During our online class, we were given the opportunity to learn about concepts in abstract through our textbook, and then apply what we learned to real life applications. Furthermore, this courses format was made possible by the many systems and technologies described within our text. Often, the course format itself, and the technologies that supported it, provided real life reinforcement of the abstract concepts presented within our text.
In chapter one, we were given an overview of the use of information systems in organizations. Clearly, information systems are also very important within distance learning as well, as we all quickly learned how to use our online course portal, Moodle, read the professors task blog, and set up our blogs. In chapter two, we learned about hardware and software, which also played a vital role in our completion of this online course. Not only was it imperative for us to have the proper hardware (computer, mouse, keyboard, internet hookup, etc.), but we also needed specific software in order to preform needed operations (such as a specific operating system and browser).
In addition, in chapter three of the textbook, we learned about database systems and business intelligence. Using Zoho Reports to create an online database, we learned both about databases, and cloud computing. Zoho allows the user shared storage space, and access the features of software via a website, using their browsers. These types of services can be described as SaaS or "Software as a Service". In addition, we experimented with SQL queries and learned how to extract and manipulate data from a large database utilizing the sample databases provided by Zoho Reports.
In the following chapters, we learned about concepts such as e-commerce, m-commerce, artificial intelligence, DSS, KMS, MIS, Cloud Computing, Web 2.0, Inranets, Extranets, and telecommunications. As we continued through the class, I became more aware of how these concepts were represented in things I had previously taken for granted, such as Email, facebook, Luminis, online music services, blogger, and moodle. Email was a large part of our course, as Moodle could be set to send an email whenever one of our discussion posts was responded to. Furthermore, the Blogger and Zoho sites were integral to our course. Furthermore, specific features such as moodle messaging, discussion forums, and more allowed us to communicate effectively with our professor and peers. Even TPS and e-commerce (Transaction Processing Systems) were utilized in our class, as many of us paid for our tuition online with a credit card, and bought our books online as well.
Overall, I enjoyed this class, and felt that what I learned in these three weeks will truly prove to be useful in the years to come. Even though this class was far from my normal discipline (I am a history major) I still benefited from the information and concepts presented within this course. In an increasingly globalized world, where technology plays a huge part in almost any occupation, I now realize that an understanding of information technologies is absolutely vital.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
T3.10 and T3.11
In order to create my spreadsheet, I re-created my old spreadsheet (as I could not import the table into Zoho Sheets) and first added the Interest Rate column and labeled it. Next I added a Future Cost column, in which I used a multiplication formula, then dragged down and selected the entire column in order to apply the same formula to the whole column. Next, I used the information in my new Future Cost column to help create another new column, Future Profit, which I created by implementing a formula subtracting cells from the sales column, from the corresponding cell in the Future Cost column. For all formulas I needed to use absolute references ($) for these formulas to work correctly. Finally, I saved my changes and made the view public, and finally experimented with interest rate changes by changing the amount in my Interest Rate cell, which automatically changed values in the rest of my columns. For example, I raised the interest rate to 1.08, which raised future costs, and thus lowered future profits, as would be expected.
T3.10
I had absolutely no problems, the video was great help as were the textbook pages! I originally had a few problems, but after proofreading and a little trial and error, I managed to solve my few slight issues. Here they are:
1. SELECT "Cost", "Region", "Product", "Customer Name" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Customer Name" = 'Mathew Reese'
http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008019&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
2. SELECT "Region", "Profit", "Customer Name", "Product", "Date" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Product" = 'Art Supplies'
http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008121&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
3. SELECT "Customer Name" "Cost", "Product", "Date", "Region" FROM "Sales" WHERE "Product Category" = 'Grocery'
http://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=216137000000008231&STANDALONE=true&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
Sunday, January 9, 2011
T3.9
MISs, an acronym for Management Information Systems, are designed to support decision making, and differ from other information systems because in addition to being an information system in themselves, they also monitor the actions of many other information systems within the company (1). MISs are composed of people, equipment, and procedures used to gather and analyze data, eventually creating reports that are valuable to decision makers (1). MISs can be used by a variety of individuals including management accountants within the internal control group that can use such information to develop business strategies or cost a product (1). Furthermore, it is important to realize that MISs differ from other Information systems because they support decision making (1).
Management Information Systems, as a result of their assistance to informed decision making, can be extremely valuable to a company's attempt to gain a competitive advantage (2). When MISs are used strategically, market specific products can be created that raise the cost of market entry for possible competitors and thus give the company using the MIS a competitive advantage (2). Furthermore, a MIS can be used in situations where companies are experiencing “Price Wars”, in order to completely change the basis of competition (2). For example, if customer data collected by the MIS suggests product changes that could make a product more useful, cost effective, or appealing to the customer, the competition can switch from that of price to that of differentiation (2). In addition, companies can further “lock into business” and “switching costs” can be increased, as a result of the electronic connections or bonds formed between the company, customers, and suppliers by MISs (2).
As a result, careers in the field of Management Information Systems are a wise decision, as MIS personnel are in great need. In addition, because of this need the average salary of MIS workers has skyrocketed. This only makes sense, as if you have a product in high demand, and more buyers than products, the value, and thus price, of a product naturally increases. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that individuals with careers in the MIS field enjoy an average annual salary of over $100,000 dollars (3). Directly leaving college, a graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Management Information Systems can even expect to make almost $52,000 in an entry level position (3). Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects that job opportunities within the field will experience an above average increase through 2016 (3).
1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_system
2.
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Mail-Op/Management-Information-Systems-MIS.html
3.
http://degreedirectory.org/articles/Management_Information_Systems_MIS_What_Are_Popular_Careers_in_Management_Information_Systems.html
Management Information Systems, as a result of their assistance to informed decision making, can be extremely valuable to a company's attempt to gain a competitive advantage (2). When MISs are used strategically, market specific products can be created that raise the cost of market entry for possible competitors and thus give the company using the MIS a competitive advantage (2). Furthermore, a MIS can be used in situations where companies are experiencing “Price Wars”, in order to completely change the basis of competition (2). For example, if customer data collected by the MIS suggests product changes that could make a product more useful, cost effective, or appealing to the customer, the competition can switch from that of price to that of differentiation (2). In addition, companies can further “lock into business” and “switching costs” can be increased, as a result of the electronic connections or bonds formed between the company, customers, and suppliers by MISs (2).
As a result, careers in the field of Management Information Systems are a wise decision, as MIS personnel are in great need. In addition, because of this need the average salary of MIS workers has skyrocketed. This only makes sense, as if you have a product in high demand, and more buyers than products, the value, and thus price, of a product naturally increases. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that individuals with careers in the MIS field enjoy an average annual salary of over $100,000 dollars (3). Directly leaving college, a graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Management Information Systems can even expect to make almost $52,000 in an entry level position (3). Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects that job opportunities within the field will experience an above average increase through 2016 (3).
1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_system
2.
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Mail-Op/Management-Information-Systems-MIS.html
3.
http://degreedirectory.org/articles/Management_Information_Systems_MIS_What_Are_Popular_Careers_in_Management_Information_Systems.html
Friday, January 7, 2011
T3.3 - Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing allows the computer and internet user to go beyond the capabilities of their own machine, and utilize shared storage space and other resources made available by cloud computing (1). Creating a website hosted on a larger server is made possible by cloud computing, as are web based email servers like yahoo, hotmail, and gmail (1). In addition, social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace, and even Moodle, and made possible by cloud computing. Essentially, cloud computing allows the capabilities of IT to be expanded without mass changes to the hardware already in use or main infrastructure (2). However, "Cloud Computing" can be a vague and general term, and it is important to address the many forms of cloud computing in use today (2).
There are many forms and aspects of cloud computing, such as SaaS, Utility Computing, Web Services in the Cloud, Platform, MSP (Management Service Providers), Service Commerce Platforms, and Integration Programs (2). In the interest of space and time, within this post I will only address the form of cloud computing called SaaS. SaaS offers one application to thousands of users through their browser, and can be seen in many online applications that also have downloadable "desktop apps" such as Zoho Office and Google Apps (2). SaaS is short for "Software as a Service", and is especially useful to businesses because it allows the software to be accessed remotely via a browsers, which is often cheaper than buying and installing software on all their computers, and also does not require additional hardware (3). An example of SaaS would be Salesforce.com, a website that offers a one-site solution for sales workers (4).
This site takes advantage of the many benefits that cloud computing offers, and functions as a one site interface to control a variety of important programs used by sales personnel (4). For example, the site features a large amount of storage within which salesmen and women can store contacts and details on their various accounts (4). The site also features a content library in which to store presentations, a partner interface in which workers can collaborate, and an email service and storage interface (4). The site even contains a mapping function to help salespeople drive to sales calls, and also has a mobile equivalent so that all the functions of the normal website can be accessed on a mobile phone (4). This website and its function demonstrates that cloud computing can be valuable to specific types of workers, as well as businesses in general, and the general public in the forms of social networking sites, photo storage, email services, and more.
1.http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-allentown/cloud-computing-facebook-for-business
2.http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031
3. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SaaS.html
4. http://www.salesforce.com/crm/sales-force-automation/
There are many forms and aspects of cloud computing, such as SaaS, Utility Computing, Web Services in the Cloud, Platform, MSP (Management Service Providers), Service Commerce Platforms, and Integration Programs (2). In the interest of space and time, within this post I will only address the form of cloud computing called SaaS. SaaS offers one application to thousands of users through their browser, and can be seen in many online applications that also have downloadable "desktop apps" such as Zoho Office and Google Apps (2). SaaS is short for "Software as a Service", and is especially useful to businesses because it allows the software to be accessed remotely via a browsers, which is often cheaper than buying and installing software on all their computers, and also does not require additional hardware (3). An example of SaaS would be Salesforce.com, a website that offers a one-site solution for sales workers (4).
This site takes advantage of the many benefits that cloud computing offers, and functions as a one site interface to control a variety of important programs used by sales personnel (4). For example, the site features a large amount of storage within which salesmen and women can store contacts and details on their various accounts (4). The site also features a content library in which to store presentations, a partner interface in which workers can collaborate, and an email service and storage interface (4). The site even contains a mapping function to help salespeople drive to sales calls, and also has a mobile equivalent so that all the functions of the normal website can be accessed on a mobile phone (4). This website and its function demonstrates that cloud computing can be valuable to specific types of workers, as well as businesses in general, and the general public in the forms of social networking sites, photo storage, email services, and more.
1.http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-allentown/cloud-computing-facebook-for-business
2.http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031
3. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SaaS.html
4. http://www.salesforce.com/crm/sales-force-automation/
T3.4 - E-Business
The term E-Business was first used by IBM in 1997, and refers to businesses that conduct their operations over the internet in many aspects of the value chain (1). E-Business uses email, e-commerce, intranets, extranets, internet based applications such as shopping carts, and more in order to make business transactions faster, easier, and more convenient (1). E-Commerce refers to internet based businesses, business conducted over the internet using "internet based applications" such as email or shopping carts, and business transactions that are conducted online electronically (2) . These transactions can range from the exchange of goods between businesses and customers, to exchange funds from one business to another, or exchange of data from one business to another (2).
The internet can play a role in almost every aspect of the E-Business Value chain. For example, supplies and raw materials can be purchased online with the click of a mouse, tracked using online shipping trackers such as UPSs online "Quantum View Tracking Service" specifically designed for businesses (3). Online applications can also be used to manage storage organization, as well as production information, systems, and productivity measures. For example, I use an online portal via the Ramapo College Website to enter my hours into a time sheet for work, eliminating the necessity for another worker to input information on a physical time sheet or card. Outbound logistics, similar to inbound logistics, can benefit from the use of services such as "Quantum View" which, in addition to allowing companies to track incoming packages, allows a company to provide shipment notification, and tracking reports to their customers with ease and convenience (3). In addition, the marketing and sales section of the value chain can be addressed successfully using online tools, such as appealing websites, ads in google search side bars, and more invasive forms of advertizing such as pop-up ads and emailed coupons, etc. Most popular stores now feature online interfaces that both allow customers to preview products before purchase in a store, or purchase them completely online. Furthermore, the internet is becoming increasingly useful for the last element of the value chain, customer service.
For example, as early as 1998, Charles Schwab & Co. began utilizing internet based software similar to that used by call centers to monitor, organize, and track its customer service chat sessions (4). Later that year, IBM began marketing a new software system, "SameTime", designed to provide real time customer service to customers in need entirely online (4). Furthermore, as years passed and internet use has become more and more widespread, customer service has begun to utilize instant messaging in particular. For example, on sites such as the University of Wisconsin's DoIT Tech Store, you can "chat" or "instant messgae" and agent for free, at any time, for purchasing advice, or help with any technical problems that may arise with your newly purchased software or hardware (5). Similarly, many colleges feature "chats" with admissions officers to answer questions and appeal to students considering their institution. Even Ramapo College's Potter Library features a similar "customer service" type of application, in that students can, at almost any time during reference hours, and for free, ask questions of a librarian online using "Meebo Chat" and receive almost instant answers (6).
In this way, and many others, E-business is an important part of my, and other students lives. I have personally used meebo chat to ask the reference librarians important questions, have asked admissions officers at various colleges questions using chat features, and have requested tech help using online services. Furthermore, I frequently use sites such as www.amazon.com and expedia.com to purchase gifts and airline tickets. E-Business not only allowed me to book a flight to Kansas for the holidays to see my family in a matter of minutes, but it also allowed me to order them presents with "One Click" (an amazon feature) and free shipping with a free trial of Amazon Prime, track their shipment, and receive these gifts at Ramapo just before leaving (7). I even was able to book my long term parking at Newark Airport online thanks to E-business. Clearly, E-Business is changing the way we do business, and creating a convenient (and eco-friendly, as trips to the mall and specialty stores can be avoided), cost-friendly, and efficient means for commerce to be carried out in a changing and increasingly globalized world.
1. http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/e-business
2. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/electronic_commerce.html
3. http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/tracking/quantumview/index.html
4. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
5. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
6. http://ww2.ramapo.edu/library/index2.aspx?id=19462
7. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468480
The internet can play a role in almost every aspect of the E-Business Value chain. For example, supplies and raw materials can be purchased online with the click of a mouse, tracked using online shipping trackers such as UPSs online "Quantum View Tracking Service" specifically designed for businesses (3). Online applications can also be used to manage storage organization, as well as production information, systems, and productivity measures. For example, I use an online portal via the Ramapo College Website to enter my hours into a time sheet for work, eliminating the necessity for another worker to input information on a physical time sheet or card. Outbound logistics, similar to inbound logistics, can benefit from the use of services such as "Quantum View" which, in addition to allowing companies to track incoming packages, allows a company to provide shipment notification, and tracking reports to their customers with ease and convenience (3). In addition, the marketing and sales section of the value chain can be addressed successfully using online tools, such as appealing websites, ads in google search side bars, and more invasive forms of advertizing such as pop-up ads and emailed coupons, etc. Most popular stores now feature online interfaces that both allow customers to preview products before purchase in a store, or purchase them completely online. Furthermore, the internet is becoming increasingly useful for the last element of the value chain, customer service.
For example, as early as 1998, Charles Schwab & Co. began utilizing internet based software similar to that used by call centers to monitor, organize, and track its customer service chat sessions (4). Later that year, IBM began marketing a new software system, "SameTime", designed to provide real time customer service to customers in need entirely online (4). Furthermore, as years passed and internet use has become more and more widespread, customer service has begun to utilize instant messaging in particular. For example, on sites such as the University of Wisconsin's DoIT Tech Store, you can "chat" or "instant messgae" and agent for free, at any time, for purchasing advice, or help with any technical problems that may arise with your newly purchased software or hardware (5). Similarly, many colleges feature "chats" with admissions officers to answer questions and appeal to students considering their institution. Even Ramapo College's Potter Library features a similar "customer service" type of application, in that students can, at almost any time during reference hours, and for free, ask questions of a librarian online using "Meebo Chat" and receive almost instant answers (6).
In this way, and many others, E-business is an important part of my, and other students lives. I have personally used meebo chat to ask the reference librarians important questions, have asked admissions officers at various colleges questions using chat features, and have requested tech help using online services. Furthermore, I frequently use sites such as www.amazon.com and expedia.com to purchase gifts and airline tickets. E-Business not only allowed me to book a flight to Kansas for the holidays to see my family in a matter of minutes, but it also allowed me to order them presents with "One Click" (an amazon feature) and free shipping with a free trial of Amazon Prime, track their shipment, and receive these gifts at Ramapo just before leaving (7). I even was able to book my long term parking at Newark Airport online thanks to E-business. Clearly, E-Business is changing the way we do business, and creating a convenient (and eco-friendly, as trips to the mall and specialty stores can be avoided), cost-friendly, and efficient means for commerce to be carried out in a changing and increasingly globalized world.
1. http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/e-business
2. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/electronic_commerce.html
3. http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/tracking/quantumview/index.html
4. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
5. http://www.informationweek.com/684/84iucus.htm;jsessionid=LVBUZS4BX3UDBQE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN
6. http://ww2.ramapo.edu/library/index2.aspx?id=19462
7. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468480
Thursday, January 6, 2011
T3.7
Though I do not have a phone that supports any applications (stone-age, 10-key flip phone), I use some of these applications on my netbook, and found some others that seemed particularly interesting and useful.
1.
Picassa: Post and share photos and albums for free, easily send groups of photos to printing services such as Snapfish, etc.
2.
Google Docs: This application is useful to open and edit many various types of files across almost all operating systems, mobility!
3.
Rhapsody: Requires a monthly subscription fee, but downloads are unlimited and this service is quite wonderful for those who like to vary their music and whose tastes change frequently.
4.
Google Calender: Useful for creating calenders, syncing them to gmail, publishing to the web, and sharing with coworkers, family, and friends.
5.
FedEx: Allows the user to track packages, and receive up to date information on both sent and received packages.
6.
Roambi: A mobile dashboard that allows you import information for sharing and viewing from software programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
7.
Bloomberg Mobile: Delivers financial information and analyzes financial information on or mobile device to support decision making.
8.
Doomi: A simple, free, and easy search-able to do list application.
9.
Iqueue: Allows the user to organize their Netflix account and Dvd Queue via their Iphone or other mobile device.
10.
Jsotr Mobile: Access the JSTOR Scholarly article database from your mobile phone!
I found the last particularly interesting as I know many students at Ramapo use JSTOR for assignments and essays, and the potter library does have a subscription to the database, allowing all students access with their Ramapo ID regardless of location.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)