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Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Â
So we're probably all really relieved that our projects are done! I know that I am. Here comes the interesting part though. The presentations! This is the part where we have to show the class our businesses and the steps we're taking to form it into an e-business eventually.
I must say that i think some of the groups were not very adventurous. I know that we're doing an IT degree BUT did we really have to do a "computer business"? The good thing however was that they tried really hard and i was really glad to see such effort from my fellow colleagues. :) I can only hope that "Dotty Wines Ltd." can measure up to the performances of all the other groups. Until then....good luck and continued success to everyone!
Presentations...
So we're probably all really relieved that our projects are done! I know that I am. Here comes the interesting part though. The presentations! This is the part where we have to show the class our businesses and the steps we're taking to form it into an e-business eventually.
I must say that i think some of the groups were not very adventurous. I know that we're doing an IT degree BUT did we really have to do a "computer business"? The good thing however was that they tried really hard and i was really glad to see such effort from my fellow colleagues. :) I can only hope that "Dotty Wines Ltd." can measure up to the performances of all the other groups. Until then....good luck and continued success to everyone!
# posted by Travis @ 10:33 AM
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Friday, October 27, 2006
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From the very first set of classes where Dr. Mohan said that "IT cannot exist by itself...", it shows us that in building software (since we are doing IT) cannot merely proceed without any sort of consultation with those in authority. The decision makers, etc.
The SDLC-System (or Software) Development Life Cycle has 4 stages. It is not only used in IT (as I once thought), but also in any sort of project management activity. There is a mnemonic for the stages of the SDLC called FADPIM. This stands for Feasibility Study,Analysis,Design, Programming and Testing, Implentation and Maintainance. If these steps are followed, ur almost sure to come out of all of your projects happy. So, let's break down the phases.
Feasibility Study:- This is the process where the 'sponsor' of the project usually says that there's a problem that needs to be addressed. As a consultant,you go in and you see if the problem can be solved in the way that the 'sponsor' may be suggesting. During this phase, cost of replacement/upgrade should be taken into account to give the best advice possible to come to a solution. Keep in mind however, at this stage certain documents should be at hand. eg. contracts.
Analysis:- Since IT can't exist by itself, an analysis of the organization should be done to see exactly where an HOW to use the IT Infrastructure. The current business procedure should be looked at in order to see where there may be inefficiencies in the system. The customer's needs and solutions should be documented and signed to at the end of this stage. The purpose is two-fold. 1. to ensure that you have your guidelines as to what you should do, 2. so that you would know scope of work and you do not go outside of your scope of work unless agreed upon.
Design:- after all the documents have been drawn up and you begin ur design,it is then that you make preparations to treat with the problem at hand. Design can be done in different phases, hardware,software and the planning for training to use new system.
Programming and Testing:- Now that you're designs are all drawn up and you've gotten the appoval to start the actual code of the program and the testing in the environment.Testing really cannot truly be done during the implementation stage. It is better done in the Programming stage.
Implementation:- this stage is where the new solution is carried out.There are different types of implementation: Direct, Simultaneous and Phase implementation. Direct implementation is where the OLD system is scrapped (please understand the word "system" doesn't strictly mean computers) and the NEW one is used immmediately. Simultaneous implementation is where the old and new systems are used at the same time.The purpose of this is so that the new system can be taken through the business process and data is slowly but surely transferred to the system. This method can also be used to knock out the kinks in the system and to make further customizations for the organization. The phase implementation is were the new system is broken up and is implemented in different stages so that it can minimize the stress on the organization and make the implementation smoother.
and finally....
Maintainance:- prob the best part cuz u get paid each time..lol. BUT other than that, it is the part of the cycle where you go back into the organization and upkeep their systems with any relevant updates and procedures as well as make any additional changes to the system that need to be done!
From experience, this has been my basic understanding of the system. Hope it's clear!
There's a process to everything.
From the very first set of classes where Dr. Mohan said that "IT cannot exist by itself...", it shows us that in building software (since we are doing IT) cannot merely proceed without any sort of consultation with those in authority. The decision makers, etc.
The SDLC-System (or Software) Development Life Cycle has 4 stages. It is not only used in IT (as I once thought), but also in any sort of project management activity. There is a mnemonic for the stages of the SDLC called FADPIM. This stands for Feasibility Study,Analysis,Design, Programming and Testing, Implentation and Maintainance. If these steps are followed, ur almost sure to come out of all of your projects happy. So, let's break down the phases.
Feasibility Study:- This is the process where the 'sponsor' of the project usually says that there's a problem that needs to be addressed. As a consultant,you go in and you see if the problem can be solved in the way that the 'sponsor' may be suggesting. During this phase, cost of replacement/upgrade should be taken into account to give the best advice possible to come to a solution. Keep in mind however, at this stage certain documents should be at hand. eg. contracts.
Analysis:- Since IT can't exist by itself, an analysis of the organization should be done to see exactly where an HOW to use the IT Infrastructure. The current business procedure should be looked at in order to see where there may be inefficiencies in the system. The customer's needs and solutions should be documented and signed to at the end of this stage. The purpose is two-fold. 1. to ensure that you have your guidelines as to what you should do, 2. so that you would know scope of work and you do not go outside of your scope of work unless agreed upon.
Design:- after all the documents have been drawn up and you begin ur design,it is then that you make preparations to treat with the problem at hand. Design can be done in different phases, hardware,software and the planning for training to use new system.
Programming and Testing:- Now that you're designs are all drawn up and you've gotten the appoval to start the actual code of the program and the testing in the environment.Testing really cannot truly be done during the implementation stage. It is better done in the Programming stage.
Implementation:- this stage is where the new solution is carried out.There are different types of implementation: Direct, Simultaneous and Phase implementation. Direct implementation is where the OLD system is scrapped (please understand the word "system" doesn't strictly mean computers) and the NEW one is used immmediately. Simultaneous implementation is where the old and new systems are used at the same time.The purpose of this is so that the new system can be taken through the business process and data is slowly but surely transferred to the system. This method can also be used to knock out the kinks in the system and to make further customizations for the organization. The phase implementation is were the new system is broken up and is implemented in different stages so that it can minimize the stress on the organization and make the implementation smoother.
and finally....
Maintainance:- prob the best part cuz u get paid each time..lol. BUT other than that, it is the part of the cycle where you go back into the organization and upkeep their systems with any relevant updates and procedures as well as make any additional changes to the system that need to be done!
From experience, this has been my basic understanding of the system. Hope it's clear!
# posted by Travis @ 8:44 AM
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Sunday, October 22, 2006
Â
As a budding Information Technologist (not even sure dat is a real term but anyway...), it is our job to be on the cutting edge of things. Using all the tools at our disposal to make the best decision possible.
Enter Google Earth. I was able to help "the moms" out with her business trip to the BA. After finding good rates at the specific hotel, we were able to actually see the hotel in reference to the place where the meeting would be held as well as the surrounding areas. She didn't quite say it just then, but I'm sure she was really happy that Google Earth exists. I think I'm going to use it to plan my own trip next year and from now on. Yay Google Earth!
The EARTH has officially gotten smaller!
As a budding Information Technologist (not even sure dat is a real term but anyway...), it is our job to be on the cutting edge of things. Using all the tools at our disposal to make the best decision possible.
Enter Google Earth. I was able to help "the moms" out with her business trip to the BA. After finding good rates at the specific hotel, we were able to actually see the hotel in reference to the place where the meeting would be held as well as the surrounding areas. She didn't quite say it just then, but I'm sure she was really happy that Google Earth exists. I think I'm going to use it to plan my own trip next year and from now on. Yay Google Earth!
# posted by Travis @ 7:43 PM
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Sunday, October 15, 2006
Â
OK, this is ridiculous people! I must apologize to my "phantom readers" and guinea pig x (who aparently reads my blog) for not posting anything is over a week now. I've had a rough couple of weeks, accident, death....LIFE!!! Anyways, I'm thankful that I am still here and I'm going to continue to make my contirbutions.
Dr. Mohan finally reached around to some of the tools we use in managing the data that we're given. He started talking about various DMBS, such as MS Access, MySQL, DB2, Oracle etc. I'm a bit familiar with some of these technologies and I mmust admit I sort of have a liking for them. However, the bigger picture is coming into view now as it relates to WHY we should record data and the process it takes to be formed into information. It's important to record data simply because it helps you keep track of all that's going on. If there were no records of anything, there'd be chaos (or more chaos in some cases) I'm sure. So, one way that we've seen that this can be done is to use a databse. We went through the hierarchy of data, which sounds something like this. A bit can either be 1 or 0, ie. it can either be on or off. This concept was adopted from electronics I understand as electronic items can either be turned on or turned off. Next, we have a byte. A byte consists of 8 bits and a byte is also known as a character. eg. of a character is A-Z, a-z,0-9 and special characters which make up the ASCII convention. A field is a set of characters or a group of characters and a record is not only that vinyl disc that people keep talking about, but it is also a set of related fields. A file is a group of related records and a database stores related files. So back to what I was saying about DBMS. When collection data that is then input into a database, these tools can be used to 'mine' information out of it so that better decisions can be made, specific details can be found for an item or student. Thank God for DBMS. Who knows where we woulda been without them, huh? The important foundation i was talking about however was finding out about the business before you begin to caputre data like a mad person. The information that MAY NOT be relevant to the organization and MIGHT just cause you and your employer frustration. So i'm glad that Dr. Mohan spoke about businesses sooooo much in the beginning of the course. :)
Important to lay a good foundation.
OK, this is ridiculous people! I must apologize to my "phantom readers" and guinea pig x (who aparently reads my blog) for not posting anything is over a week now. I've had a rough couple of weeks, accident, death....LIFE!!! Anyways, I'm thankful that I am still here and I'm going to continue to make my contirbutions.
Dr. Mohan finally reached around to some of the tools we use in managing the data that we're given. He started talking about various DMBS, such as MS Access, MySQL, DB2, Oracle etc. I'm a bit familiar with some of these technologies and I mmust admit I sort of have a liking for them. However, the bigger picture is coming into view now as it relates to WHY we should record data and the process it takes to be formed into information. It's important to record data simply because it helps you keep track of all that's going on. If there were no records of anything, there'd be chaos (or more chaos in some cases) I'm sure. So, one way that we've seen that this can be done is to use a databse. We went through the hierarchy of data, which sounds something like this. A bit can either be 1 or 0, ie. it can either be on or off. This concept was adopted from electronics I understand as electronic items can either be turned on or turned off. Next, we have a byte. A byte consists of 8 bits and a byte is also known as a character. eg. of a character is A-Z, a-z,0-9 and special characters which make up the ASCII convention. A field is a set of characters or a group of characters and a record is not only that vinyl disc that people keep talking about, but it is also a set of related fields. A file is a group of related records and a database stores related files. So back to what I was saying about DBMS. When collection data that is then input into a database, these tools can be used to 'mine' information out of it so that better decisions can be made, specific details can be found for an item or student. Thank God for DBMS. Who knows where we woulda been without them, huh? The important foundation i was talking about however was finding out about the business before you begin to caputre data like a mad person. The information that MAY NOT be relevant to the organization and MIGHT just cause you and your employer frustration. So i'm glad that Dr. Mohan spoke about businesses sooooo much in the beginning of the course. :)
# posted by Travis @ 8:28 PM
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Friday, October 06, 2006
Â
Alrighty. I came to class a bit early this morning and I could swear that Univeristy of Woodford Square was moved to the St. Augustine Campus up here at UWI. We were discussing the banning of gambling in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, I decided to actually listen to the discourse that my compadres in IT. They were discussing the 'adverse' effect of banning online gambling. Uhm. i doh know eh, but we doh really HAVE online gambling here. So it basically really does nothing to the country. The bottom line more or less was that the gov't shouldn't ban online gambling because it takes away from (as one collegue said) the 'free tertiary education fund'. So i asked the question...how much do we get from our online gambling faciitles? The answer...$20 MillionTT. I then asked another question, how much does the government put into thta same fund...the answer? $750 Million TT. Ok then!
Now while the 'drop in the bucket' $20 Million dollars is beneificial towards the fund, but the REAL question should be asked as to how much of the $20Million does the gov't put towards our education in the first place. Once you can answer that question, then you get your bigger picture.
Oh..and for those who were in the tutorial this morning. The definition, from three REPUTABLE and CREDIBLE sources, of e-commerce are:
"Pronunciation: 'E-"kä-(")m&rs
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
: commerce conducted via the Internet"
Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
"Commercial activity conducted via electronic media, esp. on the Internet; the sector of the economy engaged in such activity.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary
"Electronic commerce (also referred to as EC, e-commerce or ecommerce) consists primarily of the distributing, buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks."
Source: Wikipedia.com
END...
The MORALS of IT
Alrighty. I came to class a bit early this morning and I could swear that Univeristy of Woodford Square was moved to the St. Augustine Campus up here at UWI. We were discussing the banning of gambling in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, I decided to actually listen to the discourse that my compadres in IT. They were discussing the 'adverse' effect of banning online gambling. Uhm. i doh know eh, but we doh really HAVE online gambling here. So it basically really does nothing to the country. The bottom line more or less was that the gov't shouldn't ban online gambling because it takes away from (as one collegue said) the 'free tertiary education fund'. So i asked the question...how much do we get from our online gambling faciitles? The answer...$20 MillionTT. I then asked another question, how much does the government put into thta same fund...the answer? $750 Million TT. Ok then!
Now while the 'drop in the bucket' $20 Million dollars is beneificial towards the fund, but the REAL question should be asked as to how much of the $20Million does the gov't put towards our education in the first place. Once you can answer that question, then you get your bigger picture.
Oh..and for those who were in the tutorial this morning. The definition, from three REPUTABLE and CREDIBLE sources, of e-commerce are:
"Pronunciation: 'E-"kä-(")m&rs
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
: commerce conducted via the Internet"
Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
"Commercial activity conducted via electronic media, esp. on the Internet; the sector of the economy engaged in such activity.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary
"Electronic commerce (also referred to as EC, e-commerce or ecommerce) consists primarily of the distributing, buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks."
Source: Wikipedia.com
END...
# posted by Travis @ 7:11 AM
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Sunday, October 01, 2006
Â
OK ok ok! Doh cuss eh! This post is like 4 days late, but better late than never. I actually started to write this post on Thursday, BUT I got caught up doing some other things and i just haven't gotten a chance to write it until now.
Firstly, forgive the horrible title, it's all i could come up with. lol. Anyways, i wanted to deal w/ the whole issue of the earthquake and how "technology" could be used in this sitation to calm things down and to get the information to where it needs to be in a timely manner. One of the characteristics of information is that it should be timely and accurate. After the big shake up, those who were near the quad assembled by the trees near the food court and were advised to leave campus as there would be no more classes for the day. One of the public address systems I had the joy of experiencing was the alarm. The buzzing/beeping sound that resonated throughout campus. I guess it simply meant "Danger!". A suggestion however is that maybe UWI could invest in a public address system. A series of speakers and monitors around campus specifically for emergencies such as this to give instruction and direct students what to do and where to do. Some people probably didn't know that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day, so that's just one suggestion.
I not even going to touch the whole cellphone network no-service...i mean service issue. In 2001, when the WTC and Pentagon was attacked, the network was congested and voice calls could not go though the network. People used SMS to communicate to their loved ones around the country. I think they have more contingencies in place for such an event these days however. It was a lil bit different here though, everything went down. lol. No text messages or voice calls period from the cellular circuits. However in TSTT's defence, I understand that some of their sites lost power and well, that's why the network went down. I see a need for emergency communication that is effective and affordible to be created(if not already in existence). Maybe one of us IT students could fix something up? hmm? food for thought. I don't want to have to wonder where my people are after something like this or God forbid, worse happens. I've never witnessed a terrorist attack, but I distinctly remember getting up from under the desk in the reading room, looking around at the shattered light covers on the ground and the still shaking bookshelves in the Eng Dept and wondering where my friends and family were and if they were safe. I don't want that to EVER happen again. There is a need for this sorta communication now!
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September 2006
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20th POST....FINALLY!!!
Privacy
Cellphone Porno Ring in Schools
CMS and LMS
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Good Recollection, Folks!!!
Capability Vs. Responsibility
Presentations...
There's a process to everything.
The EARTH has officially gotten smaller!
I'm all shook up!
OK ok ok! Doh cuss eh! This post is like 4 days late, but better late than never. I actually started to write this post on Thursday, BUT I got caught up doing some other things and i just haven't gotten a chance to write it until now.
Firstly, forgive the horrible title, it's all i could come up with. lol. Anyways, i wanted to deal w/ the whole issue of the earthquake and how "technology" could be used in this sitation to calm things down and to get the information to where it needs to be in a timely manner. One of the characteristics of information is that it should be timely and accurate. After the big shake up, those who were near the quad assembled by the trees near the food court and were advised to leave campus as there would be no more classes for the day. One of the public address systems I had the joy of experiencing was the alarm. The buzzing/beeping sound that resonated throughout campus. I guess it simply meant "Danger!". A suggestion however is that maybe UWI could invest in a public address system. A series of speakers and monitors around campus specifically for emergencies such as this to give instruction and direct students what to do and where to do. Some people probably didn't know that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day, so that's just one suggestion.
I not even going to touch the whole cellphone network no-service...i mean service issue. In 2001, when the WTC and Pentagon was attacked, the network was congested and voice calls could not go though the network. People used SMS to communicate to their loved ones around the country. I think they have more contingencies in place for such an event these days however. It was a lil bit different here though, everything went down. lol. No text messages or voice calls period from the cellular circuits. However in TSTT's defence, I understand that some of their sites lost power and well, that's why the network went down. I see a need for emergency communication that is effective and affordible to be created(if not already in existence). Maybe one of us IT students could fix something up? hmm? food for thought. I don't want to have to wonder where my people are after something like this or God forbid, worse happens. I've never witnessed a terrorist attack, but I distinctly remember getting up from under the desk in the reading room, looking around at the shattered light covers on the ground and the still shaking bookshelves in the Eng Dept and wondering where my friends and family were and if they were safe. I don't want that to EVER happen again. There is a need for this sorta communication now!
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The EARTH has officially gotten smaller!