Class 12/9

In this class we focused on the implementation and maintenance phases of SDLC.  When implementing a system you first need to acquire the hardware, software, and services needed to run the system.  Then you need to modify your software, test the program, convert the data, and train the end-users of the system how to operate it.

After implementing your system you need to maintain it.  System maintenance is done by fixing the bugs and errors, adding new functions, improving its performance, and preventative maintenance to keep the system from failing.

Class 12/7

In this class we covered business systems.  In particular, we discussed the system development life cycle (SDLC) and the 5 phases of the SDLC (investigation, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance).  The benefit of SDLC over a waterfall approach is the fact that SDLC can have two or more phases running at the same time and you can back and forth between the phases.

class 11/23

In this class we learned how to use MO Excel spreadsheets.  Most of the basic commands I already knew from my MGSC 209 class, but I did learn how to use the data analysis tools of "goal seek" and "scenario".  I'm ready to get started on my first Excel assignment now!

Class 11/11

I thought the exam was fair.  Not impossibly difficult, and certainly not easy.  I was pleased with my score of 90 on the exam.  I found the true/false questions, and not the essay questions, to be the most difficult part of the test.  Anyways, I am glad to be done with all midterms and now I get to move on to the joy of preparing for semester projects and finals (slight sarcasm).  

Class 11/9

Today we learned more about E-Commerce and Social Networks (SN).  I learned that social networking helps companies with market research, marketing campaigns, and helps them plan for the future.  I also learned some about some of the differences and conflicts between online and physical selling points.

UGC's are beneficial because it builds trust between the company and the customer.  UGC's also help to keep customers loyal and help people understand better what they are buying online.

Class 11/4

In this class we learned about e-commerce.  One thing that interested me was the fact that we are running our of IP addresses under the current IPv4.  The solution to this problem... switching to IPv6 which provides more IP addresses along with better security.

Class 11/2

Today we learned about the five functional business systems:  Marketing Systems, Manufacturing Information Systems, Human Resource Information Systems, Accounting Systems, and Financial Systems.  Marketing Systems have three main subsystems:  Interactive Marketing, Target Marketing, and Sales Force Automation.

I enjoyed the videos about robots.  The down side of robotics is that if there is one little the error in the system, then the whole process is messed up.  The upsides are:  they are efficient, work 24/7, don't tire, and don't need benefits.  They are true game changers in the manufacturing industry.

Class grade today:  A

Class 10/21

Back to the lectures today.  We learned the basics of networks and telecommunications.  I have heard of Internet2 before today, but I had no idea that it could post speeds of 120+ Gbps!!! Loading videos and intense graphic web pages would be instant compared to what we have today with the Internet.

Grade for class:  B

Class 10/19

In class today was an addition to what we were learning last Tuesday on MO Access.  We created a table, assigned relationships between the tables (customers,providers,services and transactions) and then we searched for data in our database.  For these searches we used two different methods.  First we did numerous queries to find data.  Second, we constructed a screenview to view the data we were looking for.

Grade for class 10/19: A

Class 10/14

Exam #2:  This test was harder than the first one.  The questions were not any more difficult than the first test, there was just a lot more information that you had to memorize going into the test in order for one to cover all the bases.  I believe I faired alright, somewhere in the B range is what I'm guessing.  Database cleansing is an area which I should have spent more time on.

Class 10/12

Today we learned how to set up a database with Microsoft access.  We had three tables which we had to create (members, price list and transactions).  In each table we inputed the field names and corresponding field type.  Once we had created the tables and the relationships between the tables, we then input example members into the database.

I had never used MO Access before today.  It was nice to learn some of the basics of creating a database.

Grade for class session:  A

Class 9/21

EXAM #1 TODAY!!! It really wasn't too bad.  Packet switching was one question that I completly forgot about and skipped over in my review.  The TLAs were easy and I know I got all of those down.  The first tests are always the hardest ones for me, no matter what the class is.  After the first exam, I'm usually good at adapting my approach in studying and preparing for future tests in that class.  Knowing the material, one way or another, is always the most important, but what I learn from the test is what helps boost me into the A range.   

Class 9/16

Some good Tech News reports today.  One that stuck out in my mind was the CuteCircuit "hug t-shirts".  It sounds like something that might catch on and catch on BIG!  Only one problem, they are a private company so you can't consider them as a possible stock investment yet.  Bummer.

As for the lecture, it was cool to learn about the history of computers and the different components that make up computers we use today.  Before today, I had no idea what a "blade" or a "rack" server was.  I find it interesting to learn about what goes on inside these "magical boxes" and how they work.

At the moment, I am a little nervous about the upcoming test, but come next Tuesday I am sure I will be ready to ace it.  Good luck to the rest of the class in studying for our first exam in MGSC 300.

Grade for class 9/16:  B

My semester so far...

I have a heavy workload on my plate for this semester:  5 upper division business classes and an intermediate Spanish class for a total of 18 credits.  Although its been quite the juggling act so far, and I know it will only get more complicated as the term progresses, I'm finding this term to be the most interesting and eye-opening term I've had so far.

I'm happy with everyone of my teachers.  They all have different teaching styles/methods but they all just seem to work for me.  It's really amazing to see how the many different aspects and areas of business come together.  I can learn something in financing and then see how it is put to work in my real estate class, or learn about IS and see how it is used in POM.

Bottom line is... 3 weeks into a hectic term and I'm loving it.  ASBE is proving to be a better and better value for me after each class I attend.

Class 9/13

I wasn't called again for a tech news report!  It's alright though, I volunteered and presented my bit about Mozilla Firefox 4.0.  That random name generator must hate me.  Watch me get called on every class for the rest of the term after that last comment.

The main topic I took from the lecture was "knowledge".  I learned the difference between explicit and tacit knowledge.  I also learned how important it is to become a "knowledge worker" as continue on in my academic career and throughout my future professional career.  Become unique, become indispensable, become a KNOWLEDGE WORKER.

Grade for the class:  A

9/7 Class

Today there was a ton of people wanting to share their "Tech Reports".  I am guessing about half the class reported today.  The one that stood out most to me was the report on the new artificial kidney in the works.  That would be a tremendous achievement in medical technology if they are able to someday perfect that.

The lecture today covered "information systems" and their basic activities (input, processing, output, storage and control).  We also learned about cybernetic systems which are self-monitoring systems (i.e. air heating/cooling systems).  We also discussed a couple of case studies which showed how helpful, if not vital, information systems can be and how it is important to have a backup plan in the case that your information system accidentally crashed.

Overall, I found today's class period to be interesting and informative.  My grade for the class today:  A-

First Blog

Welcome to my blog everyone!  I will be sharing my MGSC 300 experiences with you throughout the Fall 2010 semester.  Come back soon to see what I thought about the class after the first week.