Thinking about your approved/ proposed system, is it worth the three or more years of learning you get from the university? Discuss how you arrive with the proposal.
Being a student in the tertiary level doesn’t mean that all you have to do is just sit prettily and listen to the professor or the instructor talking and making lectures. It is far different from our kindergarten, elementary and high school years where we could observe that learning is given by means of spoon feeding. As we emerge in taking education, the responsibility as a learner also steps up higher.
The moment I decided to enroll in this university, I never had the idea of what will be the life I will be heading. What is in my mind is that I will just be a student who would go to school daily, go through the rooms—interact, participate and socialize with my colleagues. And what’s certain is that I have just premeditated that after four years, I will be graduating soon, and that is this year 2009. But unfortunately, the four years will be extended due to some unexpected issues. Presently, I am on my fourth year in USeP but most of my subjects are for the third year level. It’s quite funny to think; still this is the bitter reality—and it’s no way out other than facing it. My four-year stay in the university is full of adventure. Be it the positive side or the other.
As an Information Technology student, it is a necessity for us that we are equipped with the better- quality of facilities and the education itself for us to be geared up in the succeeding years. We are accustomed to some sorts of developing simple to complex programs, systems and other computing technicalities that which is essential in our field. In relation to our subject in Systems Analysis and Design I, in which I am currently enrolled, all of the stuffs I have been through are substantial in the said course. For this semester, we are tasked to find any organization and study their system if there exists and if not, we are to come up with a proposal that would answer the need. This seems to be a challenge for us. If I will be asked about the sense of worth and the knowledge I gained within three or more years from the university and correlate it with our proposal, I would say that it is just in the average rate.
For the past three years, during the lecture times, the discussion is easy to comprehend. But then, when the application point comes, I start scratching my nose. Honestly, when it comes to developing programs, I find it hard to do so. However, I can understand the written code for the program. I believe that some things are learnable, it just takes time, passion and effort--- these things, I admit that I have missed; it’s a no good for me. But, life must goes on as they say. To bring to mind the past events just like the time pressure and discouragements given by our instructors; add to them up the poor facilities and lack of computers to accommodate the students, would somehow diminish the students’ interest in pursuing their studies. This is the sad part of taking the opportunity studying in state universities. Nevertheless, this would in some way be a challenge for the student’s part to exert and invest more effort in tracking the trails of education. It’s a mind perspective also. It’s how you see and weigh things and deal with them. Going back to the SAD I, it’s an advantage that we are grouped. This calls for teamwork. This means that the triumph of one is the triumph of all, and the fall of one is the fall of all. United we stand, divided we fall. We help hand in hand to survive the endeavors in our studies. We’ll make use of what knowledge or learning we have achieved. We’ll support one another and back up each member. Collaboration is very important knowing that not all of us are good in computing procedures. Whatever is the lack of one, we will patch it up. It’s either we go up or sink together.
With regards to our proposal, we find a long time looking for organizations that are open and willing to extend their time and cooperate with us. Until such time our professor introduced to us some existing Information Systems in the university that needs to be further studied so as to be developed and enhanced for the benefit of the majority. And our group was assigned to study the SRMIS or the Students Registration Management Information System. It undeniably gave doubt for the group if we will pursue the said system. It is unquestionably a huge system knowing that it involves many organizations or department in the school such as the OSS or the Office of School Services, the different colleges and the School Registrar. We do have reservations in each of us. But then we have accorded to pursue it and gave it a try. We prepared letters and asked approval for the departments. As soon as we have a discussion with the head of School Registrar in the university, she denied us to study the existing SRMIS. Her main reason is that the data are very confidential and we as students are not allowed to perform any study or manipulations of the system. If we are very eager and aggressive to do so, we have to ask permission from the university president first then to another official—it would take us time. Candidly, we were quite disheartened of what we have heard. As the conversation went on, she has suggested an idea that would help us somehow. The proposal goes like this: Based on each group member’s observation and experiences during the 1st step of the enrollment (in which, the students have to be evaluated by their respective year level advisers), the advisers have to go through a lot of evaluation forms to find the name of the student and after that evaluating the student or sometimes, the advisers would ask the student to locate his form. Some advisers made a simple solution; it is by using Microsoft Excel. But it would still be tiresome to go through a lot of files just to find the name of the student. In addition, one of the main concerns of Ms. Soller, the reason why she suggested this system is for them to lessen their burden in evaluating the graduating students, she said, they have to locate the student records, one by one, they have to evaluate the students manually.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The world belongs for those who know how to dream...
Thinking about the future is common to everyone. In fact, it’s not a rare thing to do. As they say, “To dream is free… sky is the limit…”
In a youth conference, a speaker once said, “The world belongs for those who dream…” This statement has made me realize that dreaming in a deeper sense is definitely essential if an individual wants to survive in this world. It triggers the ability of a person to pursue whatever he has dreamed of. But nevertheless, sometimes dreaming makes one being hindered to achieve their goals in life. Dreams will stay dreams if there is no action being put to it. Dreams connote of the desirable future we want to attain. It’s a vision dwelling in us…
I may say that one cannot focus if there is no vision. Without vision, one can get caught with life’s complexity; being distracted with the negative issues in the environment and as well as the issues of the person itself. As being quoted by Dave Branon, he said that, “Life will never look fair. But when we trust God, we always know that He is faithful.” This quote reminded me of a Scripture that assures that God has a plan in my life. It is in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Looking ten years ahead, what will I be? Can I be successful as God has assured?
There are factors that should be considered in order to achieve the SUCCESS in life. Primarily, a person should know how to motivate himself. As the captains of our own lives, we have the responsibility to have our own forecasting for the years to come. Setting goals, planning ahead, formulating strategies--- these all play a big role for a triumphant future. They are the major ingredients so that one will be flying high with colors.
Any activity requires planning in order to achieve a desired goal. It would be crucial for any endeavor in life without any established plan. These plans could either make or break an individual. That is why plans should be thoroughly analyzed. This thorough analysis will lead to strategies that will eventually play a big role for the success of any person.
This strategic plan will enable any individual to succeed and survive, depending on the plan that has been made. As said earlier, plans could either make or break them.
I, an Information Technology student as of now will be soon entering the real business world and be called as an IT professional. But the big question is how will I get there? What are my strategies so that I could land successfully to the field that I have chosen?
Success needs determination; determination to follow the dreams and vision inhabiting in the mind and heart, determination to pursue whatever goal that has been set. Determination also speaks of discipline. We need to discipline our thought, life, emotion, and event the way we think. Disciplining our thought means that we need to see things as complimenting with one another; that even things never turned out as we expect them to be, we will put in mind that everything happens for a special purpose, and we need to see things in a very nice view --- in a positive outlook. Disciplining our life means we need to take control of our time. Valuing our time is one way of exercising professionalism. Time discipline is important especially for worthwhile things. To cite, rather than going to malls and spending time on shopping, its more preferable to lay our time in reading knowledgeable books, journals, magazines, surfing the World Wide Web --- all sorts of exploring and unraveling the vastness of Information Technology knowing that it does advance as day passes by. We spend our time according to our maximum priority. And that priority is our future--- our Success. When we deal with our emotions, discipline can be applied in a way that we have to manage the stresses that we get around us; from the people we meet daily, family issues, national or local concerns and everything that affects our emotions. It should be that we know how to handle our stresses and the situations that we encounter. It is inevitable to face such things but when we know how to balance our emotions, it will not be difficult for us to deal with them. And lastly, the way of how we discipline our thinking --- this entails focus to our vision. We should focus on the positive side of life; we should pursue optimistic thinking. We should focus on the dreams we have envisioned. Success needs people who know how to dream. It needs people who are being unchained with their paralyzed minds. Paralyzed with the current status they have, the failures they have gone, the discouragements they have been through and they get from the people and surroundings and from what they perceive --- all the contaminants that is being trashed in their minds. It weakens their hope, lessens their confidence to follow their dreams and hinders them to achieve what they desire in their lives. They are being immobilized with all these negativities.
Success requires Change. Change of mindset. I may say that, “If I change, everything changes!” There is no wonder that I will be victorious in the end. Mindset matters in all aspects of life. It’s the mindset that neutralizes the disparity one possesses. It is mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it won’t matter. So it is necessary that we weigh and evaluate things first before we let them matter o us. If we allow them to hurt or affect us in a not-so-good way, it’s our fault then, we allowed them so. If we stay where were at, we won’t change. If a person wants to pursue their plans in life, it’s a must that he or she undergoes change --- change for the better. He or she should bring and let him or herself enter a new level in life. Change is a requirement for Success. If one desires to become prosperous, a shifting of mindset is needed. Mindset really counts.
Douglas Thornton said, “I find that the constant inspiration gained by looking at the goal is the chief thing that helps me to persevere.” Honestly, I was deeply moved with his statement. Planning ahead and setting goals, the vision and dreams, helps motivate to proceed and run after the reward that lies ahead. Focusing on the goal produces perseverance. Despite of the undertakings and peculiarity of the events around, the goal pushes us to go through. If on chooses to stay focused, he or she would not allow anything, be it the events, people, or the emotions, to get him be distracted. He would formulate strategies instead to overrun them. A person who wants to become successful in the end would live a STRATEGIC lifestyle --- a balanced life. A Strategic lifestyle would mean:
1. BELIEVING THAT YOU ARE A PERSON OF WORTH. Believing equates trusting --- trusting in our own abilities to become triumphant in the future, and confidence to attain whatever goal that has been already set. This would imply of NO “SELF-DEGRADATION” rule in spite of the weaknesses and flaws one have.
2. STARTING THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Being optimistic helps an individual to stay right on the track. A positive attitude each day drives all worries away! The attitude maintains the focus and also, the focus upholds the attitude.
3. DEFINING OUR DREAMS. Like any other projects that we have or had taken, we need to know them for us to accomplish them excellently. We need to define our dreams to have a concrete plan on how to achieve them in the most efficient way. If we fail to define them, then it’s our loss.
4. NOT DWELLING IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Most of the people get trapped particularly when it does let them be in the state of anxiousness. These would refer to the problems, challenges, and obstacles they have never anticipated to come their way. These are all spices of life and all spices make life more tasteful. Even though when there is fear blocking along the way, let us keep on advancing! There is no such thing as hopeless. Nothing is hopeless until you give up hope. When we focus on the goal, we will see hope unless we choose to stay, be overwhelmed and consumed with life’s intricacy.
5. START THINKING RIGHT. It’s how we perceive and receive things. It would be much easier to get into our goal if we practice thinking appropriately. Thinking too much of the garbages or the pointless thoughts in our mind would weigh us down. Thinking right demands the right perspectives in life. It speaks of our mindset, again. The way we think determines who we are and what we will become. The way we think influences how we act to make things happen. As a Proverb says, “As a man thinks, so he is.” But we should not also forget that it is the plan of Him that will prevail. No matter how much effort, how much we struggle and how big our plan are, His’ will reign.
6. KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR DREAM. We should not let our eyes get blurred or else there would be a division in our focus. We have many priorities in life but it should also be that “First things first.”
Life is unpredictable. It is full of surprises. You don’t know what it may bring. But as the captains of our own boat, we are liable on how are we going to make things run in a smooth flow. We are the forecasters of our own future. We make things happen in our lives. What we believe is what we become; and what we believe for should be accompanied with our actions in order for them to be fulfilled.
As of now, I am still a student who is continually learning the fundamentals of the Information and Communications Technology industry; exploring its vastness and hoping too that I will be entering, engaging, and working with the real ICT world. As a student as of now, I allow myself to discover more of the field that I have chosen. To experience challenges in my student years is essential for the development of my knowledge and skills that soon will be vital in my future career.
But as what I have mentioned earlier, “What we believe is what we become”… What I believe then, I will become. This suggests that we should possess the proper mindset for us to arrive at our individual goals--- that we should believe in our own abilities and potentials and really allow ourselves to be exposed with the unending learning around us; to never stop learning. With this motivation, I could envision myself as a professional IT person in a well-known company acquiring the competitive skills and adequate knowledge about my profession. I could visualize that I am working in a software development team. I could also envision myself as occupying a top rank and being well-compensated by the company. Ten years from now, I could see myself as a successful IT professional mentoring other people; helping them to carry out their objectives.
With all of these futuristic ideas and plans I have, it will just be fulfilled if it is the perfect will of Him. As what the Scripture says: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is His’ that will prevail”… Nevertheless, He has also promised that He has the perfect plans in our lives; not to harm but to prosper us. This means there is hope for everything. As long as we do our part, believe in ourselves, and most importantly, trusting Him in all our ways, we will succeed.
In a youth conference, a speaker once said, “The world belongs for those who dream…” This statement has made me realize that dreaming in a deeper sense is definitely essential if an individual wants to survive in this world. It triggers the ability of a person to pursue whatever he has dreamed of. But nevertheless, sometimes dreaming makes one being hindered to achieve their goals in life. Dreams will stay dreams if there is no action being put to it. Dreams connote of the desirable future we want to attain. It’s a vision dwelling in us…
I may say that one cannot focus if there is no vision. Without vision, one can get caught with life’s complexity; being distracted with the negative issues in the environment and as well as the issues of the person itself. As being quoted by Dave Branon, he said that, “Life will never look fair. But when we trust God, we always know that He is faithful.” This quote reminded me of a Scripture that assures that God has a plan in my life. It is in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Looking ten years ahead, what will I be? Can I be successful as God has assured?
There are factors that should be considered in order to achieve the SUCCESS in life. Primarily, a person should know how to motivate himself. As the captains of our own lives, we have the responsibility to have our own forecasting for the years to come. Setting goals, planning ahead, formulating strategies--- these all play a big role for a triumphant future. They are the major ingredients so that one will be flying high with colors.
Any activity requires planning in order to achieve a desired goal. It would be crucial for any endeavor in life without any established plan. These plans could either make or break an individual. That is why plans should be thoroughly analyzed. This thorough analysis will lead to strategies that will eventually play a big role for the success of any person.
This strategic plan will enable any individual to succeed and survive, depending on the plan that has been made. As said earlier, plans could either make or break them.
I, an Information Technology student as of now will be soon entering the real business world and be called as an IT professional. But the big question is how will I get there? What are my strategies so that I could land successfully to the field that I have chosen?
Success needs determination; determination to follow the dreams and vision inhabiting in the mind and heart, determination to pursue whatever goal that has been set. Determination also speaks of discipline. We need to discipline our thought, life, emotion, and event the way we think. Disciplining our thought means that we need to see things as complimenting with one another; that even things never turned out as we expect them to be, we will put in mind that everything happens for a special purpose, and we need to see things in a very nice view --- in a positive outlook. Disciplining our life means we need to take control of our time. Valuing our time is one way of exercising professionalism. Time discipline is important especially for worthwhile things. To cite, rather than going to malls and spending time on shopping, its more preferable to lay our time in reading knowledgeable books, journals, magazines, surfing the World Wide Web --- all sorts of exploring and unraveling the vastness of Information Technology knowing that it does advance as day passes by. We spend our time according to our maximum priority. And that priority is our future--- our Success. When we deal with our emotions, discipline can be applied in a way that we have to manage the stresses that we get around us; from the people we meet daily, family issues, national or local concerns and everything that affects our emotions. It should be that we know how to handle our stresses and the situations that we encounter. It is inevitable to face such things but when we know how to balance our emotions, it will not be difficult for us to deal with them. And lastly, the way of how we discipline our thinking --- this entails focus to our vision. We should focus on the positive side of life; we should pursue optimistic thinking. We should focus on the dreams we have envisioned. Success needs people who know how to dream. It needs people who are being unchained with their paralyzed minds. Paralyzed with the current status they have, the failures they have gone, the discouragements they have been through and they get from the people and surroundings and from what they perceive --- all the contaminants that is being trashed in their minds. It weakens their hope, lessens their confidence to follow their dreams and hinders them to achieve what they desire in their lives. They are being immobilized with all these negativities.
Success requires Change. Change of mindset. I may say that, “If I change, everything changes!” There is no wonder that I will be victorious in the end. Mindset matters in all aspects of life. It’s the mindset that neutralizes the disparity one possesses. It is mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it won’t matter. So it is necessary that we weigh and evaluate things first before we let them matter o us. If we allow them to hurt or affect us in a not-so-good way, it’s our fault then, we allowed them so. If we stay where were at, we won’t change. If a person wants to pursue their plans in life, it’s a must that he or she undergoes change --- change for the better. He or she should bring and let him or herself enter a new level in life. Change is a requirement for Success. If one desires to become prosperous, a shifting of mindset is needed. Mindset really counts.
Douglas Thornton said, “I find that the constant inspiration gained by looking at the goal is the chief thing that helps me to persevere.” Honestly, I was deeply moved with his statement. Planning ahead and setting goals, the vision and dreams, helps motivate to proceed and run after the reward that lies ahead. Focusing on the goal produces perseverance. Despite of the undertakings and peculiarity of the events around, the goal pushes us to go through. If on chooses to stay focused, he or she would not allow anything, be it the events, people, or the emotions, to get him be distracted. He would formulate strategies instead to overrun them. A person who wants to become successful in the end would live a STRATEGIC lifestyle --- a balanced life. A Strategic lifestyle would mean:
1. BELIEVING THAT YOU ARE A PERSON OF WORTH. Believing equates trusting --- trusting in our own abilities to become triumphant in the future, and confidence to attain whatever goal that has been already set. This would imply of NO “SELF-DEGRADATION” rule in spite of the weaknesses and flaws one have.
2. STARTING THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Being optimistic helps an individual to stay right on the track. A positive attitude each day drives all worries away! The attitude maintains the focus and also, the focus upholds the attitude.
3. DEFINING OUR DREAMS. Like any other projects that we have or had taken, we need to know them for us to accomplish them excellently. We need to define our dreams to have a concrete plan on how to achieve them in the most efficient way. If we fail to define them, then it’s our loss.
4. NOT DWELLING IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Most of the people get trapped particularly when it does let them be in the state of anxiousness. These would refer to the problems, challenges, and obstacles they have never anticipated to come their way. These are all spices of life and all spices make life more tasteful. Even though when there is fear blocking along the way, let us keep on advancing! There is no such thing as hopeless. Nothing is hopeless until you give up hope. When we focus on the goal, we will see hope unless we choose to stay, be overwhelmed and consumed with life’s intricacy.
5. START THINKING RIGHT. It’s how we perceive and receive things. It would be much easier to get into our goal if we practice thinking appropriately. Thinking too much of the garbages or the pointless thoughts in our mind would weigh us down. Thinking right demands the right perspectives in life. It speaks of our mindset, again. The way we think determines who we are and what we will become. The way we think influences how we act to make things happen. As a Proverb says, “As a man thinks, so he is.” But we should not also forget that it is the plan of Him that will prevail. No matter how much effort, how much we struggle and how big our plan are, His’ will reign.
6. KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR DREAM. We should not let our eyes get blurred or else there would be a division in our focus. We have many priorities in life but it should also be that “First things first.”
Life is unpredictable. It is full of surprises. You don’t know what it may bring. But as the captains of our own boat, we are liable on how are we going to make things run in a smooth flow. We are the forecasters of our own future. We make things happen in our lives. What we believe is what we become; and what we believe for should be accompanied with our actions in order for them to be fulfilled.
As of now, I am still a student who is continually learning the fundamentals of the Information and Communications Technology industry; exploring its vastness and hoping too that I will be entering, engaging, and working with the real ICT world. As a student as of now, I allow myself to discover more of the field that I have chosen. To experience challenges in my student years is essential for the development of my knowledge and skills that soon will be vital in my future career.
But as what I have mentioned earlier, “What we believe is what we become”… What I believe then, I will become. This suggests that we should possess the proper mindset for us to arrive at our individual goals--- that we should believe in our own abilities and potentials and really allow ourselves to be exposed with the unending learning around us; to never stop learning. With this motivation, I could envision myself as a professional IT person in a well-known company acquiring the competitive skills and adequate knowledge about my profession. I could visualize that I am working in a software development team. I could also envision myself as occupying a top rank and being well-compensated by the company. Ten years from now, I could see myself as a successful IT professional mentoring other people; helping them to carry out their objectives.
With all of these futuristic ideas and plans I have, it will just be fulfilled if it is the perfect will of Him. As what the Scripture says: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is His’ that will prevail”… Nevertheless, He has also promised that He has the perfect plans in our lives; not to harm but to prosper us. This means there is hope for everything. As long as we do our part, believe in ourselves, and most importantly, trusting Him in all our ways, we will succeed.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Strategic Information System Planning.Ü
Our class in Management Information System II have discussed and shared about the Evolution of Information System Planning and the Problems of Information System Plan last Monday. It was a good sharing and we learned from the practical examples given by the sharers.
Any activity requires planning in order to achieve a desired goal. It would be crucial for any endeavor in life without any established plan. These plans could either make or break an individual or any organization. That is why plans should be thoroughly analyzed. This thorough analysis will lead to strategies that will eventually play a big role for the success of a company or any person.
To review, Information System involves Hardware, Software, and People ware. These three are interrelated in a way that one could not work properly if one component is malfunctioning; the entire Information System is affected. That is why a strategic plan for it should be made. This strategic plan will enable an organization or any business individual to succeed and survive, depending on the plan that has been made. As said earlier, plans could either make or break them.
As years go by, Information Systems Planning also has developed. The realization that there is a constant change in the environment brought an impact to the many organizations for them to improve business performance and maximize their returns on IT investment. Basically, planning for Information System begins with the identification of needs. A problem will be given a solution when the problem itself is first identified. In the sharing, it was said that the plan should be specific and flexible. Specific enough to enable understanding of each application and to know where it stands in the order of development and flexible so as to adjust the priorities in the planning, if necessary.
Nevertheless, problems can never be eluded. That is why it should be that the SISP should anticipate for the things to happen—it really requires deep understanding of the specific needs inside an organization. Also, organizational plans and IS plans should go together so that it would advance and bring improvement to the organization, hence, gives way to its survival in the industry. Moreover, the application of Information Technology to a firm’s strategic activities is one of the effective factors to enhance business operations. Through planning strategically, an organization can participate in the competition in the business enterprise
Any activity requires planning in order to achieve a desired goal. It would be crucial for any endeavor in life without any established plan. These plans could either make or break an individual or any organization. That is why plans should be thoroughly analyzed. This thorough analysis will lead to strategies that will eventually play a big role for the success of a company or any person.
To review, Information System involves Hardware, Software, and People ware. These three are interrelated in a way that one could not work properly if one component is malfunctioning; the entire Information System is affected. That is why a strategic plan for it should be made. This strategic plan will enable an organization or any business individual to succeed and survive, depending on the plan that has been made. As said earlier, plans could either make or break them.
As years go by, Information Systems Planning also has developed. The realization that there is a constant change in the environment brought an impact to the many organizations for them to improve business performance and maximize their returns on IT investment. Basically, planning for Information System begins with the identification of needs. A problem will be given a solution when the problem itself is first identified. In the sharing, it was said that the plan should be specific and flexible. Specific enough to enable understanding of each application and to know where it stands in the order of development and flexible so as to adjust the priorities in the planning, if necessary.
Nevertheless, problems can never be eluded. That is why it should be that the SISP should anticipate for the things to happen—it really requires deep understanding of the specific needs inside an organization. Also, organizational plans and IS plans should go together so that it would advance and bring improvement to the organization, hence, gives way to its survival in the industry. Moreover, the application of Information Technology to a firm’s strategic activities is one of the effective factors to enhance business operations. Through planning strategically, an organization can participate in the competition in the business enterprise
Monday, November 17, 2008
five years from now?
Life is unpredictable. It is full of surprises. You don’t know what it may bring. But as the captains of our own boat, we are liable on how are we going to make things run in a smooth flow. We are the forecasters of our own future. We make things happen in our lives. What we believe is what we become; and what we believe for should be accompanied with our actions in order for them to be fulfilled.
As of now, I am still a student who is continually learning the fundamentals of the Information and Communications Technology industry; exploring its vastness and hoping too that I will be entering, engaging, and working with the real ICT world. As a student as of now, I allow myself to discover more of the field that I have chosen. To experience challenges in my student years is essential for the development of my knowledge and skills that soon will be vital in my future career.
To foresee myself five years from now is not that fixed. What I mean is that I am not sure yet if I will become what I am planning to be. But as what I have mentioned earlier, “What we believe is what we become”… What I believe then, I will become. This suggests that we should possess the proper mindset for us to arrive at our individual goals--- that we should believe in our own abilities and potentials and really allow ourselves to be exposed with the unending learning around us; to never stop learning. With this motivation, I could envision myself as a professional IT person in a well-known company acquiring the competitive skills and adequate knowledge about my profession. I could visualize that I am working in a software development team. I could also envision myself as occupying a top rank and being well-compensated by the company. Five years from now, I could see myself as a successful IT professional mentoring other people; helping them to carry out their objectives.
With all of these futuristic ideas and plans I have, it will just be fulfilled if it is the perfect will of Him. As what the Scripture says: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is His’ that will prevail”…Nevertheless, He has also promised that He has the perfect plans in our lives; not to harm but to prosper us. This means there is hope for everything. As long as we do our part, believe in ourselves, and most importantly, trusting Him in all our ways, we will succeed.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My own FOSS perspective
I did appreciate of how FOSS or Free and Open Source Software have
given me the idea of expressing a sense of "liberty" in the virtual realms. With FOSS, people can
benefit from first, its Open Standards, which means it is publicly available and has no limits in terms with its
rights; it is not that strict and can be easily accessed by anyone because of its availability. Next is that
because FOSS is Open Source which means that it has a complete free source reference implementation
available. With Open Standards, people can have a lot of benefits. Organizations could gain advantages
and will be ensured that its technological and Information Technology procurements and implementations
follow it. Another is that there is a less chance of being locked in a specific vendor. It creates a major benefit
that would result to the interoperability of different technologies and for the different systems to communicate
with one another. One question is that what are Standards and why use them? According to my readings,
Standards means an established or accepted level of achievement. In my own perspective, these are
essential to attain a particular goal. In general, they are important because it simplifies our living. Another
thing that adds spice to FOSS is that it is Open for Innovation, open for everyone, not even one exempted.
Moreover, there are standard-setting process, the de jure, de facto and industry which plays an essential
role for a standard to be set and implemented. FOSS creates a new atmosphere in the IT industry.
As the name itself implies, Free and Open Source Software, is free and open for everyone. These refers
to the softwares that are highly needed in the Information and Communications Technology industry.
These softwares may be a certain system that helps a company or establishment do its job in its
simplest and most convenient matter. But the issue in here is that these softwares are classified into two,
which are the proprietary and non-proprietary. By nature, proprietary ones ar much expensive rather than the
non-proprietary. In my own understanding about what FOSS is, it has a lot of advantages than the proprietary
products. To cite, primarily it is free or if not, cheaper compared to proprietary softwares. And another is that
it is expansible, which means it can be modified and further developed which is really helpful for a software
to be enhanced. With FOSS, the participation of people specially in the Information Technology field such as
the programmers and web developers is increased. For me, FOSS is a big help even to the unemployed
potential programmers and the like. They can even get a living out of it without any application from any
company. All they have to do is to enhance a software and market it in in the virtual world. Another thing
that interests me about FOSS is that it caters vast opportunities for the people who have a desire in pursuing
their career without looking or belittling their educational background as long as the "developer" contributes
worthy software for the majority.
In most cases, specially in the Philippines; people, company and other establishments are being
locked-in with the proprietary softwares. I may say that they embrace it till now for the basic reason that it was
first introduced rather than the FOSS. On the other hand, if FOSS was also first introduced, no wonder FOSS
is widely accepted and used in our country. Who came first really matters. Another is that the business world
runs with the use of proprietary softwares. It can be that they are just going with the flow. I myself admit that
am more familiar with the proprietary products and its applications specially the office applications, and much
more comfortable with using it. But now that I know what the power of FOSS brings for the majority, I am now
beginning to open myself towards it. FOSS might be odd and eccentric at first for others but it just takes time
to appreciate its essence and beauty. It entails open-mindedness for it to be fully understood.
It's good to know and hear that there is a Republic Act implemented in the Philippines regarding FOSS.
Meaning, FOSS is slowly digging it up, it is slowly exposed to the many. While others are not yet familiar with it,
I believe there will come a time that they will just be caught with the "FOSS fever". I am so amazed with how other people like the developers and consumers fully embraced, patronized, understood and studied FOSS. They pour out their dedication into it and really stood up with their feet and of course with the partnership of FOSS itself.
I believe that if FOSS will be thoroughly and fully be exposed to Filipinos, we would be saving a large
percentage for our annual budget alloted for the Information and Communications Technology field. It requires
collaboration from the entire participants of the country--from the government down to the individuals. Also, FOSS is a breakthrough when it comes to producing more softwares, more jobs, more opportunities.
Monday, July 21, 2008
What do you think is the role of research topic in deciding your future career?
Future has no certainty. As defined from the Webster’s dictionary, it is “referring to time yet to come” or “that is to be”. No one can predict his own future. Not even the most brilliant and intelligent person in out planet. Maybe, they just keep on guessing. In our modern world, things are getting simpler to be done from time to time, new discoveries have been found, which all in all have the impact to bring advantages for the lives of the people around the globe—and this is the power of research.
In my own perception, a research topic can be a result of one’s field of interest. One may choose to go on with a particular topic because he or she might have the passion or knowledge for that certain matter or the “curiosity” led them to pick that particular research topic to expand their understanding about it. Research topic serves as a guide or map to a person in pursuing his or her future career. A person may use his research topic to decide with what he is going to land. One may pursue a research because that is his or her interest or maybe it is his or her specialty, or he or she has the expertise for it. If one follows his /heart, he/she will definitely reach his goals.
In my own perception, a research topic can be a result of one’s field of interest. One may choose to go on with a particular topic because he or she might have the passion or knowledge for that certain matter or the “curiosity” led them to pick that particular research topic to expand their understanding about it. Research topic serves as a guide or map to a person in pursuing his or her future career. A person may use his research topic to decide with what he is going to land. One may pursue a research because that is his or her interest or maybe it is his or her specialty, or he or she has the expertise for it. If one follows his /heart, he/she will definitely reach his goals.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Benefits of Open Standards
Having been introduced to Open Standards, I think the top benefits of using Open Standards is that, for the part of the developers, they have all the rights to improve and enhance a particular software since it is "open standards", meaning, they can do whatever they want to as long as they will meet the requirements for the open standards। Eventually, the end-users will then have the all-access privilege with the finish products of the developers for a minimal cost and much better, downloadable and for free.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
What is FOSS?
In my own perception, FOSS, or Free and Open Source Software, as the meaning of the acronym describes is "free and can be easily accessed by the end-users compared with proprietary software, and is also subjected for modification such as upgrades, or developments to enhance its features".
As it has been written by Eric Raymond in a seminal paper on the FOSS model entitled The Cathedral and the Bazaar,"Open-source software [is] the process of systematically harnessing open development and decentralized peer review to lower costs and improve software quality."
This statement, clearly states that FOSS is formulated to minimize the costs on purchasing softwares by continually developing it to improve its quality. In my own view, FOSS is good to patonize since it requires lesser amount to procure it. It's just that there must be excellent, if not, aggressive software developers to pursue it for the quality to get better and better.
try to check this link for further understanding:
http://nosi.net/choosing-and-using-free-and-open-source-software-primer-nonprofits/chapter-2-what-foss
As it has been written by Eric Raymond in a seminal paper on the FOSS model entitled The Cathedral and the Bazaar,"Open-source software [is] the process of systematically harnessing open development and decentralized peer review to lower costs and improve software quality."
This statement, clearly states that FOSS is formulated to minimize the costs on purchasing softwares by continually developing it to improve its quality. In my own view, FOSS is good to patonize since it requires lesser amount to procure it. It's just that there must be excellent, if not, aggressive software developers to pursue it for the quality to get better and better.
try to check this link for further understanding:
http://nosi.net/choosing-and-using-free-and-open-source-software-primer-nonprofits/chapter-2-what-foss
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Assignment 2
Find any information/ article and examine the state of computer science
research and what are it's variety of technical topics?
Subject: The State of Computer Science Research in the U.S and the Evolution of Federal Support for Information Technology
This article highlights the statement of Wm. A. Wulf, president of the National
Academy of Engineering and AT&T Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia, about the state of Computer Science research in the
United States. There is a contention concerning the issue "Investing" vs. "Expense". He has pointed out that what the federal funding in basic computing research has contributed in the field of national security, prosperity and health is simply an "investment" and not an "expense". There is a distinction between the two; since "expense" sounds like valueless or basically it is just a money spent on an activity while "investment means spending money "productively". These "investments" will reimburse themselve for the future generation. Computer Science research has brought vast contribution within the scope of physical sciences, engineering, commerce, cosmology and weather prediction. He has quoted that, "Basic research may not be the original source for all the benefits we enjoy from technology, but it is a vital and irreplaceable component of the rich system that produces them". This statement made me realize that, not all researches becomes successful or being developed and later caters थेnecessities of the society; but it may become a foundation for the forthcoming
studies. Wulf has greatly emphasized the proper appropriation of budget to sustain the researches and proposals made. Indeed, federal funding, as what I have understood is a union of funding; is essential to pursue this researches. Without this element, these potential researches and proposals would become futile and stagnant, much more, it is just a waste of time and effort. Without current resources, there won't be anything to yield next time. As mentioned, better and stable funding is strongly needed for long term basic researches.
Technical topics covered:
*Evolution and development of Information Technology
*CyberSecurity Research
*Research Funding Stability
REFERENCE: http://www.nationalacademies.org/ocga/testimonies/Computer_Science_Research_in_the_United_States.asp.3e
research and what are it's variety of technical topics?
Subject: The State of Computer Science Research in the U.S and the Evolution of Federal Support for Information Technology
This article highlights the statement of Wm. A. Wulf, president of the National
Academy of Engineering and AT&T Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia, about the state of Computer Science research in the
United States. There is a contention concerning the issue "Investing" vs. "Expense". He has pointed out that what the federal funding in basic computing research has contributed in the field of national security, prosperity and health is simply an "investment" and not an "expense". There is a distinction between the two; since "expense" sounds like valueless or basically it is just a money spent on an activity while "investment means spending money "productively". These "investments" will reimburse themselve for the future generation. Computer Science research has brought vast contribution within the scope of physical sciences, engineering, commerce, cosmology and weather prediction. He has quoted that, "Basic research may not be the original source for all the benefits we enjoy from technology, but it is a vital and irreplaceable component of the rich system that produces them". This statement made me realize that, not all researches becomes successful or being developed and later caters थेnecessities of the society; but it may become a foundation for the forthcoming
studies. Wulf has greatly emphasized the proper appropriation of budget to sustain the researches and proposals made. Indeed, federal funding, as what I have understood is a union of funding; is essential to pursue this researches. Without this element, these potential researches and proposals would become futile and stagnant, much more, it is just a waste of time and effort. Without current resources, there won't be anything to yield next time. As mentioned, better and stable funding is strongly needed for long term basic researches.
Technical topics covered:
*Evolution and development of Information Technology
*CyberSecurity Research
*Research Funding Stability
REFERENCE: http://www.nationalacademies.org/ocga/testimonies/Computer_Science_Research_in_the_United_States.asp.3e
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
CS Research Methods Assignment 1
Report 1:
CRYPTOGRAPHY IN COMPUTER SYSTEM SECURITY
Cryptography plays an important role on ensuring the security and reliability of modern computer systems. Since high speed and broad bandwidth have been becoming the keywords for modern computer systems, new cryptographic methods and tools must follow up in order to adapt to these new and emerging technologies.
In our fast-paced world, computer systems are becoming more and more advanced and has these both effects for the end-users. Confidentiality is that very important for some transactions being made electronically such as accounts in the bank, databases or even programs or e-mails in the web. Also the integrity is highly essential because it sets the data to not be corrupted or modified by the clients unless they have the authorization. Cryptology, or the science of coding and decoding secret messages is intended to protect the data from being disturbed or distorted by unauthorized beings.
As I have learned from my professor, some of the most advanced computer systems have these built-in programs that can now decipher the data stored which is pretty bad since it can cause the unreliability of data which is supposedly must not be the last resort of the clients. This is such a big, bad news to all computer users. It is therefore, important to develop more systems in coding and decoding messages to cope up with issues like these. On the other hand, advanced computer systems also means advanced features of it. But we must also bare in our minds to keep that balanced condition or equilibrium regarding this matter; to have a broad understanding about the positive and negative effects of computer systems, which must be answered or being backed-up by cryptography.
Reference: http://www.jucs_org/jucs_143
Report 2:
INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA-BASED DISTANCE TEACHING OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This paper discusses a general approach and architecture for a software system that supports the contextualization of learning resources by means of modular learning objects and applying semantic meta-data. They additionally describe the process of gathering information concerning the learning content by matching learner models against learning resources.
E-learning nowadays or learning through the aid of technology like computers, are very much appreciated and widely used by most of the learning institutions, companies and even business establishments. As I can say, E-learning is far off better than the traditional way of teaching—the use of boards and chalks. Through multimedia-based teaching system, students can easily participate in the class activity, since it uses technology, it can be understood that there is what we call multitasking in a way that students can pass, answer, submit or ask questions directly in the web without the teacher being burdened by all of these stuffs. All he has to do is just to check out on his e-mail and presto! All things are settled. This kind of learning is very beneficial but entails patience since there are other people who are not yet acquainted with technology especially those who were dependent on the traditional methods of learning. Yet, this strategy of teaching is highly interactive, and effective, I believe.
Reference: Andreas Schmidt and Claudia Winterhatter from FZI, Karlsrube (Germany)
Report 3:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
This research paper aims to present on as to how knowledge would be sustained in an organization or company with the aid of Information Technology in a knowledge management view. One of the most important assets of organizations as it has been lately recognized is knowledge. Knowledge, as it has been believed by some managers, consultants, IT professionals and customers, is what makes organizations work. It is the invisible force that propels the most successful companies to stock market values gaining that good profits. This knowledge doesn't merely comes from the tangible assets like capital and equity but rather from the specific know-how of the company to produce future cash flows. The knowledge movement in organizational thinking is about refining rules used by investors into techniques and methodologies for the knowledge auditing of organizations. It has also proposed to put knowledge on the balance sheet in the form of intangible assets that account for organization's intellectual capital. According to Sveiby [1997], such intangibles include employees' competence; the internal structure of organizations, given by their patents; their own models, concepts and processes, their administrative system and IT infrastructure; their external structure, given by the relationships they have developed with customers and suppliers, their brand names, trademark, image and reputation.
As it has been distinguished by Nonaka and Takeuchi [1995], there is a distinction between “explicit” and “tacit” knowledge. Explicit knowledge is a formal knowledge that can be packaged as information and can be found in the documents of an organization while Tacit knowledge is a personal knowledge embedded in individual experience and is shared and exchanged through direct, eye-to-eye contact.
Although this research has not put a great emphasis on the importance of Information Technology in the organizations or companies, it would be certainly become useless if there is no proper management of knowledge. I believe that in order to succeed in this time, technology and right knowledge should join hand in hand. Without the help of each other, it would be difficult to develop the status of a certain organization.
Reference: http://www.jucs_org/
CRYPTOGRAPHY IN COMPUTER SYSTEM SECURITY
Cryptography plays an important role on ensuring the security and reliability of modern computer systems. Since high speed and broad bandwidth have been becoming the keywords for modern computer systems, new cryptographic methods and tools must follow up in order to adapt to these new and emerging technologies.
In our fast-paced world, computer systems are becoming more and more advanced and has these both effects for the end-users. Confidentiality is that very important for some transactions being made electronically such as accounts in the bank, databases or even programs or e-mails in the web. Also the integrity is highly essential because it sets the data to not be corrupted or modified by the clients unless they have the authorization. Cryptology, or the science of coding and decoding secret messages is intended to protect the data from being disturbed or distorted by unauthorized beings.
As I have learned from my professor, some of the most advanced computer systems have these built-in programs that can now decipher the data stored which is pretty bad since it can cause the unreliability of data which is supposedly must not be the last resort of the clients. This is such a big, bad news to all computer users. It is therefore, important to develop more systems in coding and decoding messages to cope up with issues like these. On the other hand, advanced computer systems also means advanced features of it. But we must also bare in our minds to keep that balanced condition or equilibrium regarding this matter; to have a broad understanding about the positive and negative effects of computer systems, which must be answered or being backed-up by cryptography.
Reference: http://www.jucs_org/jucs_143
Report 2:
INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA-BASED DISTANCE TEACHING OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This paper discusses a general approach and architecture for a software system that supports the contextualization of learning resources by means of modular learning objects and applying semantic meta-data. They additionally describe the process of gathering information concerning the learning content by matching learner models against learning resources.
E-learning nowadays or learning through the aid of technology like computers, are very much appreciated and widely used by most of the learning institutions, companies and even business establishments. As I can say, E-learning is far off better than the traditional way of teaching—the use of boards and chalks. Through multimedia-based teaching system, students can easily participate in the class activity, since it uses technology, it can be understood that there is what we call multitasking in a way that students can pass, answer, submit or ask questions directly in the web without the teacher being burdened by all of these stuffs. All he has to do is just to check out on his e-mail and presto! All things are settled. This kind of learning is very beneficial but entails patience since there are other people who are not yet acquainted with technology especially those who were dependent on the traditional methods of learning. Yet, this strategy of teaching is highly interactive, and effective, I believe.
Reference: Andreas Schmidt and Claudia Winterhatter from FZI, Karlsrube (Germany)
Report 3:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
This research paper aims to present on as to how knowledge would be sustained in an organization or company with the aid of Information Technology in a knowledge management view. One of the most important assets of organizations as it has been lately recognized is knowledge. Knowledge, as it has been believed by some managers, consultants, IT professionals and customers, is what makes organizations work. It is the invisible force that propels the most successful companies to stock market values gaining that good profits. This knowledge doesn't merely comes from the tangible assets like capital and equity but rather from the specific know-how of the company to produce future cash flows. The knowledge movement in organizational thinking is about refining rules used by investors into techniques and methodologies for the knowledge auditing of organizations. It has also proposed to put knowledge on the balance sheet in the form of intangible assets that account for organization's intellectual capital. According to Sveiby [1997], such intangibles include employees' competence; the internal structure of organizations, given by their patents; their own models, concepts and processes, their administrative system and IT infrastructure; their external structure, given by the relationships they have developed with customers and suppliers, their brand names, trademark, image and reputation.
As it has been distinguished by Nonaka and Takeuchi [1995], there is a distinction between “explicit” and “tacit” knowledge. Explicit knowledge is a formal knowledge that can be packaged as information and can be found in the documents of an organization while Tacit knowledge is a personal knowledge embedded in individual experience and is shared and exchanged through direct, eye-to-eye contact.
Although this research has not put a great emphasis on the importance of Information Technology in the organizations or companies, it would be certainly become useless if there is no proper management of knowledge. I believe that in order to succeed in this time, technology and right knowledge should join hand in hand. Without the help of each other, it would be difficult to develop the status of a certain organization.
Reference: http://www.jucs_org/
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