Digital Filipino Club and Bloggers Networking Event

Digital Filipino Club and Bloggers Networking Event
July 18, 2009
At Pantawan Hall,Grand Regal Hotel

…Digital Filipino Club…

The DigitalFilipino.com Club is an Internet community that was launched last December 25, 2003. It is founded by Janette Toral, site owner of DigitalFilipino.com. The Club currently has nearly 100 members from students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. What makes the club unique is its business promotion focus and knowledge sharing culture.

…REFLECTION…

July 18…around 6pm… together with some of my classmates, we went to Grand Regal Hotel to attend an event that we really don’t know what is it all about but only a fact and a little idea from the word “bloggers”. Even so, we came to the place, ready to see or experience what’s waiting ahead… The venue was a little elegant and cozy. Most of the attendees were students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Nonetheless, the people there we accommodating that made us felt comfortable in the whole time of the event. Before the event started we had first a dinner… and hmmm… it was nice… hmmm… Afterwards, we introduced ourselves one by one in front of everybody… no exception… hehehe In the proper event, they discussed all about blogging, specifically what is blogging, top bloggers, the things what you can do in blogging, the advantages it offers and they also promoted to engage more on blogging to be more competitive and to make Davao as one of the top bloggers. On the later part of the event, everyone was asked to play bingo and winners got there prices sponsored by PAGCOR and freebies were also given to the attendees… It was one of the great experiences I had… hope there will be a next time…

…On Our Way Home…

We dropped by were a car show was held not far from Grand Regal Hotel… Another experience to be consider… hehehe… Here’s some of our picz…

COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO

COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO 2009
July 2-4
Apo View Hotel
Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines


COMDDAP…

COMDDAP is an association of the country's top information technology businesses. Its primary objective is to promote the sustainable development of the of the country's information technology industry through voluntary collaboration of its member companies. It is the goal of COMDDAP to be able to provide its members general views and updates from different sectors - private and government, and highly regarded individuals to further uplift the morale and knowledge of its organization.

The vision of promoting and elevating the standards of Information technology (IT) in the Philippines fueled a group of prominent computer companies to form the Computer Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines or COMDDAP. Its initial member-companies represent the world's leading makers and providers of computer products, solutions and peripherals.

COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO…

The biggest I.T expo held in the South…

With the speed that I.T. is evolving and becoming ever more pervasive in our everyday lives… an event “COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO was held”… a yearly event, to step up to the challenges of bringing something new to its market with every show.

To get up close and to take a first-hand at the latest I.T products and software for computing, imaging, printing, connecting and communications, security, entertainment and lifestyle applications.

This year, COMDDAP Davao stages the LCD Monitor Shootout. In tradition, this event within the main event brings together the top LCD monitor brands in the world in a showdown of their most brilliant features in terms of graphics, photo and video display.

Other regular events in store for the visitors are the:
Technology Update series of Seminars and Workshop
Product Demos
as well as Event Discount
Raffle Draws
and generous giveaways for lucky attendees


The Technology Update Sessions…

Led by Nexus group and in collaboration of:


Presented by Nexus Group (TNG) Title
1. Jupiter Systems
The ERIC Dealer Management System
2. Nexus Technologies Inc.
The HP Thin Client
3. EduPro, Inc.
Windows Server 2008
4. Spinweb Productions, Inc.
Open Source For Business Applications
5. The Nexus Professional Services and Solutions (NPSS)
Retail Management System Overview

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE SESSION…

The sessions that I attended in the event are…

The HP Thin Client - Thin clients are computing devices hat function as an access device
on network.
- a computer without hard disk
- use flash for storage
- sharing and processing data
- pre-active for security


Open Source For Business Applications – Open source development of business
applications has proven to lower acquisition costs, and decrease vendor lock-in reliance and obsolescence rate so that even commercial software giants have knowledge the rise of this technology by allowing interoperability.

Windows Server 2008 – showcasing the new features of windows server 2008, such as
Read-Only Domain Controller, Network Access Protection, Server Core, Active Directory Rights Management Services, and Hyper-V.

REFLECTION…

We were able to attend the COMDDAP EXPO event for new latest technology that was participated by the different sectors of the country. Including the business people and tech-people, we, student was also given the chance to participate and observed in the event and see the new gadgets and observed the exhibitors presenting their new products.

The first session that I was attended was HP Thin Client, a computing device that have no hard drive, with displays data and applications from remotely located servers, blade PC’s or virtual desktops and processes programs at this same time. It also presents new features than a computer desktop doesn’t have.

The next one was the Open Source which opened our mind and clarifies things regarding open source. The session runs smoothly and interesting in my part. They also introduced some applications that support open source. It was also pointed out that open source is not actually free but of license free that made it an open source to everyone. On the run of discussion one of the representatives of Microsoft also presented himself and expressed his opinion regarding open source and proprietary. The exchange of thoughts was motivating and thought-provoking. They even discourse about the automation of election in the country in regards of using open source or proprietary application. Both sides were have their own idea and point on their stand, different views and opinions on the subject matter and stressed out that there are a lot of things to consider in choosing open source and proprietary. Eventually, it was a good factor to relate the issue of election since the election is soon to come and it was knowledgeable occurrence for us, students to witness an interaction of tech-people expressing their views.

The last one was the Windows Server 2008 that showcases the new features of the application for businesses where it addresses the needs of a business transaction and everyday activities. It was also discussed the benefits and convenience it offers to the users and the owner in terms of inventory, online access and many more.

I, personally, glad that we were invited in the said event because we were able to witness an event that gives us knowledge and information of the current technology we have nowadays. It was also an opportunity to us, students, to be part of the event for it was a great experience to even just observed to the tech-people discussing or sort of defending their products from others. Honestly, it was my first time to be part of that kind of activity and I am thankful for it. Hopefully, it won’t be my first and last because as a student it would be a big contribution to our learning.

-picture picture together with the Microsoft Representative-

Automated Election Reflection

Assignment 3

...Automated Election…..

Automated election system — a system using appropriate technology for voting and electronic devices to count votes and canvass/consolidate results.

The conduct of elections in the Philippines for the past four decades has remained largely unchanged. Philippine elections rely heavily on manual tallying and canvassing of votes thus making them vulnerable to control and manipulation by traditional politicians and those with vested interests. The cost of winning an elective post is highly expensive, and the absence of mechanisms to check and limit sources of campaign funds become fertile grounds for corruption and divisiveness.
In recent years, initiatives to reform the electoral system included the enactment of the following laws: Republic Act (RA) 8046, establishing a pilot program modernizing the registration and vote counting process in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Party List Law, Fair Elections Act and the Absentee Voting Act. To address the inadequacies and limitations of the electoral process, RA 8436 or the Election Automation Act of 1997, was passed authorizing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to use automated election system for vote counting and canvassing in the national and local polls. The law provided for the generation of a national computerized voters list, establishment of a voters identification card system and the automation of the vote counting.
However, sectoral issues still hinder reform efforts in the electoral process. The following have been identified as basic problems afflicting the electoral system:
(a) outdated electoral process;
(b) failure to implement the electoral modernization law;
(c) limited administrative and
regulatory capabilities of the COMELEC;
(d) ineffective educational/information campaigns on new laws and policies;
(e) weak political party system;
(f) unaccountable political financing; and
(g) defective party list system (Governance Assessment, 2003).

...GOALS, STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS in Automated Election...

To ensure a credible and transparent electoral process, the modernization of the electoral system through computerization shall be supported to ensure the credibility of polls and correct the deficiencies in the electoral system. Likewise, the Omnibus Election Code shall be further revised and amended to respond to the needs of the present electoral system. Measures to strengthen the party system and regulate the activities of political parties shall be created. State financing of political parties shall also be considered through the passage of the Campaign Finance Bill.
The COMELEC’s capacity to raise the level of political discourse and educate citizens regarding their right to vote will be enhanced. This will be done through conduct of continuing citizen and voter education through partnership with civil society groups and other government institutions. The electorate must be empowered with information that would help them vote intelligently. The challenge is to develop the people’s appreciation of their vote as a means to reform the government and receive better services from it. Part of this challenge is the need to raise the awareness of the electorate on relevant issues and the corresponding platforms of the candidates, if the country is to shift from the politics of personality to the politics of party programs.

...How would it be?...

In partnership of Smartmatic Corp. and Filipino-owned Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) the automated election would be possible. With their partnership, the Smartmatic will be the one to provide machines for the automation, the one that has to guarantee the technology, the software, the transmission and the operations of the elections and indeed in charge of the operations.

Is it trustworthy to let this two company handle the operation in a critical event in our country like election?... The first thing to consider is “liability”. The trust and integrity of the provider and maker of the machines and operations to be used in the election proper are the top priority to ponder and contemplate. Starting from the planning, then processing and until implementing, and even the people include should make sure that they or it won’t be influence by any group of any party.


...In my own point of view….

Having an automated election in 2009 can make the Philippine election organize, manageable and faster, but of course the integrity which is the main concern of the election would still be on the hand of the Filipino people. Whatever the process or procedure to be used in an election or any event that is critical in a country, its central point is the people involve and the people to choose the right thing to do. To be on the duty of responsibility to take charge of the nonviolent, peaceful, harmonious, honest and fair election to all. In any event, whatever the purpose, the result would still depend on the intention and determination of each one to make the situation clear and accordingly. It would be a favorable condition for us in the election to be automated. However, there are lots of things to put into account such as process, security of data, the system, the accuracy, the management and a lot more are needed to consider in automated election. Since next year’s election will be automated it should be our duty, people of the Philippines to be vigilant, cautious and attentive in the election proper because the result of this election will greatly contribute to the country’s success and economic situation.

...Regarding to the issues of the election automation....

Since, election is a critical event in our country, it cannot be avoided to encounter negative issues and problem while undertaking the automation. In addition, for the protection of the Filipino people it is more relieving to thoroughly examine, check, study and evaluate things regarding automation for the benefits of everyone. It is the policy of the State to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections, and assure the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot in order that the results of elections, plebiscites and other electoral exercises shall be fast, accurate and reflective of the genuine will of the people.





References:
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8436.htm
http://www.neda.gov.ph/ads/mtpdp/mtpdp2004-2010/pdf/mtpdp%202004-2010%20neda_chapterx13_elections.pdf

Risks Associated with Business and IS/IT Change

Assignment 2

Based on the organization(s) that you visited, what do you think are the risks associated with business and IS/IT change?

There are a lots of factors/risks that must be consider in business and IS/IT change to take place. Risks can occur in different ways and therefore risks should be approach properly to address the problem.

In a call center company like Concentrix, technology change has enabled call center operators to adopt new business models to meet the needs of the costumers and compete in the business world of call center. Technology has the capacity to fundamentally alter the way a company or a whole industry operates and that is certainly the situation now unfolding in the call center. Technology made every aspect of building and operating a call center faster, easier and also frequently has the side effect of changing business processes.

In my own point of view, regarding call center company, services is one of there concern. The services that it offers to the customers and to the internal customers of the company should take into consideration.

“Your customers are in a perfect position to tell you about quality, because that’s all they’re really buying. They’re not buying a product. They’re buying your assurances that their expectations for that product will be met.”
– John Gaspari, “I Know It When I See It”

Another one, it would maybe the security and reliability that it would offer in the said change. The security of the system and the progress it would present, if these would really address the necessary needs of the whole company for improvements.

Another thing is the cost, the expenses on making and in the implementation of the system.

In addition, the condition or state of the company, if it is capable of the change without affecting the other aspects of the company because a change should not put the other aspect of the company into jeopardy. Instead, it would result to the betterment of the whole company in general.


Listed below are brief tips that may be helpful as an overview and guidelines for risk management activities.


Tips & Guidelines©
...for Corporate Risk Management

10. Identify and assess risks
Risk is everywhere. Success in business often comes down to recognizing and managing possible risks associated with potential opportunities and returns. The types of risks faced in most businesses are quite varied and far ranging. Risks typically include both financial and physical categories. Types of risk include sometimes apparent hazards, such as safety and health risks associated with operations, as well as financial risks from exposures to market price volatility, counter party credit defaults, and legal liabilities. Some risks are intuitively obvious; unfortunately, many are not. Risk categories include: Market, Credit, Legal, Regulatory, Political, Operational, Strategic, Reputation, Event, Country and Model Risks. So first identify possible risks throughout your business.

9. Know the numbers
Systematic processes such as a RiskRegister ® to identify and rank risks by order of magnitude can be a key first step, but effective risk management strategies typically depend on quantification of risks, often through probabilistic modeling techniques. Said another way: one must 'measure it to manage it.' Measurement and valuation can be one of the most difficult efforts in risk management and finance, but these are crucial for cost effective risk management and informed decision-making. Spend the time and money to get the tools and expertise to best quantify the company's key risks. A close corollary is to know what is in any 'black-box' models used for valuation & reporting.

8. Risks are interrelated
Interactions and correlations of risks are a key element of which to be aware in identifying, quantifying and mitigating risks. For example, exposure to credit risks may also affect market price risks, whereas operational risks such as fraud may create legal and reputational risks. Recognition that risks interact between business activities is one of the basis for the 'enterprise-wide risk management' approach now widely practiced by leading companies.

7. Continually reassess risks
Things change, and so do risks. Market conditions and volatility levels change, financial strength of counter parties change, physical environments change, geopolitical situations change, and on-and-on. And these changes can be rather sudden, or they can be creeping and hidden. Exposures to risks that result from business activities may also change. Effective risk management requires that one reevaluate risks on an ongoing basis, and processes such as a RiskAudit ® should be built into the corporate risk management framework to assess both current and projected risk exposures. Forecasting future exposures is necessary since hedge decisions are based on projected risk levels.

6. Commit adequate resources
Effective risk management also requires considerable expertise and resources, from basic risk control, compliance and governance activities, through advanced quantitative risk analysis. The costs for these resources are usually not cheap, but as has been proven repeatedly by high-profile business failures, the cost of losses due to risk management weaknesses or lapses can be catastrophically high. Investment in risk management capabilities for most businesses has a high payoff. Due to the potentially extreme cost of mistakes, risk managers should be especially well trained.

5. Review the cost of risk mitigation
Transferring risks through hedge transactions or other activities is often an effective and advisable risk management technique, but risk mitigation strategy may largely depend on the hedge costs. Risk mitigation strategies also depend on the capacity of the firm to sustain risks and possible losses. Trading activities that are truly for hedging should not be avoided due to concern that trading could be misconstrued as 'speculative'; however, various hedge instruments may not have the same cost effectiveness or appropriateness for every company and environment.

4. Reduce exposure
Risks arise from exposure. A commonly accepted definition of risk is 'exposure to uncertainty' (at least for that uncertainty for which one is concerned about the outcome). Reduce the exposure and you likely reduce the risk. The selected approach and structure of business activities can have a significant effect on the exposure & risk levels generated. Commercial agreements and transaction structures may result in transference or acceptance of risks with a counter party. Risk awareness in business processes and commercial activities can lead to opportunities to reduce current and future exposures. Billing currency for international purchases is an example of exposure effect.

3. Assess the Risk/Return Ratio
Risk management does not equate to risk aversion; however, decisions driven by risk/reward assessments usually have a higher probability of successful outcomes. A consideration in such risk-based business decision-making should also be the capacity of the firm to sustain risks. As in the well developed finance field of portfolio theory (which in general terms focuses on how investors can best balance risks and rewards in constructing investment portfolios), business decisions based on risk/reward balance should optimize returns.

2. Monitor for quantum shifts in risk levels
A key value of quantitative risk measures is to highlight significant changes in risk levels. Although opinions may differ on the optimal methodology for some valuation metrics, significant changes or trends in risk metrics, such as Value-at-Risk measures, can provide a key signal to management. Best practices designs of management reporting 'dashboards' provide this risk monitoring capability, also showing segment reporting and consolidation to reflect correlations such as offsets in price risks between markets.

1. Create a risk aware culture
Educate the organization in practical aspects of risk management, and that especially includes the most senior business executives and the corporate board of directors. Risk management responsibilities should be clear. Whether it is intuitive actions based on experience and expertise in risk management or whether it is a result of institutionalized risk policies and procedures, effective risk management is typically a key factor in successful businesses. Training and building awareness can lead to a risk management culture that will drive business success.

http://www.riskex.com/risk-tips.htm

-=Here are some tips on how to management risks that will mostly arise in a business and guidelines for a company on how to approach with risks associated in different business activities. Before a company consider a crucial change it is must to know and plan well the change it would do or perform and consider all the factors in all angles of the company.=-

“The problems of today cannot be solved by the same kind of thinking that
created them.”
– Albert Einstein