1. The SQL below and public link to the query show the number of sales, total sales, average sales, and total profit per year by region. This would be useful when determining which region generates the most revenue and are the most profitable and which regions are falling short.
SELECT year("Date") 'Year', "Region", count("Sales") 'No. Sales per Region per Year' , sum("Sales") 'Total Sales per Region per Year', avg("Sales") 'Average Sales per Region per Year', sum("Profit") 'Total Profit' from "Sales" group by year("Date"), "Region"
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315226000000007542&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=06cebc3d1ea9d175474274599be74a68&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
2. The SQL below and public link to the query shows the number of sales, total sales, and average sales per customer. This would be useful when deciding who your most valuable customers are and which customers you should try to generate more sales from.
SELECT "Customer Name", count("Sales") 'Number of Sales per Customer', sum("Sales") 'Total Sales per Customer', avg("Sales") 'Average Sales per Customer' from "Sales" group by "Customer Name"
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315226000000007411&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=402a98aa06d17822eb7f0a23b2662d4f&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
3. The SQL below and public link to the query shows the Sales and Profit for 2009 by Region and Product Category. This would be useful to determine in a particular year which region and product category generated the most revenue and profit for the company.
SELECT year("date") 'Year', "Region", "Product Category", sum("sales") 'Sales per Region by Product Category', sum("Profit") 'Profit per Region by Product Category' from "sales" where year("date") = 2009 group by "Region", "product category"
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315226000000007150&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=942b32284e6000ad27ea7c7770d78066&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
4. The public link below is to a Sales & Profit Dashboard that I created.
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315226000000007653&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=b483e4fe7575638d6ac01a941f3720eb&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue
Monday, August 1, 2011
Week 4 Task 9
Virtual reality has become a fast growing resource for education and training in a variety of fields. Although it is not a new approach to teaching and training, it has become increasingly popular as the cost of hardware and software for these systems has gone down. Virtual reality has been used for education purposes for almost a decade when “ during the summer of 1998, summer program students at the Coles Elementary School and the Phoenix High School in Chicago used virtual reality to supplement their traditional learning.” [1]
Military groups are one of the leading users of virtual reality training systems. Most of the virtual reality training programs that the military uses are based off of popular virtual reality games. “Cadets at the famous military academy at West Point, in New York, for instance, train with a tank simulation game called Steel Beasts, adapted from a commercial game of the same name. Similarly, the Marine Corps has modified the popular Doom, making the game's monsters into enemy soldiers.” [3] And just this year, the U.S. military commissioned the makers of the Sim City virtual reality game to come up with a virtual reality training system for the soldiers. The new training systems will allow soldiers to practice squad tactics and missions with realistic helicopters and vehicles as well as environmental effects such as disturbed foliage and weather conditions all through a virtual reality headset run through a laptop that is strapped to their backs. [2]
Another field that is using virtual reality in its training and education is in the medical profession. In the medical field, virtual reality education programs and systems have become increasingly popular. In the past, students had to exam and perform medical labs on animals or donated human bodies which only allowed them to dissect and train once. Virtual reality has allowed students and physicians to study and do dissections over and over which provides them with ample practice before ever touching a real patient. [3]
Aviation is yet another field that has taken advantage of the virtual reality world of training. Pilots are not able to practice real life situations that involve bad weather conditions or malfunctions for obvious risk reasons but with flight simulators pilots are able to do just that from the safety of a controlled environment. This type of training provides a valuable benefit because “by spending enough time using a realistic software the pilot will learn how to handle dangerous situations so if the real thing does happen they will know what to do and will respond properly to the problem. [4]
The reasons for the growth in the use of virtual reality systems for training and education purposes are many. One advantage of virtual reality is that it can “support multiple simultaneous users, each connecting to the system using standard office personal computers and broadband Internet access.” [5] Another advantage is the cost. Running practice military missions or practice flights can be costly but the cost of training through a virtual reality system is substantially less. This means that training can be done more often and as many times as needed until the person feels comfortable in whatever it is they are learning. Convenience is also an advantage of using a virtual reality training system. The military no longer needs to spend valuable resources and man hours setting up practice courses when they can just strap into the virtual reality training program and go. With progress though also come downfalls. One of the biggest downfalls to virtual reality training is virtual reality “environment does not have the same consequences as training and working in the real world.” [6] Basically, when training in the real world you have adrenaline and external factors that can influence your behavior that aren’t necessarily present or accounted for in virtual reality training. Despite this disadvantage of virtual reality training, it seems that more and more fields and areas of study are using virtual reality training programs as a vital resource in education.
[1] “ Virtual Reality In Schools: The Ultimate Educational Technology.” The Journal. 01 Feb 1999. Web. 31 July 2011. http://thejournal.com/articles/1999/02/01/virtual-reality-in-schools-the-ultimate-educational-technology.aspx.
[2] “ US military commission $57m virtual reality training sim powered by CryEngine 3.” PC Gamer News. 31 May 2011. Web. 1 August 2011. http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/us-military-commission-57m-virtual-reality-training-sim-powered-by-cryengine-3/.
[3] “ The Virtual Classroom: Virtual Reality in Training and Education.” Science Clarified. Web. 31 July 2011. http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/Virtual-Reality/The-Virtual-Classroom-Virtual-Reality-in-Training-and-Education.html.
[4] “ Flight Simulators - The Importance of Flight Simulation Training.” EzineArticles.com. 25 Jan 2010. Web. 1 Aug 2011. http://ezinearticles.com/?Flight-Simulators---The-Importance-of-Flight-Simulation-Training&id=3636669.
[5] “ Virtual Reality in Medicine - many evolving uses and advantages.” Articlebase. 15 Sept 2009. Web. 1 Aug 2011. http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/virtual-reality-in-medicine-many-evolving-uses-and-advantages-1234434.html.
[6] “Advantages & Disadvantages of Virtual Reality.” eHow. 31 March 2011. Web. 31 July 2011. http://www.ehow.com/info_8135619_advantages-disadvantages-virtual-reality.html.
Military groups are one of the leading users of virtual reality training systems. Most of the virtual reality training programs that the military uses are based off of popular virtual reality games. “Cadets at the famous military academy at West Point, in New York, for instance, train with a tank simulation game called Steel Beasts, adapted from a commercial game of the same name. Similarly, the Marine Corps has modified the popular Doom, making the game's monsters into enemy soldiers.” [3] And just this year, the U.S. military commissioned the makers of the Sim City virtual reality game to come up with a virtual reality training system for the soldiers. The new training systems will allow soldiers to practice squad tactics and missions with realistic helicopters and vehicles as well as environmental effects such as disturbed foliage and weather conditions all through a virtual reality headset run through a laptop that is strapped to their backs. [2]
Another field that is using virtual reality in its training and education is in the medical profession. In the medical field, virtual reality education programs and systems have become increasingly popular. In the past, students had to exam and perform medical labs on animals or donated human bodies which only allowed them to dissect and train once. Virtual reality has allowed students and physicians to study and do dissections over and over which provides them with ample practice before ever touching a real patient. [3]
Aviation is yet another field that has taken advantage of the virtual reality world of training. Pilots are not able to practice real life situations that involve bad weather conditions or malfunctions for obvious risk reasons but with flight simulators pilots are able to do just that from the safety of a controlled environment. This type of training provides a valuable benefit because “by spending enough time using a realistic software the pilot will learn how to handle dangerous situations so if the real thing does happen they will know what to do and will respond properly to the problem. [4]
The reasons for the growth in the use of virtual reality systems for training and education purposes are many. One advantage of virtual reality is that it can “support multiple simultaneous users, each connecting to the system using standard office personal computers and broadband Internet access.” [5] Another advantage is the cost. Running practice military missions or practice flights can be costly but the cost of training through a virtual reality system is substantially less. This means that training can be done more often and as many times as needed until the person feels comfortable in whatever it is they are learning. Convenience is also an advantage of using a virtual reality training system. The military no longer needs to spend valuable resources and man hours setting up practice courses when they can just strap into the virtual reality training program and go. With progress though also come downfalls. One of the biggest downfalls to virtual reality training is virtual reality “environment does not have the same consequences as training and working in the real world.” [6] Basically, when training in the real world you have adrenaline and external factors that can influence your behavior that aren’t necessarily present or accounted for in virtual reality training. Despite this disadvantage of virtual reality training, it seems that more and more fields and areas of study are using virtual reality training programs as a vital resource in education.
[1] “ Virtual Reality In Schools: The Ultimate Educational Technology.” The Journal. 01 Feb 1999. Web. 31 July 2011. http://thejournal.com/articles/1999/02/01/virtual-reality-in-schools-the-ultimate-educational-technology.aspx.
[2] “ US military commission $57m virtual reality training sim powered by CryEngine 3.” PC Gamer News. 31 May 2011. Web. 1 August 2011. http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/us-military-commission-57m-virtual-reality-training-sim-powered-by-cryengine-3/.
[3] “ The Virtual Classroom: Virtual Reality in Training and Education.” Science Clarified. Web. 31 July 2011. http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/Virtual-Reality/The-Virtual-Classroom-Virtual-Reality-in-Training-and-Education.html.
[4] “ Flight Simulators - The Importance of Flight Simulation Training.” EzineArticles.com. 25 Jan 2010. Web. 1 Aug 2011. http://ezinearticles.com/?Flight-Simulators---The-Importance-of-Flight-Simulation-Training&id=3636669.
[5] “ Virtual Reality in Medicine - many evolving uses and advantages.” Articlebase. 15 Sept 2009. Web. 1 Aug 2011. http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/virtual-reality-in-medicine-many-evolving-uses-and-advantages-1234434.html.
[6] “Advantages & Disadvantages of Virtual Reality.” eHow. 31 March 2011. Web. 31 July 2011. http://www.ehow.com/info_8135619_advantages-disadvantages-virtual-reality.html.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Week 4 Task 3
Dashboards are a valuable tool for decision support systems and provide many benefits to individuals and organizations. In order to achieve a competitive advantage, DSS must provide support to managers as they work to achieve corporate goals and enable managers to compare results to establish company goals and identify problem areas and opportunities for improvement. In order for the information and support provided through decision support systems to be useful, it must be relevant and timely and this is where dashboards provide an advantage. Dashboards can provide all of the relevant information for any particular manager on a single screen in real-time. [1] Dashboards can be customized for each individual so that only information relevant to them and their decision making is displayed. While upper level executives may need to see overall company information, departmental managers only need to see information specific to their department. Dashboards customization allows each user to see the level of information pertinent to them so executives aren’t bombarded with too much information and departmental managers aren’t presented with too little information. Dashboards are also driven by real-time data which allows the users to see what’s happening now and react quicker. [2] In the past, managers and executives had to wait for monthly reports to see what was going on in the organization but dashboards now allow information for decision making to be communicated in real-time. Decision making can now be more pro-active instead of reactive which provides a huge competitive advantage. Another advantage dashboards create is the ability to see detail when necessary. [3] If a manager notices that expenses are rapidly increasing, they can use the dashboard to drill down the information into more detail. Being able to drill down into more detailed information would allow the manager or executive to see which specific area of expenses are increasing and allow them to make an effective decision on cutting costs or justifying the cost. One example of a dashboard used as a decision support system is the Moodle dashboard. If you login to Ramapo’s Moodle, in the upper right hand corner you will see a link to My Dashboard. This link allows the logged in user to see information relevant to them at Ramapo such as upcoming events and their current courses, their activity and their grades. Users can edit the page to filter certain information so that everything being displayed is of the most relevance to them and their needs. [4] By using this dashboard, students are able to see all of their assignments and quizzes that are coming due on one page. This information can help the student decide which assignments and quizzes are a priority. Dashboards are a creative and valuable DSS tool that has many advantages to individuals in both personal and businesses functions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] “Franchise Dashboards for SMEs to Store Business Information.” dMine Business Intelligence. 16 Oct 2010. Web 27 July 2011..
[2] “4 Advantages to Dashboards.” Refocusing Technology. 3 March 2009. Web. 27 July 2011. < http://www.refocusingtechnology.com/2009/03/03/4-adv-dashboard/>.
[3] “4 Advantages to Dashboards.” Refocusing Technology. 3 March 2009. Web. 27 July 2011. < http://www.refocusingtechnology.com/2009/03/03/4-adv-dashboard/>.
[4] “My Moodle.” Moodle.org. 10 July 2011. Web. 27 July 2011..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] “Franchise Dashboards for SMEs to Store Business Information.” dMine Business Intelligence. 16 Oct 2010. Web 27 July 2011.
[2] “4 Advantages to Dashboards.” Refocusing Technology. 3 March 2009. Web. 27 July 2011. < http://www.refocusingtechnology.com/2009/03/03/4-adv-dashboard/>.
[3] “4 Advantages to Dashboards.” Refocusing Technology. 3 March 2009. Web. 27 July 2011. < http://www.refocusingtechnology.com/2009/03/03/4-adv-dashboard/>.
[4] “My Moodle.” Moodle.org. 10 July 2011. Web. 27 July 2011.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Week 3 Task 7
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315226000000004021&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=c0bae57ae8c8bb1697b16c71cebde497&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true&SEARCHBOX=true
1. Wall Street Journal Mobile Reader – delivers the latest global news, financial events, marketing insights and information
http://online.wsj.com/public/page/0_0560.html
2. OANDA Currency Converter – provides mobile converters using daily filtered rates for more than 190 currencies and four metals based on information supplied by leading market data contributors
http://www.oanda.com/mobile/
3. ETRADE Mobile Pro – a mobile trading application that provides free streaming real-time quotes with integrated charts, breaking market news and commentary, and easy stock and options trading with market, limit and advanced orders
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/e-trade-mobile-pro/id313259740?mt=8
4. TripDeck – uses Trip Cards to organize hotel reservations, car rental info, trains, flight details, meetings, restaurant reservations, activities and more. Easy access to check-in times, confirmation numbers, gate info, baggage claim, notes, integrated airline contact info and all the other details you need and an additional flight tracking feature.
http://www.mobiata.com/apps/tripdeck-iphone
5. Expensify – imports expenses and receipts straight from your credit card or bank account, submits PDF expense reports by email, and reimburses reports up to $10,000 entirely online; all Expensify expense reports, including attached receipts, are stored in a digital format for easy storage, archiving, and retrieval
https://www.expensify.com/mobile
6. Birch Street e-Procurement – tailored to the needs of the hospitality and food service industries procurement process, connects directly to suppliers to create Purchase Orders or Requisitions and route them electronically for approval, create personal or shared order guides of items your hotel or restaurant buys on a regular basis and setup suppliers and send PO's electronically or through a system generated fax or e-mail
http://www.birchstreet.net/index.php/procurement
7. Microsoft Exchange Outlook Web App – gives employees access to email, voice mail, instant messaging, SMS text messages, and more inside all popular browsers
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/en-us/outlook-web-app.aspx
8. Sales Cloud - display important details about the deals your teams are working on, like how much each one is worth, who you're competing against, and what stage the deal is in and track all opportunity-related data including milestones, decision makers, customer communications, and any other information unique to your company’s sales process
http://www.salesforce.com/crm/sales-force-automation/
1. Wall Street Journal Mobile Reader – delivers the latest global news, financial events, marketing insights and information
http://online.wsj.com/public/page/0_0560.html
2. OANDA Currency Converter – provides mobile converters using daily filtered rates for more than 190 currencies and four metals based on information supplied by leading market data contributors
http://www.oanda.com/mobile/
3. ETRADE Mobile Pro – a mobile trading application that provides free streaming real-time quotes with integrated charts, breaking market news and commentary, and easy stock and options trading with market, limit and advanced orders
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/e-trade-mobile-pro/id313259740?mt=8
4. TripDeck – uses Trip Cards to organize hotel reservations, car rental info, trains, flight details, meetings, restaurant reservations, activities and more. Easy access to check-in times, confirmation numbers, gate info, baggage claim, notes, integrated airline contact info and all the other details you need and an additional flight tracking feature.
http://www.mobiata.com/apps/tripdeck-iphone
5. Expensify – imports expenses and receipts straight from your credit card or bank account, submits PDF expense reports by email, and reimburses reports up to $10,000 entirely online; all Expensify expense reports, including attached receipts, are stored in a digital format for easy storage, archiving, and retrieval
https://www.expensify.com/mobile
6. Birch Street e-Procurement – tailored to the needs of the hospitality and food service industries procurement process, connects directly to suppliers to create Purchase Orders or Requisitions and route them electronically for approval, create personal or shared order guides of items your hotel or restaurant buys on a regular basis and setup suppliers and send PO's electronically or through a system generated fax or e-mail
http://www.birchstreet.net/index.php/procurement
7. Microsoft Exchange Outlook Web App – gives employees access to email, voice mail, instant messaging, SMS text messages, and more inside all popular browsers
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/en-us/outlook-web-app.aspx
8. Sales Cloud - display important details about the deals your teams are working on, like how much each one is worth, who you're competing against, and what stage the deal is in and track all opportunity-related data including milestones, decision makers, customer communications, and any other information unique to your company’s sales process
http://www.salesforce.com/crm/sales-force-automation/
Week 3 Task 6
In the hospitality industry, e-commerce software is extremely important to allow customers the option to make room reservations right from the hotels website. "Most hospitality customers, nowadays, make their bookings on the internet." [1] The hospitality company that I work for is in the niche market of conference centers and we hold a lot of group business. The first thing that Meetings Planners look at when choosing to work with my company is our website. One of the features that they usually find appealing is our electronic RFP process. “Online distribution channels are revolutionizing the hospitality industry, providing new avenues for both professional and casual event planners to submit inquiries and RFP’s over the Internet.” [2] The various channels that RFP’s can come through makes it extremely hard to track leads and respond quickly to these RFP’s. Our SpeedRFP software allows meeting planners to choose the hotel they would like to have their meeting at and submit an RFP (request for proposal) right from our Website. This software routes RFP’s directly to the appropriate Sales Manager which cuts down on response time and duplicate communications and efforts.
One of the top complaints by meeting planners is “that RFP’s are not responded to in a timely and thorough manner.” [3] Technology and e-business has definitely changed the way the RFP response process happens. Once an RFP has been reviewed, we use another e-commerce software called eProposal. This software allows our Sales Managers to respond to RFP’s in minutes. Most meeting planners choose their meeting site based on the first 3-5 proposals they receive.
E-commerce software like SpeedRFP and e-Proposal have allowed my company to be one of those first five proposals, increasing our sales by approximately 20 percent. According to Website Design Services, “any business that intends on having a direct marketing and sales channel with its customers will need ecommerce software.” [4] This is true because E-commerce software supports functions such as product configuration that allows customers to select the necessary options, shopping cart facilities to see what has been selected for purchase, transaction processing, and product management. Without e-commerce software, the hospitality industry would not be able to market or sell any of its services electronically.
[1] “ Hotel reservation software-importance and management.” Articlebase. 17 Nov 2009. Web. 25 July 2011. http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/hotel-reservation-softwareimportance-and-management-1468975.html.
[2] “Meeting Broker.” Newmarket International Meeting Broker. Web 24 July 2011. http://newmarketinc.com/products/meetingbroker.aspx.
[3] “ Top Ten Ways to Increase Your Proposal Win Rate.” Newmarket International. 2009 Sept 23. Web 25 July 2011. http://www.newmarketinc.com/top10handout.aspx.
[4] “Importance of E-commerce Software.” Website Design Services. 5 July 2009. Web. 25 July 2011. < http://ingeniouswebsitesolution.com/definition-of-e-commerce-site-importance-of-e-commerce-software/>.
One of the top complaints by meeting planners is “that RFP’s are not responded to in a timely and thorough manner.” [3] Technology and e-business has definitely changed the way the RFP response process happens. Once an RFP has been reviewed, we use another e-commerce software called eProposal. This software allows our Sales Managers to respond to RFP’s in minutes. Most meeting planners choose their meeting site based on the first 3-5 proposals they receive.
E-commerce software like SpeedRFP and e-Proposal have allowed my company to be one of those first five proposals, increasing our sales by approximately 20 percent. According to Website Design Services, “any business that intends on having a direct marketing and sales channel with its customers will need ecommerce software.” [4] This is true because E-commerce software supports functions such as product configuration that allows customers to select the necessary options, shopping cart facilities to see what has been selected for purchase, transaction processing, and product management. Without e-commerce software, the hospitality industry would not be able to market or sell any of its services electronically.
[1] “ Hotel reservation software-importance and management.” Articlebase. 17 Nov 2009. Web. 25 July 2011. http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/hotel-reservation-softwareimportance-and-management-1468975.html.
[2] “Meeting Broker.” Newmarket International Meeting Broker. Web 24 July 2011. http://newmarketinc.com/products/meetingbroker.aspx.
[3] “ Top Ten Ways to Increase Your Proposal Win Rate.” Newmarket International. 2009 Sept 23. Web 25 July 2011. http://www.newmarketinc.com/top10handout.aspx.
[4] “Importance of E-commerce Software.” Website Design Services. 5 July 2009. Web. 25 July 2011. < http://ingeniouswebsitesolution.com/definition-of-e-commerce-site-importance-of-e-commerce-software/>.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week 3 Task 4
Shopping online provides a benefit to both consumers and businesses but can also have its risks. Consumers get the ease of shopping at any time and from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection but also need to be aware of the risks involved with online transactions and their personal information. Businesses can benefit by being able to find the best deals on the global market for the materials necessary to manufacture their products. There are many different types of online shopping options such as E-tail stores, cybermalls, online clearinghouses, and online auctions or marketplaces. According to an article on Yahoo! news, “94% of shopping happens in stores, but 90% of shoppers make their buying decision based on online research.” [1] This statistic has prompted Wishpond to launch an online shopping platform called BridgeConnect “which enables retailers to easily import & publish product data for greater online visibility.” [1] This is extremely beneficial to both consumers and retailers. Consumers can find product information, reviews and compare prices, and make purchases from social websites such as Facebook, and also from mobile applications. The benefits that retailers receive through this online shopping platform are numerous. Retailers can now start a Facebook store and start selling their products via this social network importing their inventory from their POS (point-of-sale) system, take data from their websites and publish this product data on search engines such as Google Product Search, and publish inventory and product information to mobile apps through product listings on marketplaces such as Ebay. ReatilConnect seems like it will make online shopping easier for consumers because product information will be accessible through many online channels and also make online product promotion easier for retailers since “retailers can launch a richly-featured Facebook store in 20 minutes, complete with their product inventory.” [1]
Although online shopping has its benefits, it has also opened up many consumers and businesses alike to credit card fraud and identity theft. Credit card fraud and identity theft cases have been on the rise as online shopping becomes more popular. “One online security report points out that more than 63% of shoppers jumped ship on online purchases because of security and trust concerns.” [2] To address these issues companies such as McAfee, buySAFE and TrustE offer retailers trust seals or badges which make consumers feel safer about proceeding with online purchases at checkout. A trust seal or a badge is service specific which means that there are different seals or badges depending on the security service being provided. Retailers can have seals or badges from companies such as McAfee or buySAFE for services such as promising the buyers privacy of personal data or ensuring that a website is hacker proof. With a product such as McAfee Secure, online retailers receive a daily scan of their site to detect hacker vulnerabilities. [3] I think services like this are extremely important in this day in age. We do so many transactions online and provide personal information through online portals all of the time and it is extremely important that businesses understand and implement technologies that will protect their consumers. So while online shopping provides many benefits, the risks associated with online shopping can far outweigh those benefits so it is extremely important for online retailers to consider consumer protection when setting up their online shopping platforms.
________________________________________
[1] “ RetailConnect Bridges Gap Between Retailers And Online Shoppers.” Yahoo! News. 29 June 2011. Web. 19 July 2011. http://news.yahoo.com/retailconnect-bridges-gap-between-retailers-online-shoppers-140739739.html.
[2] “ Dealing with Shopping Cart Abandonment? Customers Unsure They Can Trust Your Business? Consider Trust Seal Provider KikScore.” Business Insider Tools Contributors. 20 June 2011. Web. 19 July 2011. http://www.businessinsider.com/dealing-with-shopping-cart-abandonment-customers-unsure-they-can-trust-your-business-consider-trust-seal-provider-kikscore-2011-6.
[3] McAfee Secure for Website Services. McAfee Inc. 2011. Web 19 July 2011. http://www.mcafeesecure.com/us/products/mcafee_secure.jsp?tab=3 .
Although online shopping has its benefits, it has also opened up many consumers and businesses alike to credit card fraud and identity theft. Credit card fraud and identity theft cases have been on the rise as online shopping becomes more popular. “One online security report points out that more than 63% of shoppers jumped ship on online purchases because of security and trust concerns.” [2] To address these issues companies such as McAfee, buySAFE and TrustE offer retailers trust seals or badges which make consumers feel safer about proceeding with online purchases at checkout. A trust seal or a badge is service specific which means that there are different seals or badges depending on the security service being provided. Retailers can have seals or badges from companies such as McAfee or buySAFE for services such as promising the buyers privacy of personal data or ensuring that a website is hacker proof. With a product such as McAfee Secure, online retailers receive a daily scan of their site to detect hacker vulnerabilities. [3] I think services like this are extremely important in this day in age. We do so many transactions online and provide personal information through online portals all of the time and it is extremely important that businesses understand and implement technologies that will protect their consumers. So while online shopping provides many benefits, the risks associated with online shopping can far outweigh those benefits so it is extremely important for online retailers to consider consumer protection when setting up their online shopping platforms.
________________________________________
[1] “ RetailConnect Bridges Gap Between Retailers And Online Shoppers.” Yahoo! News. 29 June 2011. Web. 19 July 2011. http://news.yahoo.com/retailconnect-bridges-gap-between-retailers-online-shoppers-140739739.html.
[2] “ Dealing with Shopping Cart Abandonment? Customers Unsure They Can Trust Your Business? Consider Trust Seal Provider KikScore.” Business Insider Tools Contributors. 20 June 2011. Web. 19 July 2011. http://www.businessinsider.com/dealing-with-shopping-cart-abandonment-customers-unsure-they-can-trust-your-business-consider-trust-seal-provider-kikscore-2011-6.
[3] McAfee Secure for Website Services. McAfee Inc. 2011. Web 19 July 2011. http://www.mcafeesecure.com/us/products/mcafee_secure.jsp?tab=3 .
Week 3 Task 3
Cloud computing is a rapidly growing area of technology. Before cloud computing, business applications required an extensive amount of software and hardware to run them and they required a team of experts to install and maintain them. With cloud computing, business applications are moving to Internet based applications which means organizations no longer need to spend valuable capital funds on hardware and software and it allows a companies IT managers more time to concentrate on other strategic business activities. [1] The evidence of this growing area of technology can easily be seen in the recent acquisition of Cloud.com by Citrix. Citrix knows the importance of entering the cloud provider market and has been trying to do so for years. According to Virtualization.com, “ This acquisition makes Citrix a credible player in the space and gives them an opportunity to take a lead over VMware in the cloud infrastructure segment.” [2] Not only has Citrix entered the Cloud provider arena, but Apple has also jumped in with the introduction of iCloud in June. Competing with Google, iCloud not only stores documents in the cloud, but it will also sync those documents among your devices. [3] iCloud also allows users to sync emails, contacts and calendars, store documents, sync photos, and re-download music from the cloud.
Even companies that are already leaders in cloud computing can see the future and are looking to expand their portfolios and grow their business. Salesforce.com is a leader in cloud computing that provides business software accessible on the Internet on a subscription basis. Salesforce.com recently purchased Dimdim, a real-time communication technology company. Why is this acquisition so important? Because the future in cloud computing is Cloud2. Cloud2 is a new generation of cloud computing that is social, mobile and real time. [4] This acquisition will allow Salesforce.com to enhance Chatter, a private social network for businesses, by adding real-time technologies from Dimdim to their service. Not only is the acquisition of Dimdim important for Salesforce.com to move to Cloud2 so is their January acquisition of Heroku. According to PR Newswire, “Heroku is the leading Ruby application platform and Ruby is the language of the future, driving the next generation of cloud applications that are real-time, social and mobile." [5] The acquisition of these two companies by Salesforce.com will help to push them into the Cloud2 technology to be able to compete with real-time social platforms such as Facebook.
It is obvious to see the cloud computing is the way of the future. New companies are expanding into the realm of cloud computing such as Citrix and Apple and existing cloud computing leaders such as Salesforce.com are expanding their businesses and moving on to the next generation of cloud computing, Cloud2. This growth in and move to software and storage being provided as an Internet service will help companies save on capital on use their technology resources in other areas of their business.
[1] “What is Cloud Computing.” Salesforce.com 2000-2011. Web. 19 July 2011. <http://www.salesforce.com/cloudcomputing/>.
[2] “Citrix Acquires Cloud.com: An Analysis.” CloudAve.com. 12 July 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.cloudave.com/13848/citrix-acquires-cloud-com-an-analysis/>.
[3] “ Apple unveils iCloud -- real-time sync for the post-PC era.” Betanews. 6 June 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apple-unveils-iCloud-realtime-sync-for-the-postPC-era/1307385197>.
[4] “ Salesforce.com Acquires Dimdim.” PR Newswire United Business Media. 6 Jan 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforcecom-acquires-dimdim-113029849.html>.
[5] “ Salesforce.com Completes Acquisition of Heroku.” PR Newswire United Business Media. 3 Jan 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforcecom-completes-acquisition-of-heroku-112835444.html>.
Even companies that are already leaders in cloud computing can see the future and are looking to expand their portfolios and grow their business. Salesforce.com is a leader in cloud computing that provides business software accessible on the Internet on a subscription basis. Salesforce.com recently purchased Dimdim, a real-time communication technology company. Why is this acquisition so important? Because the future in cloud computing is Cloud2. Cloud2 is a new generation of cloud computing that is social, mobile and real time. [4] This acquisition will allow Salesforce.com to enhance Chatter, a private social network for businesses, by adding real-time technologies from Dimdim to their service. Not only is the acquisition of Dimdim important for Salesforce.com to move to Cloud2 so is their January acquisition of Heroku. According to PR Newswire, “Heroku is the leading Ruby application platform and Ruby is the language of the future, driving the next generation of cloud applications that are real-time, social and mobile." [5] The acquisition of these two companies by Salesforce.com will help to push them into the Cloud2 technology to be able to compete with real-time social platforms such as Facebook.
It is obvious to see the cloud computing is the way of the future. New companies are expanding into the realm of cloud computing such as Citrix and Apple and existing cloud computing leaders such as Salesforce.com are expanding their businesses and moving on to the next generation of cloud computing, Cloud2. This growth in and move to software and storage being provided as an Internet service will help companies save on capital on use their technology resources in other areas of their business.
[1] “What is Cloud Computing.” Salesforce.com 2000-2011. Web. 19 July 2011. <http://www.salesforce.com/cloudcomputing/>.
[2] “Citrix Acquires Cloud.com: An Analysis.” CloudAve.com. 12 July 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.cloudave.com/13848/citrix-acquires-cloud-com-an-analysis/>.
[3] “ Apple unveils iCloud -- real-time sync for the post-PC era.” Betanews. 6 June 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apple-unveils-iCloud-realtime-sync-for-the-postPC-era/1307385197>.
[4] “ Salesforce.com Acquires Dimdim.” PR Newswire United Business Media. 6 Jan 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforcecom-acquires-dimdim-113029849.html>.
[5] “ Salesforce.com Completes Acquisition of Heroku.” PR Newswire United Business Media. 3 Jan 2011. Web. 20 July 2011. < http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforcecom-completes-acquisition-of-heroku-112835444.html>.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Week 2 Task 5
ADP PayForce
There are many types of databases. One type of database that I am familiar with is an operational database. These databases store detailed data about the operations of an organization. Examples include customer databases that record contact, credit, and demographic information about a business' customers, personnel databases that hold information such as salary, benefits, skills data about employees, Enterprise resource planning that record details about product components, parts inventory, and financial databases that keep track of the organization's money, accounting and financial dealings. [1] The hotel management company that I work for, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, uses many of these databases. We have an accounting database that tracks the 26 hotels financial transactions and we have a centralized human resources and payroll database that holds employee information such as salary, benefits, accrued vacation time, and job codes. For the human resources and payroll database, we use a web-based database called PayForce offered by ADP.
1. “ ADP PayForce is a comprehensive, hosted solution, freeing your company from the never-ending maintenance and upgrade treadmill of replacing outdated or insufficient technology.” [2] While this may seem like a plus, it can also propose many challenges during implementation. Because PayForce is on a shared hosting, accessing your database can be slow since it is located with a lot of other company databases. Another challenge during implementation can be that PayForce is a web-based database. If your internet connection is slow or doesn’t provide enough bandwidth there can be challenges during the implementation.
2. The PayForce database stores every hotels employee data in one centralized location. This creates a competitive advantage in that data can be extracted by using specific parameters for reporting purposes. “With a highly decentralized business, however, HEI lacked a unified system to manage its talent management initiatives and give corporate executives a view of talent across the organization.” [3] HEI Hotels & Resorts is a hotel investment group much like that of Dolce. Having a centralized database like PayForce provides Dolce with a competitive advantage over HEI because our reporting of employee talent information to our corporate executives is streamlined and efficient which can help with retaining top talent.
3. The improvements that I suggest would be an option of having a stand-alone database instead of a hosted database. It may cost more but for large companies it may be beneficial since response time from the database can be slow and data extraction is time consuming.
[1] “Database.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 July 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database>.
[2] “Payforce Brochure.” ADP Products Demo. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://www.adp.com/tools-and-resources/products-demos-reference-pdfs/~/media/PDF/Product%20Demos/payforce_brochure.ashx>.
[3] “ Fast-Growing Hotel Investment Group Relies on Plateau's SaaS Talent Management Solutions for an Enterprise-Wide View of Talent and Training.” Consumer Electronics Net. 23 February 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1370858>.
The role of ADP PayForce in an organization is integration of Human Resources, benefits and payroll information and processes. This is achieved by integrating data and providing consolidated reporting through ADP. With PayForce as a centralized database for all of these various aspects of information, reports can be written to combine any data necessary for reporting purposes. Its goal is to be an integrated database that seamlessly combines best-in-class payroll functionality with core Hr and benefits information to supply historical, current and future-dated views of employee records and payroll information. PayForce provides paperless payroll which can and has been proven to cut costs. PayForce users are typically payroll processing personnel, Human Resources personnel and accounting or finance department personnel. All of these users can extract information from the database by running reports that suit their individual department needs. Implementation of PayForce requires that all existing employee data be extracted fro the old database and input into PayForce and of course, once PayForce is fully in place, inputting new data into the PayForce database.
1. An Additional Challenge – An additional challenge that lies in implementing PayForce would be the successful extraction of data from the old database on input of this data into PayForce. If the two databases have different formatting of information, the data may not seamlessly go from one database into the other.
There are many types of databases. One type of database that I am familiar with is an operational database. These databases store detailed data about the operations of an organization. Examples include customer databases that record contact, credit, and demographic information about a business' customers, personnel databases that hold information such as salary, benefits, skills data about employees, Enterprise resource planning that record details about product components, parts inventory, and financial databases that keep track of the organization's money, accounting and financial dealings. [1] The hotel management company that I work for, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, uses many of these databases. We have an accounting database that tracks the 26 hotels financial transactions and we have a centralized human resources and payroll database that holds employee information such as salary, benefits, accrued vacation time, and job codes. For the human resources and payroll database, we use a web-based database called PayForce offered by ADP.
1. “ ADP PayForce is a comprehensive, hosted solution, freeing your company from the never-ending maintenance and upgrade treadmill of replacing outdated or insufficient technology.” [2] While this may seem like a plus, it can also propose many challenges during implementation. Because PayForce is on a shared hosting, accessing your database can be slow since it is located with a lot of other company databases. Another challenge during implementation can be that PayForce is a web-based database. If your internet connection is slow or doesn’t provide enough bandwidth there can be challenges during the implementation.
2. The PayForce database stores every hotels employee data in one centralized location. This creates a competitive advantage in that data can be extracted by using specific parameters for reporting purposes. “With a highly decentralized business, however, HEI lacked a unified system to manage its talent management initiatives and give corporate executives a view of talent across the organization.” [3] HEI Hotels & Resorts is a hotel investment group much like that of Dolce. Having a centralized database like PayForce provides Dolce with a competitive advantage over HEI because our reporting of employee talent information to our corporate executives is streamlined and efficient which can help with retaining top talent.
3. The improvements that I suggest would be an option of having a stand-alone database instead of a hosted database. It may cost more but for large companies it may be beneficial since response time from the database can be slow and data extraction is time consuming.
[1] “Database.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 July 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database>.
[2] “Payforce Brochure.” ADP Products Demo. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://www.adp.com/tools-and-resources/products-demos-reference-pdfs/~/media/PDF/Product%20Demos/payforce_brochure.ashx>.
[3] “ Fast-Growing Hotel Investment Group Relies on Plateau's SaaS Talent Management Solutions for an Enterprise-Wide View of Talent and Training.” Consumer Electronics Net. 23 February 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1370858>.
The role of ADP PayForce in an organization is integration of Human Resources, benefits and payroll information and processes. This is achieved by integrating data and providing consolidated reporting through ADP. With PayForce as a centralized database for all of these various aspects of information, reports can be written to combine any data necessary for reporting purposes. Its goal is to be an integrated database that seamlessly combines best-in-class payroll functionality with core Hr and benefits information to supply historical, current and future-dated views of employee records and payroll information. PayForce provides paperless payroll which can and has been proven to cut costs. PayForce users are typically payroll processing personnel, Human Resources personnel and accounting or finance department personnel. All of these users can extract information from the database by running reports that suit their individual department needs. Implementation of PayForce requires that all existing employee data be extracted fro the old database and input into PayForce and of course, once PayForce is fully in place, inputting new data into the PayForce database.
1. An Additional Challenge – An additional challenge that lies in implementing PayForce would be the successful extraction of data from the old database on input of this data into PayForce. If the two databases have different formatting of information, the data may not seamlessly go from one database into the other.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Week 2 Task 4
W2 Spreadsheet Lab
http://sheet.zoho.com/public/jgreisch/hardware-and-software
The value of this spreadsheet would be the ability to determine the annual cost of obtaining those five items of software and hardware which could be useful during the budgeting process. Each item listed in the spreadsheet would enable an organization to effectively and efficiently complete work tasks remotely on a mobile device. Using this SaaS would allow users from various locations to add, delete or change any things in order to complete the spreadsheet. Also, a person could start the spreadsheet while at home, save it, and then reopen it from work in the morning since it is accessible through their browser.
In order to complete this project, the following steps were taken:
Step 1 – Read chapter2 in the textbook on Hardware and Software
Step 2 – Chose 5 different types of hardware and software to research
Step 3 – Conducted internet research on each item
Step 4 – Used the research to write a summary on each hardware and software type, using references when necessary
Step 5 – Picked specific examples for each type of hardware and software and did research on each one (obtained information such as what the product was capable of, its features and pricing)
Step 6 – Wrote a summary on each specific item
Step 7 – Created a Zoho account and began a new sheet for the second part of the assignment
Step 8 – Created a spreadsheet based on coming up with an annual cost for each item of hardware and software that was described in the first part of the assignment using the pricing information obtained in Step 5
Step 9 – Saved the spreadsheet and then embedded my spreadsheet in my blog as instructed in the assignment directions
Step 10 – Wrote this part of the assignment and pasted in the url of my published spreadsheet
http://sheet.zoho.com/public/jgreisch/hardware-and-software
The value of this spreadsheet would be the ability to determine the annual cost of obtaining those five items of software and hardware which could be useful during the budgeting process. Each item listed in the spreadsheet would enable an organization to effectively and efficiently complete work tasks remotely on a mobile device. Using this SaaS would allow users from various locations to add, delete or change any things in order to complete the spreadsheet. Also, a person could start the spreadsheet while at home, save it, and then reopen it from work in the morning since it is accessible through their browser.
In order to complete this project, the following steps were taken:
Step 1 – Read chapter2 in the textbook on Hardware and Software
Step 2 – Chose 5 different types of hardware and software to research
Step 3 – Conducted internet research on each item
Step 4 – Used the research to write a summary on each hardware and software type, using references when necessary
Step 5 – Picked specific examples for each type of hardware and software and did research on each one (obtained information such as what the product was capable of, its features and pricing)
Step 6 – Wrote a summary on each specific item
Step 7 – Created a Zoho account and began a new sheet for the second part of the assignment
Step 8 – Created a spreadsheet based on coming up with an annual cost for each item of hardware and software that was described in the first part of the assignment using the pricing information obtained in Step 5
Step 9 – Saved the spreadsheet and then embedded my spreadsheet in my blog as instructed in the assignment directions
Step 10 – Wrote this part of the assignment and pasted in the url of my published spreadsheet
Week 2 Task 3
Hardware & Software
Utility software is a kind of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. One type of utility software that would help extend the use of information systems into the mobile regime of work would be a cryptographic file system which encrypts all of the data that they contain since it is a file system that is specifically designed with security in mind. [1] This type of utility software would allow organizations to feel more at ease with mobile business since all mobile files would be safeguarded with data and file encryption. Encryption is the process of securing the contents of a file or message by encoding it. An encrypted message looks like gibberish, unless you can decode it using a key to translate those random characters back into real text or data.
Enterprise Application Software is application software that performs business functions such as order processing, procurement, production scheduling, customer information management, and accounting. It is typically hosted on servers and provides simultaneous services to a large number of users, typically over a computer network. This is in contrast to a single-user application that is executed on a user's personal computer and serves only one user at a time. [2] This software on a mobile device would allow a purchasing director for a hotel to place an order even if he/she were on vacation, at an off-site event or meeting, or while sitting in traffic.
Workgroup Application Software is designed to support teamwork regardless of the individual team member locations. The various products also share the ability to help change business processes. A company, for example, can design a workgroup application that automatically routes an expense form to the accounting department rather than relying on an internal mail system. [3] This type of software could help businesses become mobile since it seems that more and more companies have employees that work remotely (from individual home offices and “travel offices”, not the traditional centralized office space) and this type of software would enable them to be connected to their peers without having to be in the same place.
Personal Information Managers help you keep track of people and appointments. These specialized databases often include other capabilities or are included in e-mail programs. [4] These types of software or databases are already allowing businesses to become mobile by offering mobile email through Microsoft Outlook for example.
Pen Input Devices are hardware input devices that can be an input device and a pointing device that lays down ink. [5] This type of hardware already allows UPS delivery drivers to accept electronic signatures for packages. It could also allow someone to be in a web meeting and draw on the screen to show others a diagram or circle an area on a graph that is important all from a remote mobile location.
[1] “Filesystem-level Encryption.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 17 March 2011. Web. 12 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filesystem-level_encryption>.
[2] “Enterprise Software.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 4 July 2011. Web. 13 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_software>.
[3] Korzeniowski, Paul. “ Workgroup software emerges for business applications - includes related article on getting the most from meetings - Client/Server Computing Edition.” The CBS Interactive Business Network. 15 July 1993. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0SMG/is_n11_v13/ai_14081627/>.
[4] "Personal Information Manager." Software eHow.com. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/how_11483_choose-personal-information.html#ixzz1S2GqHuPD>.
[5] “The Pen as an Input Device.” MSDN. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms819509.aspx>.
Utility Software Example - Symantec’s encryption products, PGP and Symantec Endpoint Encryption, enable organizations to deliver comprehensive data protection with proven standards-based technology. Symantec’s easy-to-deploy solutions provide centralized policy management, accurate compliance-based reporting and true universal management of the encryption products.
Enterprise Application Software Example - Software as a Service (SaaS) is the on-demand model of enterprise software is made possible through the widespread distribution of broadband access to the Internet. SaaS vendors maintain enterprise software on servers within their own company data center and then provide access to the software to their enterprise customers via the Internet. Zoho Invoice allows the user to snap up customer orders in an instant and send them their invoice right from within Zoho Creator in seconds. All that is needed is a browser which most mobile devices have these days.
Workgroup Application Software Example – Lotus Notes is a type of workgroup application software that IBM describes as an "integrated desktop client option for accessing business e-mail, calendars and applications on [an] IBM Lotus Domino server." The chat function and email functions of this software would allow users to stay connected with peers on mobile devices when they are not in the same location.
Personal Information Managers Example - Microsoft Office Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft, available both as a separate application as well as a part of the Microsoft Office suite. Although often used mainly as an e-mail application, it also includes a calendar, task manager, contact manager, note taking, a journal and web browsing. Outlook is already available on mobile devices which allows users to access email and calendar features remotely.
Pen Input Device Example - Wacom CINTIQ 21UX Tablet Pen allows photographers, designers, animators and other creative professionals to work naturally and intuitively, while working directly on the surface of a input screen. The new Cintiq 21UX detects 2048 levels of pressure which is perfect for obtaining delivery signatures since not every receiving signer will use the same amount of pressure so this pen ensures that each signature will be captured on the first attempt. Being able to use this pen on the screen of a mobile device would allow package delivery personnel to obtain signatures electronically and these electronic signatures could then be sent to the delivery tracking database as proof of delivery.
Utility software is a kind of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. One type of utility software that would help extend the use of information systems into the mobile regime of work would be a cryptographic file system which encrypts all of the data that they contain since it is a file system that is specifically designed with security in mind. [1] This type of utility software would allow organizations to feel more at ease with mobile business since all mobile files would be safeguarded with data and file encryption. Encryption is the process of securing the contents of a file or message by encoding it. An encrypted message looks like gibberish, unless you can decode it using a key to translate those random characters back into real text or data.
Enterprise Application Software is application software that performs business functions such as order processing, procurement, production scheduling, customer information management, and accounting. It is typically hosted on servers and provides simultaneous services to a large number of users, typically over a computer network. This is in contrast to a single-user application that is executed on a user's personal computer and serves only one user at a time. [2] This software on a mobile device would allow a purchasing director for a hotel to place an order even if he/she were on vacation, at an off-site event or meeting, or while sitting in traffic.
Workgroup Application Software is designed to support teamwork regardless of the individual team member locations. The various products also share the ability to help change business processes. A company, for example, can design a workgroup application that automatically routes an expense form to the accounting department rather than relying on an internal mail system. [3] This type of software could help businesses become mobile since it seems that more and more companies have employees that work remotely (from individual home offices and “travel offices”, not the traditional centralized office space) and this type of software would enable them to be connected to their peers without having to be in the same place.
Personal Information Managers help you keep track of people and appointments. These specialized databases often include other capabilities or are included in e-mail programs. [4] These types of software or databases are already allowing businesses to become mobile by offering mobile email through Microsoft Outlook for example.
Pen Input Devices are hardware input devices that can be an input device and a pointing device that lays down ink. [5] This type of hardware already allows UPS delivery drivers to accept electronic signatures for packages. It could also allow someone to be in a web meeting and draw on the screen to show others a diagram or circle an area on a graph that is important all from a remote mobile location.
[1] “Filesystem-level Encryption.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 17 March 2011. Web. 12 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filesystem-level_encryption>.
[2] “Enterprise Software.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 4 July 2011. Web. 13 July 2011. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_software>.
[3] Korzeniowski, Paul. “ Workgroup software emerges for business applications - includes related article on getting the most from meetings - Client/Server Computing Edition.” The CBS Interactive Business Network. 15 July 1993. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0SMG/is_n11_v13/ai_14081627/>.
[4] "Personal Information Manager." Software eHow.com. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/how_11483_choose-personal-information.html#ixzz1S2GqHuPD>.
[5] “The Pen as an Input Device.” MSDN. Web. 13 July 2011. <http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms819509.aspx>.
Utility Software Example - Symantec’s encryption products, PGP and Symantec Endpoint Encryption, enable organizations to deliver comprehensive data protection with proven standards-based technology. Symantec’s easy-to-deploy solutions provide centralized policy management, accurate compliance-based reporting and true universal management of the encryption products.
Enterprise Application Software Example - Software as a Service (SaaS) is the on-demand model of enterprise software is made possible through the widespread distribution of broadband access to the Internet. SaaS vendors maintain enterprise software on servers within their own company data center and then provide access to the software to their enterprise customers via the Internet. Zoho Invoice allows the user to snap up customer orders in an instant and send them their invoice right from within Zoho Creator in seconds. All that is needed is a browser which most mobile devices have these days.
Workgroup Application Software Example – Lotus Notes is a type of workgroup application software that IBM describes as an "integrated desktop client option for accessing business e-mail, calendars and applications on [an] IBM Lotus Domino server." The chat function and email functions of this software would allow users to stay connected with peers on mobile devices when they are not in the same location.
Personal Information Managers Example - Microsoft Office Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft, available both as a separate application as well as a part of the Microsoft Office suite. Although often used mainly as an e-mail application, it also includes a calendar, task manager, contact manager, note taking, a journal and web browsing. Outlook is already available on mobile devices which allows users to access email and calendar features remotely.
Pen Input Device Example - Wacom CINTIQ 21UX Tablet Pen allows photographers, designers, animators and other creative professionals to work naturally and intuitively, while working directly on the surface of a input screen. The new Cintiq 21UX detects 2048 levels of pressure which is perfect for obtaining delivery signatures since not every receiving signer will use the same amount of pressure so this pen ensures that each signature will be captured on the first attempt. Being able to use this pen on the screen of a mobile device would allow package delivery personnel to obtain signatures electronically and these electronic signatures could then be sent to the delivery tracking database as proof of delivery.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Week 1 Task 4
Value Chain
The value chain, according to the textbook, is a series (chain) of acitvities that includes inbound logistics, warehouse and storage, production and manufacturing, finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service. For an Internet site that buys and sells used music CDs, the vaule chain would be as follows:
1. Procurement - Used CDs bought for resale, system to acquire used CDs (company can't sell used CDs if they don't buy used CDs from somewhere, definitely add value to the business)
2. Inbound Logistics - Purchased used CD tracking system (value is in knowing where they are in the procurement process such as purchased but not shipped yet, shipped, or shipped and received)
3. Warehouse and Storage - Inventory control system for purchased used CDs (value is in knowing what CDs have been purchased so as not to purchase too many of one particular CD)
4. Production - Used CD inspection/testing and repackaging systems (value is in knowing
5. Finished Product Storage - Automated storage and order fulfillment systems
6. Outbound Logistics - Distribution systems for sold CDs (adds value to 5 by ensuring that sold CDs are sent to the correct locations)
7. Marketing and Sales - Sales generation and promotion planning systems (value in revenue generation)
8. Customer Service - CD shipment tracking systems and customer service control systems (value in customer satisfaction and retention)
The value chain, according to the textbook, is a series (chain) of acitvities that includes inbound logistics, warehouse and storage, production and manufacturing, finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service. For an Internet site that buys and sells used music CDs, the vaule chain would be as follows:
1. Procurement - Used CDs bought for resale, system to acquire used CDs (company can't sell used CDs if they don't buy used CDs from somewhere, definitely add value to the business)
2. Inbound Logistics - Purchased used CD tracking system (value is in knowing where they are in the procurement process such as purchased but not shipped yet, shipped, or shipped and received)
3. Warehouse and Storage - Inventory control system for purchased used CDs (value is in knowing what CDs have been purchased so as not to purchase too many of one particular CD)
4. Production - Used CD inspection/testing and repackaging systems (value is in knowing
5. Finished Product Storage - Automated storage and order fulfillment systems
6. Outbound Logistics - Distribution systems for sold CDs (adds value to 5 by ensuring that sold CDs are sent to the correct locations)
7. Marketing and Sales - Sales generation and promotion planning systems (value in revenue generation)
8. Customer Service - CD shipment tracking systems and customer service control systems (value in customer satisfaction and retention)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Week 1 Task 5
The Value of Information Systems
Information is key to being an effective manager in every area of business. Information is often confused with the term data. Data is just the basis for information. Data is made up of raw facts while information is an organized collection of these facts that produce additional value beyond the value of each individual fact. Knowing the total monthly revenue generated or the total monthly expenses incurred in an organization can be more valuable than just the revenue or expenses of one single department. Turning data into information is a process. Using excel, you can enter individual data into each cell and then use a formula in another cell to combine the data of those cells into useful information. Information can be enhanced by adding new or different data which can increase the value of this information. The value of information is measured in how it can help the decision makers of an organization reach that organization’s goals. To be valuable, information should be accessible, accurate, complete, economical, flexible, relevant, reliable, secure, simple, timely and verifiable. The value of information is determined by its importance to the decision maker or to the outcome of the decision being made. Transportation professionals require information that is not only accurate, timely, and relevant, but also presented and interpreted in a meaningful way. [1]
An information system, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating information . [2] The collecting of information is an input, there is a process of manipulating or converting the information in the middle and then the communicating of the information is an output. Feedback is also an important component of an information system that is used in making changes to input or processing activities to help an organization reach its goals.
As a corporate accountant, I tend to use transaction processing systems and management information systems the most. Solomon, an accounting transaction information system, is used on a daily basis as a billing system to send invoices to customers, a payment tracking systems for payments to vendors and a general ledger system to track assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The data taken is then taken from Solomon, our transaction processing system, and summarized into a series of reports in FRx, our management information system. The two systems interface and data is extracted from Solomon and input into FRx to create reports such as a balance sheet, a P&L, forecasts and cash flows. These reports help upper management make decisions on spending and where costs can be reduced, on revenue generation and sales, and on capital expenditures.
The reports created only have value to upper management if the input from Solomon is accurate, reliable and complete and if the reports are done or created in a timely manner. Also, the reports are only beneficial to the upper management team if it is interpreted and presented in a meaningful way. These reports could also be created through Microsoft Excel, another information system, but the automation and direct pull of data from Solomon to FRx leaves less room for error than manual entry into excel. “ In the field of computer science, an interface is a tool and concept that refers to a point of interaction between components, and is applicable at the level of both hardware and software. This allows a component, whether a piece of hardware such as a graphics card or a piece of software such as an internet browser, to function independently while using interfaces to communicate with other components via an input/output system and an associated protocol.” [4]
Working for a hotel operations management company, I have learned that system interfaces are extremely important. Our hotels have front of the house systems such as the front desk systems that interface with our back of the house systems like Solomon. All guest room revenue is sent directly from our front desk software to our accounting software which makes revenue tracking a much easier task since it is automated.
[1] “Value of Information and Information Services.” US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. 11 July 2011. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/viis.pdf.
[2] "Information System." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011. Web. 09 Jul. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/287895/information-system.
[3] “Types of Information System.” Tutur2u. Web. 11 July 2011. http://www.tutor2u.net/business/ict/intro_information_system_types.htm.
[4] “Interface (computing)” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 24 June 2011. Web. 11 July 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_(computer_science).
Information is key to being an effective manager in every area of business. Information is often confused with the term data. Data is just the basis for information. Data is made up of raw facts while information is an organized collection of these facts that produce additional value beyond the value of each individual fact. Knowing the total monthly revenue generated or the total monthly expenses incurred in an organization can be more valuable than just the revenue or expenses of one single department. Turning data into information is a process. Using excel, you can enter individual data into each cell and then use a formula in another cell to combine the data of those cells into useful information. Information can be enhanced by adding new or different data which can increase the value of this information. The value of information is measured in how it can help the decision makers of an organization reach that organization’s goals. To be valuable, information should be accessible, accurate, complete, economical, flexible, relevant, reliable, secure, simple, timely and verifiable. The value of information is determined by its importance to the decision maker or to the outcome of the decision being made. Transportation professionals require information that is not only accurate, timely, and relevant, but also presented and interpreted in a meaningful way. [1]
An information system, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating information . [2] The collecting of information is an input, there is a process of manipulating or converting the information in the middle and then the communicating of the information is an output. Feedback is also an important component of an information system that is used in making changes to input or processing activities to help an organization reach its goals.
As a corporate accountant, I tend to use transaction processing systems and management information systems the most. Solomon, an accounting transaction information system, is used on a daily basis as a billing system to send invoices to customers, a payment tracking systems for payments to vendors and a general ledger system to track assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The data taken is then taken from Solomon, our transaction processing system, and summarized into a series of reports in FRx, our management information system. The two systems interface and data is extracted from Solomon and input into FRx to create reports such as a balance sheet, a P&L, forecasts and cash flows. These reports help upper management make decisions on spending and where costs can be reduced, on revenue generation and sales, and on capital expenditures.
The reports created only have value to upper management if the input from Solomon is accurate, reliable and complete and if the reports are done or created in a timely manner. Also, the reports are only beneficial to the upper management team if it is interpreted and presented in a meaningful way. These reports could also be created through Microsoft Excel, another information system, but the automation and direct pull of data from Solomon to FRx leaves less room for error than manual entry into excel. “ In the field of computer science, an interface is a tool and concept that refers to a point of interaction between components, and is applicable at the level of both hardware and software. This allows a component, whether a piece of hardware such as a graphics card or a piece of software such as an internet browser, to function independently while using interfaces to communicate with other components via an input/output system and an associated protocol.” [4]
Working for a hotel operations management company, I have learned that system interfaces are extremely important. Our hotels have front of the house systems such as the front desk systems that interface with our back of the house systems like Solomon. All guest room revenue is sent directly from our front desk software to our accounting software which makes revenue tracking a much easier task since it is automated.
[1] “Value of Information and Information Services.” US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. 11 July 2011. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/viis.pdf.
[2] "Information System." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011. Web. 09 Jul. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/287895/information-system.
[3] “Types of Information System.” Tutur2u. Web. 11 July 2011. http://www.tutor2u.net/business/ict/intro_information_system_types.htm.
[4] “Interface (computing)” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 24 June 2011. Web. 11 July 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_(computer_science).
Friday, July 8, 2011
Week 1 Task 6
Monitoring Social Networks
It is amazing to know that there are companies being paid to monitor my Facebook updates, I was definitely unaware. If I made a negative comment or complaint about a company to then receive a call from a customer service representative, I would find that somewhat creepy but also a very inventive and inspired way to handle customer negativity.
I currently work in the hospitality industry for a hotel management company at the corporate headquarters. We receive customer letters of comments, both good and bad, on a daily basis and I’m sure these people are tweeting or updating their facebook status to comment on their experience at our hotels. I think that hiring an agency or company to monitor these social networks for any feedback with our company or hotel names in them would be a good way to compile candid opinions and criticisms of their experiences at any one of our properties. This would aid with the operations of the hotel and the level of customer service that is expected from our visitors of our properties.
I also think a business such as the one I work for could use a company like Alterian or Attensity to monitor what types of people (business travelers, families, couples, etc) travel to certain destinations. If they could find a way to monitor social networks for posts, updates or tweets containing this type of information, I think it could help with their target marketing and to see if there are any niches that there may be.
It is amazing to know that there are companies being paid to monitor my Facebook updates, I was definitely unaware. If I made a negative comment or complaint about a company to then receive a call from a customer service representative, I would find that somewhat creepy but also a very inventive and inspired way to handle customer negativity.
I currently work in the hospitality industry for a hotel management company at the corporate headquarters. We receive customer letters of comments, both good and bad, on a daily basis and I’m sure these people are tweeting or updating their facebook status to comment on their experience at our hotels. I think that hiring an agency or company to monitor these social networks for any feedback with our company or hotel names in them would be a good way to compile candid opinions and criticisms of their experiences at any one of our properties. This would aid with the operations of the hotel and the level of customer service that is expected from our visitors of our properties.
I also think a business such as the one I work for could use a company like Alterian or Attensity to monitor what types of people (business travelers, families, couples, etc) travel to certain destinations. If they could find a way to monitor social networks for posts, updates or tweets containing this type of information, I think it could help with their target marketing and to see if there are any niches that there may be.
Week 1 Task 1
Student Info
1. My major is accounting and I'm in my senior year
2. I use my home computer and my work laptop to do school work. My ome computer has Windows 7 and my work laptop uses Windows XP
3. Yes, I have administrative rights on both computers.
4. I took an intro to comuter science class at Bergen Community College about 6 years ago. My usual internet activities include online research for school projects, shopping, banking and facebook.
5. I have taken approximately 10 online courses. They were all at Bergen Community College though. This is the first semester that I am taking online courses at Ramapo and I am taking two, this and Marketing Prinicples and Practices.
6. My home computer uses Office 2003 and my work laptop uses Office 2010.
7. I am a full-time accountant for a hotel management company, attend Ramapo part-time and have a ten month old daughter. My personal computer time is very limited these days so I mostly use the computer and internet for work and school and to do my online grocery shopping.
Do you work anywhere now (where if yes, and what do you do there)? Yes, I work full-time at Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Dolce Hotels & Resorts is a hotel management company. I work at the corporate office and my title is Corporate Accoutant. I am responsible for overseeing accounts payables, accounts receivables, account analysis, month end closing journal entries and various accounting related projects.
Your desired occupation: I have always wanted to go into the field of accounting so I guess I am already in my desired occupation. I'm not sure if this is the exact job and company that I always want to work in but I am happy where I am at the moment.
When do you graduate? As long as my plan for my class schedule works out, I should be able to graduate in the Spring of 2012.
What benefits do you see for yourself in a distance learning format? I received my Associates from Bergen Community College by taking almost all online classes. I have always worked full-time and gone to school so for me it was always easier to have a more flexible class schedule then a rigid time and place that you need to be at class. Especially now that I am in a position where I need to work overtime sometimes and with having a baby, it helps to be able to do school related tasks at my own convenience.
What are your hobbies or what do you like to do outside of school and work activities? My husband and I love going to Vermont. We both snowboard, love riding quads and dirtbikes, and just being outdoors. I try to go for a walk every night after dinner with my family and spend most of our weekend time doing something outside.
1. My major is accounting and I'm in my senior year
2. I use my home computer and my work laptop to do school work. My ome computer has Windows 7 and my work laptop uses Windows XP
3. Yes, I have administrative rights on both computers.
4. I took an intro to comuter science class at Bergen Community College about 6 years ago. My usual internet activities include online research for school projects, shopping, banking and facebook.
5. I have taken approximately 10 online courses. They were all at Bergen Community College though. This is the first semester that I am taking online courses at Ramapo and I am taking two, this and Marketing Prinicples and Practices.
6. My home computer uses Office 2003 and my work laptop uses Office 2010.
7. I am a full-time accountant for a hotel management company, attend Ramapo part-time and have a ten month old daughter. My personal computer time is very limited these days so I mostly use the computer and internet for work and school and to do my online grocery shopping.
Do you work anywhere now (where if yes, and what do you do there)? Yes, I work full-time at Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Dolce Hotels & Resorts is a hotel management company. I work at the corporate office and my title is Corporate Accoutant. I am responsible for overseeing accounts payables, accounts receivables, account analysis, month end closing journal entries and various accounting related projects.
Your desired occupation: I have always wanted to go into the field of accounting so I guess I am already in my desired occupation. I'm not sure if this is the exact job and company that I always want to work in but I am happy where I am at the moment.
When do you graduate? As long as my plan for my class schedule works out, I should be able to graduate in the Spring of 2012.
What benefits do you see for yourself in a distance learning format? I received my Associates from Bergen Community College by taking almost all online classes. I have always worked full-time and gone to school so for me it was always easier to have a more flexible class schedule then a rigid time and place that you need to be at class. Especially now that I am in a position where I need to work overtime sometimes and with having a baby, it helps to be able to do school related tasks at my own convenience.
What are your hobbies or what do you like to do outside of school and work activities? My husband and I love going to Vermont. We both snowboard, love riding quads and dirtbikes, and just being outdoors. I try to go for a walk every night after dinner with my family and spend most of our weekend time doing something outside.
Week 1 Task 2
Choose any specific IS products sold on the market or developed in-house. Then describe its value for the company and describe what parts/processes constitute main systems components as they are shown on fig. 1.3 (p.8).
I am an accountant. We use the computer for everything and tend to be somewhat tech savvy. I, however, am not. I can navigate the basics like Word, Excel, and Outlook and perform routine searches on the internet but anything more involved, I really need some guidance on. In my job as an accountant, we use a program called Solomon. Solomon is an accounting software package that contains our accounts payables, accounts receivables, and our general ledger. Solomon would be considered an enterprise system since it performs and integrates tasks such as paying our vendors, sends invoices to our hotels and tracks all transactions in the general ledger. The input, in information systems, is the process of gathering and capturing new data. The input in the case of Solomon, would be the invoices obtained and approved for payment, the billing collected to be entered in accounts receivable, and any journal entries needed to be made for accruals and such. The output involves producing useful information. With regards to Solomon, the outputs would be the checks to pay the vendors, the printed invoices to send to the hotels and the detail general ledger reports created from the general ledger such as the balance sheet and the P&L.
The value that this program/software has in my organization is the ease of running the reports needed by management to make budget and forecast decisions. There is no longer a need for these large ledger books like in the old days of accounting and creating reports by hand and do hand calculations which can leave a lot of room for error. If a department manager wants to see their revenue or expenses for the month it is extremely simple to create and run a report.
I am an accountant. We use the computer for everything and tend to be somewhat tech savvy. I, however, am not. I can navigate the basics like Word, Excel, and Outlook and perform routine searches on the internet but anything more involved, I really need some guidance on. In my job as an accountant, we use a program called Solomon. Solomon is an accounting software package that contains our accounts payables, accounts receivables, and our general ledger. Solomon would be considered an enterprise system since it performs and integrates tasks such as paying our vendors, sends invoices to our hotels and tracks all transactions in the general ledger. The input, in information systems, is the process of gathering and capturing new data. The input in the case of Solomon, would be the invoices obtained and approved for payment, the billing collected to be entered in accounts receivable, and any journal entries needed to be made for accruals and such. The output involves producing useful information. With regards to Solomon, the outputs would be the checks to pay the vendors, the printed invoices to send to the hotels and the detail general ledger reports created from the general ledger such as the balance sheet and the P&L.
The value that this program/software has in my organization is the ease of running the reports needed by management to make budget and forecast decisions. There is no longer a need for these large ledger books like in the old days of accounting and creating reports by hand and do hand calculations which can leave a lot of room for error. If a department manager wants to see their revenue or expenses for the month it is extremely simple to create and run a report.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)