MIS

Coping with Climate Change

2009-09-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

• What should be your role within this environment?
• How can the principles of information organization and representation help you in performing this role?
• What are the challenges facing you in performing the role? How will you address these challenges?

Coping with Climate Change

What is climate change?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) refers to climate change as “any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.”

What are the impacts of climate change?

Climate change is indeed a global environmental problem. As industries, the transport sector and other human activities continue to pump more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the planet is now becoming more vulnerable to potential impacts. Ranging from severe droughts and heavy downpours to ocean acidification and spread of vector-borne diseases, climate change rapidly becomes a major threat to people in various parts of the globe.

The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report cited that coastal areas, especially heavily-populated megadelta regions in South, East and South-East Asia, will be at greatest risk due to increased flooding from the sea and, in some megadeltas, flooding from the rivers.

The whole world will be affected by rising sea levels. Changes in weather and climate could severely affect fisherfolks and coastal communities because of floods. When there is too little or too much rainfall during growing seasons, agricultural productivity will suffer thus affecting food security.

What are the vulnerabilities of Philippine ecosystems to climate change?

Sea Level Rise and Flooding

As the country’s population grows and ecosystems are continuously degraded, floods will worsen the condition of low-lying coastal areas especially for fisherfolks and informal settlers. For metro cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, wherein seventy percent of the country’s infrastructure is located, rising sea levels coupled with frequent storm activities will likewise severely affect these areas and put many lives at risk. This may be further aggravated if storm activities were to increase.

Agriculture and Food Security

During extreme weather events, crop production is at great risk. Any significant changes in weather and climate can directly affect the growth of crops and may result to yield decrease.

A study by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development showed that in the case of selected municipalities Pampanga, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Bulacan, and Zambales where farming is the major source of income, respondents experienced food shortage due to the El Niño phenomenon. Some of the reasons cited by local respondents were drying of crops and fishpond areas, reduction in fish catch and absence of fish in catching areas, and an increase in the price of food commodities.

Based on studies in the marine ecosystem, climate change has also been manifested in the marine environment. The rising sea level has resulted in smaller coastal areas, marine fish kill, occurrence of red tide, transfer of some marine fish species to safer grounds as their new habitat, and the stranding of marine mammals in beaches like the dolphins and whales.

Water scarcity

Another most serious potential threat arising from climate change is water scarcity. Freshwater availability in Central, South, East and South-East Asia is projected to decrease due to changes in climate. Coupled with population growth and the increasing demand for water, the IPCC projected that by the 2050s, more than a billion people would be adversely affected by the rapid decrease in water resources.

What is adaptation to climate change?

The IPCC defines adaptation to climate change as “an adjustment in natural human systems in response to actual or expected climate stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits benefit opportunities.”

Adapting to climate change is determined by the level of development, access to resources and scientific and technical capacity of communities in various parts of the globe. The impacts of climate change can create challenges for the world's poorest communities as their livelihoods are likely to be affected by climate change.

Some forms of adaptation may include more access to information on climate change, training and more technical measures, such as the production of drought-resistant seeds and better coastal protection. To lessen the impact of climate change on a country's development, our government must work hand in hand with key sectors in integrating adaptation into the country’s development policies.

What are some good adaptation practices and strategies on climate change?

The following are local strategies that can be adopted to prepare for future changes in climate.

Water:

* Water conservation
* Water harvesting and storage
* Better management of water supply systems

Agriculture:

Crop production

* Forecasts and early warning
* Diversification of herds, crops and livelihoods
* More resistant crop varieties
* Irrigation solutions
* Soil conservation
* Changes in timing of farming activities, in land use and in farm location
* Use early maturing rice varieties in the face of climatic variability
* Practice rice ratooning to increase rice production
* Conserve rainwater to extend cropping period
* Develop simple measures for handling rapid harvesting and postharvesting

Fish production

* Changes in fish stocking and harvesting
* Improve fish cage management

Health:

* Improve access to health care
* Disease monitoring and emergency responses

Ecosystems:

* Reduce other stresses
* Rehabilitate habitats
* Create protected areas and migration corridors
* Plant trees along highways, forest reserve areas, water shed areas and mountains

Coasts:

* Integrated coastal resource management
* Integrate adaptation to planning
* Construct sea walls
* Raise housing
* Conserve ecosystems

Increased flooding:

* Elevate major thoroughfare
* Modify existing drainage system
* “Flood-proof” buildings
* Provide flood hazard mapping and flood warnings
* Provide temporary shelter for affected communities
* Relocate affected communities should sea water level rise
* Empower community institutions

Clean Air and Good Health: Some Basic Facts
Clean air is essential to good health. Unfortunately, toxic air pollutants and contaminants are adding a whole list of “unwanted” ingredients in the air that we breathe thus giving rise to a variety of serious health risks.
How do these pollutants affect the body?
There are thousands of chemicals and chemical compounds that can contaminate the air we breathe.
When we breathe, contaminants enter the lungs where they are allowed to pass into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they are disbursed throughout the entire body where it negatively affects a person’s health.
Experts say that certain pollutants such as particulate matter can be inhaled and end up setting deep inside the lungs. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as haze, soot or smoke. Others are so small they can only be seen by an electron microscope.
The effects of air pollution on human health can vary greatly and can give birth to a multitude of health problems. The effects can range from irritated eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, wheezing, long-term acute changes in lung function, respiratory illnesses, and impairment of the immune system or a shortened life expectancy.
What are the major air pollutants monitored in the country?
Carbon Monoxide (CO). It is an odorless and colorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil and wood. It can also build up in high concentrations in enclosed areas such as garages and along roadsides during heavy traffic.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2). It is a principal greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activity. When exposed to CO2 in its solid or liquid state, this chemical can cause burns, frostbite, and blindness. If a person inhales CO2 in high concentrations, it can likewise cause unconsciousness and death.
Lead (Pb). It is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children. Since ____, Lead has already been phased out of gasoline, which has considerably reduced the contamination of air with lead. Some of the sources for lead include paint (for houses and cars), smelters, cosmetic products and a few hair dye products.
Ozone (O3). It is a gas that is a variety of oxygen. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is known as the ozone layer which shields the Earth from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level it is considered a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Some of the major sources of ground-level ozone are vehicles and industries. Some of the ill effects of this pollutant include irritations in the respiratory tract, chest pain, persistent cough and an increased susceptibility to lung infection.
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Nitrogen oxides are produced from burning fuels, gasoline and coal. It is a major contributor to smog and acid rain. In high doses, smog can harm humans especially asthmatics and can cause general illness of the respiratory system. Acid rain, on the other hand, can harm vegetation and change the chemistry of the water thus affecting marine life.
Particulate Matter. It is any type of solid particles in the air in the form of smoke, dust and vapors. Particulate Matter is produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by vehicles, fossil fuels, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes and operation of woodstoves. Some microscopic particles in the air can be breathed into the lungs causing increased respiratory disease and lung damage.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) It is an odorless gas at low concentrations, but can have a very strong smell at high concentrations. SO2 is a gas produced by burning coal, most notably in power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulfur dioxide. It can harm vegetation and metals and can cause lung problems, including breathing problems and permanent damage to lungs.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are organic chemicals that found in gasoline, industrial chemicals such as benzene, solvents such as toluene and xylene, and perchloroethylene (principal dry cleaning solvent). Vehicle emissions are an important source of VOCs. These chemicals are released from burning fuel, such as gasoline, wood, coal, and from solvents, such as paints, glues, and other products used at home or work.
What can we do for cleaner air and better health?
About half of the air pollution comes from mobile sources such as cars, trucks, jeepneys and buses. Here are some things that you can do to clean the air:
ท Use clean fuels for cleaner air and healthier environment.
ท Clean fuels such as biofuels, ethanol and compressed natural gas emit fewer pollutants like hydrocarbons and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
ท Maintain your vehicle’s engine to clean the air by:
o Checking cleanliness of your car’s air cleaner
o Changing oil periodically
o Checking steering wheel free play
o Following recommended tire pressure
o Keeping wheels properly aligned
o Making sure that battery, alternator, voltage regulator and fan are in good working condition
o Making sure that brakes do not drag or bind
o Checking fuel line connections
o Not overloading your vehicle
ท Have airconditioning units of your vehicles tested to check if refrigerant is ozone-friendly.
ท A healthy lifestyle means saying no to smoking.
o Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, and is linked to at least 10 different cancers.
o Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
ท Yes to good health! Go organic.
ท Prepare your food the environment-friendly way.
ท Conserve energy and help clean the air.
o Increased consumption of electricity means more burning of fossil fuels by power plants that contributes to global warming
o Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
o Use energy efficient lighting, equipment and appliances
ท Avoid burning of garbage. Practice waste segregation, reuse and recycling.
o Choose recycled products.
o Choose products with recyclable packaging.
o Reuse paper bags.
o Recycle paper, plastics and materials
o Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper.
ท Our everyday activities affect the quality of our air. We should do our share to clean the air!
ท When traveling alone and not in a hurry, take the mass railway transit or any form of mass transport instead of your car or a taxi.
ท Walk or ride a bike when traveling short distances.
ท Plant trees and ornamental plants in your surroundings. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
ท Share rides with your neighbors, officemates, and friends.
ท Plan your trips.
ท Have your vehicle’s emission tested prior to registration.

The Earth is a huge greenhouse?
As you know, greenhouses use glass to keep the heat in. And just as the glass in a greenhouse holds the sun’s warmth inside, so the atmosphere traps the sun’s heat near the Earth’s surface. This keeps the Earth warm using what are called “greenhouse gases”. Without these gases, the sun’s heat would escape and the average temperature of the Earth would drop from 15oC – 18oC!

Greenhouse gases and climate change
For thousands of years, the Earth’s atmosphere has changed very little. The temperature and the careful balance of greenhouse gases have stayed just right for humans, animals and plants to survive. But today we are having problems keeping this balance. Because we burn fossil fuels to heat our homes, run our cars, produce electricity, and manufacture all sorts of products, we are adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. These activities are changing the atmosphere at a greater rate than humans have ever experienced.

What could happen if the climate changes?
By increasing the amount of “heat-trapping” gases, we are adding to the warming effect of the natural atmospheric greenhouse. This could warm the planet and have a huge effect on all forms of life. The global sea level could rise due to several factors including melting ice and glaciers. Rising sea levels could damage coastal regions through flooding and erosion. The climate of various regions could change too quickly for many plant and animal species to adjust. Harsh weather conditions, such as heat waves and droughts, could also happen more often and more severely.

What are the Greenhouse Gases?
Did you know that water vapor is the most common greenhouse gas? But there are others that are very important too. Some occur naturally and some come from human activity. Check out the list below.

• Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas released by human activities, mostly through the burning of fossil fuels. It is the main contributor to climate change.

• Methane is produced when vegetation is burned, digested or rotted with no oxygen present. Garbage dumps, rice paddies, and grazing cows and other livestock release lots of methane.

• You can find nitrous oxide naturally in the environment but human activities are increasing the amounts. Nitrous oxide is released when chemical Fertilizers and manure are used in agriculture.

• Halocarbons are a family of chemicals that include chlorofluorocarbons (which also damage the ozone layer), and other human-made chemicals that contain chlorine and fluorine.

Is the Earth getting warmer?
Yes! Scientists may not agree exactly how much global warming will occur, or exactly how much the climate will change, but they do agree that some global warming has already occurred and there will likely be much more. The 12 warmest years in the past 140 years have all been since 1980, with eight of them since 1990. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change noted that 1990 was the warmest decade and 1998 was the warmest year.

So what’s wrong with warmer temperatures?
For many in the temperate countries, warmer temperatures might not seem like such a bad thing. But in tropical countries, this would be significant. Scientists warn us of the possible consequences like:

• more severe weather events like droughts, more powerful hurricanes, winter storms and tornadoes
• flooding and erosion in the coastal regions
• our forests and farms would be at greater risk from pests, diseases and fires
• damage to our water sources

Climate change could also affect the health and well-being of people. Many larger cities could experience a significant rise in the number of very hot days. Air pollution problems would increase, placing children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems at greatest risk of health effects. Increases in molds and pollens due to warmer temperatures could also cause respiratory problems such as asthma for some people.

What is being done around the world?
Climate change affects the entire globe. Developed and developing countries are working together to find solutions to climate change. In June 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was signed by 154 countries that agreed to stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that won’t cause harm. In December 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, 161 industrialized nations committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, as part of an international agreement on climate change called the Kyoto Protocol.
Sources:
www.climatechange.gc.ca
www.emb.gov.ph

Many of us just taking for granted how wonderful God’s creation is. We just let our air be polluted, water be black, soil be full of plastics. Even our the atmosphere, we just think that it is a simple air up there, but actually it is a mixture of gases that surrounds our earth that has many many function to give life in every living thing in this planet.
Climate change it is the most talk about issue in this past weeks. Sudden floods like what happened in metro manila. Many died but many of us still continue the wrong doing in destroying our world. Burning of garbage, not separating the garbage, not serious in recycling, and not conserving water.
If our planet can talk, maybe now we are all deaf because of its continuous crying, shouting to stop doing the things that can harm our planet. If our planet can produce tear in every cry maybe Earth is covered with its tears now.
Diseases are everywhere, unfortunate for the poor. Because of change of climate every now and then creates a much stronger illness than before.
People ACT now, not just LISTEN, but take it very serious. Its coming very soon we just don’t know when.

iNsOuRcE!!!!!

2009-09-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

I absolutely GO iNsOuRcE!!!!!

Outsourcing in general can be defined as passing of service provision or production to another internal or external party. The chief reason of outsourcing is to reduce capital expenditure over a business process. Also management gets more time to concentrate over core competencies. This also reduces the dependency upon internal resources and increases the flexibility to meet the changing business and commercial conditions.

Even though several other reasons can be listed up in favor of outsourcing, one must not overlook the disadvantages of it.

By outsourcing a business process, we tend to loose the managerial control. This happens because it is harder to manage the outsourcing service provider as compare to managing one's own employees. Also because we generally tend to skip (or miss to calculate) the
potential hidden costs of outsourcing which includes legal costs of putting together a contract between companies and time spent on coordinating the contracts, we feel that outsourcing reduces the overall expenditure of a business process, one of the major reasons why a company goes for outsourcing. This hidden and missed out costs of outsourcing is hard to predict causing overall costs to be underestimated.

Another disadvantage is that outsourcing can also prove to be a threat to the security and confidentiality of issues of a company. If your company is outsourcing business process such as payroll, confidential information such as salary will be known to the outsourcing service provider. Therefore one must be very careful in choosing which business process to outsource and which one not.

Outsourcing may also result into the possible loss of flexibility in reacting to changing business conditions, lack of internal and external customer focus and sharing cost savings. Loss of internally generated talent is yet another problem associated with the outsourcing as it may hamper the growth of an employee by depriving him from the experience he would have gained by handling the business issue himself then by passing it over to some other external party.

Thus before a company decides to outsource its business process, it must examine all the factors carefully. It may not happen that outsourcing becomes a reason for company to regret later.

There is a strong public opinion regarding outsourcing (especially when combined with offshoring) that outsourcing damages a local labor market. Outsourcing is the transfer of the delivery of services which affects both jobs and individuals. It is difficult to dispute that outsourcing has a detrimental effect on individuals who face job disruption and employment insecurity; however, its supporters believe that outsourcing should bring down prices, providing greater economic benefit to all. There are legal protections in the European Union regulations called the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). Labor laws in the United States are not as protective as those in the European Union. On June 26 2009, Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, called for the United States to increase its manufacturing base employment to 20% of the workforce commenting that the U.S. has outsourced too much and can no longer rely on consumer spending to drive demand.

Quality Risk is the propensity for a product or service to be defective, due to operations-related issues. Quality risk in outsourcing is driven by a list of factors. One such factor is opportunism by suppliers due to misaligned incentives between buyer and supplier, information asymmetry, high asset specificity, or high supplier switching costs. Other factors contributing to quality risk in outsourcing are poor buyer-supplier communication, lack of supplier capabilities/resources/capacity, or buyer-supplier contract enforceability. Two main concepts must be considered when considering observability as it related to quality risks in outsourcing: the concepts of testability and criticality.

Quality fade is the deliberate and secretive reduction in the quality of labor in order to widen profit margins. The downward changes in human capital are subtle but progressive, and usually unnoticeable by the out sourcer/customer. The initial interview meets requirements, however, with subsequent support, more and more of the support team are replaced with novice or less experienced workers. India IT shops will continue to reduce the quality of human capital under the pressure of drying up labor supply and upward trend of salary, pushing the quality limits. Such practices are hard to detect, as customers may just simply give up seeking help from the help desk. However, the overall customer satisfaction will be reduced greatly over time^.Unless the company constantly conducts customer satisfaction surveys, they may eventually be caught in a surprise of customer churn, and when they find out the root cause, it could be too late. In such cases, it can be hard to dispute the legal contract with the India outsourcing company, as their staff are now trained in the process and the original staff made redundant. In the end, the company that outsources is worse off than before it outsourced its workforce to India

Disadvantages of Outsource

Although there are several reasons in favor of outsourcing, a company must also consider the disadvantages of outsourcing. There are risks that need to be analyzed whenever a company embarks on a new business venture. Even though outsourcing is often the right solution for companies, one should not outsource simply for the sake of outsourcing. Several benefits and value addition have to be realized in order for companies justify outsourcing. It is a hot trend nowadays and seems an attractive option for many, but if the risks are not considered in detail, the disadvantages of outsourcing may dominate the advantages.

Lately however, the concept of outsourcing has been criticized. The negative attitudes toward offshore outsourcing have been mostly discussed by parties in the US and UK, due to job losses in the mentioned countries. Some people in countries like the US, feel that outsourcing is threat to their economy. Outsourcing jobs to offshore destinations, is causing unemployment in the minds of some people. It cannot be denied that the immediate effects of outsourcing such as lay-offs as well as the shifting of production and jobs to foreign locations causes problems many employees. Both high and low-end jobs are moving out of the US causing people to loose jobs. The needs of companies, national economies and those of individual people often clash.

The disadvantages of outsourcing may include the following:

· Loss of managerial control, because it is more difficult to manage outside service providers than managing one’s own employees working possibly in the same building.
· Often the hidden costs are difficult to calculate or prepare for. These include legal costs related to putting together a contract between two companies and the time spent to coordinating the contract.
· Another disadvantage of outsourcing can be a threat to security and confidentiality. If your company is outsourcing processes like payroll, medical transcriptions or other confidential information, a company must be very careful in choosing which process it wants to outsource and to which provider.
· A possible loss of flexibility in reacting to changing business conditions, lack of internal and external customer focus and sharing cost savings may also be a disadvantage of outsourcing.
· Other disadvantages of outsourcing may include unfavorable contract lengths, loss of competitive edge, problems in contract renewal, and contractual misunderstandings.

When the IT department is taken over by an outsourcer you will see some changes. Some of these changes can be good for you and your organization -- but not all will be. The outsourcer will make a great deal of noise about its ability to leverage its support organization and your contribution to that organization. This makes it sound like a good thing for your organization in that you get a wider range of skills and you don't have to employ any additional staff to achieve it. Also, it suggests a good prospect for you because it gives you a career path outside your current employers' structure without actually changing jobs. As Ira Gershwin wrote; "It ain't necessarily so."

The tight integration with the outsourcer's help desk and systems management solutions, which I addressed in my last article, is a double-edged sword.

Here are some reasons to be wary:

· Longer resolution time. Typically, any problem with a server that you control will take significantly longer to resolve when you're relying on an outside company to solve it. Before being outsourced, you would have been able to go to the server room or at least access it using Remote Desktop and act quickly and directly using your knowledge and experience. Now that your are outsourcing the support for the server, you may find yourself constrained and possibly unable to control the server in the manner that is most appropriate to the problem at hand. Remember that if performance is merely degraded, you may not be given permission to do anything about the application until a time that is convenient for the outsourcer but inconvenient for you and your staff.

Server and Active Directory permissions are almost always changed. Settings pertaining to the operating system are set in a way that only personnel in the data center or remote support center are able to control such things as drive configuration, Registry settings or patch levels. If you have an application problem, rest assured that the problem will come straight back to your lap, but you will have one hand tied behind your back while you are troubleshooting and resolving the problem.

· Patch management is becoming more complicated. Patch management is always an area of heated debate. Traditionally, IT structures have the ability to control which patches are applied to their servers and, more importantly, when those patches are to be applied. Support teams from outsourced providers are often constrained by a contract that is written by the customer to keep operating systems and applications patched to a degree that sometimes may not sit well with third-party application vendors.

These vendors may often be focused on their product's functionality rather than on certifying it with a given service pack or patch. For example, there are many applications out there that are still only certified to run on Windows 2000 Server, with no prospect of them being approved for use on Windows Server 2003 in the future. Major releases aside, there is always a time lag between minor releases such as service packs and patches that application vendors take a long time to approve from a supportability perspective. You will receive a great deal of pressure from the centralized operating system support teams within the outsourcing organization to take patches that might not be even remotely relevant to your server(s) but are deemed essential by the centralized teams to allow them to conform with their schedule of the contract. Be prepared for some difficult conversations with the outsourcers'centralized teams, the Service Management organization and almost certainly with the software vendor or its support people.

· Stifled innovation. Innovation will also be a challenge for you personally. No matter what the marketing hype says, innovations and new technologies and ideas will present a challenge. Your contract may not contain a provision to develop the infrastructure using existing technology in a manner that will enable you to be part of the future within the organization. The kind of research & development activity that would have been done during an internal undertaking at no visible cost to the project is not always possible within an IT outsourcing arrangement. Projects under an outsourced arrangement typically are done to a tight cost model. While it might appear to you to be expensive, it takes into account the project management and other governance activities that may have been missing in your organization previously.

· Career advancement may be stifled. An outsourcer will always bring an external team in to look at two things that affect you -- architecture and business process. Architecture is the primary affecting point here. The team will view the entire infrastructure and work closely with the business process re-engineering teams. Future designs may be implemented with only a cursory reference to what technologies are in place -- save for how to migrate away from them. Whereas before your career progression may have gone from Windows administrator to technical architecture or to an IT management role, you will find that both of those functions are now imported from the outsourcer's pool of resources, who already have the requisite experience.

This is a newsletter from inquirer:

How gov't projects (like NBN and Cyber Ed) get overpriced

By Manuel A. Alcuaz Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:01:00 03/09/2008

Filed Under: Government Contracts, Graft & Corruption, NBN deal

I have been studying the Cyber Ed project for the past few weeks. All of a sudden one night last week it dawned on me--proponents of overpriced government mega-projects use the same strategy as ERP (enterprise resource planning) vendors.

They sell the idea that having a single vendor guarantees that everything will work together and this best for the customer (or government).

Seven years ago the Manila Polo Club bought a Club ERP from Micros-Fidelio at P12 million because they thought if they bought everything from a single vendor they would have an integrated system.

The Club did not get an integrated system now seven years after the club's management says that the various subsystems--POS, receivables, F & B management, and accounting do not work well together.

It is a pity because if the club had bid the various subsystems independently the cost could have been only about P6 million instead of P12 million.

Many vendors could have offered IBM based POS Systems at about half the price of the Micros-Fidelio POS.

My company had offered a Windows based F&B System for P250,000 instead of the DOS based Micros Fidelio F&B system at P1,415,000.

The advantages to the customer of breaking down bids into loosely coupled subsystems can be very significant.

Deeper analysis shows that the ERP single vendor integrated systems strategy is not for the good of the customer or the government.

It is a vendor strategy to

1. Eliminate competitors who cannot offer everything in the mega RFP (request for proposal)
2. Get all the business.
3. Be able to get very high margins.

The ERP selling strategy includes:

Sell high (to top management)
Make single vendor and integrated mandatory
Offer total solution (hardware, training, implementation, project management)
Sow FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) about smaller specialized vendors.

In the NBN-ZTE and Cyber Ed projects, we see that the project proponents advocate the ERP single vendor integrated system concept (religion!) as well as the strategy of selling high. How much higher can you get? It's not everyday that you get the President of a country flying to another country to witness the signing of a commercial contract (which subsequently gets lost!).

In both projects a single vendor provides everything (hardware, software, training, project management, etc.).

If one studies both the NBN-ZTE and Cyber Ed projects it becomes obvious that the Arroyo administration is not focused on good governance nor does it follow good procurement practices:

1. Both projects looked like they were being rushed.
2. Both projects avoided any semblance of competitive bidding.
3. Both projects do not show evidence of any effort to save money for the government.
4. In fact there seems to be an effort to borrow and spend as much as possible.
5. Both projects are designed to award everything to a single vendor.

Advantages of INSOUCE:

Ø No struggling with the trends of increasing costs.

Ø No support fees.

Ø Increase of staff knowledge and skill.

Ø Gives a high rate in employment of IT personnel.

Ø No vendor-lock in.

Ø Reduce costs.

Ø No managerial control.

Ø No loss of flexibility in reacting to changing business conditions.

Ø No hidden costs.

Ø No unfavorable contract lengths, loss of competitive edge, problems in contract renewal, and contractual misunderstandings.

Ø Not tied to the financial interests of vendor

This is my projected cost plan of my adopted company which I conducted a assessment of their Information System.

Projected Cost Plan

Shows in the table 1.1 the estimated cost in outsourcing and in sourcing. It also shows that in sourcing is cheaper than outsourcing. It also increases staff knowledge and skills to ensure a productive and satisfying work environment. As seen in the table it is much cheaper to switch to in source from outsource. Even though the company will have to spend more in personnel cost that is 82,500 php compared to outsource that is 45,000 php. It is an advantage also in our IT industry because in- sourcing gives a high rate in employment of IT personnel.

YEARS	COST SAVE	TOTAL
*1 year*	1,436,500	1,436,500
*2 years*	257,500	1,694,000
*3 years*	257,500	1,951,500
Table 1.2

Table 1.2 shows that shifting to in-source from outsource it can save 1,436,500 php. And in 3 years time the company will save 1,951,500 php.

I recommend hiring additional programmers, designer, researcher, and create a system development team to make a program system application so that the company doesn’t have to buy license system anymore. I recommend going in-source, to avoid too much expense in the company. Building a system development team is more easier for the IT personnel in the company to customized a certain program, and can also put the company information and ideas to the software, rather than buying a license where in if the company need assistance, the company will call their customer care specialist then every question cost time and money. I recommend going in-source so that the company will not be dependent anymore to the source of their Information System. Lastly, I recommend going in-source with the intention that the company will not be requires to sign an agreement that mandates that support fees will continue to be paid even if use of that product is discontinued within the contract period.

REFERENCES:

http://www.cyfuture.com/disadvantages-of-outsourcing.htm

http://www.softwareprojects.org/disadvantages-outsourcing.htm

http://business.inquirer.net/money/columns/view/20080309-123726/How-govt-projects-like-NBN-and-Cyber-Ed-get-overpriced

http://searchwinit.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid1_gci1212417,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed

On the assumption that you heard/read the SONA of the President last month, (July 2000), identify at least 3 areas related to ICT and identify how the

2009-09-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

What is ICT?

ICT or Information and Communications Technology was created by President Gloria Arroyo

History:

In the year 2000, President Joseph Estrada formed the Information Technology and E-Commerce Council, which merged the powers and functions of the National Information Technology Council and the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council. Four years later, President Gloria Arroyo would abolish ITECC and create the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), We really need a department that will handle the offshoring sector as well as other legislation such as the cybercrime bill and the data privacy bill.

On the assumption that I heard/read the SONA of the President, I identify at 4 areas related to ICT and also I identify how these areas can improve our quality of life.

creating wealth by developing the BPO and tourism sectors as additional engines of growth

The President said in her SONA:

Kung noong nakaraan, lumakas ang electronics, today we are creating wealth by developing the BPO and tourism sectors as additional engines of growth. Electronics and other manufactured exports rise and fall in accordance with the state of the world economy. But BPO remains resilient. “With earnings of $6 billion and employment of 600,000, the BPO phenomenon speaks eloquently of our competiveness and productivity. Let us have a Department of ICT.”

Telecommunications Commission

The President said in her SONA:

Sa telecommunications naman, inatasan ko ang Telecommunications Commission na kumilos na tungkol sa mga sumbong na dropped calls at mga nawawalang load sa cell phone. We need to amend the Commonwealth-era Public Service Law. And we need to do it now. Addressing to the National Telecommunications Commission to act on complaints against dropped calls and lost cellphone load. “We need to amend the Commonwealth-era Public Service Law. And we need to do it now.”

creation of DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology)

The President said in her SONA:

Pres. Gloria Arroyo on Monday made a final push for the creation of DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) in her last State of the Nation Address (Sona). Let us have a Department of ICT. Philippines is now starting to create wealth with the development of the BPO industry as an engine of growth.

voting!

The President said in her SONA:

As the seeds of fundamental political reform are planted, let us address the highest exercise of democracy - voting!

In her 9th State of the Nation Address, Mrs. Arroyo cited the role of the BPO and tourism sectors as engines of growth in the country.

She noted that while electronics and other manufactured exports rise and fall in accordance with the state of the world economy, the BPO sector has remained resilient and continues to grow.

Currently the country has recorded a $4.8 billion market share of outsourcing operations employing a total of 650,000 workers.

IT stakeholders from Davao will be having a summit which will prepare an roadmap that will include a short to medium term plan for Davao's IT industry. Currently Davao is ranked the 4th most preferred investment destination for Business Process Outsourcing companies from a study prepared by the CICT. Presently BPO operations in the City, are growing despite the ongoing global recession, it currently is employing 6,000 workers locally, with job demand steadily growing as several big-ticket BPO players are expanding operations while others are moving in to the City with the opening of the Ayala and Robinson IT parks.

Fournier said that Government's policy towards IT has contributed to the growth of the sector particularly CICT which he said is actively moving to develop the industry.

Recently President Arroyo was cited by the Contact Center Association of the Philippines for her support to the industry among the concrete government initiatives cited by the group include PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) incentives, CICT (Commission on Information and Communications Technology) formation and the P50-million PGMA scholarship fund for call center training.

RESOURCES:

http://enjoyfrancis.com/news-and-info/ict-players-await-pgma%E2%80%99s-sona-speech/

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/213088/gma-

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=2&fi=p090716.htm&no=11&date=07/16/2009

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/07/27/09/arroyo-oks-creation-ict-department

If the university president as an IT consultant hired you, what would you suggest (technology, infrastructure, innovations, steps, processes, etc) in

2009-09-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

In order for the Internet connectivity be improved in our university I would suggest that

optimal network solutions as a result of central planning and fund management,
standardization on technology, service and operation,
promotion of resource and information sharing among various sectors in the country,
diffusion of networking technology,
central technical and operational support.

If I was hired by the university president as an IT consultant, I would suggest technology, & innovations, in order for the internet connectivity be improved.

TECHNOLOGY
A computer network is a group of interconnected computers. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. This article provides a general overview of some types and categories and also presents the basic components of a network.
Internetwork
An Internetwork is the connection of two or more distinct computer networks or network segments via a common routing technology. The result is called an internetwork (often shortened to internet). Two or more networks or network segments connected using devices that operate at layer 3 (the 'network' layer) of the OSI Basic Reference Model, such as a router. Any interconnection among or between public, private, commercial, industrial, or governmental networks may also be defined as an internetwork.
In modern practice, interconnected networks use the Internet Protocol. There are at least three variants of internetworks, depending on who administers and who participates in them:
ท Intranet
ท Extranet
ท Internet
Intranets and extranets may or may not have connections to the Internet. If connected to the Internet, the intranet or extranet is normally protected from being accessed from the Internet without proper authorization. The Internet is not considered to be a part of the intranet or extranet, although it may serve as a portal for access to portions of an extranet.

Connection method
Computer networks can also be classified according to the hardware and software technology that is used to interconnect the individual devices in the network, such as Optical fiber, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, Home PNA, Power line communication or G.hn. Ethernet uses physical wiring to connect devices. Frequently deployed devices include hubs, switches, bridges and/or routers.
Wireless LAN technology is designed to connect devices without wiring. These devices use radio waves or infrared signals as a transmission medium.
ITU-T G.hn technology uses existing home wiring (coaxial cable, phone lines and power lines) to create a high-speed (up to 1 Gigabit/s) local area network.

-IN WIRED TECHNOLOGIES I WOULD SUGGEST TO USE AND WIRELESS LAN TO MAKE THE INTERNET CONNECTION FASTER.-

Wired Technologies
Twisted-Pair Wire - This is the most widely used medium for telecommunication. Twisted-pair wires are ordinary telephone wires which consist of two insulated copper wires twisted into pairs and are used for both voice and data transmission. The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce cross talk and electromagnetic induction. The transmission speed range from 2 million bits per second to 100 million bits per second.
Coaxial Cable – These cables are widely used for cable television systems, office buildings, and other worksites for local area networks. The cables consist of copper or aluminum wire wrapped with insulating layer typically of a flexible material with a high dielectric constant, all of which are surrounded by a conductive layer. The layers of insulation help minimize interference and distortion. Transmission speed range from 200 million to more than 500 million bits per second.
Fiber Optics – These cables consist of one or more thin filaments of glass fiber wrapped in a protective layer. It transmits light that can travel over long distance and higher bandwidths. Fiber-optic cables are not affected by electromagnetic radiation. Transmission speed could go up to as high as trillions of bits per second. The speed of fiber optics is hundreds of times faster than coaxial cables and thousands of times faster than twisted-pair wire.
-IN WIRED TECHNOLOGIES I WOULD SUGGEST TO USE OPTICAL FIBER TO MAKE THE INTERNET CONNECTION FASTER.-

Wireless Technologies
Terrestrial Microwave – Terrestrial microwaves use Earth-based transmitter and receiver. The equipment looks similar to satellite dishes. Terrestrial microwaves use low-gigahertz range, which limits all communications to line-of-sight. Path between relay stations spaced approx. 30 miles apart. Microwave antennas are usually placed on top of buildings, towers, hills, and mountain peaks.
Communications Satellites – The satellites use microwave radio as their telecommunications medium, which are not deflected by the Earth's atmosphere. The satellites are stationed in space, typically 22,000 miles above the equator. These Earth-orbiting systems are capable of receiving and relaying voice, data, and TV signals.
Cellular and PCS Systems – Use several radio communications technologies. The systems are divided to different geographic area. Each area has low-power transmitter or radio relay antenna device to relay calls from one area to the next area.
Wireless LANs – Wireless local area network use a high-frequency radio technology similar to digital cellular and a low-frequency radio technology. Wireless LANS use spread spectrum technology to enable communication between multiple devices in a limited area. Example of open-standard wireless radio-wave technology is IEEE 802.11b.
Bluetooth – A short-range wireless technology. Operate at approx. 1Mbps with range from 10 to 100 meters. Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for data exchange over short distances.
The Wireless Web – The wireless web refers to the use of the World Wide Web through equipments like cellular phones, pagers, PDAs, and other portable communications devices. The wireless web service offers anytime/anywhere connection.

-IN WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES I WOULD SUGGEST TO USE WIRELESS WEB TO MAKE THE INTERNET CONNECTION FASTER.-
Scale
Networks are often classified as Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Storage Area Network (SAN), etc. depending on their scale, scope and purpose. Usage, trust levels and access rights often differ between these types of network - for example, LANs tend to be designed for internal use by an organization's internal systems and employees in individual physical locations (such as a building), while WANs may connect physically separate parts of an organization to each other and may include connections to third parties.
Local area network
A local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school, or an airport. Current wired LANs are most likely to be based on Ethernet technology, although new standards like ITU-T G.hn also provide a way to create a wired LAN using existing home wires (coaxial cables, phone lines and power lines).
For example, a library may have a wired or wireless LAN for users to interconnect local devices (e.g., printers and servers) and to connect to the internet. On a wired LAN, PCs in the library are typically connected by category 5 (Cat5) cable, running the IEEE 802.3 protocol through a system of interconnected devices and eventually connect to the Internet. The cables to the servers are typically on Cat 5e enhanced cable, which will support IEEE 802.3 at 1 Gbit/s. A wireless LAN may exist using a different IEEE protocol, 802.11b, 802.11g or possibly 802.11n. The staff computers (bright green in the figure) can get to the color printer, checkout records, and the academic network and the Internet. All user computers can get to the Internet and the card catalog. Each workgroup can get to its local printer. Note that the printers are not accessible from outside their workgroup.

-THE UNIVERSITY USES LAN TO HAVE A CONNECTION-
Basic hardware components
All networks are made up of basic hardware building blocks to interconnect network nodes, such as Network Interface Cards (NICs), Bridges, Hubs, Switches, and Routers. In addition, some method of connecting these building blocks is required, usually in the form of galvanic cable (most commonly Category 5 cable). Less common are microwave links (as in IEEE 802.12) or optical cable ("optical fiber"). An ethernet card may also be required.
Network interface cards
A network card, network adapter, or NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network. It provides physical access to a networking medium and often provides a low-level addressing system through the use of MAC addresses.
Repeaters
A repeater is an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher power level, or to the other side of an obstruction, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation. In most twisted pair Ethernet configurations, repeaters are required for cable which runs longer than 100 meters.
Hubs
A network hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied unmodified to all ports of the hub for transmission. The destination address in the frame is not changed to a broadcast address.
Bridges
A network bridge connects multiple network segments at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Bridges do not promiscuously copy traffic to all ports, as hubs do, but learn which MAC addresses are reachable through specific ports. Once the bridge associates a port and an address, it will send traffic for that address only to that port. Bridges do send broadcasts to all ports except the one on which the broadcast was received.
Bridges learn the association of ports and addresses by examining the source address of frames that it sees on various ports. Once a frame arrives through a port, its source address is stored and the bridge assumes that MAC address is associated with that port. The first time that a previously unknown destination address is seen, the bridge will forward the frame to all ports other than the one on which the frame arrived.
Bridges come in three basic types:
1. Local bridges: Directly connect local area networks (LANs)
2. Remote bridges: Can be used to create a wide area network (WAN) link between LANs. Remote bridges, where the connecting link is slower than the end networks, largely have been replaced with routers.
3. Wireless bridges: Can be used to join LANs or connect remote stations to LANs
Switches
A network switch is a device that forwards and filters OSI layer 2 datagrams (chunk of data communication) between ports (connected cables) based on the MAC addresses in the packets. This is distinct from a hub in that it only forwards the packets to the ports involved in the communications rather than all ports connected. Strictly speaking, a switch is not capable of routing traffic based on IP address (OSI Layer 3) which is necessary for communicating between network segments or within a large or complex LAN. Some switches are capable of routing based on IP addresses but are still called switches as a marketing term. A switch normally has numerous ports, with the intention being that most or all of the network is connected directly to the switch, or another switch that is in turn connected to a switch.
Switch is a marketing term that encompasses routers and bridges, as well as devices that may distribute traffic on load or by application content (e.g., a Web URL identifier). Switches may operate at one or more OSI model layers, including physical, data link, network, or transport (i.e., end-to-end). A device that operates simultaneously at more than one of these layers is called a multilayer switch.
Overemphasizing the ill-defined term "switch" often leads to confusion when first trying to understand networking. Many experienced network designers and operators recommend starting with the logic of devices dealing with only one protocol level, not all of which are covered by OSI. Multilayer device selection is an advanced topic that may lead to selecting particular implementations, but multilayer switching is simply not a real-world design concept.
Routers
A router is a networking device that forwards packets between networks using information in protocol headers and forwarding tables to determine the best next router for each packet. Routers work at the Network Layer of the OSI model and the Internet Layer of TCP/IP.

Network topology
Computer networks may be classified according to the network topology upon which the network is based, such as bus network, star network, ring network, mesh network, star-bus network, tree or hierarchical topology network. Network topology signifies the way in which devices in the network see their logical relations to one another. The use of the term "logical" here is significant. That is, network topology is independent of the "physical" layout of the network. Even if networked computers are physically placed in a linear arrangement, if they are connected via a hub, the network has a Star topology, rather than a bus topology. In this regard the visual and operational characteristics of a network are distinct; the logical network topology is not necessarily the same as the physical layout. Networks may be classified based on the method of data used to convey the data, these include digital and analog networks.

-IN NETWORK TOPOLOGY I RECOMMEND STAR-

INNOVATION
The concept of the innovation system stresses that the flow of technology and information among people, enterprises and institutions is key to an innovative process. It contains the interaction between the actors who are needed in order to turn an idea into a process, product or service on the market.

The Technological Innovation System is a concept developed within the scientific field of innovation studies, which serves to explain the nature and rate of technological change. A Technological Innovation System can be defined as ‘a dynamic network of agents interacting in a specific economic/industrial area under a particular institutional infrastructure and involved in the generation, diffusion, and utilization of technology’.
The approach may be applied to at least three levels of analysis: to a technology in the sense of a knowledge field, to a product or an artifact, or to a set of related products and artifacts aimed at satisfying a particular [societal] function’. With respect to the latter, the approach has especially proven itself in explaining why and how sustainable (energy) technologies have developed and diffused into a society, or have failed to do so.
Structures
The system components of a Technological Innovation System are called structures. These represent the static aspect of the system, as they are relatively stable over time. Three basic categories are distinguished:
ท Actors: Actors involve organizations contributing to a technology, as a developer or adopter, or indirectly as a regulator, financer, etc. It is the actors of a Technological Innovation System that, through choices and actions, actually generate, diffuse and utilize technologies. The potential variety of relevant actors is enormous, ranging from private actors to public actors, and from technology developers to technology adopters. The development of a Technological Innovation System will depend on the interrelations between all these actors. For example, entrepreneurs are unlikely to start investing in their businesses if governments are unwilling to support them financially. Vice versa, governments have no clue where financial support is necessary if entrepreneurs do not provide them with the information and the arguments they need to legitimate policy support.
- Actors are the students and the members in the university who are using the Internet connection
ท Institutions: Institutional structures are at the core of the innovation system concept. It is common to consider institutions as ‘the rules of the game in a society, the humanly devised constraints that shape human interaction’. A distinction can be made between formal institutions and informal institutions, with formal institutions being the rules that are codified and enforced by some authority, and informal institutions being more tacit and organically shaped by the collective interaction of actors. Informal institutions can be normative or cognitive. The normative rules are social norms and values with moral significance, whereas cognitive rules can be regarded as collective mind frames, or social paradigms. Examples of formal institutions are government laws and policy decisions; firm directives or contracts also belong to this category. An example of a normative rule is the responsibility felt by a company to prevent or clean up waste. Examples of cognitive rules are search heuristics or problem-solving routines. They also involve dominant visions and expectations held by the actors.
-Institution is the university; the rules, structure and managing implementation are within the university.
ท Technological factors: Technological structures consist of artifacts and the technological infrastructures in which they are integrated. They also involve the techno-economic workings of such artifacts, including costs, safety, and reliability. These features are crucial for understanding the feedback mechanisms between technological change and institutional change. For example, if R&D subsidy schemes supporting technology development should result in improvements with regard to the safety and reliability of applications, this would pave the way for more elaborate support schemes, including practical demonstrations. These may, in turn, benefit technological improvements even more. It should, however, be noted here that the importance of technological features has often been neglected by scholars.
-Factors include Internet connectivity and its accessibility.
The structural factors are merely the elements that make up the system. In an actual system, these factors are all linked to each other. If they form dense configurations they are called networks. An example would be a coalition of firms jointly working on the application of a fuel cell, guided by a set of problem-solving routines and supported by a subsidy programmed. Likewise, industry associations, research communities, policy networks, user-supplier relations etc. are all examples of networks.
An analysis of structures typically yields insight into systemic features - complementarities and conflicts - that constitute drivers and barriers for technology diffusion at a certain moment or within a given period in time.

Dynamics of Technological Innovation Systems
Structures involve elements that are relatively stable over time. Nevertheless, for many technologies, especially newly emerging ones, these structures are not yet (fully) in place. For this reason, mostly, the scholars have recently enriched the literature on Technological Innovation Systems with studies that focus on the build-up of structures over time. The central idea of this approach is to consider all activities that contribute to the development, diffusion, and use of innovations as system functions. These system functions are to be understood as types of activities that influence the build-up of a Technological Innovation System. Each system function may be ‘fulfilled’ in a variety of ways. The premise is that, in order to properly develop, the system should positively fulfill all system functions. Various ‘lists’ of system functions have been constructed. These lists show much overlap and differences reside mostly in the particular way of clustering activities. An example of such a list is provided below.
Note that it is also possible that activities negatively contribute to a system function. These negative contributions imply a (partial) breakdown of the system.

If I was hired by the university president as an IT consultant, I would suggest to measure every equipment/ technology that the university has and the university afford to buy but must check first these 9 things below:
ุ Scalability
ุ Reliability
ุ Power supply
ุ Compatibility
ุ Security
ุ Audit capability
ุ Hardware flexibility
ุ Software flexibility
ุ Cost and service
In order for the internet connectivity be improved.
REFERENCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_innovation_system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innovation_system
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&search=IT+technology&go=Go

Based on your adopted organization(s), identify and discuss barrier in their IS/IT implementation.

2009-08-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Based on your adopted organization(s), identify and discuss barrier in their IS/IT implementation.

My adopted organization was Marco Polo Davao. Marco Polo Hotel Group operates hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. It offers rooms and suites, meeting and event facilities, restaurants, and other facilities. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Harbour City, Hong Kong with additional locations in Beijing and Xiamen in China; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Cebu and Davao in Philippines. The Marco Polo, Davao, is a true world-class hotel that stands for elegance and warm Filipino hospitality. With 18 floors, The Marco Polo, Davao, is the tallest hotel in Mindanao and the city's new landmark. Marco Polo Davao also serves as an ideal venue for meetings and functions. It has ten function rooms and one ballroom, which provide the ideal balance of versatility, technology and design. Our event planners are always at your service to help you organise events. The Marco Polo, Davao, is situated in the heart of the city's bustling business and commercial district, a mere 20 minutes' drive from Davao International Airport. The Marco Polo, Davao is located at C. M. Recto Street, Davao City.

The company Marco Polo Davao creates and maintains their email server. They use Norton anti virus before but the switch to NOD32 Free ESSET and worm Blaster. The software they were using was bought from the biggest company that provides hotel software that was based internationally on Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia. Information System ran all of department of the company. The company back-up their files daily. They are using biometrics. Their operating system (clients) was Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and their operating system (server) was windows 2003. Their computer models were HPDX 7400, HPDC 7700 with 2 Gigabytes memory and 160 hardisk.

I interviewed one of the personnel in their Management Information System (MIS) department. The personnel that I interviewed told me that the company must have complete trust to the Management Information System (MIS) department because they were the lifeblood of the company. He told me that the company give what they need but not what they want. Their Management Information System (MIS) department was the partner of the administration with regards to the imnplementation of the Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implementation. He also told me that as long as the system, hardware and software meet the demands of the company, the company would not upgrade into higher versions.
During my interview at my adopted company, he told me that before an implementation of an Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT), it must be approved by the company administration. Of course a proposal must be submitted first then the Management Information System (MIS) department will take a look at it and analyze it benefits and also the bad effect if it will be implemented soon. After the Management Information System (MIS) department analyzed the proposal, the Management Information System (MIS) department will agree or disagree on the proposal and submit it to the administration, then again the admistration will take a look at it and discuss and analyze its benefits, disadvantages and all the things that can concern the submitted proposal. After the administration analyze the submitted proposal, the administration will decide if they will agree or not on the submitted proposal.

Why there are barrier in implementing a company Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT)? There are always barriers in every implementation because all aspects must be examine to check if the implementation can help to do well in the company or it will only help in making it worst.

Why there are proposed implementations in a company? There are proposal that needs to be implemented by a company to solve some of the problems of the company. It can make the service better and faster.

Why there are IS/ IT implementations? There is Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) to combine technology with business to get people the information they need to do their jobs better/faster/smarter. Information is the lifeblood of all organizations - now more than ever. is a planned system of the collecting, processing, storing and disseminating data in the form of information needed to carry out the functions of management. In a way it is a documented report of the activities those were planned and executed. According to Philip Kotler "A marketing information system consists of people, equipment, and procedures to gather, sort, analyze, evaluate, and distribute needed, timely, and accurate information to marketing decision makers." Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implementation helps ensures that business systems deliver value and that the risks inherent in using technology are managed. Information Technology (IT) performance is continually changes business

There are major concerns that the company will base their decision. It must be user friendly, how it cost, how accessible the maintenance and support, and also the security. The system must be a user friendly so that the users will not have a hard time on how to manipulate the Information System (IS). An organization should know the current cost in Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implementation. The system must be maintain well and have a 24/ 7 support. And the system must have security for the intruders.

The concerns in implementing their Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) were about the costs and security of the system. These concerns were on the administration side. They examine first if the Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implementation is cost effective or very expensive. An organization should know the current cost in Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implementation. The old security adage says that you should not spend more to protect something than it is actually worth. Administration of the company should ensure that efforts spent on security give cost-effective benefits. This issue may be noticeable, but it is possible that the company will spend much in the intruders on computer systems and securing the system.

Next is the security, in developing and managing information systems, the company’s primary concern is acquiring new weapons to fight and win the battle for system security. According to Laudon’s MIS 8th edition manual “Knowledge is the best first line of defense against the army of hackers, frauds, tricksters, saboteurs, and thieves who threaten the organization’s precious information resources”. The personnel that I interviewed told me that they secure their server by using their own domain names and separating the users from the administration. In Marco Polo Davao they use different provider and different switch to separate the users from them.

I’ve mentioned that cost and security were on the administration side, now another concern was regarding the ease of use, this concern was on the members/ users side. Is the Information System/ Information Technology (IS/ IT) implemented a user friendly or not. The personnel that I interviewed told me that they struggle more on the users because some of the users don’t know or not so familiar on the system. He told me that they already conducted seminars and trainings to inform and teach the users, but after a month the users forget what they learn during the training. He also told me that we are now in generation of the four (4) dimension technologies.

Another concern was the accessibility of maintenance and support. The personnel that I interviewed told me that if you outsource or bought a system, it must have 24- hour support. So that if there is something wrong in the system you know where to contact to, what to do, and you can easily solve the problem.

Since Marco Polo Hotel Group operates hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. The company id affected in the cultural barrier. Cultural barriers and misunderstanding mean that some nations movements within a country will not share the global shared value. According to the book I’ve read (Management Information System, 8th edition (Laudon)), “the resistance of some Islamic groups to Westernization is an example. The unwillingness, for cultural and political reasons, of China, Singapore, and Malaysia to allow unfettered intercommunication and Internet access are examples of the problems. Even in the European Union, there is resistance to transnational data flows, particularly outside the Union. While there has been some deregulation of the national telephone systems, it is still more difficult to hook up phones, use modems, or set up data and telecommunication systems than in the U.S. Further, some nations have local content rules that make it more costly or difficult to inter-network. The kinds of barriers may be laws, cultural hostility to foreigners or businesses, government regulation or ownership of telecommunications, tax laws, unionization, laws and taxes that make it difficult to reduce the workforce or consolidate plants. Currently, the U.S. is technologically superior in networking and internetworking, which creates resentment or hostility”. Boards and senior executives recognize the importance of technology, but can struggle to understand and manage it effectively. Often, business executives and Information Technology (IT) professionals don't speak the same language. This communications gap can lead to misunderstandings and misaligned expectations and outcomes.

The personnel that I interviewed told me that if ever the Management Information System (MIS) department will agree on the proposal and also the admistration will agree on it, the proposal is approved and will be implemented soon. In some instances that the Management Information System (MIS) department will agree on the proposal and the admistration will not agree, the proposal will be rejected therefore it will not be implemented, but the Management Information System (MIS) department will have a chance to discuss together with the admistration the things that made the Management Information System (MIS) department agree on the proposal, if the administration will be convinced then the proposal is approved and will soon be implemented. And if ever the Management Information System (MIS) will not agree on the submitted proposal, and then the administration agree on the proposal so therefore the proposal is approved and will soon be implemented. The personnel that I interview told me that in the end it is up to the admistration if they will implement a proposal or not. The administration in their company will decide but of course they need to consult and look the both side to know and find out if he proposed implementation is good or bad.

GREEN CAMPUS COMPUTING

2009-07-12T01:23:00.001-07:00

SITE:
http://ecenter.colorado.edu/energy/projects/green_computing.html

---In this site it tells the viewer to use a reusable mug when getting hot drink, in small action that collectively has a big impact.

Reuseable Mugs
Campus Environmental Policies

How the university can adopt:
"If only 15 percent of college students used reusable mugs instead of disposable cups every day, we would eliminate more than a billion cups a year." When you use your reusable mug on campus and in the community you will save money. Our university must start implementing Campus Environmental Policies.

SITE:
http://www.unt.edu/benchmarks/archives/2009/april09/Greencomputing.htm

---In this site it tells the viewer to make saving energy resources and also human resources as well. Go digital instead of a print out.

The other day I got an email from a music organization asking me whether I wanted to get their newsletter digitally or continue to receive it in 'dead tree format'. Well, in addition to being a very effective way to get folks to convert to digital (who wants to get anything 'dead' in the mail?!) it got me to thinking about how technology is SUPPOSED to ultimately save time and resources.
By Dr. Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner

How the university can adopt:
I'm happy to say that our college in the University is adopting some of the ways stated in this site (the professors sends assignments digitally instead of as a print out.). But sadly not all college of the university are implementing it. I think making the school newsletter digitally can really save money, and also resources. It's really a thumbs up for me..

SITE:
http://www.beloit.edu/isr/greencomputing.php

---In this site it tells the viewer What is Green Computing,What can we do to “green” our technology use, How can we change the computer’s settings to be more green, Some Facts about Power Management

What can I do to “green” my technology use?

* Enable power management on your computer.
* Power down the computer and monitor when not in use.
* Consider plugging your computer and peripherals into a power strip with an on/off switch and turn the entire power strip off when not in use.
* Think before you print. Do you really need a paper copy?
* Use recycled paper if possible
* Use Print Preview to review your job before printing it
* Print in black and white whenever possible.
* Print two-sided whenever possible.
* Reuse unnecessary print jobs as scratch paper.
* Advertise events, parties, etc. electronically or with chalk instead of print-outs.
* Recycle!
o Use the recycling bins around campus to recycle paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic
* Use email instead of faxes
* If it’s possible, download software from the web instead of purchasing a physical installation disc

How the university can adopt:
By simply using emails instead of faxes. Its one way helping our environment. And I think the university must adopt it.Also they must implement in the computer laboratory and in other offices of the university, to power down the computer specially the monitor when not in use.

Resources:
http://ecenter.colorado.edu/energy
http://www.unt.edu/benchmarks/archives/2009/april09/Greencomputing.htm
http://www.beloit.edu/isr/greencomputing.php

COMDDAP

2009-07-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Short description about COMDDAP:
COMDDAP is an association of the country's top information technolgy businesses. Its primary objective is to promote the sustainable development of the of the country's information technology industry through voluntary collaboration of its member companies. It is the goal of COMDDAP to be able to provide its members general views and updates from different sectors - private and government, and highly regarded individuals to further uplift the morale and knowledge of its organization.

The vision of promoting and elevating the standards of Information technology (IT) in the Philippines fueled a group of prominent computer companies to form the Computer Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines or COMDDAP. Its initial member-companies represent the world's leading makers and providers of computer products, solutions and peripherals.

In 1997, the manufacturing sector - represented by industry leaders Hewlett Packard, Epson and Compaq, among others - was integrated into the COMDDAP membership, making the association a more diverse representation of the IT sector and thus the new name, COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Since then, COMDDAP has been maintained and financed by its members through dues, fees, contributions or donations, and banner by these specific objectives:
* Promote the use of information technology and elevate its standards in the Philippines;
* Make computers affordable and available to the masses;
* Provide and create opportunities for users to develop themselves to their fullest potentials;
* Supply the market with quality products at reasonable prices with good after-sales support;
* To work closely with the government, the private sector and international entities in promoting the use of information technology;
* Provide a forum of discussion on matters relating to the compute industry; and
* Foster and cultivate harmony, cordiality and camaraderie among the members so that they can work together as one for the benefit of the industry.

Last Thursday- july2 and Friday- july3. COMDDAP was held at the APO view hotel, Vanda function room. I arrived at the convention around 1:30 pm. Since I scheduled my sessions at 2:00pm, I spend my vacant time looking on the exhibits.
The Exhibitors were the following:
*ADOBE- it is the name for industry-leading network publishing software.
With tools that help users create, manage, and deliver graphically rich content to anyone, anywhere, on any device.
Also the COREL was there which produces full- featured, easy to use productivity, graphics and digital imaging software
*ASIANTECH- is the exclusive distributor of PC components.
*ASTECH PENGSON DISTRIBUTORS, INC.- is one of the leading wholesale distributors of cmputer and office line.
*AUTODESK- CAD software applications for specific industries.
*CANON MARKETING PHILS. INC.- has been providing cutting- edge imaging products, solutions and services to aid its customer in producing superior quality and prints for more than a decade.
*METROPRENEUR TRADING- is a supplier, wholesaler and retailer of printer consumables and accessories.
*RSA SECURITY- has a portfolio of solutions- including identity and access management, secure mobile and remote access, secure enterprise access and secure transactions, they are all designed to provide the most seamless security experience in the market.
*CHASE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION- is the leading provider of the bar code, automatic data collection and business management solutions.
*MICRODAA SYSTEM & MANAGEMENT INC.- has been a professional audio-visual and document solutions company for over 29 years.
*REDWOOD VENTURES- has over 20 years of specialization in the field of high-end display devices.
*DANPRO COMPUTER INKING SYSTEM CO.- one of the major ink providers in Mindanao. It is the total inking Solutions Company geared towards providing premium quality bulk ink and continuous ink supply systems.
*MYSQL/CRYSTAL REPORTS- is popular in web applications and acts as the database component of the Lamp, BAMP, MAMP, and WAMP platforms
*SYMANTEC- software application like Norton Antivirus, Intrusion, and Firewall offer a new breed of security partnership that meets security needs intended for the whole system
*FOXCHIT BUSINESS SYSTEMS- is the pioneer total solutions provider of up to date point of sale (POS) systems and terminals.
*NEO MANUFACTURING & SERVICES- customizes and delivers products to satisfy a myriod of customer requirements, from home entertainment to businiess computing.
*TILL N’ LABELS SYSTEMS MARKETING- is a fast growing company that offers point of sale cash registers, software and peripherals, data collectors, bar code printing machines and price labelers.
*GLEE ELECTRONICS, INC- is a distributor of high quality branded products such as hard drives, motherboards and processor, external storage devices, memory modules and flash drives. It is the exclusive distributor of AOC monitors – the number one PC monitor brand in the Philippines.
*NG KHAI DEVELOPMENT CORP.- provides ICT infrastructure, solutions and digital lifestyle products and services.
*TRINITY MARKETING- one of the major distributors of computer peripherals, office and school supplies. It is exclusive distributor of Fullmark products such as inkjet refills and cartridges, fax imaging film, photo paper and other consumables.
*WORDTEXT SYSTEM. INC.- distributes only the best branded IT products in the hardware and software categories.
*MCAFEE- is the leading provider of anti-virus and intrusion prevention solutions
*NOVELL- is a global leader in providing enterprise class solutions and support for commercial and open source software, infrastructure software and sevices or over 20years in 43 countries.

I joined the following sessions on July 2, 2009 (Thursday):
*The HP Thin Clients that was during 2:00pm up to 3:00pm
*Retail Management System Overview that was during 3:00pm up to 4:00pm
*Open Source for Business Application that was during 4:00pm up to 5:00pm

During the HP Thin Client Session:(By Nexus Technology Inc.)
In all the session this was my favorite because the speaker was giving away flash drives at the end of his presentation. Sad to think I was not able to have one because I was not luckily called to answer his question. But I enjoy the session I learn new things about the presentation.

Thin Clients are computing devices that function as an access device on a network.
They discuss this following business issues and also what were the solutions of the thin Client:
*Desktop replacement cost
*Network security
*Supporting application software on diverse hardware
*Ensuring your data remains accessible and secure.

During the Retail Management System Overview: (By: Nexus Professional Services and Solutions (NPSS))
I can relate on the topics presented by this session. It was all about the management system in business.

The Philippine retail industry continues to thrive despite the global financial crisis. Retailers challenge with multi-branch servicing cost need a scalable solution to bring sales orders to each branches, promote inter brand stock sharing and send sales information to the head office seamlessly.
Find out how you can have enterprise-class tools to analyze data at a fraction of the cost. The need for timely business information helps you improve your bottom line, restore order to multi- branch stores and meet geographical challenges.

During the Open Source For Business Application: (By: Spinweb Productions, Inc.)
In this session I learned many things, like the difference between open source and free source. It made me had an idea also in going to open source.

As companies cut IT spending by up to 10 percent, its income generating prospects need not suffer. Open Source development of business application has proven to lower acquisition costs, and decrease vendor lock-in reliance and obsolescence rate so that even commercial software giants have acknowledge the rise of this technology by allowing interoperability.
Discover how the use of Internet- based Open Source platforms is a viable alternative for developing systems such as corporate, e-commerce, CRM, employment, publishing and collaborative sites.

The activity was a great experience. It made us students be updated to some technology in this generation.

RESOURCES:
http://comddap.org/

automated elections

2009-07-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Republic Act No. 9369 January 23, 2007
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8436, ENTITLED "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE MAY 11, 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEQUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTORAL EXERCISES, TO ENCOURAGE TRANSPARENCY, CREDIBILITY, FAIRNESS AND ACCURACY OF ELECTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMPANSA BLG. 881, AS AMEMDED, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166 AND OTHER RELATED ELECTIONS LAWS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"

What is Automated election system? According to the Republic Act No. 9369 Section 2. Automated election system, hereinafter to as AES - a system using appropriate technology, which has been demonstrated in the voting, counting, consolidating, canvassing, and transmission of election result, and other electoral process. The data is transferred by Electronic transmission it convey data in electronic form from one location to other. The Official ballot where AES is utilized, refers to the paper ballot, whether printed or generated by the technology applied, that faithfully captures or represents the votes cast by a voter recorded or to be recorded in electronic form.
The Philippines is using this types of system during election:
* Paper-based election system - a type of automated election system that use paper ballots, records and counts votes, tabulates, consolidates/canvasses and transmits electronically the results of the vote count
*Direct recording electronic election system - a type or automated election system that uses electronic ballots, records, votes by means of a ballot display provided with mechanical or electro-optical component that can be activated by the voter, processes data by means of a computer programs, record voting data and ballot images, and transmits voting results electronically.

I think it will have the following positive impacts; First, Less expenses and reduces election violence because there will be no ballot boxes that will be transfer every now and then. Second, eliminate the delay that would be possible for cheating between ballot tallying and preparation of election returns. Third, lessen the possible for cheating at ballot reading, tallying and also human error

I mention in the third part that in the automated election it will lessen the possible for cheating at ballot reading, tallying. But I think there will be still cheating during the election period. Cheating can be lessen but cannot be remove. Like for example, cheating before was in the form of violence, using guns to threaten the teacher, and the volunteers, in the automated election it will shift to hacking the transmittal of election results from one place to another.

Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8436 is hereby amended to read the follows:
The automated election system must at least have the following functional capabilities.
(a) Adequate security against unauthorized access:
(b) Accuracy in recording and reading of votes as well as in the tabulation, consolidation/canvassing, electronic transmission, and storage of results;
(c) Error recovery in case of non-catastrophic failure of device;
(d) System integrity which ensures physical stability and functioning of the vote recording and counting process;
(e) Provision for voter verified paper audit trail;
(f) System auditability which provides supporting documentation for verifying the correctness of reported election results;
(g) An election management system for preparing ballots and programs for use in the casting and counting of votes and to consolidate, report and display election result in the shortest time possible;
(h) Accessibility to illiterates and disable voters;
(i) Vote tabulating program for election, referendum or plebiscite;
(j) Accurate ballot counters;
(k) Data retention provision;
(l) Provide for the safekeeping, storing and archiving of physical or paper resource used in the election process;
(m) Utilize or generate official ballots as herein defined;
(n) Provide the voter a system of verification to find out whether or not the machine has registered his choice; and
(o) Configure access control for sensitive system data and function.
"In the procurement of this system, the Commission shall develop and adopt an evaluation system to ascertain that the above minimum system capabilities are met. This evaluation system shall be developed with the assistance of an advisory council."

According to Rico Mossesgeld these are the risks during the election period and I agree in this factors:
“There are Risk Factors”
Software - The software used all throughout the process, from ballot reading all the way to returns tallying, must be open for public scrutiny. It may not be proprietary and secret.
Devices - Ballots and computers used throughout may fail. Backup/contingency plan must exist and be robust. Sabotage could be the way cheating will be introduced, in order to force reverting to manual process.
Architecture - Transmittal and reporting of results could be susceptible to hacking. instant public visibility of results as counted at source and as transmitted at receipt will mitigate threats of hacking.
User - Voting needs to be simple and straightforward. Many Filipinos are not computer literate, and barely literate. PEBKAC errors can lead to many spoiled ballots, which may either be invalidated like in the US, or can be used as a pretense to revert to manual.

Of course automated election is a step to improve our election process. Every change we made have its good and bad impacts. And new system is part of the things we must implement to change the traditional election process.
If I am going to compare the manual and the automated, for me automated has more advantages than the manual.
For me, in this critical issues, we must be open minded on the new technology that are fast changing in our community, to make our work faster than before, much less error than before. The anomalies they are talking, discussing, arguing this past few weeks are normal. For me, no matter how perfect the system is, if the users or the facilitator of the system have some bad plan for the system, anomalies comes next in line.

We must all pray and hope that during election period there will be no power interruption in all the precincts so that the first automated election I the Philippines will be successful and less doubt to all the Filipino people.

REFERENCES:

http://technogra.ph/20090309/sections/analysis/what-election-automation-means-for-the-philippines/

http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=automated+election+in+the+philippines&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

http://www.jpsimbulan.com/2008/08/06/is-the-philippines-ready-for-an-automated-election-system/

http://www.neda.gov.ph/ads/mtpdp/mtpdp2004-2010/pdf/mtpdp%202004-2010%20neda_chapterx13_elections.pdf

http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2009/06/whats-worry-over-automated-elections.html

http://www.philippinestoday.net/index.php?module=article&view=47

The risks associated with business and IS/IT change

2009-07-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

What do you think are the risks associated with business and IS/IT change?

First what is risk? According to Steve Elky, “Risk is the potential harm that may arise from some current process or from some future event. Risk is present in every aspect of our lives and many different disciplines focus on risk as it applies to them”

In the IT perspective, risk is the process of understanding and responding to factors that may lead to a failure in the confidentiality, integrity or availability of an information system.

The Information System helps ensure that business systems deliver value and that the risks inherent in using technology are managed. Technology enables rapid global business growth and advancement. It is also a major source of business risk. Measuring and improving Information System is a constant challenge. Performance must be measurable to determine that the investment in IT is properly managed, technology risks are appropriately controlled, and a baseline for improvement is established.

According to G.K.Choksi & Co.'s, “Risks change. Priorities change. People and processes change. When that happens, your business becomes exposed—unless you have a sustainable approach to risk management.”

“Often, what is missing is an effective dialog between the corporate level and the IT function. When this is supported by an investment appraisal and performance monitoring, the organization can have a clearer understanding of the benefits IT brings to the business.”

“In addition, business events such as transactions and restructuring will change the overall IT requirement. Clients then need to reappraise management and sourcing decisions.”

The company I’ve visited was Marco Polo Davao. Visitor’s information to their website that avail the services of the company were automatically collected through the standard operation of the internet servers and through the use of "cookies". "Cookies" are small text files a web site can use to recognize repeat users, facilitate the user's ongoing access to and use of the site and allow a site to track usage behavior and compile aggregate data that will allow content improvements and targeted advertising. Cookies are not programs that come onto a system and damage files. Generally, cookies work by assigning a unique number to each customer that has no meaning outside the assigning site. If visitors do not want information collected through the use of cookies, there is a simple procedure in most browsers that allows a customer to deny or accept the cookie feature; however, visitors should note that cookies may be necessary to provide customers with certain features (e.g., customized delivery of information) available on the company web site.

At its core, the Marco Polo Hotels holds the following values and beliefs:

Exceptional Service - We understand that the value can be created with every encounter and this is reflected in our superior standard of service.

Integrity - We are honest and straightforward in our interactions with our owners, guests, colleagues and the communities in which we operate.

Respect - We respect the objectives of our stakeholders, the values of our guests, and the cultural difference in the locations that we operate.

Teamwork and Passion - We bring our individual expertise, creativity and passion for our industry as a Marco Polo team member. This sets us apart and is the essence of the Marco Polo Way.

Continuous Improvement - We are innovative and utilize best practices to continually improve our management techniques, and the quality of our products and services.

Based on the organization I’ve visited “The Marco Polo Davao”, for me I think this large type of company is less to risks. But then, all organizations have limited resource and risk can never be reduced to zero.

The Security, Privacy, Confidentiality were the risks that are associated with business and IS/IT change. In today's business environment, the reputation of a business, indeed it's existence, can be impacted significantly by the strength of the security, privacy and business continuity mechanisms it has in place.

Investing in the proper technology is the key to success. Remember that IS/IT when done right can truly add to your business by adding to productivity and efficiency of the day to day operations and can help you take on more clients and over all help you build your business. For me, it is important to manage risk in a business or organization to protect the mission and assets of the company. Also, a decision is a big part in a company because it may result in inappropriate investments in or poor implementations of new systems.

In summary, success and effective risk management is the basis of successful and effective IT security. Due to the reality of limited resources and nearly unlimited threats, a reasonable decision must be made concerning the allocation of resource to protect systems. Risk management practices allow the organization to protect information and business process commensurate with their value. To ensure the maximum value of risk management, it must be consistent and repeatable. Establishing and utilizing an effective, high quality risk management process and basing the information security activities of the organization on this process will lead to an effective information security program in the organization.

References:

http://www.gkcco.com/information-system-audit-india/risk-management-auditing-india.htm

http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:SQWRAGanyTIJ:www.sans.org/reading_room/whitepapers/auditing/an_introduction_to_information_system_risk_management_1204%3Fshow%3D1204.php%26cat%3Dauditing+risk+in+information+technology,+busine

Identify a local organization(s) and discuss some of their best practices in IT/IS ... this should be well-supported with any evidences

2009-06-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Davao City Hall

San Pedro Street, City Hall, Davao City

Identify a local organization(s) and discuss some of their best practices in IT/IS ... this should be well-supported with any evidences ....

The City Hall of Davao is one of the local organization that practices IT/IS.

The City Government of Davao serves as the local government authority for Davao City guided by the principles, mandates, laws, rules and regulations stated under the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, it enjoys certain autonomy in running the affairs of the City.
The Information technology and the information system of the City Government was under their HRMIS or Human Resource Management Information System. The Human Resource Management Information System started as a Division under the City Mayor’s Office of the City Government of Davao. With only sixteen (16) plantilla personnel and a number old casual employees, the Personnel Division as it was then called, was responsible in the administration of personnel matters such as recruitment, selection, placement, retirement, termination. Years of rapid development realized the need to address the increasing demands for timely and responsive programs and services not only for the employees of the City Government but more importantly, to the constituents of the City of Davao. Inadequacies on systems and procedures, structural and staffing patterns, overlapping and duplication of functions, and the need for structural transformation inspired the motion for structural change which eventually led to the Agency’s Reorganization in 1996. As a result, this progressive movement gave birth and saw the creation of the Human Resource Management Office, which paved the way to the establishment of meaningful programs and mechanism that will ensure effective and efficient governance. The HRMO at present is managed and maintained by qualified, highly skilled and humane 59 plantilla personnel along with 22 contracts of service and job orders as they compliment the entire workforce. True to its word and commitment, this dynamic institution will take the lead in transforming the Vision of Davao City into reality

The City Hall of Davao is one of the local organizations that practice IT/IS.
There best practices are:
First the Human Resource Management Information System- It is a microcomputer based system designed to maintain updated records of all plantilla and co-terminus personnel, and to ensure speedy data access ad prompt generations of reports. It merges Human Resource Management with Information Technology to simplify the decision making process. It contains their updated and accurate personnel database. It is also responsible for prompting generations of reports and other printing requirements based on the personnel database. It also generate uniform and consistent computation of employees’ incentives and benefits. And lastly, ensures the security of information through safe database access
Second, Personal Data Information System- System is a software for the data entry, data tracking and data information needs of the Human Resource, payroll, management and accounting functions within a business. It keep and manage every employee’s records and give the employees yearly updates.
Third, the online forums and polls- the forums are powered by phpBB which is a bulletin board solution released under the “General Public License” (hereinafter “GPL”) and can be downloaded from www.phpBB.com. The phpBB software only facilitates internet based discussions, the phpBB Group are not responsible for what we allow and/or disallow as permissible content and/or conduct.
Forth, is the automated attendance- they use Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. New technologies are being introduced on a regular basis to make things much simpler and more modernized.
The city hall keep side by side of the advances in the information technology (IT). The strengthening of the city’s IT capabilities and use of the Geographic Information System in all aspects of planning, programming and project implementation will enable policy makers and implementers to intelligently analyze critical information and arrive at sound decisions in project prioritization and resource allocation. City Hall’s Information Management and Development involves data generation, processing and packaging, storage & retrieval system, on-line information assistance desk, review existing incentives and prepare recommendations, project profiles, pre-investment studies, viability and feasibility and, industry profiles.

Resources:

http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/
http://www.davaoboard.com/
http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/localgovernment/thrusts.htm
http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/davao-forum/
http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/DCIPC/DCIPCfunctions.htm
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2002/10/24/bus/isp.offers.service.to.city.hall.html

FIRST DAY!!!!

2009-06-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

First day reflection/learning:

Our first day was fun. I can still remember that I was smiling from the start till the end of the class.

MIS as in Management Information System, that three words was our topic in our first day. During the lecture proper it made me think if it is right to be manage by someone or not. At first my answer was yes, but it made me think again because if that's the case I also want to be control by someone, because under the management was planning, leading, organizing and controlling. A bit confusing right? As our discussion go on, i learn that the right term was not control but the word 'guide'. In dealing with people we guide not control. Guide to function or to operate well, we don't control people because nobody want to be control by someone.

Our fist day was great, I learned new things I'm excited to blog, visit to our company and share our experiences. God bless us all..