Week 10: I was introduced to an entire new software and its' inner-workings that I have never used before. Microsoft Access is a software that is used in databases. It can be used to keep track of inventory, phone numbers, customer lists, or track other information for your company. Here are some more useful times to implement Microsoft Access, taken from the Microsoft Office website.
Microsoft Access
I have never used Microsoft Access before or any other types of database tools, so this should be an interesting experience completing this project with no previous knowledge or experience. The videos were pretty clear on all of the various techniques we need to know to adequately complete the assignment. Also, the scavenger hunt was very helpful to be able to whittle away some of the extra, unnecessary information to focus on what is most import.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Extra Credit: Avatar
Extra Credit: Avatar
I completed the extra credit assignment to make an avatar of
myself using the free program “Doppel Me.” I had never made an avatar before,
even though I have seen other people’s likenesses. The program was very easy to
use and gave multiple choices of different styles. For example, you could
choose hair color, hair style, and various clothes. Although the system was very simple to use and I could not find anything I was displeased with (as far as actually making it), I was not very impressed by the final product. Perhaps my expectations that it would look very realistic were too high?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Week 7- Muddy: Software
Week 7 was very muddy for me. A lot of the concepts feel
over my head and I have had a hard time wrapping my head around them. Open
Source Software (OSS) was one of the main points discussed. OSS is a type of
software that is free and available to anyone. The code can also be changed or
modified by any person who is looking at it. With potentially thousands of
users, this can improve the quality of the program and fix a lot of the bugs
found in the software. As found in the text, there are numerous benefits to
companies using OSS.
1.
COST- eliminates a cost spent developing their
own operating system or licensing; zero marginal costs
2.
RELIABILITY- there are multiple people
constantly checking for problems/bugs and improving product quality
3.
SECURITY- problems can be addressed with greater
speed and reliability
4.
SCALABILITY- has the ability to handle
increasing workloads or to be easily expanded to manage workload increases
5.
AGILITY AND TIME TO MARKET- may be able to skip
segments of the development process; allows new products to reach the market
faster
A few of the most well-known OSS are Firefox, Open Office,
Apache, Linux, & MySQL.
Cloud computing is another type of software that is growing
in popularity. Cloud computing replaces computing resources (hardware or
software) with services provided over the Internet. Software as a Service
(SaaS) is a type of this. SaaS is when a firm subscribed to a 3rd
party software replacing service that is delivered online. This could be
payroll or distribution costs for vendors and reduced risk of software piracy
(because it is free to start with!). However, there are some risks associated with
it.
1.
DEPENDENCE ON A SINGLE VENDOR
2.
CONCERN ABOUT THE LONG TERM VIABILITY OF PARTNER
FIRMS
3.
USERS MAY BE FORCED TO MIGRATE TO NEW VERSIONS-
possibly incurring unforeseen training costs and shifts in operating procedures
4.
RELIANCE ON A NETWORK CONNECTION- which could be
slower, less stable, and less secure
5.
DATA ASSET STORED OFF SITE- could lead to
security and legal questions
6.
LIMITED CONFIGURATION, CUSTOMIZATION, AND SYSTEM
INTEGRATION OPTIONS
7.
THE USER INTERFACE OF WEB BASED SOFTWARE IS
OFTEN LESS SOPHISTICATED AND LACKS THE RICHNESS OF MOST DESKTOP ALTERNATIVES
8.
UNAUTHORIZED IT SUPPORT
Virtualization is described in the textbook as an operating
system for an operating system. Basically, it is a type of software that allows
a single computer to function as if it were several different computers, each
running its own OS and software. It can computing more efficient,
cost-effective, and scalable. You take pieces of hardware (ie: CPU, memory,
storage) and break them up. Then, you give the piecing to virtual machines who use
them as if they were the original whole. You can use this for running several “virtual
computers” on a single physical host computer system. This would be a perfect
tool for a company who wanted to run OS X and
Windows on a Mac computer.
Virtualization was one of the harder concept for me to wrap my head around. I found this video on Youtube which helps alot!
Presentation Project
For my presentation, I chose
Wounded Warrior Project as my philanthropic organization. I have completed
multiple Powerpoint presentations in the years past for various classes and for
presentations in my workplace. However, this was my first time being “trained”
on the correct way to give memorable presentations. It was also my first time
recording my own voice along with a presentation.
If I were to give myself a letter
grade on how well I completed this project, I would give myself an A- or B+. I
think I did well, but there were a few points that could have been improved.
For example, there were a few spots in the voice recording where I stumbled on
my words. Looking back, I should have re-recorded this and made it smoother. I
believe I performed strongly in all of the other areas based off the
Presentation Evaluation Rubric. There was a logical flow and sequence of
content: I started out introducing the organization I was discussing, gave some
information on what they do, who they serve, examples of programs, and how my
audience can help. On my peer critique, the grader stated that I could have
done a better job grabbing the audience’s attention. I agree with this. Maybe
my next presentation could start out with a question or a story to draw them
in. All of the information I presented could be validated and confirmed through
the Wounded Warrior Project website, which is where I gathered my information.
One thing I learned during the Presentations week is how to reduce clutter. I
tried to minimize information on the screen and eliminate bullet points as much
as possible. I know personally that I have a hard time reading what is on a screen
and listening to the presenter simultaneously. I did not want my audience to have
to try to do this and potentially miss an important point I was saying.
Overall, I think I did well on the
presentation project. I applied tips I learned from the presentations week and
Dr. Means’ lectures, which made my presentation more effective and hopefully
memorable. Also, critiquing myself and having a peer critique my work allowed
me to see what was done well and what needs improvement for my next
presentation.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Week 6 Clear (Kinda)- Software
Week 6- Somewhat Clear
In Week 6 of ISM3004, we talked about the various types of software. We use software almost every single
time we sit down at our computers, smart phones, or iPad. I am using a type of
software right now, through Microsoft Word. For example, Microsoft word is a
type of application software (it
helps me accomplish a specific task with a specific purpose) The other type of
software is known as system software,
which enables you to use the hardware. An example of this would be Windows 7 or
McAfee Antivirus.
In this case, the
application software is assisting me in completing my weekly blog through a
word processor. The textbook and video
lectures described the process of communication as a layer cake. Another way to
picture this is a relay race. The baton is passed from runner to runner….
USER--->APPLICATION
SOFTWARE-->OPERATING
SYSTEM (OS)-->HARDWARE
Each individual components communicates with the other one,
allowing a more simplistic approach since each layer is independent. The method
in which each layer communicates with the other is called API’s (Application Programming Interface). The operating system
provides a common set of controls for managing computer hardware. This makes it
easier for users to interact with the computers and for programmers to unite
application software. The consistency of
the OS allows everyone to be on the same page and serves as our gateway to the
hardware. The analogy Mr. Olson used in the lecture related an OS to a traffic
cop.
Furthermore, there are two categories of software: desktop
and enterprise. Desktop software is
like what I am using now to write this entry (Microsoft Word). It is an
application installed on a personal computer that typically supports tasks
performed by a single user. Another example is games or a photo editor. Enterprise software is an application
that addresses the needs of multiple users throughout an organization or work
group. Take for instance, the company of Heinz. “Over 650 million bottles of
Heinz ketchup are sold around the world in more than 150 countries.” This of
course does not take into account the single serve packets of ketchup that are
traditionally found at fast food restaurants. This massive amount of
productions, supplies, and the large numbers of workers and vendors that are
involved in a year’s worth of work is not something that can be kept in an old
fashioned ledger book. They would have to utilize a type of enterprise software
to keep track of sales, shipments, and payrolls.
Images allowed for reuse through Creative Commons/Flickr
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Week 5: Clear- Presentations
Week 5: Clear
Week 5 was all about proper Powerpoint presentations. The
material offered numerous tips from various sources about “do’s and don’ts” of
presentations. I personally believe Powerpoint presentations can be extremely
effective, if done right. For example, the method in which information can be
delivered to an audience through presentations is virtually unlimited. Text,
audio, video, and images can all be used to evoke an emotional response from an
audience. The key to successful Powerpoint presentations is moderation and
creativity. A slideshow full of text with no images or other forms of
multimedia to engage the audience will surely result in some snoring from the
crowd. On the other hand, too many images can cause a slideshow to seem
cluttered and the audience can lose focus on what you are trying to get across.
Once again, moderation is vital in creating a memorable presentation.
My first exposure to Microsoft Powerpoint was when I was in
middle school, circa 2001. Powerpoints were never regularly used in my
classrooms until I got to high school. I have seen countless presentations since
then and many of the “don’ts” that were reviewed in the lecture material are
common mistakes, some that I am even guilty of doing. Here are some things to
keep in mind when creating a Powerpoint and presenting it to an audience.
1. Be clear in what you are trying to get across.
Unneeded information and getting sidetracked on irrelevant information will
lose the attention of your audience and leave them confused on the main point.
2. Do some spring cleaning! Lose the clutter and “extra
stuff” that is on your slideshow. If it isn’t a key factor in demonstrating
your argument, it’s usually a good idea to eliminate it.
3. Use multimedia wisely. If possible, use images
and your own voice rather than reading text on the screen. Images, video, and
audio can all be used to illicit an emotional response from the audience.
4. Don’t overcomplicate or make your graphics too
vague. For example, having too many images on the screen can be just as harmful
to your presentation as having a single picture that is vague & your
audience cannot make the connection
5. Readability: Make sure the text is big enough to
read, even from the back of the room. Another component of readability is only
putting what is necessary. Putting a whole slide full of text can overwhelm
your audience.
6. Don’t forget that your audience might not have
any background information on the topic you are presenting. If they do, they
still are probably not familiar with the topic at hand now. Therefore, it is
important to tie all loose ends on whatever topic you are presenting, so your
audience doesn’t walk out of the room scratching their heads.
7. Meet the needs of your audience. For example, if
you are attempting to sell a product from your company to the CEO of another
company, it is crucial to get inside his or her head. They are listening to
your presentation, thinking “how will this benefit me and my company?” Make
sure you address these questions and tailor your presentations to your specific
audience.
By remembering these suggestions regarding Powerpoint
presentations, it can ensure that the next presentation you have to give will
be a phenomenal and memorable one.
Permission for reuse granted by Standard YouTube License
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Week 4: Clear- Porter's 5 Forces
Porter’s 5 Forces
Porter’s 5 Forces are crucial to understanding the interplay
between firms in an industry and also formulating strategic moves in order to
succeed as a company in a competitive market. Also known as “Industry and
Competitive Analysis,” its’ purpose is just as it name describes: it is used to
analyze the competition in an industry (our rivals) and come up with a strategy
to differentiate our product from theirs. Or at least, the way the consumer
sees it. Michael Porter, of Harvard Business School, came up with this model in
1979.
1.
The intensity of rivalry among existing
competitors
·
Customer loyalty
·
Number of competitors
·
Switching costs
2.
The threat of new entrants
·
Time and cost of entry
·
Economies of scale
·
Barriers to entry
·
Cost advantage
3.
The threat of substitute goods or services
·
Substitute performance
·
Cost of change
4.
The bargaining power of buyers
·
Number of customers
·
Difference between competitors
·
Price sensitivity
·
Ability to substitute
5.
The bargaining power of suppliers
·
Number of suppliers
·
Uniqueness of service
·
Your ability to substitute
These 5 factors illuminates an industry’s fundamental
attractiveness to consumers, exposes the underlying drives of average industry
profitability, and provides insight into how profitability will evolve in the
future. A firm (or potential firm) can evaluate these five factors to determine
their chances or how difficult it will be for them to survive in their respective
industry.
The website below explains Porter’s 5 forces in simple terms
and gives a good example to tie it all together.
This YouTube video is amusing and also explains Porter's 5 forces!
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