SOFTWARE PIRACY

Advanced technology has greatly improved the lives of many people and the operations of almost all business organizations. Our lives have been convenient with the help of technology. Business organizations have successful operations because of technology. However, as technology betters itself, we identify that compelling need to upgrade our own computer systems and be up to date with the present technological condition. We see the need to keep up and  be at par with the rest of the computer world. This course of action is one that is easier said than done.

Software is one great innovation. Computer companies have put their best effort to come up with a functional  software that can be utilized by various consumers and business operations. It is a collaboration of numerous computer technology geniuses. Despite its functionality, the creators have designed and limited their use to only a few users. The software is intended to be uploaded to a limited number of computers. Users should bear in mind that the software   application does not belong to them once  they are bought.  The user is only issued a license to use the software on a single computer. However, since consumers choose to be updated, the only available option is to purchase the software no matter how expensive they may be.  The computer software does not come very cheap. Because of these, a lot of people have been continuously plotting to get software for free.

Software piracy has become a big issue in the computer industry today. Small and large scale companies are affected by this.  Software piracy is the unauthorized duplication of computer software.  It includes the illegal copying of programs, counterfeiting and distributing software, and even sharing a program with a friend. A foremost reason for the purchase and use of pirated software are the expensive prices of the original ones   and the ease of  availability of the pirated software. It is easy to obtain your favorite CDs, movies, and software since there is rampant duplicating everywhere.

 People would choose to buy the counterfeit ones if only to spend less. This is something that cannot be avoided since a lot of people cannot afford them. I do think that in this day and age when everything is so expensive, people  would choose to be practical and buy the pirated software because they are sold at cheaper prices.  Other individuals or organizations would make use of the pirated software for their business or office operations and still have enough for their company’s other necessities. I think people should be educated of the  anti-piracy law and should be made aware of the repercussions of pirating software.  They can actually have the choice not to buy pirated software in support of the companies who painstakingly create them. Purchasing  a fake software  may truly come cheap at first however,  one may run the risk of installing  destructive software or viruses in their computers. Those who create and sell pirated software, if unfortunate enough, may also face problems with the law and can even get jailed for their illegal acts.

The software company should also understand that anything they put up in the market is subject or prone to piracy.  Many would choose to duplicate. Others could manipulate or exploit whatever product they share on the market to benefit from it. Companies may find themselves at a losing end and helpless against the numerous people who produce fake copies of their software. They may find it difficult to convince people to buy the originals ones.`

The solution to software piracy is never easy. It would be impossible to prevent every method of software piracy. However, I think the software company and the consumers should meet halfway.  The first thing that they both could agree on is the price of the software itself. If a reasonable price could be agreed upon, I think it would be beneficial for both of them. Software companies could compensate for the lower profit by producing more stocks to sell. Another step would be for software companies to create stricter licenses for each software on every computer. Regulating bodies should be responsible for checking licenses. People should be educated on the disadvantages of using pirated software and the laws they should abide when using them. There should be widespread dissemination of the anti-piracy laws and the severe risk of violating these copyright laws. Governments should be firm in their decision to implement the anti-piracy law and to reprimand those who do not observe the rules.

There are many answers to why people choose to purchase pirated software and all of them seem reasonable, however no answer is   lawfully justified. I believe that the consumers, software companies and the government should meet half way and discuss ways that would be beneficial for everyone. The anti-piracy law should be upheld by the consumers, software companies and the government alike.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Knowledge management is the means of achieving the organization’s goals through the effective use of   knowledge and information.  It involves obtaining, creating, and sharing information to all members of the organization through the use of portals and   effective management systems.

Our hospital is a tertiary hospital   which caters to people of region VI. We see influx of patients who seek consult. Numerous transactions occur every day between patients and medical personnel, the top management and the employees. Several exchanges of information  occur between the medical, administrative, and nursing divisions  with regards to the care of our patients and  clients. Our hospital communicates with other agencies regarding current health-related issues. Various amounts of information are communicated within  and outside the hospital. It allows transfer of information, development of standards, and sharing  of  best practices.

Knowledge management facilitates the sharing of information in our hospital. It assists our  personnel from the top management to the regular employee identify   and translate important   data which can be used in our decision-making processes and in the way we effectively and efficiently deliver the products and services to our patients.

Through knowledge management,   our personnel will be able to recognize which data need to be shared and which information when shared will be beneficial to him and his own department. An example of this would be how our consultants share their knowledge and expertise to their training residents. When consultants are generous in guiding   their   residents, they can be assured of producing competent physicians who can be trusted to offer proper  management to hospital clients.

Business or accounting transactions within and outside of the hospital cannot go on  without   careful evaluation of the figures, statistics and activities. When information is shared and processed, top management will be able to  the assess the success of  our  hospital operations, analyze the earnings generated by our products and services, and predict trends and possibilities in the course of managing the hospital.

Knowledge management is also important in our networking with other government agencies. We seek technical assistance and support from them. We search for knowledge, solutions to problems we encounter in our hospital, and proper guidance from other established agencies. Through knowledge sharing, we learn of the way other organizations handle and manage their operations.

The biggest barrier in implementing knowledge management is when people within the organization refuse to share their knowledge for the benefit of the organization. They limit the amount of information they impart to other people probably because of fear of competition. They believe that whatever it is they know is for their own indulgence. Other people simply lack the  initiative and passion to teach younger generations and pass on their knowledge. I believe people should be willing to share. People should have that readiness to accept guidance from those who are more informed than them. An organization should cultivate a culture of sharing where delivery of quality products and  services are concerned. Employees should undergo training and education if they are to be able to know how to share relevant information. It is also important that there should be strong management support  and that they encourage their own employees to share their knowledge.

Not all information needs to be shared.  It is  important  for organizations  to identify the relevant information that needs to be imparted and processed in order to help them in their planning and decision-making. Organizations need to recognize the right process of sharing knowledge.

The technology used in how information is shared should be something that all members of the organization are familiar with and are confident in using. Especially in our present setting, organizations make use of advanced technology in capturing, analyzing, storing and sharing information. I think every employee should communicate in   the same language. They should be taught   how to operate systems that make sharing of information easy. The organization should be prepared to apply the latest technology within the hospital. The right networks, operating systems, information technology should be taken into consideration.

I believe that to have the knowledge will make one powerful and  better equipped to handle situations. A person has the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to handle the responsibilities which are entrusted to him. He gains knowledge through his own perseverance and sacrifices. He acquires the ability to become what he wants to be and to be where he wants to be. When the knowledge one acquires is shared, he has the capacity to empower other people. Whenever knowledge is freely offered, you contribute new learning to others thereby,  increasing the the amount of information and experiences they know and eventually empowering them.

    

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

The business environment is complicated nowadays. Business organizations opt to merge and expand to provide a wider range of products and services to consumers. Companies want to  maximize their efforts to ensure good return of investments. They want to spend less on inputs and yet expect great outputs or profits. Various factors dictate and affect market conditions. Understanding the complex business situation has become increasingly difficult for businesses. However, with the aid of advanced computer technology,  organizations  are now able to access various amount of internal data  and information from other sources to  understand their business and business operations.  By combining knowledge and complex software, they are able to transform data to make better and informed decisions.

Business Intelligence refers to processes and applications that allow this processing of   information from various data sources. The system includes the rules, framework for the organization of the technologies, platforms, databases, people and processes. Common functions of business intelligence technologies are reporting, data analysis and processing, data mining, performance management, benchmarking, text mining, and predictive analytics.

  Business Intelligence tools provide reliable data and assist in decision-making.  They afford easy comparison of information and  evaluation of costs, income, and sales of products by  different departments.  They  help top management  understand previous and current business operations, identify opportunities and predict future trends and further business undertakings. The tools ensure that the correct strategies are carried out. They facilitate information flows through easy sharing of information among groups, customers, partners, and suppliers.  They allow organizations to focus, use the right information and, identify best practices to gain  competitive advantage.

With the various uses of business intelligence, it is important for organizations to encourage employees  the application of these tools in their work. Consultation of the employees’ willingness to learn and adapt these tools is necessary. Evaluation of  insights and feed backs will help identify their needs as primary users of the  business intelligence system. Provision of the necessary orientation, tools, training, and support will prepare employees in adapting the new technology. They need to realize that learning these tools will increase their knowledge, skills and expertise. The tools should be applicable and modified to the business organization’s operations. Otherwise, if they are not the appropriate ones, employees may be discouraged to use them. With business intelligence tools, business operations are understood, work becomes productive, performances are improved, company goals are met.  Implementation of these tools will enable employees the experience of using an advanced technology that can help them compete and be at par with the rest of the business world.

It is also important that senior management show organizations their commitment and extend sponsorship with the implementation of business intelligence system. Employees should be assured of  management support and accountability when setbacks  occur during project implementation. Motivation of the employees by the management  is necessary to encourage them to apply BI tools. One way of doing this is by allowing  healthy competitions among departments with the help of these tools. A rewards program, such as monthly incentive bonuses or pay raises, can be tied up to their performance. The employees  can monitor, assess and evaluate how their own performance compare to the other employees in the company. This can inspire employees to think of means to efficiently and effectively accomplish their tasks. They are motivated to work harder to improve their department’s performance.

Punishing employees because of their avoidance or inability to adapt readily business intelligence  tools   is not advisable. This will force them to work but, it will eventually cause resistance and reluctance in them.  It does not give them the chance to willingly participate and have the initiative to work harder.  They may  spend their entire working hours avoiding omission and mistakes so as not to get reprimanded. While this may be a positive effect, this may curtail their creativity and drive to discover new ways to be more productive  at work. Lastly instead of focusing on work, the thought of punishment can cause them undue stress.

With the increasing competition in today’s  business setting, it is important  for organizations to provide cost-effective and fast access to  information for  different businesses users. They have to adapt  business intelligence tools to address needs and make calculated decisions.  Organizations must be technologically equipped in order to  meet  goals and survive in this competitive business environment.

SHOPPING IS JUST A CLICK AWAY

Shopping is now just a click away. Thanks to electronic commerce or e-commerce. With just a personal computer and the worldwide web, consumers can now purchase   almost any product available online.

Online shopping has become very popular these days  because of several reasons. One very important reason is accessibility.  You can simply log on to  the website whenever  you are   free   and   available. Shopping   of products or services can be done anytime of the day. As   long as   you   have    twenty-four hour access on the internet, you can visit online stores at the comforts of your home and without restrictions.  You can check  different stores  at  about the same time. You don’t have to wait in line at a store   or brave through traffic to get and buy what you want.   Retailers accept orders all throughout the day. Online stores never close.

On the internet, you can compare prices of the available goods or services offered   by different   online shops.  These products may even have discounts or lower prices because these  stores don’t pay rent  as compared to mall stores.

Online stores offer you wider options. You have the freedom to choose which unique style you want or anything that suits your taste. You can order for products anywhere in the world. There are instances that what you need may not be available at a local store. At other times, they are specialty items that are  difficult to find and are only available in a particular region.  Online shopping   allows you to get hold of these products since retailers offer shipment to different locations.

One other best thing about online shopping is that you get to check on reviews that other buyers post on the internet. You can check on what’s good or bad about such products. This way you can be given the assurance that you are buying quality goods or your money’s worth.

While online shopping affords one the convenience and accessibility, it also has its risks and disadvantages.

One of these is the delay in the delivery of the goods. You may have to wait longer periods to receive what you have ordered. There may be problems encountered with shipping from the other end or the shipping costs are high.

Once the product is delivered, it may not be what you expected because the product can be presented beautifully in photos on the internet.  You  cannot test the product before buying it. There can be miscommunication, sometimes,  in the business dealings. Because of wrong deliveries and  delays,   one   can get   frustrated.  You have no one to talk to.    Nobody is immediately available to answer your complaints and settle the matter with. And if you are to return such products, another problem is who will handle the shipping.

Another disadvantage of online shopping is the possibility that you can get scammed. Because the internet is free for all, anybody can put up bogus stores and sell fake products. In this case, careful scrutiny of the online stores you are ordering from is very important.

Using your credit card to pay for your purchases puts you at risk of fraud or credit card theft. Your information may be stolen online and be used by other people. Again, you have to verify the credibility of the online stores and check their privacy policy.

If I am to purchase goods and services online, those would be tickets (airline,   events, etc.),   books, and travel bookings. Airline companies have booking facilities with customer friendly software. I can do my bookings anytime of the day and at my convenience.  It is time saving since, there’s no need to visit a local travel agency to book my flights.  I can check on the flight schedule, route,   departure   and arrival time right away.  I can compare prices   offered by the different airlines. Once I have bought the tickets, they are digitally stored in the database. I am assured that my reservations are protected. During periods that I forget my ticket, the airline staff or I can just easily review the database and have another one printed. I can do early check-ins and mobile check-ins. I can easily change flights, update accommodations and cancel reservations. And the last best thing is I can also buy tickets for my loved ones even if they are situated in other places.

Books are one of my favorite things. So having them is a delight. There are instances that the books are not available locally and have to  be ordered abroad or online. Purchasing them on the internet would be convenient for me. Just like airline tickets, I can compare prices, check the editions, etc, and have the books   all shipped to me. One other thing about the internet, is that I can also download books and music free from the internet.

I’d like to buy or transact  my travel bookings on the internet. I and my friends are always on the look-out for the best available travel deals. Sometimes, airline tickets and hotels offer discounts and cheaper prices once you travel to a certain place. So it is convenient to book them all online. With regards to hotel, through the internet I can check on the availability of the hotel accommodations. I can also compare prices of hotels in a certain location and at a certain season. Booking them online can lower transaction cost. I can also check on hotel reviews by people who have stayed in them. In this way, I can be assured that I am booking myself in an affordable and good hotel.

The three things that I might think thoroughly about first before ordering online are fragrances,  medications,  beauty products. I will have to check on reputable sites to make sure that they are authentic. I don’t want to end up buying a perfume that’s diluted with water or other chemical substance. The only way to ensure that it is original is by testing and smelling it right away. Beauty products need to be tested, too. The only way that I don’t get allergies is to test them on my skin right away to see any allergic reactions. Some medications I like are not available locally. Checking them online is my only option. Just the same, you can never be sure of their authenticity.

The things I will never consider buying online are clothes, shoes, groceries,  appliances, and electronic equipment.

I’d like to check and fit the shoes and clothes before I buy them. I’d like to check on the material and the color if it does suit me. While they look good on the internet, they may not be how they look when you see them upfront. It is still important for me to have the feel of wearing them before buying. I cannot also be sure if they are the original ones.

Groceries can get spoiled or damaged during shipment.  They may look good online but, I cannot be assured of how the delivery/freight service handle them. I have no idea how they take care of the products to ensure that they are still in good condition once delivered. Shipment may take time  or there might be delays that  sometimes cannot  be avoided.   So groceries are things I will not consider buying online.

I do away with buying gadgets and appliances online since I have no idea whether they work or if the component parts are all functioning properly. Since they’re sold online, I cannot inspect them. I cannot check if they are authentic, too. Shipping costs may be high. There may also be other problems, like delayed deliveries, broken or damaged products during  shipment.

Shopping online has its own advantages and disadvantages. It will require careful thought if you do choose to avail of the easiest way to shop which is online. You have to choose the right and reputable  online stores,  you have to carefully check the terms, check the products and decide which ones to buy.  But the best part  is, the power is in your hands. With a few keystrokes, a world of information is at your fingertips. Shopping is now  just a click away.

OUTSOURCING: IT SECURITY

The   advent of technology has allowed organizations to adopt advances and innovations in reshaping and improving their services. One of these innovations is the quick access to an organization’s profile, database and services. Relevant information can now be at anyone’s finger tips. The freedom allows customers to check on about anything that the organization allows its customers to see.  This free access to information can empower anyone but, at the same time, may pose challenges to the organization’s security and privacy. Because cyberspace belongs to no one, any data the organization posts on the web may invite public interest and the information can get exploited.

Ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive information is important to maintaining the sacredness of the business organization and strengthening trust with its customers. With the subject of privacy going   beyond the office to the global internet, the capture, application and protection of confidential information has become a critical issue within the business industry.

Adoption of an Information Technology Security to preserve business information has become a priority. And while information is now being stored in computerized form, organizations must implement protective mechanisms to maintain confidentiality.  Business organizations  must be practical and utilize the most advanced technologies, policies, and procedures available. To adopt an IT security brings into mind the possibility of outsourcing it.

I think deciding to engage any third party to ensure network security is difficult. While outsourcing has its many benefits such as cutting on costs, immediate access to experts, having more focus and good return of investment, it may also present challenges where information technology security is concerned.  Outsourcing  firms   may have authorized access to servers and company information where initially only top management has access to. Storage facilities of important information may not be secure as it was before allowing again freedom for the outsourcing firm to have access to. The organization may not have employees trained in aspects of IT security where it is necessary to have trained personnel of their own. The cost in employing an outsourcing company to secure the organization’s information technology may be high enough as compared to the benefits.

If outsourcing should be considered, stipulations must be included and adhered to in a contract with the chosen service provider. Management and the outsourcing company should have policies  to   limit access and disclosure of data. Those individuals with access are not allowed to utilize the data for unauthorized purposes.  The outsourcing company must have internal control over its employees. Technical polices should be agreed upon and include encryption in the transmission and storage of data, limited access to passwords, and storage of data on secure servers. The outsourcing company must disclose how information gathered from the organization will be used and advise  ways in correcting problems. It should manage information correctly and apply quality assurance policies.

The important thing is for the organization to increase its level of awareness about IT security. All the tools needed to ensure a protected environment for its business information are available and may be affordable. It is up to the company to choose and decide.

IT and Me

Though born a little earlier when computers and information  technology were not in surplus and the trend as now, I know I will get to understand them better as the days go by.  I will get them in my system eventually. These were things which I really refused and dedicated little time to learn in the past. This was my attitude since we were  born and raised in that age when not everybody was    engrossed with computers.

I only learned about computers in high school when the subject was incorporated in our curriculum. Early on, it was enough for us  to see and operate them. We learned basic processes. We were taught a little of this and that and we had to pass the tests, too. However, the lessons and exposure then were not as much as the learning and experiences people have now. Nowadays, children even at the elementary levels get to tinker with computers. They have the attitude and eagerness to learn early on. They are all raring to get their hands on the latest technology available in town. It’s a must to learn and expose oneself to get by in this computer age.

At work I, initially and honestly, had friends opening up the computer for me and setting it all up so that all I had to do was type on the keyboard. So as not to get them annoyed over such trivial things, I tried to learn only the basics steps, such as put on the computer, type and save my document. The rest, I left to them. Now I wonder what my friends could have been thinking back then. It was basically so easy. I just needed to have that willingness and learning attitude. Even our processes at work now, I leave it up to our staff. I would often think and say, “Leave it to the computer experts because it’s what they’re good at. I’m more comfortable at attending to patients and seeing to their needs.” I never thought it relevant to learn about computer tools, processes, software, hardware, networks, and everything that involved information technology. This is one attitude I’d like to change now.

We are in the information era wherein everyone is so eager for knowledge. With knowledge come opportunities to improve and advance. Computers can do wonders at this time where information technology comes in.

Sitting through our first day of class made me realize there’s a lot of things to learn and a different area to explore outside  the hospital. I have to look beyond the hospital. Or better yet merge hospital processes to computer and information technology.

I do understand that applying information technology at work can   facilitate efficient and effective communication and exchanges of information for us at the hospital. Figures, census and statistics can be better evaluated. Better decisions and flow can be made regarding departmental operations. In the long run, better products and hospital services will be delivered to hospital clients.

Learning information technology can make me a better manager of one of our hospital programs. Though technologically disadvantaged and a little late, I’d like to learn now and get empowered.