Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Through technological advancements, our new ways of living and doing things are better, faster and easier. Technological inventions, products, services or processes can provide us the necessary assistance in handling some of our problems or in the ease of doing some of our specific tasks. We use technology in our personal or work life. We use technology in various fields such as communication, transportation, learning and information. This change on how we do things can be of great value.

We are now in a digital age, where new technologies are at own disposal. Almost all of us now have access to all these sorts of technological advancements, like having devices that can connect to the internet, and thus changed the way we live our lives. These modern devices can be used to access and exchange valuable information or data. With all these changes in the world today, taking up a course about Management of Information Systems is a great deal in understanding all these innovations. Learning different technological concepts and having actual applications of these not just expand our knowledge of this field but also can be advantageous personally as well as professionally. Personally, knowing these innovations and how they affect our daily lives, we get to realize their importance making us more responsible in using them. Professionally, gaining new concepts about this field and doing actual activities, we not only develop new skills but also we get to apply them in our work making us effective contributors to the success of our organization.

We study MIS, for us to grasp a better understanding of how technology, organization and the people work together to produce quality innovations and better decisions for the world to grow. These decisions are made through successful exchange of information between parties. Having to learn different information systems will help us decide what system is suitable for our organization and how this system can help us get hold of reports or data for us to make the right decisions at the right time.

In today’s fast-paced environment we should learn to get used to this constant idea that is change. Change can be good and beneficial if we know what brought this change, why this change exists and how this change can affect our lives. What matters most in the end is how we handle these changes and how well we live by these changes.  

Information Technology is indeed a very significant change.

In today’s digital age, acquiring and sharing ideas or information is just one click away as long as you have an internet connection. We now have different means of communicating, and one popular method is through Social Media. Social Media websites and applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and the likes are the different platforms we now use to communicate and interact with our family and friends.

A huge number of the population today use social media. Social Media lets us stay connected, and thus each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to take. The responsible use of Social Media depends on how we value it.

I have organized my video clips to create a video blog about social media. Feel free to click and watch my video below. Just bear with my awkwardness in front of the camera. LOL. Till next time!

An unauthorized duplication of copyrighted content is piracy. The illegal copying, distribution or use of software is piracy. Software piracy is imminent because the distribution of software is easier compared to other goods. For some, it is easy to make copies of software and give it to friends or colleagues or even make a business out of it. Although we have certain laws to protect publishers of this software, still software piracy is a big challenge to stop.

According to June 2018 BSA Global Software Survey, unlicensed software is still being used around the globe accounting to 37% of software installed on personal computers with a commercial value of  $46.3billion.  The majority of all countries in the survey still have unlicensed rates of 50% or higher.  

In Asia-Pacific region, 57% of its software is unlicensed. Its is tied with Central and Eastern Europe as the highest overall rate in the world. Representing more than one-third of global commercial value of unlicensed software, the region’s unlicensed software has a staggering commercial value of $16.4billion. $6.8billion of which comes from China.

So, what caused this pandemonium? Affordability of less-developed economies can be one problem why these software pirates exist. Some people do not have the luxury of spending a certain amount of money to purchase software legally. Because of the accessibility of Internet nowadays, it is becoming easier for consumers to find pirated software to download. And this results to a revenue loss in the part of these software creators and a big dent in the profitability of the software industry.

But this kind of behaviour should not be tolerated. Stealing something is illegal and unethical. If people will not resort to piracy that caused losses in revenue, software companies might consider their pricing for regions that have lower purchasing power. In the Philippines, software piracy is a violation of the copyright provisions of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293) and Optical Media Act (RA 9239) and with penalties of imprisonment, fines or both. Respect for intellectual property rights should be intensified to the people.

So, are you a software pirate? Think first before you do. Be the change.

So, what is knowledge? It is a fact or information, skill acquired through education or experience, awareness and understanding or familiarity of a certain subject or situation. Knowledge comes from experiences, or ideas gained from discussions.  Knowledge is powerful and it should be documented and shared to others so that everyone can have the wisdom on how to apply this knowledge at any given situation. In our day to day living, the amount of knowledge transmitted can be overwhelming and there should be an effective strategy in capturing and storing them so that it can be use for future decision-making process. Thus, Knowledge Management (KM) is created.

Knowledge management ensures that the right information is delivered to the right place or person at the right time to enable informed decision. Through this, reliable and secure information or data will be available throughout the organization. Everyone in the organization can have a clear and common understanding of a given situation by the having access to the complete information at any given time. Through this, collaboration of ideas and sharing of knowledge in an organization will be easier and effectively done.  

Being in the administrative part of the organization, there can be a set of standard procedures or processes and some of these are also repeatable. Knowledge management is the key for if certain processes, procedures, or techniques are documented and shared they can be followed by others. Through this employees can know how to do things which can lead to better results. And this can enable the organization to be consistent in how a certain work is performed. Trainings or forums can be conducted so that those who are knowledgeable or who have the expertise in a certain area can present and share to the entire organization. Some people may be hesitant in sharing their expertise but organizations should find ways in order to provide everyone the right knowledge at the right time to the right people.

By the proper acquisition and use of knowledge, collaboration of ideas and skills will be a great advantage to the success of a certain organization. Ideas, innovations, and expertise can be drawn collectively as a solution to a given situation. Employees can create a harmonious relationship with one another through improved collaboration and interactions by this new strategic knowledge management. Collective knowledge is very important in an organization.

Popularity of online shopping has grown significantly over the years. Consumers find it convenient and easy to buy products in the comfort of their homes or offices. Online shopping has revolutionized the business world by making everything that the consumers want be available in just one click. Products and services now can be searched online through various websites of the sellers or stores, and all the consumers need to do is just select what they want, arrange for the delivery and just pay using their debit or credit card or just pay upon delivery. Just about anything can be now purchased online. But despite the convenience, some people still like to go to the physical store in order for them to get the feel and know the exact quality of the products. They need the actual and accurate measurements and quality of certain products.

Online shopping now is becoming more widespread and accepted due to many conveniences it brought to the consumers. One example is my special guest from California who loves online shopping and rarely goes to stores. She is a US Peace Corps volunteer assigned here in our town and she will be staying with us for the next two years. I have asked her questions with regards to her online shopping experience back in her hometown.

I hope you can enjoy my video blog as much as I’ve enjoyed making it. Please take note that I am new to the field of video editing. I know that this is a continuous learning process. The journey in becoming a good video editor takes a lot of time and effort but with constant practice I know I can hone my skills to be better.

Thank you and I hope you will be entertained.  Happy watching!

“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”

Bill Gates

According to the Third Quarter 2018 SWS Survey, 41% of Filipinos are internet users. Filipinos are active users of the internet for we, Filipinos, use it to connect with our family and friends. Also through the internet we catch the latest news; stream music, movies or TV shows on our leisure time; purchase products and services at our own convenience; search jobs online; and even use it in academic purposes or in our chosen careers. The internet is very cost-effective in our workplace because we can easily communicate everything through emails, video conferencing, file sharing, instant messaging, and the likes. Through internet almost everything can be linked (people, businesses, ideas, products, services). Internet is indeed the network of all networks. Technology is now getting more powerful and it continues to evolve as time goes by. Faster wireless connections will let us get or transfer information and communications quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

Internet connection in some rural areas is a challenge, just like in my workplace. Wireless technology innovation such as Wi-Fi is of much help in regards to our daily activities. We’re able to taste the product of technology for we can now send reports or read announcements through emails, social networking sites, and file hosting services like google docs. Working now becomes easier and hassle-free for we no longer transport some of our reports or files to the city. Productivity of each employee is now at its best.

Mobile phones and other similar devices are also now widely used for the convenience of the people for they are easily handled and can be carried where ever you go. We can edit, send or share files through various mobile applications. We can receive updates regarding our school, business or work from these devices real-time. We can also conduct meetings online at our convenience wherever and whenever we are or share and see daily activities in some social networking sites. Through faster wireless networks, the people can connect to the internet whenever and wherever they may, may it be in their homes, airports, hospitals, public places, educational institutions, and other places.

Internet and wireless network technologies really transformed the way people deal in the global marketplace. Business transactions and social interactions are now highly digitalized. The capacity and performance of modern technology greatly evolved that it smoothens the lives of the people and the business world.

In an organization, managers are the ones responsible in making sure things are being done and tasks accomplished. In order to be a good and effective manager one must possess certain skills in order to fulfill specific tasks because he is the one that oversees the projects and the employees. Aside from experience and technical skills, a good manager must also have other skills in order to be effective.

First, a manager should have good management and leadership skills. A good manager knows how to direct his employees in succeeding and achieving the organization’s goals and objectives. A manager should be a good leader that helps his employees understand and believe in the organization’s vision, mission, goals and objectives.  A manager should also administer and make sure that the day-to-day activities are happening as they should. Leading is not just having good management skills, but also you need to inspire your employees and build their trust. Also, he should be able to influence his employees in improving their performance and well-being. Managing and leading skills are vital for managers to guide the organization to where they are, where they want to be and how to get there.

Second, a manager must also have good communication skills. Managers need to interact and communicate well with his superiors, colleagues, and staff. Sometimes a manager is the one who pass information from the management to the team. A good communication skill avoids or manages conflicts, mistakes or understandings in the organization. It is important for a manager to communicate with the team regularly to keep them up to date. Communicating well with the employees enables them to be open and share their ideas or problems. Communicating clearly and listening actively to your employees make them also behave in the same manner. Effective communication enables managers to get the most out of his employees and provide them feedbacks. This creates understanding across the whole organization.

Lastly, a manager must have good project management skills. The manager is the one that ensures the success of a certain project from start to finish.  He should know how to inspire and motivate the team in order for the project to be completed at the desired deadline and budget. For a manager is there to monitor the daily activities of the project, he should be able to avoid crisis and solve problems when they occur. A good manager must create plans and delegate tasks in order to achieve the projects of the organization.

Indeed, a good manager is vital for an organization to succeed. A good manager sees to it that all parts of the organization are functioning, activities are done and the whole organization harmonious.

Information has a huge impact in the competition amid various enterprises in the global marketplace. And information technology plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the company. Through the use of new technology, information systems are created to collect, process, store and distribute valuable information that can support in the operations, management and decision-making of the organization. Information Systems are used in accomplishing and assisting a range of business activities. And since the global market is competitive, the strategic level of the company should invest in information systems for the company to achieve a competitive advantage. Creating strategic plan focusing on information systems is essential to success. Strategic plans are made in order for us to see where we want to be in the future and what things to do on how to get there.

We should equip ourselves with the proper knowledge of these changes in technology and convince the management to adapt. We should inform all levels of the management the apparent reasons in having an Information Systems Strategic Plan. It will be one of the components for the success of the business. It should be developed towards a strategic direction in order to achieve the organization’s vision, mission, goals and objectives. Information Systems Strategic Plan makes sure that all the activities are aligned with the business plans and goals.  A proper implementation of this will result to a higher return on technological investments.  The organization can deliver a better product, service, process or idea by embracing this new change. Productivity level of employees and customer satisfaction will increase. The company can surely benefit from having it. The company can perform effectively if they implement this strategic plan for it provides ways and methods on how to manage and use information for the business. It can aid in the decision making of the managers and the top level management. Through this the business can create an advantage over its competitors. Having a strategic plan in our information systems ensures us that the business remains successful. And if ever there are any appalling outcomes we are prepared with reinforcements for we have with us a strategic plan.  

Indeed, ISSP will provide a course and direction to the company.

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

Innovation: Thinking outside the box

Innovation means coming up with something new or creative ways of doing things. For you to innovate you need to think outside the box. You can change processes to create better, effective and profitable  products, services or ideas. Innovation is the key for businesses or entities to survive and adapt in the ever competitive world today. Being innovative is important to have a competitive advantage with other competitors in the business world.

Innovation: A  business strategy for Managers

Managers should have an environment where innovation is used as a strategy for the business to compete and standout among others. By inculcating in the minds and hearts of the employees the importance of innovation for the success of the business, managers will have an environment where employees are motivated to think and create new ideas thus making them productive. Managers should train and empower employees to think innovatively to cope with the pace of change in the business world today. All these then will lead to managers having innovation professionals in the business.

Innovation: Making things better

Working in the academe, innovation can be seen in the ways teachers deal with their students and the ways they use technology in teaching. We now have computers to better serve our students and help them learn. Teachers now use videos and other forms of presentations to provide the students with the proper knowledge in order for them to be ready in the future. ICT improvements make teaching interesting and engaging for the generation today where most young ones are updated with the latest technology. The school head together with the faculty and staff continue to think of ideas on how to adapt to the changing environment. Encouraging my workmates to be open to new ideas and being adaptive to changes will direct us to having new methods that can be used to improve our individual, our school, and our student’s performances. Education now is more innovative and the information and communication technology is now more advanced.

Innovation is indeed adding value to your products, services or ideas. All these will lead you to have a higher performance and a higher probability to succeed. And innovation is not just important in businesses but also in education wherein we nurture the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” -Albert Einstein

Today, technology surrounds our lives on a daily basis. Almost all of us now own gadgets that we use for business, work, school, or entertainment.  IT is about using technology to inform and communicate. Through technology innovations our ways of living became easier. Various websites and applications can now be used as medium for airing ideas, products, and services for the people. The world of technology will continue to evolve as long as our minds are capable of imagining. We should believe that anything that we can imagine and dream of will eventually be done and built.

Through IT, I get connected with my loved ones real-time. I can now video call my mother who is an OFW. We can now update each other of what’s happening in our lives on a daily basis. My family and friends can now attend virtually important occasions through going live may it be on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. IT indeed connects loved ones even miles apart! Also, in my work life we have now new improvements in our IT department. The Department of Education now improved its Personnel Information System. We now have an online verification for the approval of salary loans of the employees. This lessened the time and money spent in processing the application of loans. Banks can now approve salary loans faster and hassle free. This made the lives of the applicants and other persons involve in the process easier. The Department of Education also now have an Enterprise Human Resource Information System wherein the personnel can now update their personal data online. They continue to improve the HR system so that in the coming years personnel can apply for a leave request and do other HR related transactions online. Communication in the entire Department of Education is now faster for orders, memorandums, announcements, or advisories can be now posted online.

Modern technology’s greatest achievement or discovery for me is e-book. I am a reader, and electronic book is my life now. A day never passes without me spending an hour or two reading a novel in my phone. How fantastic it is that I get to spend no dime in my favorite hobby! I also get to communicate and interact with the authors and other readers online.

We were not just entertained but we gained more knowledge and friends through the internet.

A big thanks to IT for the process of communication and the dissemination of information has become very fast to different parts of the world.