Reflection--(..^_^..)

Based on your answers in Assignments 2 and 3, how can the university help you achieve what you want to be in the future?


As what can i say about how can the university(usep) can help to achieve our dreams in life,well first of all it, the most important of all the aspects the school should have are the teachers/ facilitators who give the knowledge or lighten up the mind of the students, giving them idea what they wan to do to their lives and inspiring them t o become what they want in life. If the teachers were good, it has the big chance to mold the mind of the students like their teachers because the teachers were the inspirations of the students their models and it should begin with them. I can say that the teachers were good in the university because i can feel it the hardships the feeling like you were drown in the middle of the ocean...hmnmn... but in spite of it all those trials give us more strength and give us the trust in our selves that we succeed it. Also, i suggest that teachers like in the other schools teach their students not only for money but the future that they can give to the students. Like when we have some contest i feel the university can't give us some hints that can make it win to the contest. In myself, i really want to join some contest by schools or by regions or even in the national level if i have only the teacher that could give all the knowledge he have and it up to me to improve it. Just trust to someone like us students and we will never fail you. Make you proud of us. The second thing was i think it would really help to reach our dreams was the equipments/resources that we have. I understand that we are only in the university/run by the government and i know the limitations of the resources that they can give to us. But in my opinion it should be include in the list so that students could be more competitive and someday reach their dreams in life. And i know that this University of Southeastern of the Philippines even of it limitations of resources i really believe this is the school i know could make me stronger to reach my ambitions and it is a great challenge for us!!!Thank you...

That's all i can say for now!!

Thank you very much for the opportunity to express our ideas in this blog.


***end***
cocoi™

Assignment 3(HRM)

Jobs and what I like

1. Environmental Simulations Developer

computer degrees, it programs With the worldwide interest in Global Warming - what with ex-Vice President Al Gore's movie and book, An Inconvenient Truth, and resulting awards - there'll be more opportunities for careers in this field. One role that'll play a significant part and involves computer programming skills is Environmental Simulations Developer. Such developers will both develop accurate environmental models and run short- and long-term simulations, and collect data (which will be analyzed by environmentalists). As climate change continues to grow in the public conscience, and as governments continue to take this issue seriously, the demand for climate and environmental simulations developers will continue to grow.

2. Video Game Developer.

computer degrees, it programs With the continued expansion of the video game market into new demographics, especially with the introduction of the Wii, the video game industry continues to need solid game developers. In fact, there is evidence that video games will be entering new domains, such as the health and education industries, on much larger scales. And while video games might have their detractors, gaming has benefits: imparting therapy, teaching hand/eye coordination, planning and strategy, for starters. That said, demands for newer and more innovative video games will continue to grow. It remains to be seen how soon we'll get to holographic gaming, but video game developers and even video game testers will have plenty of opportunities.

3. Bioinformatics Simulations Modeling.

Bioinformatics is an enormously important field that includes the study of genomes, gene sequencing, protein structures, etc., all of which help advance medical discoveries. In addition to scientific skills, bioinformatics requires skills in applied mathematics and modeling, computer science, and more. Bioinformatics is at the forefront of what many consider the most significant age of scientific discovery ever: unlocking the data in the genetic code could revolutionize the very fabric of life itself.

4. 3D Animation Technician.

computer degrees, it programs The success of 3D animated movies such as The Incredibles and Beowulf require both creative and technical skills to use the necessary advanced animation systems that are sometimes hybridized with live action footage. Throw in the availability of free or inexpensive 3D applications such as POV-Ray, Bryce, Poser, Terragen and many more - not to mention high-end sytems - and there's lots of technical skills to learn.

Such technology is also used for TV shows and TV commercials, so related career opportunities will increase, given the demand for visual content.

5. Internet Entrepreneur.

The Internet offers career opportunities never before available to college graduates. The chance to start and run your own online business is very real. Everything from developing software and web apps to consulting and web publishing are available those with passion. Entrepreneurs tend to be fairly sufficient and internally-driven. And with the new opportunities available online now and in the future, people with both entrepreneurial minds and the necessary website management skills will be in high demand from online publishers and Internet marketers. The more technical skills, the better, including an understanding of how to leverage web services/ applications. For example, the ability to use web tools like Yahoo Pipes to build RSS Radars, custom search engines and data filtering tools could come in very handy in scoping out and developing online opportunities.

the job that i like is the Environmental Simulation's Developer because as what i've research it is one of latest jobs. Being in the latest job also a new learnings on how to deal with this job and also dealing with environment what is the weather will be helping people to warn or give some advices about the weather.

***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

Assignment 4

Green Campus Computing

Here are some sites talking about the green campus.

1.

Title: Negros Occidental to launch green campus

visit:arrow: : http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/negros-occidental-launch-green-campus

"Penro is urging everybody to join the activity by bringing in and selling recyclable materials such as newspapers, clean plastic cellophanes, plastic containers scrap paper, cartons, empty bottles, tin cans, aluminum containers, PC monitors, used ink/toner cartridges and junk appliances to said fair."

"May pera sa basura!"

2. Solar Generation - Pilipinas

Title: Green Campus Launching - from 1998 to the Present projects

visit:arrow: : http://solargenerationyouth.multiply.com/photos/album/228/Green_Campus_Launching_-_from_1998_to_the_Present_projects

"The Green Campus was then born on the month July and it was agreed by all departments to immediately implement the project proposal which was endorsed by SolarGeneration and re-aligned by the Green Campus Committee (created during the first meeting) based on the campus requirements and capacity. The project started through information education communication campaign of the Simple Lang Save the Climate toolkit (switch-off, Unplug and light up efficiently) in the university were in-charge committee was tasked to execute their role while the college of Engineering conducts the energy audit to be submitted on the agreed time-frame.

By the end of the month the University presented the partial report education campaign generated savings (August 2008): Php 58,774.10 and presented the energy audit report which was then conducted by the Engineering Department.

Now the University is planning the use of energy generated from Renewable source (Solar) for their electricity consumption and the use of sustainable public transport which is the electric jeepney."

3.

Title: 12 Steps Towards Sustainability

visit:arrow: : http://www.easternct.edu/sustainenergy/colleges_n_uni/home_colleges_n_uni.html

"Universities have an obligation to operate in a manner that is ecologically and socially sound, as well as economically viable. To do this they need to act in a sustainable manner considering all three when making planning and operational decisions. Universities are being asked to support the regional, national and worldwide climate change efforts. This includes actions to educate, lower emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Organizations are also internally driven to reduce unnecessary cost for maintenance and energy. Universities should become "Learning Laboratories" for the future citizens and leaders of the world."

"It's not easy being green!"

[b]My views!

*Recycling

- Recycling materials can less the hazardous effects in our society. In our school, I can say that recycling materials should be adopt because as what i saw in the laboratory room there are lots of unused monitors/keyboards/mouse. Selling this waste can benefit some money and make use of this money for beautification of our school.
*Solar Energy
- As what i can see in our school, it is much better if we can have more solar energy producing things because the more this solar energy things it can really save electricity consumption by making use of this solar energy. Saving electricity also save money. In our school if we can save more electricity we can earn also more money and that money we could divert it to the improvement in our school like in the beautification or other things. To save also energy we should also adopt ways in conserving energy and it should begin in the facilitators or staffs in our school and should implement a strict compliance for this matter.

***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

Thinking of My Future Job

There are many things to consider in choosing our future jobs. One of it is the field of interest of the employee. Interest drives a person to pursue and develop his future career. It serves as a guideline to which a person would direct his path which he will lead his future. There are lots of factors to consider before thinking and aspiring those jobs. It is not easy to commit yourself to a job without considering these factors. People who don’t consider nor think these factors often times fail to achieve their goals in life. With God’s gift of intelligence success would always be within our grasp.

Some factors to consider in choosing your future job are the following:
• Skills -the skill you have should match to the job you want.
• Body condition – it should be considered because it is your biggest investment and asset; considering the body condition because you cannot achieve it even you have the knowledge to do it but how to do it is in your hands
• Family – it should be considered because they primarily give motivation and support
• Interest – it should be considered because it fuels your motivation to pursue your job

ROBOT PROGRAMMER

Robotic technology once referred to the machines that were used in the auto industry on an assembly line. However, as technology has progressed, it can no longer be confined to simply assembly work. Robot machines have become beloved household pets, analyze blood samples and assist hospital patients.

New robot program innovations include robots with vision systems and machine intelligence that reads labels in order to accurately pick the necessary part from nearby containers. Robot automation can reduce time and costs while improving quality and efficiency. However robot programmers are needed to create and tell the robots what their jobs is - how to do the job.

While robot programmers are needed to program the robots, they are also needed in configuring existing computer systems integration with robotic technology. This often requires the programmer to do a lot of traveling and initial set up work. But it�s not always about big huge machines making other machines that make things such as car accessories. Robot programmers are an umbrella term for a variety of necessities and life easing luxuries.

Entering the field of robot programming first requires an interest in both robotics and programming. An education is the first direction to go. Most robot programmers need a degree in either computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, or something similar. Because this career is very detailed oriented and making mistakes can have serious consequences, most robot programmer’s work in groups.

Robot programming is a new career in an emerging world of innovative technology advances that is still in its infancy. Robot programmers are very much in demand and while robotic technology will indeed push forward to meet the demands of a technological future, the next five years of robotic technology will continue to question, �how can this be done better, safer or more efficient�?

SOURCE: http://www.career-opportunities.net/career_profiles/robot_programmer

***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

ASSIGNMENT 1(HRM)

10 BEST PRACTICES IN HR

1. Safe, Healthy and Happy Workplace
Creating a safe, healthy and happy workplace will ensure that your employees feel homely and stay with your organization for a very long time. Capture their pulse through employee surveys.

2. Open Book Management Style
Sharing information about contracts, sales, new clients, management objectives, company policies, employee personal data etc. ensures that the employees are as enthusiastic about the business as the management. Through this open book process you can gradually create a culture of participative management and ignite the creative endeavor of your work force.. It involves making people an interested party to your strategic decisions, thus aligning them to your business objectives. Be as open as you can. It helps in building trust & motivates employees. Employee self service portal, Manager on-line etc. are the tools available today to the management to practice this style.

3. Performance linked Bonuses
Paying out bonuses or having any kind of variable compensation plan can be both an incentive and a disillusionment, based on how it is administered and communicated. Bonus must be designed in such a way that people understand that there is no payout unless the company hits a certain level of profitability. Additional criteria could be the team's success and the individual's performance. Never pay out bonus without measuring performance, unless it is a statutory obligation.

4. 360 Degree Performance Management Feedback System
This system, which solicits feedback from seniors (including the boss), peers and subordinates has been increasingly embraced as the best of all available methods for collecting performance feedback. Gone are the days of working hard to impress only one person, now the opinions of all matter, especially if you are in a leadership role (at any level). Every person in the team is responsible for giving relevant, positive and constructive feedback. Such systems also help in identifying leaders for higher level positions in the organization. Senior managers could use this feed back for self development.

5. Fair Evaluation System for Employees
Develop an evaluation system that clearly links individual performance to corporate business goals and priorities. Each employee should have well defined reporting relationships. Self rating as a part of evaluation process empowers employees. Evaluation becomes fairer if it is based on the records of periodic counseling & achievements of the employee, tracked over the year. For higher objectivity, besides the immediate boss, each employee should be screened by the next higher level (often called a Reviewer). Cross - functional feedback, if obtained by the immediate boss from another manager (for whom this employee's work is also important), will add to the fairness of the system. Relative ratings of all subordinates reporting to the same manager is another tool for fairness of evaluation. Normalization of evaluation is yet another dimension of improving fairness.

6. Knowledge Sharing
Adopt a systematic approach to ensure that knowledge management supports strategy. Store knowledge in databases to provide greater access to information posted either by the company or the employees on the knowledge portals of the company. When an employee returns after attending any competencies or skills development program, sharing essential knowledge with others could be made mandatory. Innovative ideas(implemented at the work place) are good to be posted on these knowledge sharing platforms. However,what to store & how to maintain a Knowledge base requires deep thinking to avoid clutter.

7. Highlight performers
Create profiles of top performers and make these visible though company intranet, display boards etc. It will encourage others to put in their best, thereby creating a competitive environment within the company. If a systems approach is followed to shortlist high performers, you can surely avoid disgruntlements.

8. Open house discussions and feedback mechanism
Ideas rule the world. Great organizations recognize, nurture and execute great ideas. Employees are the biggest source of ideas. The only thing that can stop great ideas flooding your organization is the lack of an appropriate mechanism to capture ideas. Open house discussions,employee-management meets, suggestion boxes and ideas capture tools such as Critical Incidents diaries are the building blocks that can help the Managers to identify & develop talent.

9. Reward Ceremonies
Merely recognizing talent does not work, you need to couple it with ceremonies where recognition is broadcast. Looking at the Dollar Check is often less significant than listening to the thunderous applause by colleagues in a public forum.

10. Delight Employees with the Unexpected
The last but not least way is to occasionally delight your employees with unexpected things that may come in the form of a reward, a gift or a well-done certificate. Reward not only the top performers but also a few others who are in need of motivation to exhibit their potential.
EmpXtrack' is a composite HR solution which helps in the institutionalization of most of these best practices by utilizing software tools. EmpXtrack team is always available to provide you with systems which are synchronized with your HR processes.

Source: http://www.empxtrack.com/human-capital-management-system/articles/Human-Resources-Management-Practices-top-ten/


Discussions: About the company we visited and interviewed.

The company we chose was the JS Gaisano in Tagum. Here are the following questions that we asked.

Questionnaire:

Subject: Human Resource Management (HRM)
1. What is Human Resource Management?
2. What is your role as a Human Resource Manager?
3. Getting the best employees.
4. Paying Employees (providing benefits). Site some benefits.
5. Training your employees.
6. Ensuring compliance to regulation
7. Ensuring Safe Work Environments
8. Sustaining High-Performing Employees
9. Advantage and Disadvantage of having Human Resource in a company?
10. Can you give some ideas/points for possible improvements in the company?
Answers:
1. Is the act of managing of human/workers in a company
2. The roles of the human resource manager are managing the recruitment process, keeping the records, tracking daily time records etc.
3. Getting the best employees should suite the standard height; include the physical appearance, attitude and etc.
4. Paying the employees in holiday. 30 % for the casual employees, double pay for the regulars. The kind of paying is in per hour and the regular employees have health benefits.
5. The deployment of the employees should strictly follow these step by step processes. The training is 2 days exposure, 6 days OJT and after 8 days they can start to work.
6. Ensuring the compliance to regulation. If they were late in 3 consecutive days they will have memorandum coming from the manager but they told is better to be late than absent because they have less employees.
7. Ensuring the safety work environment. They have the proper working attire like gloves and masks to their employees assigned in the warehouse.
8. Sustaining the high performance of the employees. If they employees got always there quota they will be given an appreciation or recognition or certificate coming from the manager.
9. The advantage of the having HR are they can track the man power budget, ensuring the health and safety of the employees.
10. The improvements told us were the additional of man power in their company.

***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

COMDAP 2009 Reflection

COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO 2009
July 2-4, Apo View Hotel, Davao City

Where the highest mountain in the land rises over the vast rich plains of Davao, where the king of Philippine birds soar over his domain, the giant of all Philippine I.T. shows once more unfolds its latest event. It's COMDDAP Davao 2009 - the biggest I.T. expo held regularly in the South.

About COMDAP

THE POWER OF INTERDEPENDENCE COMDDAP is an association of the country's top information technology businesses. Its primary objective is to promote the sustainable development of the of the country's information technology industry through voluntary collaboration of its member companies. It is the goal of COMDDAP to be able to provide its members general views and updates from different sectors - private and government, and highly regarded individuals to further uplift the morale and knowledge of its organization.
http://www.comddap.org/events.htm

First Session/First Presenter:

ERIC DMS - Dealer Management System

The ERIC Dealer Management System (DMS) is an end-t-o-end software solution for automotive sales, parts and service businesses. ERIC DMS covers the full range of dealer activities-from marketing to sales and services.

Aside from core business operations, DMS includes a full ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and completely automates and integrates back office operations all the way to financial reporting.
With ERIC DMS, you can have full visibility over all operations.
Achieve total control over your car dealership business today!
• Schedule prospects for test drives and follow up on appointments
• Monitor and increase sales
• Delight customers with gentle reminders for appointments
• Manage vehicle inventory
• Deliver impeccable service
• Control parts & consumables cost
• Monitor and correctly implement warranty for parts & service
• Report your financial bottom line

DMS Process Flow



ERIC Dealership Management System (DMS) A complete, end-to-end solution for vehicle dealers, distributors, and service providers
ERIC DMS is composed of three core modules to manage dealer Operations.
These modules are:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Vehicle Sales and Administration (VSA)
• Service Management (SVM)
• Customer Relationship Management
• Vehicle Sales and Administration
• Service Management
• Parts Inventory
• Order Entry and Billing
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• General Ledger
• Purchasing
• Time Card

http://www.jupitersystems.com.ph/product.aspx?prod_id=1


Second Session/Second Presenter:



What is a thin client?

Thin clients are computing devices that function as an access device on a network. These solid-state devices connect over a network to a server where the bulk of the processing takes place. Thin clients have no hard drive, allowing for more secure storage of data and applications on the server. In fact, keystrokes, mouse events and screen images are all that is sent between the client and server. This makes the device much more secure than a standard desktop or notebook computer.

With no hard drive, fan or other moving parts, thin clients have a much longer lifespan than standard computers and use significantly less power. Lower maintenance costs are another benefit as software application updates, virus scanning and patches can be executed on the server. Deployment costs are also reduced as thin clients can be remotely configured and do not need to be set up individually. Break-fix simply requires replacing the thin client.
Why should I consider a thin client solution?
You need to learn more about the HP thin client solution if your business is faced with issues such as:

• Desktop replacement costs
• Network security
• Data access to mobile or remote workers
• Supporting application software on diverse hardware, or
• Ensuring your data remains accessible and secure

Thin clients are ideal solution for today's healthcare, industrial, retail, financial and education industries offering a number of benefits to your business.

Enhanced security

Unlike a traditional desktop or notebook computer, no applications or data are stored locally on the thin client. This makes them easy to replace if lost, stolen or damaged. Thin clients are an ideal choice for businesses that are facing increased regulatory compliance laws such as HIPAA or Sarbanes-Oxley.

Easier manageability

Thin clients are managed at the server, located within the data center. The client hardware has fewer points of failure and lacks a hard drive for storage providing protection from viruses and malware. Thin clients connect to servers via web browsers or remote desktop software. Depending on the functionality the user needs, client desktops can be very simple single-application kiosks or a flexible and familiar Windows environment.
Thin clients can be set up out of the box in less than 10 minutes allowing easy deployment to new users or remote locations. HP thin clients can be remotely configured and managed via management software included at no extra charge.

High reliability

With thin client access devices, business continuity is a given in the event of a natural disaster, as the data and applications are not resident on the client device. Because of their solid state design, thin clients have an extended product life of up to 5 years and can be cost effectively replaced if needed.

Thin clients are ideal for environments unsuited for traditional desktop computers like dusty, remote or space-constrained environments. They can be mounted invisibly behind a flat panel monitor, under the desk or just about anywhere with the optional VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association)-compatible HP Quick Release.

Increased energy efficiency

Thin clients offer significant savings in power usage over traditional desktops. This is realized not only in energy costs but reduced air-conditioning costs in some cases. With their long lifecycle thin clients allow companies to achieve energy savings targets and reduce the need for replacement equipment.

Lower total cost of ownership

The increased security, reliability and ease of management contribute to a lower total cost of ownership for your client computing devices. With a longer useful lifespan, thin clients contribute to cost savings. According to a study by Gartner (TCO Comparison of PCs with Server-Based Computing, June 2006) thin client TCO annual savings have been measured as high as:

• 79% less downtime cost per user
• 16% capital cost savings
• 34% less in maintenance
• 19% less to operate
• 48% overall lower total cost

HP's Client Virtualization Solutions

HP offers a complete solution of thin client devices for essential, mainstream, flexible or specialized computing. HP can also provide all the related products and services for remote client computing or desktop virtualization including blade PCs, storage, networking and servers.

http://www.hp.com/sbso/solutions/pc_expertise/article/thinclients_consider.html

“What a great experience and a great new technology!!”
***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

ASSIGNMENT 3

Thoughts about the automated election…

Terms to identify:

Electronic Voting System-

Electronic voting (also known as e-voting) is a term encompassing several different types of voting, embracing both electronic means of casting a vote and electronic means of counting votes.

Electronic voting technology can include punch cards, optical scan voting systems and specialized voting kiosks (including self-contained Direct-recording electronic (DRE) voting systems). It can also involve transmission of ballots and votes via telephones, private computer networks, or the Internet.

Electronic voting technology can speed the counting of ballots and can provide improved accessibility for disabled voters. However, there has been contention, especially in the United States, that electronic voting, especially DRE voting, could facilitate electoral fraud.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_voting

Electronic Voting Machines-

Voting machines are the total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment (including software, firmware, and documentation required to program control, and support equipment), that is used to define ballots; to cast and count votes; to report or display election results; and to maintain and produce any audit trail information. The first voting machines were mechanical but it is increasingly more common to use electronic voting machines.

A voting system includes the practices and associated documentation used to identify system components and versions of such components; to test the system during its development and maintenance; to maintain records of system errors or defects; to determine specific changes made after initial certification; and to make available any materials to the voter (such as notices, instructions, forms, or paper ballots).

Traditionally, a voting machine has been defined by the mechanism the system uses to cast votes and further categorized by the location where the system tabulates the votes.

Voting machines have different usability, security, efficiency and accuracy. Certain systems may be more or less accessible to all voters, or not accessible to those voters with certain types of disabilities. They can also have an effect on the public's ability to oversee elections.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_machine

Result in Automated Election:

-Sahi’s voting solution delivers first ever automated election in Philippines (ARMM)

Manila, Philippines, August 13, 2008 – In the wake of the first automated election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Smartmatic-SAHI today announced that its voting solution, the Smartmatic Automated Election System (SAES), performed with complete reliability and accuracy. During the election, the SAES machines transmitted accurately, rapidly and reliably, and after the polls closed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) certified the results, which was accepted by the representatives of the different political parties.

“This was a first ever of its kind election in many ways for the ARMM, and the fact that we had record voter turnout, results were accepted by all parties, and it is all fully auditable, at Smartmatic-SAHI, we believe this could not have been possible without our trusted voting solution,” said Antonio Mugica, Chief Executive Officer, Smartmatic.

In the closely monitored election, voters elected Zaldy Ampatuan as the Governor of the province. Key electoral statistics include:

Voter turn out in Maguindanao: 93.48%

Overall Voter turn out: 84%

Automated precincts: 5170

Electronic Voting machines used: 2,558

Transmitted Voters: 1,528,839

Time to Cast Vote: Less than 30 seconds

Electronic Voting Machine Support Technicians: 533

SAES -- Simpler + Faster automated voting system

The voters in the province of Maguindanao used Smartmatic-SAHI’s automated voting solution, which was able to reduce the time needed to cast and transmit votes. In particular, to streamline the process for citizens with limited literacy, photographs of the three gubernatorial candidates appeared on the screen, and voters merely had to touch the candidate of their choice to cast a ballot – allowing many to cast their vote in under 30 seconds.

To provide the highest level of security, the SAES system randomly stores and encrypts votes in seven different places, guaranteeing 100% security and auditability of the voting process. In addition, all Smartmatic-SAHI voting systems are equipped with a voter verified paper trail (VVPT) printed on security-enhanced paper as soon as each vote is cast. This ballot “receipt” shows the vote the machine has just recorded and allows the voter to verify that their vote was recorded correctly. It also serves as a physical backup in the event of an audit.

And to simplify the voting process for authorities, Smartatic-SAHI’s systems are “ready to go” voting solutions. Preconfigured for each precinct, they require no set-up and only needed to be transported to the appropriate locations. Moreover, since the systems are fully automated they do not require any human interaction to summarize votes – reducing errors and tampering. And equally important, they are a cost-effective solution – removing the need for expensive paper ballots.

In contrast, citizens in the other 5 provinces (Shariff Kabunsuan, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) voted on paper ballots, or Optical Mark Reader (OMR). This multi-step process is done by filling in an oval next to the candidate’s name, and subsequently, all the ballots are scanned and tallied by a counting machine.

The OMR systems were provided by Avante.

“The election results showed that Smartmatic-SAHI’s automated voting machines, as opposed to paper ballots, allow for both voters to cast votes in up to half the time and results to transmitted quickly. But most important, our technology is 100% tamper proof and delivers the ultimate election security,” said Mugica.

To ensure a smooth and seamless election, all of SAES voting solutions were equipped with back-up battery packs that last up to 16 hours, as power outages are common in the remote region. In addition, Smartmatic-SAHI’s employed 255 network technicians to support the polling centers in Maguindanao and an additional 40 technicians to serve as mobile teams to support canvassing centers as needed.

Source: http://www.smartmatic.com/pressroom/article/article/smartmatic-sahis-voting-solution-delivers-first-ever-automated-election-in-philippines-autonomous-r/

My thoughts and opinions

Thinking of these issues about the automated elections is a very big responsibility to one of us. Giving thoughts and opinions can help the people to understand and decide which is good to do to our election process here in the Philippines.

In my own opinion, these automated elections have advantages that may be the key to the very poor election process here in the Philippines. One of its advantages is the fast process of election. Another is less error. Less error because using the computers it can give more accurate results that the people can do but not it has less percentage.

As mentioned above, the result of the automated election in the region of ARMM was fast. Giving some statistic shows that it really has the power and advantage to change the process of election in the Philippines. The thoughts and opinions of everyone in the result of election of the ARMM some were good and some were confusing. Good because of the speedy process and bad because others think it was cheated because again of the speedy process of it.

I can say that these voting machines can really be cheated in the way that people are the one who make it and manage it. Also, I conclude that it give advantage to us. But thinking of those issues was not the main issue. The main issue for me is the principles of everyone that make these happen. If you want a true election it should begin I yourself. To be honest is the key.

***end***
(^_^)..cocoi™

ASSIGNMENT 2:

Based on the organization(s) that you visited, what do you think are the risks associated with business and IS/IT change?

Getting Prepared

In business, you can never allow yourself to get comfortable with the status quo, because it is always changing. Surprises may be fatal to your business.

Risk is inevitable, avoiding risk impossible. Risk management is the key, always tilting the venture in favor of reward and away from risk.

Identifying and Managing Risks

While all opportunities are associated with risk, the biggest risk is to miss them. Risk results usually not from unpredictability but from ignorance. The more you know about what you are doing, the less risk you run. If you can define risks, you can limit them. Look back on any opportunities you missed and use your past mistakes to learn how to recognize opportunities.

At any its development stage, the company faces the five major risks that change in nature as company evolves:

1. Growth risk;

2. Technology risk;

3. Marketing risk;

4. Financial risk; and

5. Team and management risk.

You cannot avoid these risks, but you can manage them.

From: http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/risks-growth_main.html

What is IS?

In a general sense, the term Information System (IS) refers to a system of people, data records and activities that process the data and information in an organization, and it includes the organization's manual and automated processes. In a narrow sense, the term information system (or computer-based information system) refers to the specific application software that is used to store data records in a computer system and automates some of the information-processing activities of the organization. Computer-based information systems are in the field of information technology. The discipline of business process modeling describes the business processes supported by information systems.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems

What is IT?

Information technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware."[1] IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology

IS/IT Change?

IT as a Solution to Environmental Change: The cost of IT has plunged since the 1960s resulting in enormous investments in IT applications that have stimulated increasingly complex organizational change (Benjamin and Levinson, 1993). Benjamin and Blunt (1992) anticipate that technology cost-performance improvements will sustain this trend over the next decade. Presently, IT amounts to nearly one-half of US firms' annual capital expenditures and increasingly affects how firms organize, do business, and compete (Keen, 1991).

IT may be considered as comprising of five basic components - computers, communications technology, work stations, robotics, and computer chips (Morton, 1988). In this article, "IT" is considered to be synonymous with the definition of "advanced information technologies" provided by Huber (1990):

From: http://www.brint.com/papers/change/overview.htm

My Opinion

To start with, we were given a task by our facilitator to interview some local companies or organization and discuss the risk. The company we interview was a mall in Tagum City. We will not state the name of the company to ensure the confidentiality what most important is the sharing of ideas of this article. For the company we’ve interviewed I can say that the risks are the same as the the article told us about the five major risk are the growth risk, technology risk, marketing risk, financial risk and the last the team and management risk.

As mentioned above “Risk is inevitable, avoiding risk impossible. Risk management is the key, always tilting the venture in favor of reward and away from risk.” For me it is true because in an organization you cannot avoid the problems. All the organization or companies always have the problems that they really encounter in their journey. Some of those company failed and some, we can say that they survived but they continue facing another sets of problems.

Looking those five major risks that companies encounter, the first was the growth risk. I can say that the company we interviewed have this risk because they have also another branch of malls and they are looking forward always for the expansion of their business. As the information we got they have 2 branches and the main company was located in Tagum City. The second was the technology risk. Also I can say that this kind of risk was present in the company we visited because they have the information system. As mentioned above the IS it includes the people the physical parts or the hardware and the software. As the information we got they have poor system but they were looking forward to it. Another risk was the marketing risk. It’s obvious that they have really this kind of risk because malls have it. In fact, example of that was the marketing sale report of their company where they can find if they have a good sales or now well. Another was the financial risk. Even in our self we can say that we also have that risk because it deals with money. Working without money in a business is impossible because one of its primary goals of business is to earn profit. The last one was the team and management risk. Workers are part of a company to provide the needs of the customers.

I therefore conclude that all this five major risk that was mentioned above was present in the company we interviewed.

Another question was that is that the IT/IS change?? For me IT/IS was the part a technology that was created to make life easier. But we cannot tell that these technologies will not improve because as of now technology was very main part of world and it’s growing rapidly. Even as humans we can’t say that we will live in this world forever, the same as the technology they do not stay longer it means they will really evolve as the time goes by.

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(^_^)..cocoi™