HRM (Assignment 4)

Career people find themselves on top of the world when the work they're doing falls under what can be described as their dream job...

As a sweet little angel, I dreamed to be a teacher. That was long ago when I realized that I'd like to be a Lawyer. But when I graduated in High School, I took up BS Accountancy...That time, I really thought of being a successful CPA someday and I once told myself, I will be a CPA Lawyer. I became slave of my far and wide imaginations. I wished to top the board exam. I even imagined myself in a coat and tie, with my car...everything that anybody would like to have in the future!!!! Since I have a very good foundation especially in mathematics, anyone who knows me says that I would be a good engineer or accountant. And that was before, long before when I thought that life is just fair. But for the many times of my life, I felt the pain of the harsh reality. I dreamed! I believed! And suddenly, I was broken. The rest is history...

Enrolling in this Degree is none in my wild imaginations. Being an IT student never crossed in my mind. My choice is Engineering, Accountancy and any course related to business and architecture. But when the wind blows and changed the path that I have taken, I have learned to embrace this course, for I can do nothing to return and just grieve. Hehehe, ng-emote…

Anyway, the main concern here is “how can the university help me achieve what I want to be in the future?” based on my answers in Assignment 2 & Assignment 3. Well, whether I like it or not, this would be my last investment. I am determined to pursue what I have started, again. Be it means that I have to drop more tears. Be it means that I would have to squeeze more and more whatever!! The university, whether we admit it or not, plays a big role in the success of a student in the future. In the first place, a university is the center of excellence. Education is a basic need that colleges and universities have provided. Though the best learning is from our very own experiences, it can’t be denied that going to school is still the best experience that every individual had. Every corner of a school is an eye-opener. Everything that your eyes have laid on teaches many lessons that you yourself will soon to discover. And one more thing, bringing the name of your school is an identity. It’s either an advantage or not, the mere fact is that a school you had will be posted on your person.

In this case, first thing is that I do really have a big respect in this university. I came from a private school, which I really consider as one of the best school I had. In fact, I have now the comparison between public and private schools, especially colleges and universities (So I have the guide na puhon,hehehe). But when I became part of this university, I have discovered its pros and cons. I became a living witness of its weakness and strength.

The university has its set of standards that would push you to strive hard. The mentors had their own style and teaching strategies. One thing is that, most of them are Nosebleed, ika nga! But as an IT student, I would say that the university is lack of IT facilities. Our department doesn’t have its own building. Well, we understand that. But in terms of introducing technology trends, it seems that the university doesn’t see its own vision and doesn’t understand its own mission. A support in IT needs doesn’t satisfy students.

For me, maybe it would be a great help for us students if the university will address our basic needs as an IT student. Like say for instance, the computer laboratories. It should be conducive and student-friendly environment. The computers will have to be in good condition. There should be no limit in using computer laboratories for practice. The implementation of free WiFi in the campus should be realized. Such benefits like these would help the students to improve in such a way. Also, I consider that instructors should have known the current trends inside an industry to relate more on actual jobs than more on theory. We understand that our mentors had their best to sustain our learning needs. Next is, there should be a library that would parade latest computer books for some references. Though we can find lots of information through internets, some still consider readings books (to minimize radiation exposure, hehehe). Another is, we don't have our own classroom right? We just borrowed two at the top floor. At least, these two rooms are pleasant to our senses. (Duha lang gni, pastilan!) It should be given attention that a student needs a friendly learning environment. In addition to that, competitions in several categories related to the course will help to boost the interest of the students to be more participative and give way to the idea of technological innovations that will of course drag the hidden talents and skills of the students out of their shell. And also, establishing seminars or any form of learning experience that will enhance the knowledge of the students will do. These are just few considerations that the university will have to see.

In connection to our assignment, my dream job is very ambitious. I must say that the university in current situation does not sustain our very basic needs as an IT student or I may call it, not enough for us to develop ourselves inside this university. The university’s mission and vision calls for a new system of administering technology. The Institute of Computing is one to be considered as an asset in the university thus, this department should not be taken for granted. As a whole, the university can help me at least, to achieve what I want to be in the future if simple things above should be given a chance and would be done.

Finally, I strongly believe that what you are today is your decision yesterday. Skwela tarong para makahuman….

A GLIMPSE at COMDDAP EXPO

COMDDAP DAVAO EXPO 2009

COMDDAP stands for: Computer Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers Association of the Philippines

What is COMDDAP all about?

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.
In 1997, the manufacturing sector - represented by industry leaders Hewlett Packard, Epson and Compaq, among others - was integrated into the COMDDAP membership, making the association a more diverse representation of the IT sector and thus the new name, COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.

http://www.comddap.org/aboutus.htm

The Seminar

July 02, 2009 marks the two-day exhibit visit of the IT sectors at the Apo View Hotel here in Davao. And as an IT student, we are told to attend the seminars conducted by the Nexus Group as what I have seen on the screen.
The exhibit composed of different technology products such as latest phenomenal gadgets, computer stuffs and different kind of technology. Anyway, I haven’t spent much time on roaming around to examine those displayed things but I have attended seminar on four different topics.

Here are the interesting topics that we were able to attend:

• Enterprise Resource Information and Control (ERIC-DMS)

• Brilliant Dealer Management System

• HP Thin Client

• Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System

• Open Source for Business Applications

1. ERIC-DMS

Presented by Mr. Celmer L. Santos from Jupiter Systems, Incorporated. He talked much on Brilliant Dealer Management System that widely used by Car Businesses. Anyway, Jupiter Systems, Inc. is a 24- year old software company and one of the members of the ERP systems of the Philippines. Their clients include Mitsubishi, Honda, Mazda, Volvo, and Nissan. Their Database Management Systems flow starts with the pre-sales, then vehicle sales and last is the after sales.


The Jupiter Systems’ has also Service Management General Features which are the following:

• Advance bookings or Customer appointments

• Operation maintenance or FLAT rates

• Repair orders

• Repair Estimates

• Customer Service

• History Technician

• Time-in or Time-out

• Parts requisitioning and picking

• Service invoicing

• Warranty claims and processing

• Field Service Actions (Campaigns)

2.HP Company

(The Thin Client)

Presented by Leonard Zapa, Market Deveopment Manager of HP Company. He started with talking about Linux, CE, and XPe.


He also mentioned the following topics:

Data security, reliability, easier
Management
Remote PC alternatives
Virtualization
Lower TCO
Broadband and related

(Challenge for IT Professionals)

Provide information securit
yDeployment and maintenance
Total cost of ownership (TCO)

He also introduced the widely used HP Thin Client. This is a computing device without a hard drive and can be used independently.

Here some of its features:

- Enhanced security
- Easy manageability
- High reliability
- Environment – friendly
- Lower overall costs

Also he sites its advantages over the usual PC power system:

- Hardened embedded OS
- Free Management Tools
- ¼ failure rate, 10x higher MTBF
- 10x higher MTBF
- Longer life
- ONSITE, Whole unit replacement
- Up to 80% lower power
- Space saving
- Reduced (by 75%) foam and board (by 40%) packaging
- Minimal heat
- Lower initial hardware

Well I guess, the audience are more alive when the discussions was about to end. Why not? The speaker had given tokens for those who can answer their questions. 2-Gig Flash drives, t-shirts and the most exciting is the last token which is an 8-Gig USB. Wow! Usepians got most of the token.

3. Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System

I could remember that the speaker had mentioned that one of the clients of this system is Petron.

RMS Key Features:

Inventory control and tracking
Purchase orders.
Pricing, sales, and promotions
Sales TrackingPowerful, flexible reports

Key Benefits:

Streamline operations
Improve profit margins
Build customer loyalty
Manage business, not technology
Have a life outside your business

4.Open Source for Business Applications of the Spinweb Productions, Incorporated

The speaker asked the audience particularly those who are employed of their definition about Open source. Some shared the following understanding: source code, free, open, contributor, no license, etc.

As the discussions go deeper, it was cleared that Open Source has license but only that it is free. Unlike any other proprietary software you have to pay the licenses that are obviously expensive.

Also the speaker talks about the benefits of using Open Source over Proprietary soft wares applications.
Reliablewidely usedhighly scalableproven performance

Some of the sites that were given are:

lullabot.com
joomlapolis.com
joomla.org.ph
openwp.org.

Some of Open Source Software:Ubuntu
GIMPOpen office
PHPOS commerce
MySqlMozilla
DrupalWHY we have to use Open Source Software?• No vendor Locking• Large Support• More Secure


Evaluation:

Well obviously, it’s another experience that would add up our learning. Seeing different kinds of new technology trends, and experiencing to know more about it must be another thing. As an IT student and a future IT professional, it is an opportunity to expose ourselves in the current trends of the growing technology. It is a challenge for us to be more aware of the world that we are going to travel in the near future. The fast changing IT environment challenged us to go deeper in our chosen field. Also, it was so nice to meet those people who shares their experiences and who promote their respective career. And before I forgot, I was stuck with the conversation, I mean when (Jaime?) intervene the discussions and talks the automated election issue. He shares that the said electoral reform with regards to software’s do not guarantee best performance yet when talks about software, he suggested that many things have to be considered before choosing either open source or proprietary.

THE END…

MIS (Assignment 3)

AUTOMATED ELECTION REVIEWS

Overview During election times and winning candidates has been announced, those who have seriously doubted the wisdom of participating in the voting exercise would say that many candidates win because of shameless cheating in the polls. Many wished to witness honest elections where there will be no flying voters, which their votes will be counted, and there would be no dagdag-bawas (adding and dropping votes). That would be realized soon starting with the 2010 polls. And that’s on account of the passage of RA 9369, or the Amended Elections Automation Law.

What is automated election?

Election automation refers to the use of computing technology to help conduct elections. The Filipino people nationwide and abroad have been looking forward to the upcoming National Election to be held by the year 2010 (definitely next year). Elections are especially important as indicators of civic virtue. We can see those early political advertisements in our television; we can hear those usual promises in radios and even read political issues on the newspapers. The media had been set an eye to the hottest issues surrounded by the planned of having an automated election.

Security Issues

The Filipinos believed that automation can help to reduce or eliminate corruption. We agree that election automation technology is workable and key to electoral reform. Others say that it’s nearly impossible to cheat using computerized vote-counting machines unlike having a manual election where cheating can be easily committed. Also, it has been demonstrated in other democratic electoral systems that automation reduces opportunities for cheating because of less human intervention based on the experience of other election count systems, automation can eliminate fraud in reading the ballot, recording the precinct results and consolidating the municipal and provincial tallies or total. The claim that poll automation can either eliminate or substantially reduce incidents of election manipulation is based on the notion that reducing the degree of human contact with the voting process reduces fraud. Faster election returns are another attribute commonly associated with election automation.. However, that automation reduces human contact with the voting process is a dubious assumption. The labor required creating, installing, maintaining, and repair, if necessary, the required software and hardware is not factored into these calculations, yet these activities constitute significant human intervention, and therefore opportunities for fraud. Thus, creating speculations that automated election would be impossible.

The Winning Bidder

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) en banc, through a resolution, has awarded the election automation contract to Total Information Management (TIM)/Smartmatic, finally ending speculation that next year’s polls would again be held via the fraud-prone manual method.
Smartmatic’s bid was P7.2 billion for 82,000 machines covering 80 precincts nationwide — reduced from 200,000 due to the "clustering" of precincts — that would service about 45 million voters as of last count during the 2007 midterm elections But a bombshell was dropped when the local partner, Total Information Management Corp (TIM), announced its withdrawal from its partnership with Smartmatic International Inc. They are pulling out of the P11.3-billion project. Due to the withdrawal, the possibility of a manual election increased further, as Smartmatic will not have any local partner in handling the project.

Comelec Disappointments

The poll chief said it is frustrating to know that TIM is seemingly putting “personal interest” ahead of a matter of national importance. Melo asserted that the Comelec would not allow TIM to walk away easily. Melo said they are set to look at the names behind TIM to see if these people may have been influenced by groups who are against automated elections. The Netherlands-based Smartmatic, meanwhile, remains hopeful that things will be resolved with their former partner. TIM officials have refused to comment despite repeated requests and attempts by Comelec-based reporters. (S. Fabunan)

Settlement has announced

It’s all about tokenism. The 60-40 joint venture basis in favor of TIM and the 90-10 working contribution. Became an issue. But basically the problem goes with the 60-40 issue. That was basically the problem we had. But everything had been discussed and it goes fine now according to Jose Mari Antuñez, head of local IT provider Total Information Management Corp. Before the two companies reconciled on Friday to undertake the P7.2 billion project for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Smartmatic and TIM were squabbling over “risks and liabilities”—both financially and criminally, putting the program in jeopardy. But Smartmatic and TIM officials told the Senate that that they had patched up their differences and that they had agreed to a “neutral arbiter”—a Singaporean arbitration court—that would help resolve their conflict should they have another conflict.

Blown out of proportion

During the hearing, Melo rebuked Antuñez after the TIM president initially denied that TIM had pulled out from the project and that the issue had been “blown out of proportion.” Melo said that Antuñez went to him last week to tell him that “we have lost trust and confidence (with Smartmatic) and we’re withdrawing.” But Melo said he told Antuñez to fix the problem with Smartmatic and not go to him so he could be their “judge.” On questioning by Sen. Pia Cayetano, Antuñez admitted that his group and Smartmatic had “differences on risk and liability concerns” that were both “financial and criminal.” “But we have reconciled,” Antuñez said.

Token partner

It is prompted that TIM was just a “token partner.” And everything was all about tokenism. That everyone was just fooling themselves in the 60-40 percent venture when the fact is it’s not.

Conclusion:

The discourse surrounding automated elections clearly links technology to the empowerment of civil society. The claims made for poll automation suggest that it represents a solution for the Philippines’ perennial electoral problem — cheating — that, if implemented, would ensure that all votes are counted quickly and accurately. Yet while civil society is championed by technology in this account, the nature of the link between the two is such that civil society is effectively constrained in ways beneficial to the ruling class. Election automation acknowledges, and to a certain extent, addresses the concern of the middle class to develop a positive national identity, but it not does address the economic disparity that underwrites much of the fraud taking place at election time and which, in order to be overcome, would require a radical adjustment in the expectations of the ruling class. While we believed it would be the best solution, thus, making election automation our better hope to have a better electoral reform. AJA!!!!

References:
http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2009/06/philippines-2010-automated-election.html http://dlist.sir.arizona.edu/1960/01/Hegemonic_work_of_automated_election_technology__final_.pdf http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090707-214221/Smartmatic-TIM-assure-Senate-problem-settled

HRM (Assignment 1)

HRM (Assignment 1)

Experience can be described as the best way of learning. Definitely! We’ve learned much on our experiences. There are many things that we can never find in the four corners of our house and classrooms. This is what we are practicing in our two subjects this semester. Explore outside the class with regards to Human Resource Management and Management Information System, we are going to update ourselves from posted information through sites online.

In this connection, our first assignment in both subjects is to look for local organizations and discus their best practices in their MIS and HRM Department. We have to propose companies and wait the approval of our professor before we can conduct an ambush interview in their department. Luckily, my proposed company has been approved last July 3, 2009. For the HRM requirement, I have chosen the ANSUICO, Inc. (Red Bull Express) as my proponent.

HISTORY

Our trucking company started in 1953 when IRINEO S. ANSALDO and his brother in-law PEDRO C. SUICO bought the first truck with a price of one peso (Php 1.00) to Smith Bell & Co. Ltd, which was their former employer. The truck was partially damaged by a fire and it was being rebuilt and completed with conglomeration of American and Japanese parts assembly. Our first client was the former owner of the truck itself (Smith Bell & Co., Ltd) at Daliao, Toril, Davao City.

Barely a year we acquired the third unit a heavier capacity model which was equipped with a Buda Diesel Engine (which was later replaced with Cummins Engine). With only one unit delegated to Coca-Cola Bottling to deliver their products to Cotabato area, we observed that our operation was not to be as promising, than if we operate more bigger units. A decision was made to acquire those Army surplus International K-11 model prime movers and semi-hi-bed trailers.

At present, we are operating with more than 100 prime movers, more than 150 reefer vans, more than 200 chassis, more than 100 generator sets and other heavy equipment.

We are serving all major exporters of bananas and pineapples here in Mindanao. Some of our major customers we are currently serving are; American President Lines, California Manufacturing Corp., Ching Bee Trading Corp., Dateline Cargo Express International, Inc., Davao Agricultural Ventures Corp., Davao Central Chemical Corp., Davao Corrugated Carton Corporation, Davao Light and Power Co. Inc., Del Monte Fresh Produce, Inc. Del Monte Philippines, Franklin Baker Co. of the Philippines, Global Fruits Corporation, Maersk-Sealand Filipinas, Inc., Marsman Drydale Corporation, Metro Combine Logistics, Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Development Corp., Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ventures, Inc., National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corp. (Transco), Nestle Philippines, Unifrutti Philippines, Inc., Uniliver Philippines (PRC), Inc., and others.

With over 50 years in the business, you can count ANSUICO on its specialized driver, the right equipment and safe, timely truck arrivals. We can move anytime just about anything, heavy lift equipments, fruits for export, imported goods and more because we own our trailers, reefers and trucks, in the quantities that meets our customers’ requirements.

Our support staff is empowered with complete knowledge of the trucking industry.

ANSUICO, INCORPORATED is a family owned business with reputation and a corporate priority for a high quality service. OUR VISION

ANSUICO, Inc. continues on with its efforts to be the leading logistics provider to key companies in the Philippines who value and afford high quality and innovative services. OUR MISSION Ansuico, Inc.'s founding principle is based on assisting clients and business partners in achieving their service and profit goals by rendering efficient logistics, characterized by a defined economic edge through prompt, safe and reliable services.

This is achieved by utilizing the full effectiveness of its organization, equipment and transport units, expertise and experience, financial and other resources.


During the interview last July 06, 2009, the HR officer-in-charge wasn’t able to entertain our presence due to busy schedules. Anyway, it was mentioned that the personnel manager newly resigned last month. The one who accommodate our concerns was their school administrator. Ops! What’s the connection? He is one of the arms of the HR Department since Training Department is connected to Human Resource. He’s the one who handles the trainings for the future employees of the company. He mentioned about the trainings that the company itself has to provide with their employees. The company has been practicing in house development. Since ANSUICO, Inc. is more on trucking services, the company provides trainings to their truck drivers, 6 months training in driving lessons, preventive maintenance and etc. to ensure that drivers are well-equipped when they’ll be put into the field.

1.) What are the best practices in Human Resource (HR) management in their company?

They’re living on the International Standard Organization (ISO) principles called 5 S in their daily routine according to the interviewee.

THE 5 S practice:

a.) Sorting of Materials
Each has to make sure those materials needed have been prepared.

b.)Systematized
They must have a good system regarding to their work.

c.) Sanitized
They truly practice to be more clean and neat people inside their company.

d.) Self-discipline
Their employee must have self-discipline to themselves regarding this 5 S daily routine.

e.) Swift


2.) What are the advantages of their Human Resource management in the company?

They provide trainings for their employees to make sure they would be well-equipped when put into their respective fields. Like say for example, their truck drivers. As I’ve mentioned above, the company provides 6 months training in driving lessons and preventive maintenance.


3.) What are the disadvantages?

The disadvantage is that the practical reality. Some of well-trained men would simply go out to seek another pasture instead of staying in Ansuico, Inc. because according to the interviewee, not to flaunt, but men coming from their ground are very much welcome to other company who rendered like their services.

4.) Do you think, you won't come this far without this Human Resource (HR) department?

It was answered that having a Human Resource (HR) department in the company is a big advantage to meet their goals. It simply means that it is important to have a Human Resource (HR) department in the company.

Those are the main questions that we are able to ask during the interview. Though we weren't able to discuss it with the main concern but we have learned a lot of their HR practices. And we are very thankful for their kindness to accept our presence and of answering our questions.

http://www.ansuico.com/[url=http://www.ansuico.com/]

MIS (Assignment 2)

------MIS (Assignment 2)------

EMCOR

EMCOR is a 100% Filipino-owned retail Business Corporation specializing in appliances, furniture, IT products, motorcycles, and money transfer through its network of specialty chain stores in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan areas. With the launching of our online store, EMCOR will now be making its presence known in the online industry and promote its company’s goals and vision to the global community.

What are the Risks associated with Business and IT/IS change at EMCOR? This is the question for the second assignment that we have to relate in our first one for us to give an answer. Anyway, we have thrown a lot of question during our interview with the EMCOR’s MIS/EDP head. And to recall, here are the few facts that we have gathered during the meeting:


Below are the formulated questions regarding the Management Information System (MIS) of the company’s MIS/EDP that was entertained by the personnel manager himself. He was trained in Digital Interface about programming during his early years in the company and was the first user of the computer in their company.

1.) What are the best practices in Management Information System (MIS) in their company?

According to the interviewee, it is hard to point out if what are the best practices that their department has done to attain their goals but he tries to consider some of their practices that he believes would be best. Like those having back-ups of data in case of unexpected disaster that they might encounter. They have a data security that secures all the data. And also having enough programmers and system analyst who are responsible to control, update, and checked whatever errors that might occurs. They have a Disaster Recovery Procedure that will immediately recover the data in any case that the server might have encounter problems.

Security of the data. EMCOR ensure that there data is secure. They give assurance that their data provides a sense of protection against loss, attack, or harm and precautions taken to keep somebody or something safe from crime, attack, or danger.

Daily Backup. There database provides a copy of computer data that is stored, e.g. a copy stored on a floppy disk, compact disk or any writable materials. In case of shutdown, the company has supported data.

Kept the Data Controlled. Kept the data in check and not expressed fully or at all.

2.) What are the advantages of their Management Information System (MIS) in the company?

Since the company has been using VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections, there is an accurate and fast transferring of data from one store to another and also, since it is private, it is not prone to hacking and stealing of important data. Also it reduces cost and it saves time since transactions will happened too fast than usual.


3.) What are the disadvantages?

One disadvantage is the incorrect data uploading and this would happen usually in system migration. Anyway it’s not really a big problem since they are looking for solutions to possible errors.

4.) Do you think, you won't come this far without this Management Information System (MIS)?

The interviewee says that even without technology, MIS would still exist though not as easy and reliable as of this time. There would still be an MIS, maybe dealing with manual system. But having the opportunity to take advantage of the fast growing technology, MIS also evolves into a more accurate and fast applications that helps the MIS department to achieve its goals with the use of high level techniques and implementations.

5.) How and when did the MIS implemented?

EMCOR started its service along 1985. During the year 1987, they were using only one computer to process transactions. (word star and lotus) until they had a contract with Digital Interface where the interviewee was trained. It started then that they hired programmers and system analyst to support their new way of system.

6.)How does the company’s system developed?

The system was developed along 1997 and 1999 in the preparation of the problem met in 2000. The Y2K problem means on how to input the years 2000 and the succeeding ones.

Along 1998, EMCOR is already internet connected. However, their system is not yet online and decentralized but they are planning to materialize the centralized. In a centralized system, one branch can view the business transaction of the other. The customer can also pay their account in the other branches without the tedious process and hassles in part of the accounting personnel. He also mentioned that each stores has its own databases.

7.) What is the company’s approach in Systems building?

The company is developing its system in house or source out. They were also practicing to develop their own system or trying to improve the existing one. And also considering source out and ready made programs.

MIS Department consists of help desk, research and development and the technical. Help desk answers queries, checks transactions, etc. Research and development is responsible for the systems development. Technical is for the hardware failures.

8.) How is it maintained?

It is maintained by their programmers and systems analyst through users, manager’s approval, reports, encoding and debugging processes and others.


In Mindanao, EMCOR branches and stores are connected via internet except Tandag and Ilungos somewhere in Leyte. However, the two have their own servers and reports would be sent through hard disk.

What are the risks in IT/IS change?

The risks to be considered are the possible data loss, disaster and back down, preparation on the errors of the system, the establishment of the accuracy, and the users acceptance on the system. Also some of the difficulties at risk are the possible discrepancies, training time and etc.

To give a technical background, EMCOR started to use a manual operation in the early years. It was during the year 1997 that the systems was started to develop. Before the year 2000 took its final fold, they were able to implement the Clipper 87 software for the receivables and inventory. It was then that they realized that the problem on the coming of Y2K could affect their system. Later, they were able to migrate another system with the FoxPRo as their front-end and SQL as their back-end. They’re using MS Windows environment. Hopefully, the long-planned migration to another system would be realized by the end of this year or earlier. It will be a SAP package (I forgot to ask what does it stands for) that includes Sales and Collection Monitoring System that will have to centralize their database in order to render best services to their clientele. Also, they are planning to establish a disaster recovery site that would deal all the transactions taken in case of unintentional shutdown and data loss.




References:
http://emcor.com.ph/about.php[/justify]

MIS (Assignment 1)

Experience can be described as the best way of learning. Definitely! We’ve learned much on our experiences. There are many things that we can never find in the four corners of our house and classrooms. This is what we are practicing in our two subjects this semester. Explore outside the class with regards to Human Resource Management and Management Information System, we are going to update ourselves from posted information through sites online.

In this connection, our first assignment in both subjects is to look for local organizations and discus their best practices in their MIS and HRM Department. We have to propose companies and wait the approval of our professor before we can conduct an ambush interview in their department. Luckily, my proposed company has been approved last July 3, 2009. For the MIS requirement, I have chosen EMCOR Incorporated as my proponent. This will tackle on their best practices in Management Information System (MIS) and the risks associated with business and IS/IT change. But before going down to our discussions, let me give you a brief introduction about EMCOR Incorporated.

EMCOR

EMCOR is a 100% Filipino-owned retail Business Corporation specializing in appliances, furniture, IT products, motorcycles, and money transfer through its network of specialty chain stores in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan areas. With the launching of our online store, EMCOR will now be making its presence known in the online industry and promote its company’s goals and vision to the global community.

EMCOR was founded by JESUS V. del ROSARIO in 1958 and we are currently under the JVR Foundation Inc.—one of the many companies of the JVR Group of Companies. Others include:

• Kawasaki Motors (Philippines) Corporation
• K-Servico Trade, Incorporated
• Wodel Incorporated
• Delsa Chemicals and Multi Products Incorporated
• International Wiring Systems Philippines Corporation
• Hecny Forwarders Incorporated
• Wodel Manpower Services

We carry a wide array of product lines like Panasonic, JVC, Philips, Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Electrolux, La Germania, Whirlpool, FS Furniture, Sanyo, Canon, Brother, Epson, Toshiba, Acer, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and many others. We have also partnered with Western Union for our money transfer services. The core of our existence is our ability to provide high quality service to our customers by providing the right products at the right time, in the right place and at the right price.

We believe that as responsible members of our society, we at EMCOR should pursue our profit objectives in the spirit of service to the community. We believe in reconciling the profit motive of our Company with service to the nation. Thus, we strive to maintain a balance between the interests of our customers, employees, shareholders and the government by supporting national and local agenda for economic development, social reform, educational/scientific research, healthcare and environmental sanitation and preservation. To date, the JVR Foundation has given more than PhP200 Million in philanthropic work.

SERVICES:

1.) Motorcycle Repair

2.) Airconditioning Cleaning

3.) Appliance Repair

4.) Customer Inquiries

Source: http://www.emcor.com.ph/about.php

To give a technical background, EMCOR started to use a manual operation in the early years. It was during the year 1997 that the systems was started to develop. Before the year 2000 took its final fold, they were able to implement the Clipper 87 software for the receivables and inventory. It was then that they realized that the problem on the coming of Y2K could affect their system. Later, they were able to migrate another system with the FoxPRo as their front-end and SQL as their back-end. They’re using MS Windows environment. Hopefully, the long-planned migration to another system would be realized by the end of this year or earlier. It will be a SAP package (I forgot to ask what does it stands for) that includes Sales and Collection Monitoring System that will have to centralize their database in order to render best services to their clientele. Also, they are planning to establish a disaster recovery site that would deal all the transactions taken in case of unintentional shutdown and data loss.

Below are the formulated questions regarding the Management Information System (MIS) of the company’s MIS/EDP that was entertained by the personnel manager himself. He was trained in Digital Interface about programming during his early years in the company and was the first user of the computer in their company.

1.) What are the best practices in Management Information System (MIS) in their company?

According to the interviewee, it is hard to point out if what are the best practices that their department has done to attain their goals but he tries to consider some of their practices that he believes would be best. Like those having back-ups of data in case of unexpected disaster that they might encounter. They have a data security that secures all the data. And also having enough programmers and system analyst who are responsible to control, update, and checked whatever errors that might occurs. They have a Disaster Recovery Procedure that will immediately recover the data in any case that the server might have encounter problems.

2.) What are the advantages of their Management Information System (MIS) in the company?

Since the company has been using VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections, there is an accurate and fast transferring of data from one store to another and also, since it is private, it is not prone to hacking and stealing of important data. Also it reduces cost and it saves time since transactions will happened too fast than usual.

3.) What are the disadvantages?

One disadvantage is the incorrect data uploading and this would happen usually in system migration. Anyway it’s not really a big problem since they are looking for solutions to possible errors.

4.) Do you think, you won't come this far without this Management Information System (MIS)?

The interviewee says that even without technology, MIS would still exist though not as easy and reliable as of this time. There would still be an MIS, maybe dealing with manual system. But having the opportunity to take advantage of the fast growing technology, MIS also evolves into a more accurate and fast applications that helps the MIS department to achieve its goals with the use of high level techniques and implementations.
The said meeting with the Personnel Manager (as he was quoted yesterday and take note, at EMCOR’s conference room?hehehe...palangga gid!) ended with photo shots. Also, we are allowed to see their IBM X3950 hardware which serves as their server. It’s a large machine connected with other three small computers (serves as a back-ups). It looks like a large Power system case.

HRM (Assignment 3)

EVALUATES ON-LINE JOB SERVICES

1. TUTORS ONLINE

Tutors Online was first launched in 1997. At the time many people wondered if tutoring through the internet wasn't just a service to do homework for you. However, experience has shown that effective tutoring is more about the people than the medium. In the following years there have been technology advances that also make the medium more effective. These include a host of net conferencing options via webcams that make tutoring through the net little different than in person.

Online tutors work for internet based companies that offer help, within a variety of subject areas, to students of all ages. Many online tutor positions offer flexible hours. Most companies require a college education, teaching experience, and/or knowledge in the subject area they will be tutoring.

http://www.school-tutor.com/

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/workfromhome/g/onlinetutor.htm

Evaluation:

Online tutorials help a lot especially to students who were not patient enough to go to the library and look for an answer to their questions. There are lots of sites who offers free tutorials and its up to you to choose where would you like to get answers. Also, you can have online tutors at your most convenient time. And based in my experienced, I have learned a lot from it without hassles.

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2. WEB BUILDING TUTORIAL

Every Web developer has to know the building blocks of the Web .Web Building Tutorial tells you how to build a professional web site. It also shows how you can prepare your web site for the future with new technologies, like XHTML and XML. Designing Web sites needs careful thinking and a lot of planning. The most important thing is to KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. http://www.w3schools.com/Site/site_design.asp

Evaluation:

The process of building your website differs depending on which website building tool you use, however, in general these are the steps to building a website:
Website Building Tutorial Menu
Overview: Components of a successful website
Step1: determine the website's niche
Step 2: Choose website building tool
Step 3: Hosting Server - decide on where you are going to host the site
Step 4: Buy domain name
Step 5: Plan the site
Step 6: Design the layout
Step 7: Convert the layout into an HTML template
Step 8: Create the pages as per the site plan
Step 9: Install any additional scripts on the server
Step 10: Link the pages
Step 11: FTP the files to the hosting server
Step 12: Submit to search engines and promote the site
Step 13: Website Monetization
Step 14: Maintain the site

http://www.vineyardesigns.com/resources/build_website/index.shtml

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3. ONLINE WRITING JOBS

Are you having too much fun in the sun? Well, come on inside and get behind your computer! Online writing job includes many categories like magazine, resume, copywriting, website and many more. You don’t need to travel from your house to your office but all you have to do is to sit down and write your article through your computer and earned extra money from it.

Many people have a talent for writing, but finding a way to get paid for your talents can be the most difficult part. Not anymore, there are sites who wants to pay you for your writing skills and talents! Looking for Professional writers, students, retirees and freelancers whose passion is writing. And looking for writers who want to earn a highly competitive compensation, and receive regular payments doing what they enjoy.

Join a worldwide team of professionals and earn a competitive salary using your writing skills and abilities! You can choose either to work at home as a freelance writer or in our office located in The Philippines.

http://www.writers.ph/

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4. MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION

Medical transcription, also known as MT, is an allied health profession, which deals in the process of transcription, or converting voice-recorded reports as dictated by physicians and/or other healthcare professionals, into text format.

The term transcript or "report" as it is more commonly called, is used as the name of the document (electronic or physical hard copy) which results from the medical transcription process, normally in reference to the healthcare professional's specific encounter with a patient on a specific date of service. This report is referred to by many as a "medical record". Each specific transcribed record or report, with its own specific date of service, is then merged and becomes part of the larger patient record commonly known as the patient's medical history. This record is often called the patient's chart in a hospital setting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_transcription

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5. ONLINE TYPING JOBS

A highly searched for opportunity is Online typing jobs from home. This is the easiest kind of job you can do, especially if you enjoy typing and have a computer with internet access. In todays plummeting economy, typing from home is an easy way to earn some extra cash for those bills that still have to be paid! There are several ways you can earn money online typing jobs from home. You can become a freelance writer and pretty much write your own check, or you can get paid to do data entry for other online companies. It all depends on whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. Either way, typing jobs online and data entry jobs from home are a good choice to earn some extra income.

http://garycortez.com/online-typing-jobs-from-home-can-you-really-make-money-typing-at-home/

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