CASE Tool

CASE Tool

Computer-aided software engineering are tools that automate many of the tasks required in a systems development effort and encourage adherence to the SDLC. “Main purpose of the CASE tools is to decrease the development time and increase the quality of software.” [1]. These tools can be very helpful cause they can be used to cut out many of the beginning steps in creating many different kinds of systems including database systems. There are many companies that have created CASE tools for businesses to use. Select Business Soluntions had a very interesting group of CASE Tools that is broken down like this:

Select Business Solutions has been developing and building these CASE tools since the late 1980s, as well as developing processes and methods to support high quality application development .

Solution Breakdown

Select Architect - a Business Process Modeling (BPM/BPMN), Unified Modeling Language (UML), and Data (ERD/TRD) Modeling CASE Tool

Select Solution Factory - couples the modeling power of Select Architect with code synchronization and software asset management capabilities

Select SSADM - a Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology CASE Tool

Select Yourdon - a real time CASE Tool supporting the Yourdon, Hatley-Pirbhai and Ward-Mellor real-time extensions [2]

CASE tools are a great aid in the systems development world and the business world. The tools make the process of designing a system much similar because of the aid it provides the users. like writing the languages. But the users do run some risk in using the tools such as, “ Weak repository controls : Failure to adequately control access to CASE repositories may result in security breaches or damage to the work documents, system designs, or code modules stored in the repository. Controls include protecting the repositories with appropriate access, version, and backup controls.”[3]. It can also be risky because the tools do come at a high cost and they do take time to learn so cannot be implemented right away. These tools are very helpful in the work environment but do come with a price.

[1] "Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE Tools)." SEO Expert Services |SEO Solutions|Google SEO Consultant UK| Cheap SEO. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. http://www.theecommercesolution.com/usefull_links/case_tools.php.

[2] Select Business Solutions . Web. 12 Dec. 2011. http://www.selectbs.com/analysis-and-design/computer-aided-software-engineering-case-tool.

[3] "Computer-aided Software Engineering." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_software_engineering.

KMS

Artificial Intelligence is the future. Specifically right now natural language processing and voice recognition is very useful. In our world being hands free is a necessity. IBM’s Watson uses this. Watson has tackled the process of hearing the words, processing them, and formulating an answer. “Watson's ability to understand the meaning and context of human language, and rapidly process information to find precise answers to complex questions…The technology could be applied in areas such as healthcare, for accurately diagnosing patients, to improve online self-service help desks, to provide tourists and citizens with specific information regarding cities, prompt customer support via phone, and much more.” (1) This past year Watson appeared on Jeopardy and it was just amazing. Of course in some situations the human mind was faster but it was remarkable to watch a computer take human words process them and come up with the correct answer. This is just the beginning IBM is continuing to work on Watson and it can only get better.

Right now the public has the opportunity to use natural language processing in the new iPhone 4Gs in Siri. As a user Siri listen to you and can perform many basic tasks such as search the web, send text messages, and emails. I have personally experienced Siri and it is unbelievable even when you say something like “You are dumb” she responds with a witty comment such as “Well that is your opinion”. Siri can only perform tasks in iOS but in no time it will be performing many other tasks. Right now Siri stores the information it provides to its users but in the future Siri could do this,“ Imagine if this same logical power could be applied to any application. Say you're a sales rep and your manager has shared a spreadsheet with regional sales estimates. If you have updated figures for your territory, instead of hunting and pecking changes on the tiny touchscreen keyboard, wouldn't it be nice to say, "Siri, change the sales estimate for the Northwest region from 750,000 to 900,000". (2)

This is just the beginning for us there is so much more to come. Medicine is the focus of the future of natural language processing. “using natural-language processing to make better sense of medical records, which often contain unstructured narrative notes and abbreviations…The principal technical challenges include developing natural-language processing methods that allow computer programs to automatically extract clinical files, events and relationships from the narrative text in records, and to combine the resulting data with existing information from laboratory tests and prescription orders to identify patients' conditions and current treatments. . “

Works Cited:

(1) - "IBM and Jeopardy! Relive History with Encore Presentation of Jeopardy!: The IBM Challenge." IBM. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. IBM and Jeopardy! Relive History with Encore Presentation of Jeopardy!: The IBM Challenge. http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/presskit/27297.wss

(2) - "How Siri Could Make Collaboration Mobile - Telecom - Unified Communications/messaging - Informationweek." InformationWeek | Business Technology News, Reviews and Blogs. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.

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DSS

"Companies across all industries rely on decision support tools, techniques, and models to help them assess and resolve everyday business questions." [1] The DSS use data like sales data, inventory data, supplier data, and market research data to aid in the decision process. DSS have become critical in all types of business due to the quick market changes that take place in the global market. Having a comprehensive DSS will provide a company with a greater competitive advantage.

There are many different DSS software out their for companies to choose from to use to help in the decision making process. When looking at the different kinds of software impound one that mentioned something really interesting about working with different ideas from many people. This DSS was from Vanguard Software Corporation and was called Business Analytics Suite. "Vanguard's collaboration abilities go well beyond simple communication strategies like Web conferencing...Individuals throughout your organization use our innovative model-based approach to describe to the Vanguard System how they make decisions or perform particular tasks. In doing this, users capture knowledge, or know-how, that is specific to your business. The Vanguard System can combine the knowledge captured by many individuals to create a Collective Intelligence that is useful for testing business plans and automating routine operations."[2]. This would be very helpful in the decision making process because the software gathers information from the workers and data on the decision at hand and then comes up with the best solution for your company.

"It is important to note that the DSS field does not have a universally accepted model. That is to say, there are many theories vying for supremacy in this broad field."[3]. This could make it hard for a company to find the perfect DSS for their needs. So some research will have to go into the decision. It is also important to remember that the decisions the DSS makes are not finally and the ultimately choice still lies in the hands of a human.

[1]"Decision Support System." MicroStrategy Business Intelligence and Mobile Business Intelligence. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. .

[2]"Decision Support System Software." Vanguard Software Corporation - Forecasting & Planning Solutions. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. .

[3]"Decision Support System | IT Management | Asked and Answered." Tech-FAQ ». Web. 16 Nov. 2011. .


URLs

[1] http://www.microstrategy.com/decision-support-system

[2] http://www.vanguardsw.com/solutions/application/decision-support/

[3] http://www.tech-faq.com/decision-support-system.html

SWOT

Decision making is something we do everyday at every moment. There are simple decisions such as deciding what to drink when you are thirsty and then there are hard decisions like where to invest your money. When we make a decision we go through a process in order to make the decision. When it comes to harder decisions sometime we have to write it down and use a process in order to make the correct decision. The SWOT Analysis Strategy is a common decision making approach used by many to help them through the process.

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. “ These four factors are the major players when it comes to business decision making. Each refers to things that may be internal or external to the business, which might have significant impact on achieving goals and objectives.” [1] By analyzing the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of the decision it breaks it down for the person to see everything the decision will do or not do for them. It is very affective because the SWOT analysis makes the person really think about what they are getting into. I have personally used the SWOT analysis to help me with my decision making and it really helped me to analyze how the decision would impact my life. “ The idea is that you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your service, pinpoint opportunities and note threats in order to make good decisions . SWOT is normally an assessment of a business or a proposition, whether your own or a competitor’s.”[2]

[1] Lu, Wagz. "SWOT Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Business Decision Making." Associated Content from Yahoo! - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 09 Nov. 2011. .

[2] "The SWOT Model | Decide-guide.com." | Decide-guide.com. Web. 09 Nov. 2011. .

Mobile ecommerce

Today ecommerce had been taking to a whole new level with introduction of smartphones into the market. Now business activities such as buying and selling can be done on the go. The ICANN has created a .mobi domain in order to attract and make websites easy to view on mobile phones. For such phones as Droid and Iphones apps have been created for mobile ecommerce for faster and more efficient business activities avoiding the web browsers.

Mobile ecommerce has become increasingly more popular a recent study from paypal predicts “that nearly 50% of respondents intended to make a purchase through a smartphone or tablet device this year. While intention to buy is of course very different to actually buying, with the real indicator only coming after the holiday shopping period, the figures are encouraging” [1]. It was very crazy to all when people started to use the internet to do a majority of their shopping now the general population has moved to doing their shopping on the go on their phones. Now the business are even backing this up and putting a lot of money into mobile marketing and ads. “ Total advertising expenditure on mobile is expected to rise from just over US$1.4bn in 2009 to US$6 billion n in 2014. Of this, ad spend on mobile Internet was estimated to be US$500 million in 2009.”[2] It is estimated that the amount of money put into the mobile marketing is just going to increase due to the increasing rate of user on mobile internet.

One of the great things that has been introduced with mobile commerce is not only banking on the go but using your phone as your wallet. This technology has been introduced by google. The Google Wallet is still in its trial stages and is not available on all smartphones but it is amazing because it “enables users to tap to pay at hundreds of thousands of locations, as well as store loyalty cards and gift cards and redeem deals.” [3] all you do is whip out your phone and swipe it over the paypass reader and your all set. This is newest technology in mobile commerce. You will no longer need to carry any around with you but your phone. Mobile devices have changed the world of ecommerce and have made it more diverse.

[1] (22), Step Guide. "46% of Smartphone Owners Predicted to Shop via Mobile This Christmas – Simply Zesty - Simply Zesty." Simply Zesty - Building Your Brand through Social Media. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. .

[2] "Global Mobile Statistics 2011: All Quality Mobile Marketing Research, Mobile Web Stats, Subscribers, Ad Revenue, Usage, Trends… | MobiThinking." Home | MobiThinking. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. .

[3] Spoonauer, Mark. "Google Wallet Tested: What It's like to Pay with Your Phone." Gadgetbox. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. .

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Apps and services

1)Efax-can take a picture of a document on your phone and then fax it

2)shoeboxed-can photograph the paper receipt and store in a secure location

3)basecamp-communicate about projects in one location on message boards

4)GenBook-manage events and meetings even creat a book now button for your webpage or facebook page 

5)Remote Desktop Lite-Access your desktop on the go, feels like you are right in front of your desktop

6)Google Maps-Phone app that helps with directions and find nearby establichments

7)Square-iphone app that allows you to ring up a customer and then either swipe or key in a credit card for purchase

8)TweetDeck-companies with many social networking accounts can now all the accounts from one location

9)1password-Store all usernames and passwords for multiple accounts in one secure location

10)Screensteps-Create tutorials/lessons/manuals for customers

web 2.0 and apps

Web Application/Apps have evolved at a pretty rapid rate over the past few years. The main reason for this rapid growth is the new hardware to use these apps on, smartphones, tablets, and even mp3s. Web applications are now apart of out everyday life because a web app is as simple as your webmail. Viaweb is claimed to be the first web application, the company was started 1995 and provided the first web-based application that allowed users to host their own online stores directly from their own web browser. Since them web applications have only gotten better.
Web applications now range from business productivity applications to personal organizations applications. In doing my research I learned there is pretty much and application now for everything you could possibly want to do on the internet. Business are the ones who are going to benefit the most from these applications because they help organize and manage their companies. “You’re in business to make money. However, if you can’t manage your finances, payments, and assets, you’re going to find that expenses start to creep up, financing runs short, and your ability to plan for the future is nil.” [1] The web applications that are designed to manage finances, payments, and assets will allow the company to focus on the future of the company and planning new projects so they can grow and make more money. Web applications provide companies with more time by making mundane tasks such as creating invoices and mailing them to clients easier by sending the invoice to the client via email and allowing them to pay instantly via paypal. Communication is another very important aspect to a successful and productive business. Video chat and conferencing is one very important web application now that makes communication and brainstorming between offices in different states or even countries instant. Web applications have changed the course of the business world in such a way that it keeps the business more productive by making mundane task simpler, organization a priority, and now communication between associates organized and at the drop of the hat.
[1] "The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Web 2.0: Top 25 Apps to Grow Your Business." Add Url - Submit Site - Aviva Web Directory. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.avivadirectory.com/entrepreneur-apps/>.

Social Web

The Social Web which is described in the chapter is a very intriguing topic and also a huge topic. Social web has grown into to so much over the years. The first I had every experienced it was I guess you could say AOL but it is nothing compared to the social web we all use today. Now the social web keeps everyone updated moment to moment of what your friend or favorite celebrities are doing to finding old friends you went to middle school with. But the social web is not just for the individual to share your pictures and tweets, now it is used by many companies for advertising and to keep in contact with their customers too.
I work for Bath and Body Works(BBW) and it is not a company that does a lot of marketing with commercials and ads but it uses social media. One social media outlet that is very popular is BBW on twitter and they use this to keep there followers up to date on certain promotions that are going on and new things that are arriving in stores. There is one great thing they use Twitter for and that is to send our special coupons for their Twitter followers, for example the follower will get a tweet like this, “Saved the best for last! 2 for $20 14.5oz Candles TODAY only for our followers! Show tweet @ BBW stores to redeem. #5108”. This a great way for BBW to get their brand out there and for some customers to get great deals too.
BBW is also on Facebook. Through facebook they get to share a lot of information kind of the same as twitter but with more detail. But the best part to them being on Facebook is the live chat application. This chat is used a lot during the holidays so customers can log on and get some great gifting tips and learn more about our products from a gifting or fragrance expert.
They social web make is great for companies to connect to customers they wouldn’t normally come in contact with via the newspaper or even in the store if the customer only shops online. The chat comes in handy for online shoppers to learn more things about the products they can’t see from the webpage. Social Web has really brought our shopping experience to a whole new level with the amount of information and even the money you can save by printing out coupons the companies offer. “ Companies use social networking to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers, and in most cases, boost sales.” [1] This is the world we now live in and when companies get involved in the social web they are going to increase their sales because that is how they are getting their name out there.
Works Cited
[1] "Companies Using Social Networking to Boost Sales." B2B Lead Generation for Phone Systems, Copiers, Payroll Services and More | Resource Nation. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. <http://www.resourcenation.com/blog/companies-using-social-networking-to-boost-sales/>.

Information Concepts

Turning data into information is a process as we know but the process is not always the same, it can be very simple or take a little analysis or can even be down by a computer.  Every minute of the day we are processing data into information whether it be hearing the alarm and knowing it's time to get up or at work viewing the reports and determining that the sales are down.  They are both taking data and turning it into information, the buzzing of the alarm is the data and our brain turns it into the information that it is 6 am and at work the data is the sales from last week, $600, and the sales from this week, $300, then turning that data into the information that sales are down by $300.  But always remember "Information consists of data, but data is not necessarily information." [1]

    Yes we can all turn data into information but in order to know what the information means we need some knowledge to understand what the information is providing for us.    In  "Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom" by Gene Bellinger, Durval Castro, Anthony Mills they provide and example about give sequence of data by the 4th piece of data I new they were talking about a refrigerator.  As I continued to read the data it only confirmed the information I had concluded but what they said next was very interesting.  "If you lived in a society that had never seen a refrigerator you might still be scratching your head as to what the sequence of statements referred to".  [2] And this is very true if someone who did not know what a refrigerator was would not have been able to determine what that data was telling them.  All in all an individual in order to understand and turn the data into information will need some knowledge of the data.

  Data can also be turned into information very easily by a computer and use of the Internet.  The best example is google.  Now think of a time when you a in your car driving around and this new song comes on that you love and you tell yourself you have to remember the name when you get home so you can buy it.  Well of course if you are like me you never remember.  But luckily when this happens to me I at least remember a few words from the song.  With the words I can go to google type them in with quotes and seconds later the search engine gives me the name, artist, all the lyrics, and even the video on YouTube.  This is a prime example of turning data into information.

"Both data and information are types of knowledge or something used to attain knowledge...data in a meaningful form is information." [3] It's all relative with out one we can't have another when it comes to data, information, and knowledge.  We need all three to make the whole process work and run smoothly.


   
Works Cited
[1] "Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom." Helping Preservice and Inservice PreK-12 Teachers Learn about Computer Technology. Web. 07 Sept. 2011. .

[2] Bellinger, Gene, Durval Castro, and Anthony Mills. "Data, Information, Knowledge, & Wisdom." Mental Model Musings. 2004. Web. 07 Sept. 2011. .

[3] "Difference Between Data and Information | Difference Between | Data vs Information." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. Web. 07 Sept. 2011. .

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Analyzing Value of an IS

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) are used by all companies because it’s used to record business transactions.  Its value to a company is that it performs major tasks in the areas of payroll, inventory, invoices, and supplies.  These types of transactions used to be done by a person but now they are done by a TPS.  The payroll systems was one of the earlier systems brought into the business world.  At first the system dealt with very routine and easy tasks then the system was adapted to do more with the information it was provided.  The main components of the payroll system are the input, the processing, and the output.  In the beginning the input was the hourly pay rate of the employee and the number of hours the employee worked that week.  They system would process the information and the output would be the employees paycheck.  Over time the system was upgraded and it was now able to take the information it was given about the employee and produced reports that were needed by agencies such as the IRS.  But the TPS is also of great value to a company in its inventory management, they need to see what the customer is demanding.  The inventory management system starts off with the amount of each product that has been made and has been shipped to your store or stores.  When a customer purchases a product that information is sent to the inventory system and the output is how many the company now has left in stores.  The system will also provided feedback as too what is still on the shelves and what is selling fast so the company can either choose to slow production or increase production of a product.  Both of these TPSs are vital to a company and its success.

Value Chain

The value chain for my new internet business begins with upstream management.  This includes acquiring an assortment of CDs to begin my site.  I am plan on getting them from my own personal collection and purchasing them from other places as well.  The CDs will be stored in my room.   Once I have the materials to begin selling I need to produce my internet site and get it running.  After production comes the downstream management.  The CDs will be organized in my room and assigned a number so when someone wants to purchase one it will be easy to find.  To get the CDS to a customer I plan on using USPS flat rate shipping boxes, so he customer will be able to track their package.  Also when I buy a CD from a customer I will suggest using the same shipping method and include shipping fees in my price for the CD.  In order to get my name out I will advertise on Facebook as well as word of mouth through my customers.  Prices of the products will be based on the quality and popularity of a CD same with buying a CD.  Also will offer promotions sometimes like buy one get one half off.  Customer service will be via email, having a contact email with any thoughts or concerns for the customer.  Also providing a discount if someone has a bad experience for their next purchase to keep them coming back.

Hardware/Software

Using an iphone like device to ring up and check out customers. They use this software and hardware at the Apple store. This hardware/software allows for the associate to scan the barcode of the products being purchased and if the customer pays credit they have a swipe attached to the phone. Then the store provides wither a printed receipt or the option to email it to you. The lines in your store are eliminated and the fast transactions provide more focus on the customer and higher sales. One CEO who tried this out said, “the retailer benefited by not losing customers to long checkout lines, giving cashiers the opportunity to instead assist customers.” [1]
Video chat software to communicate on the go and see what is happening through out your company. “ Videoconferencing on hand-held mobile devices…is being used in industries such as manufacturing…Live, visual interaction removes traditional restrictions of distance and time, often in locations previously unreachable, such as a manufacturing plant floor a continent away.” [2] This is great software to you especially if your company is nationally it takes time to fly places. But with video chat it is possible to see everything that is going on through out your company at any time.
Using a tablet/ipad in retail store to communicate floor set plans, these plans are used by associates to set up the sales floor for a new theme or products. By using this piece of hardware the home offices have an instant connection with their stores and can provide faster updates to the stores. Also keeps the stores more organized the less paper the better for knowing where everything is.
There is currently software available that allows a person to access their desktop computer on their mobile phone or tablet. This helps when you are out in the field or at a meeting and need to access a file on your computer that you may have forgotten or known you needed. The icloud is one great example of this more for a smaller company. “iCloud is so much more than a hard drive in the sky. It’s the effortless way to access just about everything on all your devices. iCloud stores your content so it’s always accessible from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, or PC.* It gives you instant access to your music, apps, latest photos, and more. And it keeps your email, contacts, and calendars up to date across all your devices. No syncing required. No management required. In fact, no anything required. iCloud does it all for you.” [3]
Works Cited
[1]"IPhone App Scans Product Barcodes for Self-Checkout at Stores." Social Media News and Web Tips â €“ Mashable â €“ The Social Media Guide . Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://mashable.com/2010/10/27/aislebuyer/>.
[3]"ICloud Stores Your Content and Pushes It to Your Devices." Apple. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://www.apple.com/icloud/what-is.html>.
[2]"Videoconferencing." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videoconferencing#Impact_on_business>.

Systems

Information systems are used everyday in businesses.  The information systems are used “for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of that organization.”[1] The retail industry is an industry which benefits from the information systems because it is such a fast paced work environment the systems help the store run more efficiently and at its best.  In retail there are many systems including systems that generate a weekly schedule, calculate payroll with a clock in/out system, system to provide customer feedback, and a system for inventory management.  In order for a company to succeed they must have customers to support them. 
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a very important system used by companies to get to know there client base better and make adjustments accordingly.  “The purpose of CRM is improved proximity to clients to respond to their needs and turn them into loyal customers” [2] Customer feedback is the best way to see how a company is perceived by their customers.  In retail they use customer surveys to accomplish this.  They have the customer’s call, complete an automated survey and then the system provides a report summarizing how the customers experienced the store.  If the store is receiving low marks they need to work on things and over time they can track their progress by if the scores are improving or not.  The store should also see an improvement in their sales because when the company begins to see the needs and then meet the needs of their customers they become loyal and will return and continue to spend their money.

This is where the inventory management systems come in they are used to make sure when the customers comes into the store we have what they want but with out having and abundance that could tie up company money or slow production.  If inventory is not managed properly companies will have unhappy customers and ultimately lower sales.  “Inventory management systems must have the ability to track sales and available inventory, communicate with suppliers in near real-time and receive and incorporate other data, such as seasonal demand…And, they must tell a storeowner when it's time to reorder and how much to purchase.”[3] It is tricky but they systems make this process much smoother because they can use the information from past and present sales to predict future sales making the decision for management on how to stock their shelves properly.  These systems help keep customers happy by providing them with what they want and not running out of products and keeping up sales.

Customers and inventory are both what keeps companies in business.  Managing both is not an easy task it takes the help of systems analyzing data to help guide these companies to make the right decisions to keep sales up.  Plus companies have many other factors besides the customer and inventory management they also have to oversee production of products and many more.  This is why systems like the above are so important because it helps the company run more efficiently.

[1]  "Information Systems." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems#Definition>.

[2] "Customer RelationShip Management (CRM) - Kioskea.net." Kioskea - Computing Community. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. <http://en.kioskea.net/contents/entreprise/crm.php3>.

[3] "HowStuffWorks "How Inventory Management Systems Work"" HowStuffWorks "Business & Money" Web. 14 Sept. 2011. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/how-inventory-management-systems-work.htm>.