In-class post, 27/10/2006

Well today we determined the placings of the different groups, my group is in position 10, therefore we will have our presentation on Thursday, at 10am in room 113 ...so hopefully we should be ready.

Well on to the main topics at hand...

We're continuing on with the discussion of the Systems Development Life Cycle...(partial)

It goes in the following method: Requirements Analysis->Design->Implementation and Testing

He sidetracked for a bit, with some discussion about the smelter plant...there are benefits to the plant, but the costs incurred are another thing....

When it comes to designing an Information System (or any type of project for that matter), the design of the system becomes of vital importance. Due to the risk in cost involved for the implementation of an IS, it is then imperative that a design is present, because if the IS does not deliver on its planned objectives, then it ends up being a severe financial drain on the company.

One cause for a project failing is when a company fails to have appropriate individuals appointed to make decisions for the project itself, since they may not fully understand how the system is exactly implemented, and may leave out important factors.

We then went into some discussion about the I.T. system within UWI itself, and some of the issues involved with implementing any sort of new systems within the campus, which can put us closer to being on par with international universities.

Well we're done...so now I can go home!!!*does happy dance and runs off...*

In-class post, 26/10/2006 (Tutorial)

Well here we are in room 113...it's gonna be a slightly spread-out post, since there is not going to be a fixed point to this tutorial, plus West Indies are currently batting...they're going on at 54/1 after 13 overs... :)

We started off with some discussions about I.T Architecture, and then going into any questions we may have about any topic in the course. Phaedra asked some questions about how the project was going, and explained how some people go all out for presentations...then she allowed all of us to continue work on our group project...so I'm out for now.

In-class post, 23/10/2006

Well I'm back once more...*cough*....*shiver*...

God I hope this cold is gone soon, especially this fever.... -_-

The class started with some discussions over deadlines for various events associated with this course...

By the way, the schedule is modified for next week as follows:

Monday - Lecture with Ms. Mohammed , 2:10pm, submit project during lecture.
Tuesday - Presentation of 3 projects, 10am
Thursday - " " " " , 9am-11am
Friday - Coursework Test, 10am.

He then started speaking about the course, how we are now in the 8th week of the course, and started discussing about the topics coming up until the end of the course.

Dr. Mohan then went into some insight into the discussion held last week. The discussion then strayed into the bmobile/digicel competition, about who is giving the real details.

He went back into talking about UWI's Banner system, how good information is needed to make any such decision. He then asked the question:

How do we go about acquiring or developing a new Information System?
*detailed information will be covered later on*

El Guy suggested the analogy of placing data in separate sections (hardware, software etc), and applying the data as needed.

Dr. Mohan then suggested that no matter what IS you want, there is a process called requirements analysis, which is part of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

What makes a system useful is to take the components of an IS, and put them to a specific purpose.

The requirements analysis is done by :

1) Getting requests from stakeholders. Choosing requests has to be done carefully, typically by sampling from the various stakeholders of the system.

The requirements usually listed are:

1)What features does it have?
2) What capabilities does it have?
3) What services should it provide?

Communication among the users of the system is a majour issue when it comes to the development of an Information System.

One example of getting this data is by using questionnaires, interviews etc.

After the list of requirements, has been sourced, a design phase starts. The design includes software design, data design and the network design primarily.

A design can be generally described as a drawing that is done before the actual construction begins, which forms the system in an abstract way, such that it is in existence in thought, but not physically present at that point.

He finished with a thought to ponder: How do you design the construction of a boat?


Well we're done for today, at least I can sleep tomorrow...so we shall be back on Thursday....yes we will.......precioussss..... :)

Not to be directly counted for the course...

Well, I know that this should not count towards the actual marks, but I still need to say this:

To be down with the flu since Thursday, to spend Divali as well as today, wrapped up in blankets and covered with various oils to help with the fever, this weekend was supposed to be used to help with finishing my part in the group project, as well as to do revision for an exam on Thursday....this is gonna be just dandy! :/

As a result, if any of my classmates get sick over the coming week, I am just apologising in advance, but I can't afford to miss out on any chances for marks, at least I can check the blogs to see what I missed out for this course itself over the past couple of days...

*searches for more ginger to make tea to ease this cold in my throat*

Laters everybody....

In-class post, 17/10/2006

Well back once more, I had a slight adjustment with my last post, I honestly meant that by 'in existence', that it was in existence in terms of having a customer base, but not necessarily that it is an actual company. Well once that is cleared up, I think we basically have the idea as to what we have to do anyway.

There was a little discussion with one of the students in the class, with the example of cricket broadcasting being used as an Information System being technically incorrect, since it does not actually influence any decisions, and Dr. Mohan went into explaining some of the logistics within such a system, going into the ideas behind such a system, and describing the hardware, software, procedures etc, which is what we can base an Information System upon. There are cases where the definitions crosses a very fine line.

We then went into describing the usage of e-commerce, when referring to the shipper's IS (e.g. UPS), and the company's IS (e.g. Amazon), where they will work with each other to ship an item to a customer.

A question came up as to whether Google Earth can be classified as an Information System. The ultimate answer could be that it is, due to the fact that when it manages a lot of data, and utilises that data to be able to represent it in certain patterns that can be useful to the end user. We then went into an extended discussion about Google Earth, and Google itself!

We continued with the e-commerce example, with how they manage tracking numbers etc between the companies. We had to thus look at how to connect the two Information Systems together, which can be done through a network. It can also be conceptually observed with the issues of communication between numerous physical islands, e.g: The Bahamas, how communication may have to be done via satellite, which will essentially manage the network communication.

An important idea to note: an Information System DOES NOT have to be networked to be able to function!

When a cellular phone is used to send text messages etc, they may utilise IT, but they cannot be considered an Information System.

Well we're done for today, until Thursday I guess....if I am still alive after pre-Divali house cleaning.... >_<.

In-class post, 16/10/2006

Well once more, time to post, lucky I made it back in time to class, had to go down Westmoorings to get my paycheck, and there was an accident on the highway by Peakes, the passenger side of a panel van had to be cut open when I passed by, so I only *just* made it back in time...

We started off with some discussions about the Project, with the issue as to whether our business had to be started from scratch, or if the business can already be 'in existence'. Ultimately, it came down to the fact that we can choose either, because we should end up with the same issues overall...

Well I missed Friday's class, so I am now hearing that there was some discussion about Computer Ethics, which would have been interesting to say the least. However, he mentioned that we will go more into that topic later on in the course.

So, we are looking back at the definition of Information Systems, which is an application of Information Technology. We then looked into some the definition of a System:

System - a set of components working together to produce some required functionality.

A system is inter-dependent, which works towards a specfic goal.

One example of this is the human body, where if a single component gives any problems, it can cause other problems to the body, so that everything needs to work properly for the body to function effectively.

The facets of an Information System work together to source and process the data, which should lead to better decisions for the business in the long run.

No single Information System can serve for all businesses, so depending on the level of the business that the system is intended to operate, there can be a separate system for them. e.g: for Operational levels, we have Transaction Processing Systems (TPS). As we go up, the system changes i.e: MIS, DSS etc.

A user of an Information System has to be aware of the fact that obstacles can come up from time to time.

We went into some references with the broadcasting of cricket from across the world, where a weakness of satellites is that if there is no direct line of sight, communication cannot occur...thus for this design, a relay layout had to be used for it to work.


Well class is done, I didn't focus too much on today's class... :/ so I will have to make up for it later on....*goes to see what can be done for this dead/stuck pixel on my screen*

In-class post, 10/10/2006

*yawn*...well here we are once more....I need more sleep though >_<....*pleads for someone to lend me some $$$ to go get some coffee from Rituals...*

Ah well, here we go I guess..

Well at the start, we had to determine our team for the group project assignemnt...after some asking around, we fleshed out the following members:

Brent Francis
Miguel Kalloo
Nicholas Ho Koon
Anil Singh.

So hopefully, we should get through this easily.

Dr. Mohan then started explaining about the project, and due to the fact that the project's aim is to encourage working with other people, so he will not give us much guidance...especially since a lot of workplaces often require working with other individuals, no man is an island...IT specialists have to often work with other individuals as a team *though I may actually prefer working alone most of the time, but that's just me*.

We continued looking at Information Systems, recapping a bit of what we had covered yesterday, looking at hardware and software.

He started talking about how software can be used to control the functions of the hardware devices, with how when controls being used in software, such as when the eject button was pressed in a media player program, typically that software would send instructions to our hardware, which can open the drive tray itself.

He also discussed about the factor of people, with the example of using e-commerce, at how it appears that there is no human element within such a system, whereas there is a human presence in such a system. One suggestion was made with regards to their billing system, where credit cards had to be validated etc, but that system is primarily done without human interaction, there is only human interaction when verification of the card needs to be done in certain situations. Humans also have to make management decisions that can influence the Information Systems, with regards to determining what products remain on the system or not.
People are also there to service the hardware/network components, to ensure that everything is working properly, as well as to write/update the software for their system on a regular basis.

We also went into some discussions about why software may need to be updated...one reason is if a user is forced to update, relating to changes in standards, another one is by the evolution of businesses, where they would update their services to ensure that new features are present...there are some other reasons, but I will update later on today...

The last facet of Information Systems is with Procedures, which define the instructions as to how a system can be used, in all aspects.

Well that's it for now...yay @ holiday on Thursday, so next post will be on Friday...

In-class post, 09/10/2006

Well here I am once more, doing my civic duty in reporting the events from this course of Information Technology Fundamentals....well maybe not my civic duty, but just my course duty anyway...but whatever.

We started with a discussion about our first group project...personally I dislike group projects, I prefer to work alone, but if something needs to be done, so be it, no need to complain, because such activities will only waste time, and at the end of the day, the work still needs to be done.

He then started discussing about hardware and software. Any data we work with must end up interacting with some component of hardware (eg. Hard disks, Optical drives, flash drive, magnetic tape etc.), in terms of data storage. For data collection, hardware devices such as keyboards, sound devices etc. are used. Ultimately however, no matter how things are considered, data needs to be captured before processing can occur, to turn the data into information. For output, hardware devices such as monitors, printers, speakers are used.

Dr. Mohan then diverted slightly, into talking about e-commerce, explaining that a definition of e-commerce was not needed, but the understanding of the term was what was important, and asked students as to what were their favourite e-commerce sites, assuming they used any before of course...

He then went into discussing other hardware components, like for Networking hardware. He related to using the technology using the telephone system, and explaining the system behind making an international call, since it illustrates how one caller can establish communication to the other, similarly to how two computers establish communication and keep data transfer during that time, by explaining the use of copper wires, and how it then connects to other materials capable of faster transmission (e.g. fibre optic), and even how the cable company can do the same with their wires.

He then used the computer network within UWI as an example, as to how all the different computers on the network would be capable of communication on the network. In this case, each area will connect to one main location. With all these devices connected, there must be some way to handle data communication to all of these different locations within this one main location.

Some devices used to handle networking these computers together are routers, switches, hubs, bridges etc.

We thus have to relate to network components, which include also the cabling, the end devices that connect the devices etc, whose overall objective is to ensure data transmission between these connected devices.

In some businesses, ensuring that a network is running is vital, such as banks etc.

He then went into the example of using cell phones, and how a 'line' is made using radio waves when a person makes a call, so that communication between those parties can be made.

Software can be used to interpret data, such that it makes the data actually useful. An example was made using this site, as to how the data can be formatted to make it look fancier than if it was just plain text.

He concluded with the term of "Information System", and how Information Systems consist of hardware, software, networking and data, which are used to manage the data overall. However, the key to Information Systems, is the people who will actually use the system, and make it useful as a result.

Well, that's about it for today, so until tomorrow I believe....time to sleep...

*zzzzz*

2nd In-Class Post

Well here I am again, posting from the Lecture Room B within the Frank Stockdale building...

Dr. Mohan relayed to us that he put up the list of blogs from different students...though my one isn't there yet, well that will be resolved shortly.

He also said that IT personnel has to be at the front of the technology curve...a bit of an obvious statement, but one that is very true, having seen some so-called "IT Specialists", that were clearly behind the times drastically in their knowledge.

Dr. Mohan then started to talk about how a lot of courses focus on the technology aspect, but how we still have to focus on the value of information, after all this course is based on INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY! One cannot have one without the other.

He then started discussing about the value of the attribute known as accuracy, with using examples about measuring the height of people, although people will be of different height, accuracy is still an important attribute. It was also looked at with regards to the authority of the site, how a source may not necessarily be unquestionably accurate...therefore, it is up to the individual to determine if the information is correct. One example he gave was with regards to the conflict in Israel, where the news stations often broadcast information that gives a skewed version of the events, and in actual, it was not quite as severe as how it was being portrayed.

After this short discussion, we started into the main topics at hand, continuing on from the previous day.

Characters can be used to form values such as names, addresses, phone numbers etc.

A field can be then created from a combination of characters.
After some requesting from the students for different sets of fields to use, he related the use of 3 types of data: Plain Text, Numbers and Dates.

When looking at different fields, the relevance to the various fields have to be considered. This is done by logical grouping of applicable data, that would be simply referred to as a record.

A group of related records will be referred to as a file.

Dr. Mohan then related the issue for if a number of various records are placed in one file, there would be confusion since the records don't necessarily work with each other directly, that some records are meant for different files. eg. Student records -> Student file.

A group of files together will produce a database.

Thus, the data hierarchy is as listed:

Bit->Byte(Character)->Field->Record->File->Database.

A description of how a form operates was discussed afterwards, as to how the user may fill in data within the fields on the form.

Well this is paused for now, will continue in 10 mins or so to move to room 113...

-Continuing-

We started with looking at the fact that an organisation will typically have several databases, each for a different purpose. An example was given for the organisation of UWI itself, with the presence of a student database, an employee database and a library database.

Looking at the example of the library database, records relating to books and their associated codes are kept, such that it can be even searched online.

A database can be stored in some storage medium, which is typically a hard disk, but can also use other media such as CDs or magnetic tape etc.

A question was then posed by the lecturer: How would you access the data within the database itself? A suggestion was given, to use some form of an interpreter...which was close, to the eventual answer of software. This software is referred to as Database Management Software (DBMS).

He also related that issue to using the Internet, how when a webpage had to be accessed, software (your web browser) would look for the page and load it on your screen.

Software can accomplish the following bits of information:

1) Query for data records
2) Insert Data
3) Update Data
4) Delete Data.

To manage the settings for a database, in terms of determining what a user can do to a database, a feature known as permissions must be applied. Permissions help to define to a database, what settings can be applied (or not applied) to a specific user, such that a regular user may not be able to modify certain details.

With that, we wrap up for today, so this is Kermit the Frog, reporting for....
*
I mean, this is SPK, reporting for my blog.

Until Monday everyone...

First in-class post

Well I'm posting from within room 114...

Mr. Mohan started by speaking a bit about whether we are sure if IT is the area we want to go into, and mentioned about possible alternatives if needed.

He then started into discussions about accuracy vs relevance, with arguments being held with the lecturer and one of the students about whether cost-effectiveness is an attribute or not.

He then launched into a small discussion about if a value is non-existant, that it does not make that value irrelevant. An example to the contrary was given about a cat born without ears, but in my view, if a cat is born with no ears, then the fact that there are no ears present becomes a relevant attribute.

We then started talking about Data hierarchies, and how data is determined by electrical voltages, with a binary 1 being a high voltage, and a binary 0 being a low voltage. This was then followed by talking about bits, bytes, kilobytes, Megabytes etc.

We finished up with discussions about how characters form fields, and how the fields would have names (attributes) as well as values.

Well class is done, so until Thursday.