it all by myself. The direction, the 3D rendering and modeling, the script, the plot, the audio, everything! But I now I can’t because you need to have a team or another company to do that. I also love graphics, I just really don’t have the resources yet, hehe. And I’d also like to be a sound engineer, where you mix, edit and record songs by using particular audio software. I also have a passion for music, so my passion and my interest in computers blend with each other.
I also have an interest in hardware and networking and other stuff related to that. It’s just that I think IT doesn’t focus much on that. But I really have a knack for it. Whenever I se technicians setting up and doing their thing in Internet cafes and the like, I observe and be like “chismoso” and see what they’re doing. Also my cousin told me that the technicians in their company, which are CISQO certified, have high-paying salaries. Where there’s a big salary, that’s where we go, right? So, no need to elaborate. hehe.
These are the reasons why I took up BSIT. By being an IT professional you are qualified for different fields of work, only if it fits the Information Technology category. When you take up IT, you may be able to work in different information environment that suits your interest.
How can the principles of information organization and representation help you in performing this role?
Well, I got the definition of the principles of information organization from the past forum, my thanks to them, for that’s also where I got the definition of information environment.
• Knowledge needs to be organized for communities
• Designing tools to support the organization of knowledge
• Guiding principle must that be that of user orientation and predominant usage
• Standardization and networking provide infrastructures, which facilitate effective and efficient access to information and documents
I would just generalize all of the information environments that I would like to be a part of with these principles of information organization.
For the first principle; Knowledge needs to be organized for communities:
Of course, in every company or organization that you’re gonna work in, there has to be knowledge that has to be organized, because if there’s none, then that could be total mayhem for the company. If your company is a big one, then knowledge has to be classified and organized. I can’t imagine the risks and the consequences if there would be misleading information and false knowledge in a company. Just think about it. For example, for a website making company. A large company hires them to make a website, and the web developer puts wrong information on the website, like let’s just say for a example a phone number for the client company. Many customers that inquire or need help or want to order or whatever they want to do would be really pissed off, and will be complaining to the company… All because of wrong knowledge and inaccurate data. That’s just how I put it. Or for example, a programmer makes a software for a company. One error in the content of the code could mean a loss for a company that has that program, and that loss could be money, reputation, etc. That’s how important organized knowledge is to a particular information environment.
For the second principle; Designing tools to support the organization of knowledge:
This is where software development comes in. For specific information environments, there has to be a set of tools, programs and applications needed for the company to be able to function properly. If you’re a programmer, you need to have a programming language that suits you, or you must be knowledgeable of what programming language the company wants you to utilize. If you are in multimedia, then you must use what graphics application software that you have mastered. In networking, you have to get the tools required for your job. Not just hardware, but also software.
For the third principle; Guiding principle must that be that of user orientation and predominant usage
Of course, what you do in the company, the tasks associated with it, you have to know it, and also your fellow workers.
And lastly, for the fourth principle; Standardization and networking provide infrastructures, which facilitate effective and efficient access to information and documents
In the company, where there a lot of people involved and working together and are interconnected with each other, you have to have an effective network topology that will increase the speed of communication and also will be budget friendly, depending on the income of the company. With this in hand, then the functions and tasks in the company will be more effective and will be more progressive. It will also lessen up the time for the work if the work involves networking.
What are the challenges facing you in performing the role? How will you address these challenges?
There are many challenges that I will be facing when I will be in an information environment. I will just state here the challenges that come to my mind right now.
Myself. If I will be working in an information environment, I must have discipline for myself. I have to be hardworking in my work, just like all my fellow workers will be doing. I mustn’t be late in work. I must follow what my boss says to me and must do it in time for the deadline, if there is. And I’ll just be absent if I really have an important excuse for it.
In an information environment, I must expect that I will be working with a team or if not, then other personnel. There are issues sometimes that fellow workers have arguments, and I must not be one of those workers. I have to a develop a camaraderie between my fellow workers so there will be no hindrance to the flow of work in our department. In short, there has to be chemistry,hehe.
Also, you have to be particular with the hardware and software that you’ll be dealing with when you work. What the company provides you; you have to make use of it. If you complain about it, then it’ll be a possible “kick out” for you. You’re just a worker following orders, and you really have a thick face (bagag nawong in bisaya) or in serious terms, boastful if you do that.
Well, I think that’s where my assignment ends.
Here is an article that I got from the Internet that tackles and talks about an information environment. Actually, it doesn’t say much, so I’m also gonna put definitions from other resources. Usually, what I could find in the Net about Information Environments were from the military of the United States of America. So, here it is.
“What is the Information Environment?
The concept of a "physical environment" is one that we understand well. We talk about the environment in general, and that has come to specifically mean our natural resources: the lakes, the streams, the land, our oceans and air. We can also talk about specifics of the environment that contribute to an immediate purpose. For instance, if we want to go swimming, we can talk about if the lake is free of fish or if the water is a good temperature for swimming.
If we are talking about the "physical environment of a room", such as a classroom, we can talk about the physical attributes of the room: the color of its walls, the cleanliness of its floor, the placement of windows, the temperature and the like. We can also talk about the attributes of the room that contribute to its specific purpose: whether there is a computer in the classroom for students, whether the chairs are comfortable, if the VCR is functioning, if the video feed is "wavy", and so on.
We also talk about the "political environment," which is not a physical environment, but an environment of ideas, attitudes, laws and emotions. For instance, if a law is proposed, legislators have to consider the political environment. Is there a sense that the general population would accept this law? What would be the consequences if the law was passed? What would be the consequences to a particular legislator (like the proposer of the legislation, particularly!) if it were even proposed? And this process of consideration would include the economic situation of the country (a related system), whether the proposer is about to retire (personal consequences), and the implications of the implementation of the law.
The information environment shares attributes of all of these definitions of an environment. It is both a physical environment and an environment of ideas. It is the ways that information is being presented to us, the kinds of information that is being presented to us, and the impact that that information has on us. And "us" means "us" as people living in an information-rich society, as well as "us" as "professionals". Without carrying the analogy too far, we can understand that in this context, information is all around us.
With this very broad definition, our information environment includes advertising, nutritional labels on cans of soup, and messages on our microwaves and the signs on our highways. These, by in large, we leave to others.
When we consider the information environment, we need to consider these aspects:
• The technologies being used
• Laws and policies - and rights and ethics - governing the transfer of information
• The impact of all of this on the information professional, and on the user
• Our changing sense of community
Information professionals have always focused on the information technologies of importance to its users: books, videos, maps, sound recordings and the like.”
This article is like a general definition of an information environment, right? Here is a more likely IT-related definition of an information environment.
“An information systems environment is an area in which information systems professionals apply management systems and technology skills professionally in an organization. An environment does not and cannot constitute a single, focused knowledge area such as applications in mathematics, art, technology, law, statistics, or desktop publishing. Instead, an environment represents an ecosystem in which information systems are employed. The environment surrounds and impacts the systems and technologies that support it and whose inputs, processes or outputs are closely intertwined with their information system.”
I got this definition from a fellow IT student, and I think it’s good. I just don’t know where that student got this definition. Well now, we’re going to proceed to the real deal.
As an Information Technology student, I really want to be in an information environment where there is IT-related tasks and so on. Of course, that’s why I took up BSIT here in USEP-Obrero, right? Actually, I’m also not sure of what information environment I’m going to be in when I get a job(if I get one,hehe). But I have many interests, and all of those information environments interest me. It’ll just depend on whether my skills as an IT student will be qualified for those particular environments. But for sure, I’d have to focus in one so I can work at my full potential.
Being an IT student, there will always be something related to programming in your course. And that’s also one of the reasons why I took up IT, so that I could learn programming. One of the information environments that I would like to be in would be in an environment like this, where I make programs and information solutions for a company or an organization. The thing I like most in programming is that I get satisfied when I make a program that runs good and does all the functions that it needs to do. I could be in a third party company making programs for companies and etc., or I could be an in-house programmer, and make and maintain the information system of the company that I work at.
Or I could be involved in a web developing environment. I really like surfing the Net, and I like how it works. Although I’m still not good at web design, but I can learn if I have the resources needed for it. That’s my problem now, I don’t have the resources. But that’s another story. The Internet is now almost like a necessity for people. Research for students, communication between families, entertainment, social communities, finding partners in life, entrepreneurship… almost all can be done in the Internet now. That only implies that there is a need for people that make web sites and maintain it. Those people from the web developing community are the ones responsible for that, and I’d like to be a part of that environment. The Internet is very useful for people, and I’d like to be a part of those people that do useful things for mankind (Wow).
I would also like to be in Multimedia, whatever it may be, as long as it has computers involved in it. Like in animation. Whenever I see movies like Shrek, Ice Age and other CGI movies, I always say to myself “I’d really love to make 3D animation”. I even imagine if I can make a mini-movie all by myself in 3D, and I’d do it all by myself. The direction, the 3D rendering and modeling, the script, the plot, the audio, everything! But I now I can’t because you need to have a team or another company to do that. I also love graphics, I just really don’t have the resources yet, hehe. And I’d also like to be a sound engineer, where you mix, edit and record songs by using particular audio software. I also have a passion for music, so my passion and my interest in computers blend with each other.
I also have an interest in hardware and networking and other stuff related to that. It’s just that I think IT doesn’t focus much on that. But I really have a knack for it. Whenever I se technicians setting up and doing their thing in Internet cafes and the like, I observe and be like “chismoso” and see what they’re doing. Also my cousin told me that the technicians in their company, which are CISQO certified, have high-paying salaries. Where there’s a big salary, that’s where we go, right? So, no need to elaborate. hehe.
These are the reasons why I took up BSIT. By being an IT professional you are qualified for different fields of work, only if it fits the Information Technology category. When you take up IT, you may be able to work in different information environment that suits your interest.
How can the principles of information organization and representation help you in performing this role?
Well, I got the definition of the principles of information organization from the past forum, my thanks to them, for that’s also where I got the definition of information environment.
• Knowledge needs to be organized for communities
• Designing tools to support the organization of knowledge
• Guiding principle must that be that of user orientation and predominant usage
• Standardization and networking provide infrastructures, which facilitate effective and efficient access to information and documents
I would just generalize all of the information environments that I would like to be a part of with these principles of information organization.
For the first principle; Knowledge needs to be organized for communities:
Of course, in every company or organization that you’re gonna work in, there has to be knowledge that has to be organized, because if there’s none, then that could be total mayhem for the company. If your company is a big one, then knowledge has to be classified and organized. I can’t imagine the risks and the consequences if there would be misleading information and false knowledge in a company. Just think about it. For example, for a website making company. A large company hires them to make a website, and the web developer puts wrong information on the website, like let’s just say for a example a phone number for the client company. Many customers that inquire or need help or want to order or whatever they want to do would be really pissed off, and will be complaining to the company… All because of wrong knowledge and inaccurate data. That’s just how I put it. Or for example, a programmer makes a software for a company. One error in the content of the code could mean a loss for a company that has that program, and that loss could be money, reputation, etc. That’s how important organized knowledge is to a particular information environment.
For the second principle; Designing tools to support the organization of knowledge:
This is where software development comes in. For specific information environments, there has to be a set of tools, programs and applications needed for the company to be able to function properly. If you’re a programmer, you need to have a programming language that suits you, or you must be knowledgeable of what programming language the company wants you to utilize. If you are in multimedia, then you must use what graphics application software that you have mastered. In networking, you have to get the tools required for your job. Not just hardware, but also software.
For the third principle; Guiding principle must that be that of user orientation and predominant usage
Of course, what you do in the company, the tasks associated with it, you have to know it, and also your fellow workers.
And lastly, for the fourth principle; Standardization and networking provide infrastructures, which facilitate effective and efficient access to information and documents
In the company, where there a lot of people involved and working together and are interconnected with each other, you have to have an effective network topology that will increase the speed of communication and also will be budget friendly, depending on the income of the company. With this in hand, then the functions and tasks in the company will be more effective and will be more progressive. It will also lessen up the time for the work if the work involves networking.
What are the challenges facing you in performing the role? How will you address these challenges?
There are many challenges that I will be facing when I will be in an information environment. I will just state here the challenges that come to my mind right now.
Myself. If I will be working in an information environment, I must have discipline for myself. I have to be hardworking in my work, just like all my fellow workers will be doing. I mustn’t be late in work. I must follow what my boss says to me and must do it in time for the deadline, if there is. And I’ll just be absent if I really have an important excuse for it.
In an information environment, I must expect that I will be working with a team or if not, then other personnel. There are issues sometimes that fellow workers have arguments, and I must not be one of those workers. I have to a develop a camaraderie between my fellow workers so there will be no hindrance to the flow of work in our department. In short, there has to be chemistry,hehe.
Also, you have to be particular with the hardware and software that you’ll be dealing with when you work. What the company provides you; you have to make use of it. If you complain about it, then it’ll be a possible “kick out” for you. You’re just a worker following orders, and you really have a thick face (bagag nawong in bisaya) or in serious terms, boastful if you do that.
Well, I think that’s where my assignment ends.
IN, or OUT?(Assignment 8)
For me, with the current state and the situation of the school(Reader, I know you are a USEPian, so I think you have an idea what I’m talking about), I would choose insourcing rather than outsourcing. That’s just what I would prefer. Why?
First, the definition of insourcing from Wikipedia. I think this is the boring part, but we have to clarify first what we’re talking about here.
“Insourcing is the opposite of outsourcing; that is insourcing (or contracting in) is often defined as the delegation of operations or jobs from production within a business to an internal (but 'stand-alone') entity that specializes in that operation. Insourcing is a business decision that is often made to maintain control of critical production or competencies. An alternate use of the term implies transferring jobs to within the country where the term is used, either by hiring local subcontractors or building a facility.”
Simply put, insourcing is using the company’s own resources (e.g. staff), to do the tasks that the companies does and not relying on third party companies outside the company or the country. That thing I mentioned there is also known as outsourcing, which is one of the choices in the question.
Again, let us the power of the Internet to supply us with knowledge that we need to do our assignments. This is the definition of outsourcing from Wikipedia.
“Outsourcing is subcontracting a process, such as product design or manufacturing, to a third-party company. The decision to outsource is often made in the interest of lowering cost or making better use of time and energy costs, redirecting or conserving energy directed at the competencies of a particular business, or to make more efficient use of land, labor, capital, (information) technology and resources. Outsourcing became part of the business lexicon during the 1980s. It is essentially a division of labour.”
In-sourcing for me is better for this school than outsourcing. First is, why outsource when we have capable people in the University that could develop and maintain information functions in this school? Presenting… the Institute of Computing! Here in the University of Southeastern Philippines, we have the Institute of Computing, located inside the USEP College of Engineering building. We have two courses available for the undergrads, which are Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I could say that the faculty of the Institute of Computing are good and intelligent people, being a student of the said college itself. We have competent teachers here in the school that could do what is needed to do with the information systems of the school, so why find third party companies or people outside the school? Why waste time finding people outside when you have people that could do the job inside the school? Not to mention that these teachers also have passed the teaching standards of the school.
Think also that this lovable school of ours is a public school. That means that the school gets its funds from the government, right? And I think also from its income generating projects. I think there’s no need for me to tell you that the school is having problems with its budget, because I think you can see it clearly. So why settle to outsourcing, when it requires more money? I’ve read that companies result to insourcing because it reduces the cost of taxes. And the reduction of taxes means less money to spend. That’s a plus for the school. So that’s another reason why its good to insource than to outsource.
Next is, outsourcing has many disadvantages to the school. I got some disadvantages of outsourcing from Wikipedia, and I’m going to put it here. But I’m not just gonna “copy-paste” it. I have to point out those that are connected with the school, so “copy-paste” is not applicable. Here are those disadvantages:
DISADVANTAGES OF OUTSOURCING:
QUALITY RISK
First is Quality Risk. If the university is going to outsource the handling of its information systems, then there is a risk of the quality of services/products being not too good or at a low standard or something like that. That is a very big possibility because the university can’t always keep track and observe the supplier of the services. The supplier could meet the initial requirements of the university, but later on, it could replace its personnel with novice or less experienced workers, thereby degrading the quality of the products/services it provides. And according to my source, unless the company conducts customer satisfaction surveys, they may eventually be caught in a surprise of customer chum, and when they find out the root cause, it could be too late. For the university, if it wouldn’t listen to the complaints of the students, or the suggestions and the recommendations of the faculty and staff and those that have knowledge on the matter, then the University would just be spending big amounts of money for low quality services/products. And if the University finds out that the problem is the issue of outsourcing, and if it’s too late, then that would be a big problem for the University.
PUBLIC OPINION
There are several public opinions about outsourcing. According to what I have read from Wikipedia.com, there is a strong public opinion that says outsourcing (especially when compared with offshoring), damages a local market. That is true, because when a company outsources, then it will not have to depend on the labor coming locally, and that means unemployment for the local community. Then, unemployment could lead to loss of income and financial crisis.
SECURITY
Security is a very important and sensitive issue when it comes to outsourcing. In a company, the management is always liable for the actions that its employees and staff make. If someone does something illegal or something like that, it’s not only that person’s reputation at stake, but also the company’s. And from that, we can say that security is an issue to companies that don’t outsource and have their own line-up of staff, right? And also from that, we can say that the security issue that I’m talking about will become bigger if the company will outsource. Why? Because when you outsource, then that means that you transfer the tasks of your employees to an outsourcer that you seldom see and come in contact with, personally. This causes legal and security issues when problems arise and the task of the outsourcer is involved.
First, the definition of insourcing from Wikipedia. I think this is the boring part, but we have to clarify first what we’re talking about here.
“Insourcing is the opposite of outsourcing; that is insourcing (or contracting in) is often defined as the delegation of operations or jobs from production within a business to an internal (but 'stand-alone') entity that specializes in that operation. Insourcing is a business decision that is often made to maintain control of critical production or competencies. An alternate use of the term implies transferring jobs to within the country where the term is used, either by hiring local subcontractors or building a facility.”
Simply put, insourcing is using the company’s own resources (e.g. staff), to do the tasks that the companies does and not relying on third party companies outside the company or the country. That thing I mentioned there is also known as outsourcing, which is one of the choices in the question.
Again, let us the power of the Internet to supply us with knowledge that we need to do our assignments. This is the definition of outsourcing from Wikipedia.
“Outsourcing is subcontracting a process, such as product design or manufacturing, to a third-party company. The decision to outsource is often made in the interest of lowering cost or making better use of time and energy costs, redirecting or conserving energy directed at the competencies of a particular business, or to make more efficient use of land, labor, capital, (information) technology and resources. Outsourcing became part of the business lexicon during the 1980s. It is essentially a division of labour.”
In-sourcing for me is better for this school than outsourcing. First is, why outsource when we have capable people in the University that could develop and maintain information functions in this school? Presenting… the Institute of Computing! Here in the University of Southeastern Philippines, we have the Institute of Computing, located inside the USEP College of Engineering building. We have two courses available for the undergrads, which are Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I could say that the faculty of the Institute of Computing are good and intelligent people, being a student of the said college itself. We have competent teachers here in the school that could do what is needed to do with the information systems of the school, so why find third party companies or people outside the school? Why waste time finding people outside when you have people that could do the job inside the school? Not to mention that these teachers also have passed the teaching standards of the school.
Think also that this lovable school of ours is a public school. That means that the school gets its funds from the government, right? And I think also from its income generating projects. I think there’s no need for me to tell you that the school is having problems with its budget, because I think you can see it clearly. So why settle to outsourcing, when it requires more money? I’ve read that companies result to insourcing because it reduces the cost of taxes. And the reduction of taxes means less money to spend. That’s a plus for the school. So that’s another reason why its good to insource than to outsource.
Next is, outsourcing has many disadvantages to the school. I got some disadvantages of outsourcing from Wikipedia, and I’m going to put it here. But I’m not just gonna “copy-paste” it. I have to point out those that are connected with the school, so “copy-paste” is not applicable. Here are those disadvantages:
DISADVANTAGES OF OUTSOURCING:
QUALITY RISK
First is Quality Risk. If the university is going to outsource the handling of its information systems, then there is a risk of the quality of services/products being not too good or at a low standard or something like that. That is a very big possibility because the university can’t always keep track and observe the supplier of the services. The supplier could meet the initial requirements of the university, but later on, it could replace its personnel with novice or less experienced workers, thereby degrading the quality of the products/services it provides. And according to my source, unless the company conducts customer satisfaction surveys, they may eventually be caught in a surprise of customer chum, and when they find out the root cause, it could be too late. For the university, if it wouldn’t listen to the complaints of the students, or the suggestions and the recommendations of the faculty and staff and those that have knowledge on the matter, then the University would just be spending big amounts of money for low quality services/products. And if the University finds out that the problem is the issue of outsourcing, and if it’s too late, then that would be a big problem for the University.
PUBLIC OPINION
There are several public opinions about outsourcing. According to what I have read from Wikipedia.com, there is a strong public opinion that says outsourcing (especially when compared with offshoring), damages a local market. That is true, because when a company outsources, then it will not have to depend on the labor coming locally, and that means unemployment for the local community. Then, unemployment could lead to loss of income and financial crisis.
SECURITY
Security is a very important and sensitive issue when it comes to outsourcing. In a company, the management is always liable for the actions that its employees and staff make. If someone does something illegal or something like that, it’s not only that person’s reputation at stake, but also the company’s. And from that, we can say that security is an issue to companies that don’t outsource and have their own line-up of staff, right? And also from that, we can say that the security issue that I’m talking about will become bigger if the company will outsource. Why? Because when you outsource, then that means that you transfer the tasks of your employees to an outsourcer that you seldom see and come in contact with, personally. This causes legal and security issues when problems arise and the task of the outsourcer is involved.
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