Week 

Week 10 was recap to know more about Differentiate between Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0

*        Describe the basic technologies, applications and  types of web sites that comprise Web 2.0

*        In your opinion, how can Social networking help organizations achieve their competitive advantage? Why?

Web 1.0

Web 1.0 category sites basically contains information that user's might find useful, but there's no reason for a visitor to return to the site later. An example might be a personal Web page that gives information about the site's owner, but never changes. And visitors can only visit these sites, they can't contribute to these sites. Because of this, these kind of sites are Static and they are not Interactive to the visitor which will make the site  a Passive, One-way and a Closed site.

Web 2.0

If you surf the Web design sites these days, you can't help but find references to Web 2.0. This is the new and revolutionary change that is sweeping the Web and allowing users to interact with the data available there in ways we never dreamed possible 10 years ago. But is this really the case? How much of Web 2.0 is just marketing hype and how much of it is actually new?

I think that the originally in 2004, Web 2.0 was referred to as this idea of the "Web as a platform". The concept was such that instead of thinking of the Web as a place where browsers viewed data through small windows on the readers' screens, the Web was actually the platform that allowed people to get things done. But this really didn't catch on. In fact, it's fairly hard to grasp what that really means.

Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is all of the above with web experience that is no longer limited to desktop and laptop computers. It’s the Internet on the go fueled by mobile phones and tablets. Websites must be designed to be easily read on mobile devices. Group text campaigns function like e-mail newsletters in Web 1.0 which will drive traffic to your mobile website. Smartphone Applications enable content to be published and shared easily while on the go.

That was the end of week 10 know more about these three webs.

Week 

According to week 9 we focused to know more about Web 2.0.

Web 2.0

*         Web 2.0 is the popular term for advances Internet Technology and applications including blogs, wikis, Really simple Syndication (RSS) and social bookmarking.

*         Web 2.0 is a perceived transition of the web to web applications.

*         Web 2.0 is the next generation of technology solutions where interactive content is the norm.

*         Web 2.0 is about the maturity of the Web and businesses that are thriving online.

 Web 2.0 technologies provide a level user interaction that was not available before. 

        However websites have become much more dynamic and interconnected, producing "online communities" and making it even easier to share information on the Web. Because most Web 2.0 features are offered as free services, sites like Wikipedia and Facebook have grown at amazingly fast rates. As the sites continue to grow, more features are added, building off the technologies in place. So, while Web 2.0 may be a static label given to the new era of the Web, the actual technology continues to evolve and change.

In week 8 we used to study about what is a database and what is a DBMS?

According to my research and my information I list down the basic details about Database and DBMS.

As we know databases are designed to offer an organized mechanism for storing, managing and retrieving information. They do so through the use of the tables. If you’re familiar with spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel, you’re probably already accustomed to storing data in tabular form. It’s not much of a stretch to make the leap from spreadsheets to databases. Let’s take a look.

Database Tables

Just like Excel tables, database tables consist of columns and rows. Each column contains a different type of the thing that is attributing and each row corresponds to a single of record. For example, imagine that we were building a database table that contained names and telephone numbers. We’d probably set up columns named “FirstName”, “LastName” and “TelephoneNumber.” Then we’d simply start adding rows underneath those columns that contained the data we’re planning to store. 

If we were building a table of contact information for our business that has 50 employees, we’d wind up with a table that contains 50 rows.

Databases and Spreadsheets

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself an obvious question – if a database is so much like a spreadsheet, why can’t I just use a spreadsheet? Databases are actually much more powerful than spreadsheets in the way you’re able to manipulate data. Here are just a few of the actions that you can perform on a database that would be difficult if not impossible to perform on a spreadsheet:

·         Retrieve all records that match certain criteria

·         Update records in bulk

·         Cross-reference records in different tables

·         Perform complex aggregate calculations

You can correlate information from multiple tables in a database by creating foreign key relationships between the tables.

A DBMS has many uses:

- it enables users to access and manipulate the database.
- it provides a building block in constructing data processing systems for applications requiring database access – MIS or systems for accounting, production and inventory control or customer support.
- it helps the DBA perform certain managerial duties.

The name ‘database management system’ was chosen recognizing that different names are in use and different types of systems exist. Substantial generalization is assumed in any DBMS of interest without using ‘generalized.’ ‘Data is preferred over ‘information’ for the various reasons cited.

Functions of a Database Management System:
- Database Definition
- Database creation (storing data in a defined database)
- Retrieval (query and reporting)
- Update(Changing the contents of the database)
- Programming User Facilities for system development)
- Database revision and restructuring
- Database integrity control
- Performance Monitoring

Overview of Relationships in Database Management:

In a database environment, the main components, or players are database users, a database administrator, applications programs, and the DBMS. People can access the database directly using a DBMS, or they can write a program (or have a programmer write one for them, or use a previously written program) in cases requiring special or more complex processing. The DBA establishes and periodically revises the database to meet the needs of the users. The DBA establishes integrity controls.

The users and the DBA communicate formally and informally about system use and database access, and about the regulations and standards in force. Application programs and the DBMS are processes executed by machine. While accessing and controlling the database, the DBMS has three distinct interfaces – with users, with the DBA and with programs. Database users access the database directly using the facilities of the database management system or through a program written by themselves. The database administrator establishes the database and the controls on people and programs using the database.

The Database Administrator must be a manager, rather than a technician – seeking to meet the needs of people who use data. Since many users may share the same data resources, the DBA must be repared to mediate conflicting needs and objectives, sometimes imposing a compromise solution. Functions of Database Administration are as follows:

- Define, acquire and retire data according to the user needs.
- Provide tools to access and update the data and produce reports.
- Inform and assist users in planning and using data resources and database management tools.
- Maintain database integrity by protecting its existence, maintaining its quality and controlling access to private data.
- Monitor operations for efficient performance and integrity threats.

The central idea behind managing data resources is getting a handle on organizational data resources which support operations and management decisions. Proper management of data also promotes the use of data. Solving the problem of data management entails both the administrative and technical factors: creating an effective organizational structure and appointing a responsible authority called the Database Administrator and using computer based facilities along with associated operating personnel and procedures.

Week 7

In every week I was happy because I used to know more about the course and I see that I have improved a lot.

Apply relational database design approach and implement it using Microsoft Access or other DBMS

•       Database: A collection of interrelated data stored together with controlled redundancy to serve one or more applications in an optimal way. The data are stored in such a way that they are independent of the programs used by the people for accessing the data.

•       Database Management System: a software system for manipulating databases.

Database Management Systems

The DBMS performs the following five primary functions:

•       Define, create and organise a database: The DBMS establishes the logical relationships among different data elements in a database and also defines schemas and subschemas using the DDL.

•       Input data: It performs the function of entering the data into the database through an input device (like data screen, or voice activated system) with the help of the user.

•       Process data: It performs the function of manipulation and processing of the data stored in the database using the DML.

•       Maintain data integrity and security: It allows limited access of the database to authorised users to maintain data integrity and security.

•       Query database: It provides information to the decision makers that they need to make important decisions. This information is provided by querying the database using SQL

Database System

The DBMS software together with the Database is called a database system. It can be defined as an organization of components that define and regulate the collection, storage, management and use of data in a database. It is a system whose overall purpose is to record and maintain information.

Types of Database Models

•       Hierarchical database

•       Network database

•       Relational database

•       Object-relational database

Hierarchical database

•       The hierarchical data model organizes data in a tree structure.

•       There is a hierarchy  of parent and child data segments.

•       This structure implies that a record can have repeating information, generally in the child data segments.

•       Hierarchical DBMSs were popular from the late 1960s, with the introduction of IBM’s Information Management System (IMS) DBMS, through the 1970s

Network database

•       Resembles hierarchical model.

•       Difference child can have multiple parents.

•       Some data were more naturally modeled with more than one parent per child.

•       The network model permitted the modeling of many-to-many relationships in data.

To conclude:

•       A database is a collection of data which has been organised so that a computer program can quickly select desired items.

•       DBMS is a software tool to manage incoming data, organize it, and provide ways for the data to be modified or extracted by users.

•       Example of DBMS is Microsoft Access

In this week 6 i would like to explain briefly about the ICT in a short introduction.  

You see the letters ICT everywhere - particularly in education. But what does it mean? Read our brief introduction to this important and fast-changing subject.

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ICT is an acronym that stands for Information Communications Technology

However, apart from explaining an acronym, there is not a universally accepted definition of ICT? Why? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. It’s difficult to keep up with the changes - they happen so fast.

Let’s focus on the three words behind ICT:

- INFORMATION
-COMMUNICATIONS
- TECHNOLOGY

A good way to think about ICT is to consider all the uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and organizations use information.

ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots.

So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or receipt of digital data. Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other.

In business, ICT is often categorized into two broad types of product: -

(1) The traditional computer-based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computers at home or at work); and

(2) The more recent and fast-growing range of digital communication technologies (which allow people and organizations to communicate and share information digitally)

Let's take a brief look at these two categories to demonstrate the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT:

Traditional Computer Based Technologies

These types of ICT include:

Application	Use
Standard Office Applications - Main Examples
Word processing	E.g. Microsoft Word: Write letters, reports etc
Spreadsheets	E.g. Microsoft Excel; Analyze financial information; calculations; create forecasting models etc.
Database software	E.g. Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Access; Managing data in many forms, from basic lists (e.g. customer contacts through to complex material (e.g. catalogue)
Presentation software	E.g. Microsoft PowerPoint; make presentations, either directly using a computer screen or data projector. Publish in digital format via email or over the Internet
Desktop publishing	E.g. Adobe InDesign, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.
Graphics software	E.g. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator; Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in DTP, web sites or other publications
Specialist Applications - Examples (there are many!)
Accounting package	E.g. Sage, Oracle; Manage an organization’s accounts including revenues/sales, purchases, bank accounts etc. A wide range of systems is available ranging from basic packages suitable for small businesses through to sophisticated ones aimed at multinational companies.
Computer Aided Design	Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computers to assist the design process. Specialized CAD programs exist for many types of design: architectural, engineering, electronics, roadways
Customer Relations Management (CRM)	Software that allows businesses to better understand their customers by collecting and analyzing data on them such as their product preferences, buying habits etc. Often linked to software applications that run call centers and loyalty cards for example.

Traditional Computer Based Technologies

The C part of ICT refers to the communication of data by electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often achieved via networks of sending and receiving equipment, wires and satellite links.

The technologies involved in communication tend to be complex. You certainly don't need to understand them for your ICT course. However, there are aspects of digital communications that you need to be aware of. These relate primarily to the types of network and the ways of connecting to the Internet. Let's look at these two briefly (further revision notes provide much more detail to support your study).

Internal networks

Usually referred to as a local area network (LAN), this involves linking a number of hardware items (input and output devices plus computer processing) together within an office or building.

The aim of a LAN is to be able to share hardware facilities such as printers or scanners, software applications and data. This type of network is invaluable in the office environment where colleagues need to have access to common data or programs.

External networks

Often you need to communicate with someone outside your internal network; in this case you will need to be part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). The Internet is the ultimate WAN - it is a vast network of networks.

WEEK  

In week 5 I had the chance to know more about Decision Support System:

DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS)

*       An organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and devices used to support problem-specific decision making.

*        DSS is used when problem is complex.

*       DSS are used to support unstructured or semi-structured problems that   require human judgment.

*       Offer the potential to generate higher profits, lower costs and better products and services.

*       DSS Often based on spreadsheet software.

TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEM (TPS)

*         Information system that captures and processes data generated perform the activities associated with transaction processing, which include the following:

ü  Recording a business activity such as a student’s registration, a customer’s order, an employee’s timecard or a client’s payment.

ü  Confirming an action or triggering a response, such as printing a student’s schedule, sending a thank-you note to a customer, generating an employee’s paycheck or issuing a receipt to a client.

ü  Maintaining data, which involves adding new data, changing existing data, or removing unwanted data.

As we know that “The transaction processing system records the data from everyday operations throughout every division or department in the organization. Each division or department is tied together through the TPS to provide useful information to management levels throughout the company”.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM: Overview

*         is an integrated collection of people, procedures, databases and devices that provides managers and decision makers with information to help achieve organizational goals.

*          Role:

-          provide the right information to the right person in the right format at the right time.

*          Purpose: - to help an organization achieve its goal by proving managers with insight into the regular operations of the organization so that they can control, organize, and plan more effectively. 

After all these activities in class and with my Lecturer’s help I should :

*         Understand the concept of a system and how it relates to information systems.

*         Illustrate how the business applications of information systems can support a firm’s business processes, managerial decision making, and strategies for competitive advantage.

*         Office Automation System:

Office Automation system collects, processes, stores and transmits data and information in the form of electronic office communication.

*          End User Computing System:

End user computing systems support the direct, hands on use of computers by end users for operational and managerial applications.

*          Business Information System:

Business information systems support the operational and managerial applications of the basic business functions of a firm.

*         Strategic Information System:

Strategic information systems provide a firm which strategic products, services, and capabilities for competitive advantage.

*          Enterprise Resource Planning:

Software systems for businesses management encompassing modules supporting functional areas such as sales and marketing, finance, production, distribution accounting, human resource management, maintenance, inventory management, project management, transportation and e-business etc.

Conclusion:

At the end of this session, student will be able to:

*          Identify the types and concept of Information System

*          Elaborate on the contribution of  IS in organization or in

                              various  field.

*         Provide examples of several major types of information systems from student knowledge with business organizations in the real world.