What are the two most frequently experienced causes of frustration of IS professionals and users while working on an IS plan? note: you are required to interview an IS professional/s for your answer ...(at least 3000 words)
On this matter we interviewed Mr. Nilo Ricafort, MIS Manager in EMCOR Davao, Bajada Branch. He gave brief but precise answers. He said that these two would definitely be misconceptions about IS effects in the users’ point of view and misunderstanding between the users’ needs and the developers’ knowledge on how things must be done in standard.
Moreover, I'll discuss the two causes of frustrations:
Misconceptions about IS effects
Misconceptions arise in the part of the users because unlike the developers usually users do not have enough knowledge about how these systems are developed and what are its possible effects. And because of these misconceptions, users tend to expect more from the system and later on they will be frustrated if the effects that the system cause where less than what they have expected. On the other hand, if the systems effect will also be too good, the users will also be overwhelmed and will be start to be conscious about their capabilities to support and use a very good system which may also lead to poor performance in their case. There a re a lot of misconceptions about IS and these are some of them:
--> Implementation of IS will speed up the process
A lot of people think that if we speak of IS implementation or improvement it means a lot of process will speed up instantly. But if we come to think of it, definitely the positive effects of the said actions will not be seen or felt in an instant. And there are a lot of possible reasons behind the delay of the effects that an IS may bring upon a company. And I found this article that gave some of the examples and also discuss some ways to give it some remedy.
IT professionals face unique challenges when it comes to managing their problems. They know that when hardware/software/client interface produces problems, dynamics are set in motion that can quickly cascade into nightmare proportions:
• Pressure to immediately reestablish service to the customer
• An already existing backlog of trouble tickets
• A relentless daily flow of in-coming trouble tickets
• A reality that sees a problem quickly affect thousands of clients
--> Users are not involved in IS development
Unlike what they think, users need to be involved in the process of IS development. The IS that will be done must be incorporated with what the users are complaining about there previous system or process. With the help of the users negative or positive feedback about there experience in using their previous system, the developers will be aware on what to areas change or to improve. Moreover, I found an article discussing how the users take a vital role in IS development.
The importance of involving users of enabling technology in all phases of the development and provision of these aids has gradually been focused, and eventually become established, during the last few years. It is, however, far from self evident how to make these ideas and ambitions really come true in the hectic daily activities of Research and Resource Centre, especially when it comes to more profoundly and multiply impaired users. Thus a very small number of such users are actually involved in any long term perspective. Apart from the lingering lack of awareness of needs and possibilities several other factors can be identified, such as:
• A lack of suitable organizational and work settings, flexible enough to offer realistic conditions for multiply disabled to participate and develop together with professionals in this field.
• Lacking working life experience, social networks and self confidence, and a related need for continuous educational programs, among the potential interested users.
--> IS improvement means job loss
There a re a lot of people who thinks that a conversion from an old system to a more IT involved system would definitely mean job loss. This may be true on some cases but this happens rarely. But because of this misconception, users tend to be passive and will not likely give their full support on the development of the new IS. They tend to hinder the developers from crucial information that would build up the success of the new system. They are thinking that if the new system fails then the old system will be retained and they will still have their jobs. They do not realize that IS development does not always mean job loss. This is because it is more convenient for most of the companies to train their old employees for the new system rather than hire new ones. The reason behind this is that companies will not take the risk in giving up on their trusted and proven employees for the sake of hiring new ones that may have the qualities for the new system. Training the present employees will also be less expensive than hiring new ones. If the companies opted to hire new employees they will face the burdens of advertising, interviews and other personality checks and backfires that the new employees may bring because of their need to adopt in the working environment.
Misunderstanding between the users’ needs and the developers’ knowledge on how things must be done in standard
This problem depends on the type of software development that developers choose. I’ll give some examples about the different ways of software development and on what strategies this problem can be seen.
--> Interactive and Incremental Development
The basic idea behind iterative enhancement is to develop a software system incrementally, allowing the developer to take advantage of what was being learned during the development of earlier, incremental, deliverable versions of the system. Learning comes from both the development and use of the system, where possible key steps in the process are to start with a simple implementation of a subset of the software requirements and iteratively enhance the evolving sequence of versions until the full system is implemented. At each iteration, design modifications are made and new functional capabilities are added.
The procedure itself consists of the initialization step, the iteration step, and the Project Control List. The initialization step creates a base version of the system. The goal for this initial implementation is to create a product to which the user can react. It should offer a sampling of the key aspects of the problem and provide a solution that is simple enough to understand and implement easily. To guide the iteration process, a project control list is created that contains a record of all tasks that need to be performed. It includes such items as new features to be implemented and areas of redesign of the existing solution. The control list is constantly being revised as a result of the analysis phase.
The iteration involves the redesign and implementation of a task from the project control list, and the analysis of the current version of the system. The goal for the design and implementation of any iteration is to be simple, straightforward, and modular, supporting redesign at that stage or as a task added to the project control list. The level of design detail is not dictated by the interactive approach. In a light-weight iterative project the code may represent the major source of documentation of the system; however, in a mission-critical iterative project a forma lSoftware Design Document may be used. The analysis of iteration is based upon user feedback, and the program analysis facilities available. It involves analysis of the structure, modularity, usability, reliability, efficiency, & achievement of goals. The project control list is modified in light of the analysis results.
This method of software development also provides the user the opportunity to participate in the evaluation of the system. But then again, the process is very time consuming because of a lot of iterations and would cause backfires due to the delay in the making of the system.
--> Adaptive Software Development
Adaptive Software Development is a software development process that grew out of rapid application development work by Jim Highsmith and Sam Bayer. ASD embodies the principle that continuous adaptation of the process to the work at hand is the normal state of affairs.
ASD replaces the traditional waterfall cycle with a repeating series of speculate, collaborate, and learn cycles. This dynamic cycle provides for continuous learning and adaptation to the emergent state of the project. The characteristics of an ASD life cycle are that it is mission focused, feature based, iterative, time boxed, risk driven, and change tolerant.
The word “speculate” refers to the paradox of planning – it is more likely to assume that all stakeholders are comparably wrong for certain aspects of the project’s mission, while trying to define it. Collaboration refers to the efforts for balancing the work based on predictable parts of the environment (planning and guiding them) and adapting to the uncertain surrounding mix of changes caused by various factors – technology, requirements, stakeholders, software vendors, etc. The learning cycles, challenging all stakeholders, are based on the short iterations with design, build and testing. During these iterations the knowledge is gathered by making small mistakes based on false assumptions and correcting those mistakes, thus leading to greater experience and eventually mastery in the problem domain.
This type of software development is very good in having the users cooperate with the development process. This is because the development process will adopt on what the situation is. The users may also be a factor on these situations; thus the system development will also adapt to what the users want.
Overall this frustration depends on the method that the developer will use in software development. It is up to the developers correct planning and assessment on the companies’ situation to ensure that the product system will comply on the standards that the users and the company want.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_Software_Development
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iterative_and_incremental_development
About Me
fast forward ..., you were hired and have been tasked to develop a strategic information systems plan for a company. The company officers have extended an invitation for you to meet with them to discuss the direction of the company. Before this meeting, they have asked that you provide a list of questions with some explanation about the "why" of the question so they can be prepared, thus maximizing the output from this meeting.
Develop a list of questions you would ask the officers of the company and give an explanation and justification for each question. (1000 words)
Is the company ready for IS improvements or replacement?
This question for me is the most important one that must be placed into priority in the said meeting. In this question the company representatives are expected to deliver their thoughts, facts and evidences that will show if the company is ready for the said IS modification. And if we speak of the readiness of the company, we will deal on these aspects.
Funds
Accept it or not but the all IS modifications requires a lot of funds. Funds are needed to purchase of upgrade IT equipments. It is also needed in trainings if it’s necessary. The software that will be used in the IS development and usage is also not free and these software are really expensive especially if the company that is intended to use it scopes a lot of processes. Without the necessary funds to cope up with the expenses, planning to have the said IS development or modification will be a waste of time and will just cause negative backfires to the company.
Employee capabilities
The success of the IS deployment will also be determined on how the direct users of the system can use it to its fullest. Even if the software and the hardware that make up the system are considered with high standards but if the user has no capabilities in using it, the systems capabilities will also be limited. This factor can be cured if the company have enough funds to train their employees. If the employees are all equipped with enough knowledge about what they are about to do in the system, the system will be used at most.
Time
Time is also essential for a successful IS development and deployment. If the company do not have enough time for it, they better not invest for it at all. Even though the company will definitely aim for a less time in the doing the said project because time itself is vital in the operations of the company. But then again, IS development cannot be rushed, a lot of factors must be properly dealt upon to make sure that the product system will greatly fit the company and give it lots of advantages.
Acceptance
Will the company and the people that support it accept it? Even though the company will give trainings and do other necessary steps to make the transition convenient for the direct users there will still be some resistance in learning new things and exploring to areas that they are not familiar with.
Who will be involved in the IS?
It is necessary to make something like map to know who are involved in the system. We will discuss what departments, the users, and other things including computers and networks that will be possibly have something to do with the system. The said information will be important to know because the ones that are involved in the system must be properly checked if they are ready for the IS. If not, certain adjustment can be done to improve what is missing or what things that can be done to improve it.
What do the company expects to achieve or accomplish after the IS deployment or improvement?
In everything we do, it is important to know what our goals first before making some actions to do it. The said goals will become our target and will make us pointed to one road and will serve as our guide. By making these goals we will be rest assured that our future actions will be aligned to it and will make the process a lot manageable and easy.
Develop a list of questions you would ask the officers of the company and give an explanation and justification for each question. (1000 words)
Is the company ready for IS improvements or replacement?
This question for me is the most important one that must be placed into priority in the said meeting. In this question the company representatives are expected to deliver their thoughts, facts and evidences that will show if the company is ready for the said IS modification. And if we speak of the readiness of the company, we will deal on these aspects.
Funds
Accept it or not but the all IS modifications requires a lot of funds. Funds are needed to purchase of upgrade IT equipments. It is also needed in trainings if it’s necessary. The software that will be used in the IS development and usage is also not free and these software are really expensive especially if the company that is intended to use it scopes a lot of processes. Without the necessary funds to cope up with the expenses, planning to have the said IS development or modification will be a waste of time and will just cause negative backfires to the company.
Employee capabilities
The success of the IS deployment will also be determined on how the direct users of the system can use it to its fullest. Even if the software and the hardware that make up the system are considered with high standards but if the user has no capabilities in using it, the systems capabilities will also be limited. This factor can be cured if the company have enough funds to train their employees. If the employees are all equipped with enough knowledge about what they are about to do in the system, the system will be used at most.
Time
Time is also essential for a successful IS development and deployment. If the company do not have enough time for it, they better not invest for it at all. Even though the company will definitely aim for a less time in the doing the said project because time itself is vital in the operations of the company. But then again, IS development cannot be rushed, a lot of factors must be properly dealt upon to make sure that the product system will greatly fit the company and give it lots of advantages.
Acceptance
Will the company and the people that support it accept it? Even though the company will give trainings and do other necessary steps to make the transition convenient for the direct users there will still be some resistance in learning new things and exploring to areas that they are not familiar with.
Who will be involved in the IS?
It is necessary to make something like map to know who are involved in the system. We will discuss what departments, the users, and other things including computers and networks that will be possibly have something to do with the system. The said information will be important to know because the ones that are involved in the system must be properly checked if they are ready for the IS. If not, certain adjustment can be done to improve what is missing or what things that can be done to improve it.
What do the company expects to achieve or accomplish after the IS deployment or improvement?
In everything we do, it is important to know what our goals first before making some actions to do it. The said goals will become our target and will make us pointed to one road and will serve as our guide. By making these goals we will be rest assured that our future actions will be aligned to it and will make the process a lot manageable and easy.
Think about yourself worthy to be called as IT professional, how do you see yourself 10 years from now, what are your strategies to get there? (at least 3000 words)
I see myself ten years from now as a fully capable network administrator. I mentioned the phrase “fully capable” because nowadays I observed that there are a lot of employees whose job descriptions are for network administrators but does not function as to what he/she is supposed to do. This path is really not easy. Being a fully functioning network administrator not only requires knowledge from researches and readings but also needs vast experience in the said field. It is also a fact that this job is not in huge numbers in developing countries like ours, that’s why finding the job itself is a pain. And because the job is very limited there will be a lot of other qualified applicants like me that would be my rivals.
Considering this goal as a very big challenge for me, I have come up with these strategies to at least give me a better chance in achieving this goal.
1. Read wide arrays of related articles and books
Knowledge is not limited on the things that our professors in school teach us. Our generation is very blessed because information nowadays is in the grasp of our hands. This privilege gave each one of us the capacity to be better every day, to surpass the boundaries of distance and time, and to learn more by just sitting in front of your computer while browsing the net. Though this fact is very good to know, sad to say, the advantage that our generation is experiencing is up to us to put into good use. Even though vast significant information are in our reach, it is still worthless if we instead reach on those senseless things or not even bother to reach a hand.
Knowing this, I’ll make sure that the opportunity that the current information era is giving us will be put into good use. I will read relevant articled everyday focusing on IT related subjects. I will take advantage of different forums and activities that our college will give us and listen to the things that speakers will share. If I have some spare cash I will buy some IT related books especially those that focuses its topics on computer networking. This stage will be an information gathering one. I’ll make sure that I will meet new terms, new algorithms, new definitions and theories every day. In this manner I will be better and more knowledgeable every day. I may not feel the relevance of some readings that I may encounter for now but this will help me be familiarized in this subjects thus they will not be foreign to me as I meet them in the near future. And besides, we have a saying that prevention is better than cure. Prevention from ignorance is better than treating it in the future.
2. Grab every chance of IT and Networking experience
I have my own personal computer. And there was one time when I needed to link up with my classmates’ laptop. A beginner myself, I was quite confused on how to do things. So I browsed the internet and found a lot of ways on directly connecting two computers using a single networking cable.
The scenario that I have mentioned was a networking experience itself. Though it may not be that hard for networking professionals it’s a very healthy experience for me. These circumstances are the things that cannot be thought in school. As some say, experience is the best teacher. And in order to be thought by the best teacher, I must be open for them. I will make sure that I will grab any possible IT related experience that I can have. From upgrading/fixing my own computer to networking and diagnosing others computers.
There are a lot of things that is easier said than done. This situation is same with IT related instructions and procedures. For example, it is very easy to enumerate the steps on how to change a CPU. First, you take out the CPU fan, unbolt it if have some bolts. If the motherboard is a new version, pull the lever to unlock the metal that is enclosing the CPU. After that gently lift the CPU and replace it by the new one. Make sure that it is properly in place then lock it using the lever. Then put some thermal paste, about a pea-size. Then install the CPU fan and it’s done. Looks very easy but it will be a pain if it’s your first time to do this step. Getting the CPU fan out of the motherboard is not that easy, a lot of wires and main board parts are just beside it and you need to be careful not to bulge them or your motherboard will be broken. Applying the thermal paste is also better to be learned through experience. If the thermal paste is too much, it will overflow and penetrate to the CPU and the results will be not so good. That’s why experiencing these instructions rather than reading them will be much more significant. You may not get good results at first, but as you continue to do the process, you will have familiarity over it and assuming you have been doing this for a long time, it is expected that you have encountered almost all possible circumstance that might happen during the process. This will help you give fast and relevant solutions to them.
3. Be involved in the IT society
It is a good thing to learn by yourself but it does not mean that you will not allow others to have a share of what you have known. Sharing knowledge is a very good opportunity for development. There are a lot of IT practitioners out there that also have goals like me. Some of them are far ahead of me in terms of experience and researches. It is a good idea to learn from them. The IT society aims to further give the IT industry in our country a boost in practice and relevance. By helping them reach this goal, IT will be rampantly practiced here in the Philippines in the near future, thus, IT specialist will be very in demand. This situation will be very good for us and will give us a lot of opportunities to practice and develop our craft and earn what we sown.
4. Get a college degree
Every good job nowadays requires a college degree, how much more in the future. It is necessary for me to graduate to an IT related to be closer to my goals and give me some good credentials on the future. Studying on an IT related course will also lead me closer to experience and knowledge opportunities that will help me be competitive in the future.
5. Be employed on an IT related job
After finishing my studies, it will not be likely for me to be a network administrator right away. I need to seek for further job experience. And having an IT related job will greatly help me. It is a good thing if it has to do with computer networking, but if not, at least it has something to do with computer hardware. This is because as a competitive network administrator you must not only be good in the software end of networking, but you must also know hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Having these capabilities will give me an edge in other applicants that are also interested for the job.
6. Focus on Network Administration in future studies
Unlike the first step where I gathered any possible IT facts and information, on this stage I will focus on information related to networking and administrating it. Experience will continue through my present job. On this stage I will train myself for future opportunities that my dedication to my craft will carry me. And through enough hard work and prayers I will reach my goals soon.
7. Be a network administrator
After all my hard work and struggling paid out. I am a network administrator at last. On this stage I will use all the things from experience to my researches to be a competitive network administrator. I will make sure that all those hard work will not put in to waste and give everything that I can do to give justice to my job.
8. Continue research and studies
My life doesn’t end here. After having my goal as a network administrator I will continue to grab opportunities of experience and knowledge to be closer to my dream in having the most secured and fastest network in the world.
9. Help the IT society
It’s not a bad idea to help others that have the same call like me. The world needs IT. And in order for IT to be helpful, IT needs us; a group of individuals who continue to practice and develop IT for it to suite in the needs of the people. By helping others and sharing my knowledge, this time I will be a part of their own success and give the IT industry a little hand in its endeavor.
I see myself ten years from now as a fully capable network administrator. I mentioned the phrase “fully capable” because nowadays I observed that there are a lot of employees whose job descriptions are for network administrators but does not function as to what he/she is supposed to do. This path is really not easy. Being a fully functioning network administrator not only requires knowledge from researches and readings but also needs vast experience in the said field. It is also a fact that this job is not in huge numbers in developing countries like ours, that’s why finding the job itself is a pain. And because the job is very limited there will be a lot of other qualified applicants like me that would be my rivals.
Considering this goal as a very big challenge for me, I have come up with these strategies to at least give me a better chance in achieving this goal.
1. Read wide arrays of related articles and books
Knowledge is not limited on the things that our professors in school teach us. Our generation is very blessed because information nowadays is in the grasp of our hands. This privilege gave each one of us the capacity to be better every day, to surpass the boundaries of distance and time, and to learn more by just sitting in front of your computer while browsing the net. Though this fact is very good to know, sad to say, the advantage that our generation is experiencing is up to us to put into good use. Even though vast significant information are in our reach, it is still worthless if we instead reach on those senseless things or not even bother to reach a hand.
Knowing this, I’ll make sure that the opportunity that the current information era is giving us will be put into good use. I will read relevant articled everyday focusing on IT related subjects. I will take advantage of different forums and activities that our college will give us and listen to the things that speakers will share. If I have some spare cash I will buy some IT related books especially those that focuses its topics on computer networking. This stage will be an information gathering one. I’ll make sure that I will meet new terms, new algorithms, new definitions and theories every day. In this manner I will be better and more knowledgeable every day. I may not feel the relevance of some readings that I may encounter for now but this will help me be familiarized in this subjects thus they will not be foreign to me as I meet them in the near future. And besides, we have a saying that prevention is better than cure. Prevention from ignorance is better than treating it in the future.
2. Grab every chance of IT and Networking experience
I have my own personal computer. And there was one time when I needed to link up with my classmates’ laptop. A beginner myself, I was quite confused on how to do things. So I browsed the internet and found a lot of ways on directly connecting two computers using a single networking cable.
The scenario that I have mentioned was a networking experience itself. Though it may not be that hard for networking professionals it’s a very healthy experience for me. These circumstances are the things that cannot be thought in school. As some say, experience is the best teacher. And in order to be thought by the best teacher, I must be open for them. I will make sure that I will grab any possible IT related experience that I can have. From upgrading/fixing my own computer to networking and diagnosing others computers.
There are a lot of things that is easier said than done. This situation is same with IT related instructions and procedures. For example, it is very easy to enumerate the steps on how to change a CPU. First, you take out the CPU fan, unbolt it if have some bolts. If the motherboard is a new version, pull the lever to unlock the metal that is enclosing the CPU. After that gently lift the CPU and replace it by the new one. Make sure that it is properly in place then lock it using the lever. Then put some thermal paste, about a pea-size. Then install the CPU fan and it’s done. Looks very easy but it will be a pain if it’s your first time to do this step. Getting the CPU fan out of the motherboard is not that easy, a lot of wires and main board parts are just beside it and you need to be careful not to bulge them or your motherboard will be broken. Applying the thermal paste is also better to be learned through experience. If the thermal paste is too much, it will overflow and penetrate to the CPU and the results will be not so good. That’s why experiencing these instructions rather than reading them will be much more significant. You may not get good results at first, but as you continue to do the process, you will have familiarity over it and assuming you have been doing this for a long time, it is expected that you have encountered almost all possible circumstance that might happen during the process. This will help you give fast and relevant solutions to them.
3. Be involved in the IT society
It is a good thing to learn by yourself but it does not mean that you will not allow others to have a share of what you have known. Sharing knowledge is a very good opportunity for development. There are a lot of IT practitioners out there that also have goals like me. Some of them are far ahead of me in terms of experience and researches. It is a good idea to learn from them. The IT society aims to further give the IT industry in our country a boost in practice and relevance. By helping them reach this goal, IT will be rampantly practiced here in the Philippines in the near future, thus, IT specialist will be very in demand. This situation will be very good for us and will give us a lot of opportunities to practice and develop our craft and earn what we sown.
4. Get a college degree
Every good job nowadays requires a college degree, how much more in the future. It is necessary for me to graduate to an IT related to be closer to my goals and give me some good credentials on the future. Studying on an IT related course will also lead me closer to experience and knowledge opportunities that will help me be competitive in the future.
5. Be employed on an IT related job
After finishing my studies, it will not be likely for me to be a network administrator right away. I need to seek for further job experience. And having an IT related job will greatly help me. It is a good thing if it has to do with computer networking, but if not, at least it has something to do with computer hardware. This is because as a competitive network administrator you must not only be good in the software end of networking, but you must also know hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Having these capabilities will give me an edge in other applicants that are also interested for the job.
6. Focus on Network Administration in future studies
Unlike the first step where I gathered any possible IT facts and information, on this stage I will focus on information related to networking and administrating it. Experience will continue through my present job. On this stage I will train myself for future opportunities that my dedication to my craft will carry me. And through enough hard work and prayers I will reach my goals soon.
7. Be a network administrator
After all my hard work and struggling paid out. I am a network administrator at last. On this stage I will use all the things from experience to my researches to be a competitive network administrator. I will make sure that all those hard work will not put in to waste and give everything that I can do to give justice to my job.
8. Continue research and studies
My life doesn’t end here. After having my goal as a network administrator I will continue to grab opportunities of experience and knowledge to be closer to my dream in having the most secured and fastest network in the world.
9. Help the IT society
It’s not a bad idea to help others that have the same call like me. The world needs IT. And in order for IT to be helpful, IT needs us; a group of individuals who continue to practice and develop IT for it to suite in the needs of the people. By helping others and sharing my knowledge, this time I will be a part of their own success and give the IT industry a little hand in its endeavor.
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