I.T.'s role on Businesses

I want to share the topic in my Financial Management class the "Order Management Cycle." This is vital in the aspect of Information Technology in every organization because it focuses on the asset and to the full execution of business cycle. This 10-step process actually summarizes the operation and managerial expertise of the management itself:

1. Order Planning – Sales Forecasting and Capacity Planning which take place in the first stage of strategic planning is very much patterned with careful analysis on the product, operation and customers.
2. Order Generation – This is the materialization of the planned capacity or forecasted sales. This is the “actual ordering.”
3. Cost Estimation & Planning – This impacts mostly on profitability because in here, optimal equation is desired to maximize profit and minimize cost.
4. Order Receipt & Entry – Order receipts happens in a customer service department while entry happens in a field office or a central administrative location.
5. Order selection & Prioritization – Some companies have this but many of the companies do this in specific manner.
6. Order scheduling – Manufacturing, and/or service management often performs scheduling.
7. Physical Order Fulfilment – This covers Procurement, Manufacturing, Assembling, Testing, Shipping and Installation.
8. Post Sales Service – This often gets minimal management attention but is significant to the customer.
9. Billing & Payment – Also, this is visible to the customer and not too much top management attention is needed.
10. Returns & Claims – This is extremely important for repeat purchasers and can often be handled by an administrative function. This is under finance or legal department.

The fundamental idea in the OMC is not the customer, not the accountant, but the order. This supports the enduring management concept- customer focus. Communication is the vital aspect here and that is why, Information System can be viewed as the backbone of an organization. The idea is making everybody involved in the corporate way of life. Amidst the complexity of operations, still, the voice from different levels are being heard and recognized for the development and continuous improvement. Continuous improvement should be spotlighted and with this, customers are analyzed to come up with strategies on how to improve their product and services.

Anakin Pie

This is quite interesting and creative. One morning while having my breakfast, I enjoyed the music American Pie. Because of its joyful beat and rhythm, I managed to hum those familiar lines. But, as the song continued, I noticed that the lyrics were not the same, yet the one singing was the same. I noted some of the words and I found out that they were related to the movie star wars. So, I searched it in the internet and found it.
-The Saga Begins-
A long, long time ago
In a galaxy far away
Naboo was under an attack
And I thought me and Qui-Gon Jinn
Could talk the Federation in-
To maybe cutting them a little slack
But their response, it didn't thrill us
They locked the doors and tried to kill us
We escaped from that gas
Then met Jar Jar and Boss Nass
We took a bongo from the scene
And we went to Theed to see the queen
We all wound up on Tatooine
That's where we found this boy...

Oh my my, this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"

Did you know this junkyard slave
Isn't even old enough to shave
But he can use the Force, they say
Ahh, do you see him hitting on the queen
Though he's just nine and she's fourteen
Yeah, he's probably gonna marry her someday
Well, I know he built C-3PO
And I've heard how fast his pod can go
And we were broke, it's true
So we made a wager or two
He was a prepubescent flyin' ace
And the minute Jabba started off that race
Well, I knew who would win first place
Oh yes, it was our boy

We started singin'...
My my, this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"

Now we finally got to Coruscant
The Jedi Council we knew would want
To see how good the boy could be
So we took him there and we told the tale
How his midi-chlorians were off the scale
And he might fulfill that prophecy
Oh, the Council was impressed, of course
Could he bring balance to the Force?
They interviewed the kid
Oh, training they forbid
Because Yoda sensed in him much fear
And Qui-Gon said, "Now listen here
Just stick it in your pointy ear
I still will teach this boy"

He was singin'...
My my, this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"

We caught a ride back to Naboo
'Cause Queen Amidala wanted to
I frankly would've liked to stay
We all fought in that epic war
And it wasn't long at all before
Little Hotshot flew his plane and saved the day
And in the end some Gungans died
Some ships blew up and some pilots fried
A lot of folks were croakin'
The battle droids were broken
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul and now he's toast
Well, I'm still here and he's a ghost
I guess I'll train this boy

And I was singin'...
My my, this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader some day later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"

We were singin'...
My my, this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader some day later, now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"

Community response on Stormwater Pollution

Actually, this duty is not limited to the expertise of Civil Engineers. This is a collaborative effort which upholds the importance of water to mother earth. Local decision makers, municipal officials, and environmental activists and ordinary citizens must join hands to come up with a development project for the community. Structures and other logistical requirements are to be managed by engineers. They are the ones responsible for the capacity, strength, and the effectiveness of structure. We have for example the ACG that is assisted by the swppp Orange County a licensed contractor and having the right qualifications for preparing and implementing these plans. Likewise, technological advancements are needed, for example,swppp San Diego, which provide state of the art and high quality service in engineering concerns.
First, they must study the causes of Urban Stormwater Pollution, then realize the consequences of Urban Stormwater Pollution. There are studies already conducted in line with this matter and they can come up with a certain strategy that can meet their needs and concern. Strategies are to be developed and to be strengthened in the
swppp San Bernardino,swppp Riverside,swppp Los Angeles.
This task is not assigned to swppp alone. This speaks more of a social responsibility and awareness to mother earth.

Updating records

I never imagined how tedious it is to update documents. Until I realized that the task is really not that easy. First, you need to coordinate with the process owners and plantation managers before you go with the procedures. Next, is to create a draft which will be scrutinized by the Management Representative. Because of the strictness or systematic of documentation procedures, there are instances that we skip some of the process just to arrive with the scheduled date. I realized that this is not a matter of printing and filing. It is preparing and documenting some objective evidences that are vital during internal audit and 3rd party audits.
The task is difficult, but it brings harmony to the documentation and record keeping that it brings convenience to different users.

Heaven as tiny little voice

Well, I would say that heaven and hell are not strange things to us. Even a 5-year old child can actually provide an instant definition about them. But to move towards another level to our spirituality we need to internalize their roles into our Christian life. It is a sad fact that most of us remain into the level of 5 year old definition of what spirituality and heaven are. Most of us failed to realize even in our simple ways the value of listening and being open to the sacred scriptures. We are disinclined to read and accept the grace and often rely on our limited faculty of understanding.

In this world, we are all soldiers. We are soldiers that are haunted by the different forms of evil and we have to defend ourselves by equipping ourselves with the positive volition and strong will of hearts. We use our strengths to combat the external forces of evil but we failed to control the internal evil within us. This evil nature within us is being rooted from the old sin nature that man has done. This old sin nature is very strong that it holds our degree of emotion and usually we are defeated because we easily give in to its desire. The sense of balance between volition and emotion is disregarded and we become counter-productive in our pursuit to heaven. We become “short-visioned” soldiers in this life and we embrace too much of material possessions.

The hell within us is ignited when we focus too much on the humanly ways and to worldly things. Love, faith and sacrifice are neglected because of limited access to oneself and to the Divine. We need to listen to our hearts and be open for the divine grace. We have our freedom but we have to be patient and humble in accepting the duties of being Christians. A lot of us constantly search for heaven, but failed to realize that heave is within us. Heaven is knocking and sending its tiny little voice to be recognized. Despite the trespasses we commit, will heaven still be open for us? Will His magnificence and compassionate love overshadow the evil within us. Acceptance is the key to attain the unconditional love He possess.

2nd internal audit

Our 2nd internal audit is fast approaching and all I can do is to review the findings we come up during the previous one. It is a laborious task in a way that it makes us assess the performance of different plantations and departments in line with the Integrated Management Standards.
First, we have to meet with the group and discuss the plans and programs for the said activity. Next, we will prepare the materials to be used and we need to update the database that we will be using to monitor the CPARs (Corrective, Preventive Action Reports). This time, the consultant will join the audit to effectively carry out the task and be more effective in citing the findings.
This is usually a 5-day activity which involves overtimes and series of review. So, I need to prepare myself physically, mentally and even spiritually.

Price factor on shopping on-line

All of us want to experience on line shopping wherein we search for the product we want and then we compare from other shopping site worth knowing and then get the best deal. We can save a lot of money when we look for expensive items like laptops, tvs and pushchair, etc by just using a price comparison shopping site. Common offers include: buy one take one, 40% off, free shipping, and many more. The highlight of using this price comparisonshopping site is the easy access to different store at the same time. It is very cost and time efficient which allows us to be multi-tasking in the office or at home. My professor shared her experience when she bought her 8-gigabyte i-pod and laptop thru e-bay. The i-pod was launched in the site with discount making it very saleable. The laptop offered services such as traceability in shipment wherein she was able to track the location of her order during the time of shipment and delivery. There are actually many features to consider in using the price comparison shopping site not only for the price-conscious customers but those who value security and convenience in shopping.

I just want to dwell into the shopping site’s impact on decisions relating to price considerations. Most of us Filipinos, for example, we are very price conscious that we tend to spot first the price before actually looking its quality. Well, several factors have controlled our way of decision-making, price conscious but the idea here is businesses use different marketing strategies just to come up with a competitive price. Other restaurants do not show cheaper prices (discounts) of their product but use, for example, value meals to attract attention. No matter dependent we are in the current economic situation, we are really eyeing for those product that has lesser price that has also quality. So, the task of businesses is to carefully analyze the market segment and arrive with suitable prices.

On line shopping is a mechanism for us shoppers to be more efficient and effective in coming up with a decision as to what product to buy.

Organizational Management- Banana Corporation

Common questions to raise in dealing with some alternative courses of actions are:

1. How does the organization strengthen its leadership?
2. What is the leadership style of the organization?
3. How does the leader influence their people to have a quality of work?
4. How the organization maintains the quality of its products and become leading in the market?
5. How does the organization manage conflict?

Let us take for example the case of a Banana Company that is a vast corporation and manages large people and complex structure and Responsibility centers. Despite of its complexity, the organization was able to implement and strengthen its good leadership through team work. It is the vision of the President to work as a team and not being divided. The bottom-line of the organization is “Quality” which is not only for the product that the organization is producing but most likely to the quality of work. Quality is possible if everyone does quality of work. In order that quality of work will be maintained, Human Resource department are task to conduct orientation, trainings/seminars and coaching and counseling exclusive not only for the top level employees but also to the rank and file. The “We are one” concept was created by the management in order to eliminate the faction in the organization. As part of motivation and leadership, benefits like hospitalization and medicine were given to each employee aside from the benefits mandated by law. Bonuses like bottom line bonus were designed to challenge employees to give their best and with quality of work, services and products. A corporation University was created as another outlet of employees to enhance their knowledge and skills not only limited to agricultural aspects but to all aspects of life. Promotion is not limited also in the organization as long as you have the potential and capabilities to do the job then you are qualified. The Skills, Knowledge and Aptitude test were launched in the organization to preferably evaluate its employees from rank and file for job and salary grade. More importantly, weekly production meetings are called as a way of checking, monitoring, evaluating of performance for the previous week activities and planning for any innovation and future preparation. During this meeting, everybody's suggestions are heard and opinions are honored for the betterment of the organization.

Business Web Directories: To increase profit

As we increase our links, we increase our profit too. This is the mantra of every business sector that has the goal of maximizing the scope of their product and their profit. One tool to be used in this online business is the web directory. A web directory contains a list of various websites that have been compile to aid the website reviewers. Like a telephone directory, it is classified, sorted according to its category. So, when using the website directory, you can choose suitable links for your business.

Every business has an objective and this objective must be equated to the link that is obviously similar to your line of work. Mountain of information is stored in the internet and so, we need to be precise with our options. For example, we have problems in our marketing strategy, we can seek some pointers and tips to website directories with marketing links.

A business web directory should encompass a variety of websites. For all we know, users are also classified according to their objective, needs, want, and line of specialization. I think all business web directories should uphold certain values: Convenience, reliability and authenticity.

Convenience is highly important because it is the key factor of customer’s loyalty to one’s service. We cannot deny the fact that people nowadays, value time and need to come up with a desired result instantly. The idea of having a “user friendly” web directory engages different users and different ages in which they are not only getting the things/information they want, but at the same time, they appreciate the value of the service.

Reliability helps the users to be confident in making their decision and strengthening their perspectives. Some advertisements are very enticing that they offer great services and packages where in fact, they are not really upholding total quality the list that they have presented.

Authenticity speaks of the legitimacy of the listed websites in the business website directory. We need to be vigilant of the list we are be using and be meticulous enough to ask ourselves, or refer to other sources whether this information is real or not.

The business web directory (http://www.dmoz.org) is one of the most helpful Web Directories being used by businessmen. There are other online business directories resources such as the free web directory(http://dir.yahoo.com) and web directory which can also be helpful in finding the links we need.

Now, if you are really serious of staying ahead in the competition and really want to gain more profit, get yourself a suitable Business Web Directory.

Strategic Framework for Marketing

“Companies need a strategic framework than can bridge the gap between simply connecting to the Internet and harnessing its power for competitive advantage.”

I stressed this line from a book which suggests that organization must take a stand or choose a strategic stand to be globally competitive and effective in the market. No matter how big or small the business is, they must consider the customer connectivity, product creation, competition and technological level of their business. These factors to consider fix their eyes to the options: global market penetration, product and service transformation, cost & effective transformation and performance improvement in business effectiveness. Here, a company determines its customers, suppliers, and even competitors to pull them all into one common ground for competition. In fact, companies must also nurture their relationships with these factors to develop and deploy new internet-based products and services. Whether to reposition, strengthen or segment the product, they can rely on the approach of product and service transformation.

Technology is developing and likewise, business should go with the flow and adapt certain “strategic technology” to withstand the market pressure. Using Internet for e-commerce, for example, transaction process with customers, and exchange for suppliers are the core functions of product or service transformation. Taking note also for the business drivers for today’s Information systems is imperative. This highlights the importance of information system in directing the path of organization to their vision.

New trends in anti-aging for skin

One of the biggest drawbacks to aging is that you lose pigment and color in your skin as you age, making you look pale and you develop the eyes of a panda. We should look for sites that would help us open our eyes to the development of some skin care products.

From your mother’s wrinkle cream to new trends of anti-aging creams, we can notice that product itself has evolved. As consumers, it is normal to seek for those products that have the effective ingredients that would suffice their demand. For example, people who have problems in dealing with acne, they can direct their attention to the vital ingredient of the product and of course, the side effects that it might bring. Traditional consumers fear of these side effects which is evidently haunting them as time progress and totally putting their precious health in peril. Now, the trend has become more reliable and effective for this anti-aging skin care. It becomes accurate in fighting the common cause of skin deterioration, infection and unwanted skin conditions. Along with the development and advent of new treatments and components, for example, Resveratrol, we can guarantee that safe and quality products are being attached to the name of the products. We should uphold the physical asset that every human being should be taking care of-skin. Quality, safety and effectives, these are the variables that every consumer wants to hear, and we uphold that.

DNA Database in the Philippines?

1.) No. The idea of having a National DNA Database does not have legs to stand on and it will just be a waste of funds, and a recipe for disaster in the end. It is a stunning concept the fact that it helps our law enforcers quickly identify offenders, make earlier arrests, secure more convictions and provide critical investigations, but on the flip side of the coin, it creates a schema among nation the fear of having another NBN-ZTE Scandal, “hot issue” on the poll automation for next year’s election and of course, the GSIS legal action against IBM.

Before we climb up to a higher level of criminal justice system we should consider the factors that contribute positively and negatively to the interdependence of such system. After all, the institutions and actors in the criminal justice system are highly interdependent:

a.) Interdependence of Institutions – The Police, Prosecutors and the Court must join hand in hand in developing and maintaining plans and programs to uphold peace and order in a state. Since the notion of a “system” suggests something highly rational- carefully planned, coordinated and regulated, we cannot move towards next step if we could not even consider changing the current dilemma of our Philippine Criminal Justice System. The big question is “How can we appreciate system’s complex ways if even the highest officials in the legislative and judicial system tend to manipulate their functions and roles in giving justice to all. Yes it might be of great help in revealing of the real suspects of the crime but will this be unbiased? And not generate two sets justices- the one for poor and one for elite? For example, will the real perpetrators of the crime such as “kuratong baleleng” be really revealed and come out in the open?

b.) Impact on statutes and laws – There is a pending Act in the Senate (Senate Bill No. 3177) which defines cybercrime, providing prevention, suppression and imposition of penalties, but will this be enough to be used as a barometer in upholding human rights and the rule of law? Will our law providers allow us to store, retrieve, and use a DNA Database of convicts and criminals?” The technology may be available and may provide access to us Filipinos to some information, but specific state legislation is required for its implementation.

c.) Hackers and other malicious/crafty people – Need not to mention the risk of having our privacy and identity being jeopardized. There might be a threat of transforming known crimes into a more heinous and tricky one. Of course, knowing about the current database, perpetrators of the crime will definitely become crafty. They may create carefully-planned crimes that would leave unrecognizable remains, such as arson and the like.

d.) Maintenance during crash/ breakdown – Truly, there are multiple problems that would arise in any super-large database, and unfortunately would leave us people into a “wait and see situation.” We should raise some questions such as: How big is the memory? How many database servers are serving the people? How fast is the server? Considering the 88.57 Million population in Philippines with an inflation rate of 4.4%, Can it cater the needs of common people efficiently and accurately?e.)

e.) Cost – Cost of the equipment (and its maintenance) and trainings of other scientists, personnel of law enforcement agencies in DNA Analysis is essential to broaden the national capability to conduct DNA testing for forensic application must also be considered in the face of this economic depression. Time is very crucial in learning.

For management issues, it is ideal to emphasize and stress out the duties of the body tied up with our National Police- the Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management. This body keep records and as well provide data to our police, prosecutors and court in their usual investigation. Since, DIDM is into the Database Management, they have to strengthen their skills, expertise and knowledge when it comes to the nitty-gritty of DNA Database Management. As the saying goes, “the eyes cannot see what the mind doesn’t know”, so trainings and education are needed to sustain their line of duty and to be accurate in their decision and other work- related activities.

Under the issue of organizational collaboration, we must spotlight the area of expertise in natural sciences, research and forensics. Because we have to extend our knowledge on the current system, there should be also pillars of DNA Analysis Laboratory that will dedicate their service in Analysis and research. Other qualified organization that should take part is the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Philippine Judicial Academy and Commission on Human Rights. The development of this DNA Database requires thorough training, research and extension service to aid in the administration of justice to those erroneously convicted and to probably, reduce the time that accused individuals stay in prisons.

We cannot disregard the role of political factors in dealing with technological advancement. That is why we need to strike a balance among media, industry and labor leaders to ensure transparency and accountability. Since investing to this seemingly “database of a lifetime” is very risky, factors such as Maintenance during system crash and a stable and good contract with the manufacturer of such hardware and software must be upheld. The relationship also with the IT Technology and Government must also be nurtured to avoid pin pointing as to who is the culprit the time (God forbids) another “GSIS dilemma” occur.

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Titig ako sa litratong nakapost sa internet. Medyo mabigat sa loob. Parang plinano ng mga bruhang walang pakialam ang mga kaganapan wala akong magagawa kundi panindigan ang aking pangakong pagbabago ngayong 2010. ..ok..heto na..ehem.(mdyo inuubo at sinisipon pa ako)..Si Mark, may pasabog daw ngayong linggo. Ewan ko kung anong plano ni "akon" pero sa tunog pa lng ng chismis ay may matingkad na bagay itong binubulong. Parang pipirma na ng kontrata itong si pare at ito ay panghabambuhay. Tanga kasi ito si "akon", sa tinagal-tagal nilang pagsasama ni "sunshine", aba'y naisipan pa nitong magpasiklab ng ala "maja salvador's RC Cola advertisement" na date(penge naman ako nyan..). Natural! ang iisipin ng girlalu ay isang bonggang-bonggang proposal, pero taliwas iyon sa kanyang maaring isipin. Baka ngayon ay naisipan niyang itodo na lang. Itodo ang nararapat at ang nasa kanyang puso. hahaha..pwede na akong hindi pumupunta sa linggo ha. Parang alam ko na ang mangyayari ngayong araw ng mga puso. Good luck sa inyo at advance happy birthday na lang sa mga magbibirthday ngayong Pebrero (di rin cguro ako magiging present sa kaarawan niyo.)
Sana'y gumaling na ang karamdaman ko.