Seeing the Bigger Picture 0 Comments

This week’s IS242 (System Design & Analysis) discussion highlighted the concept of Object Modeling, particularly that which relates to Unified Modeling Language (UML). I have chosen to illustrate the Use Case Diagram and its importance in implementing an effective system to an organization.

The Use Case Diagam is a visual representation that uses a set of symbols to exhibit the relationship of various components in a system. It can also be defined as “a visual summary of several related use cases within a system or subsystem.” Using the sample above, which I have created for a Course Registration, a Use Case Diagram makes it easier for analysts to see what processes and actions are being done and implemented by various users in the system.

In my perspective, I see a parallelism of this concept of object modeling to real life. This might be considered quite a stretch, but I usually try to relate technical concepts I have learned in my Business Information Systems classes and see if these same principles can be applied to my life. I see the value of preparing Use Case Diagrams (be it simple or intricate) in ensuring that the analysts have a really clear vision of what the system processes are. In a system where you have a variety of users (or “actors” in Use Case Diagrams), there is a need to outline who does what, and what processes (simultaneous or successive)are happening.

Likewise in life, we must always try to seek the bigger picture to make sure that we are on the right track. For instance, there is value in listing out your goals and objectives in life. Yes, I mean actually taking a pen and a paper to write down such goals. This I have learned from my LDSBC Statistics instructor, Bro. Craig Grimm. It was an inspired class, which I have never forgotten. This class usually involves mostly numbers and probabilities. But for this particular class time, my instructor has taken the time to teach us the principle of being visually reminded of our goals and in seeing the bigger picture. He said that by doing so, we will be reminded of what it is we have set out to accomplish. And if we diligently keep in mind these goals and the ways in which we can achieve them, we will see throughout the years the realization of these goals.

I am eager to see in 5 or 50 years time, how these goals, which I have written in my journal will go about. We shall see!

Balance is Key 0 Comments

Our latest lesson in IS230 (Advanced Spreadhseets & Databases) was about functions that deal with financial planning and accounting. In this chapter, we've learned about the efficiency of linking worksheets that are related to each other. Moreover, I have realized the importance of keeping these linked worksheets updated to ensure the accuracy of our data.

I have found this particular topic quite interesting as I have already taken a few accounting classes during my past semesters here at the LDS Business College. I have often wondered if there was a way to link the data together so I won't have to key in the figures manually. And so I'm quite glad to know now that there is such a way! (:

In addition to this, I have come across a concept, which I have learned from my FIN101 class, i.e. the NPV function. NPV, which stands for Net Present Value, is an essential function that helps financial analysts determine whether a sound investment was made or not. The linked worksheets enable financial analysts and users alike to easily change the values (e.g., percentages), make certain assumptions, and determine which is the best combination of values to use.

One key principle that I have noted while doing the exercises on financial accounting analysis is the importance of ensuring that debits equal credits (DR=CR). Balance is key. This vital principle not only applies in accounting, but more importantly, in real life. We live in a modern day world of excess wants and overindulgence. And we fail to recognize that what we really need is balance (in all aspects) in order to find happiness, contentment, and peace in our lives. And we need to find that which will remind us to always seek for this balance. As for me, the Gospel of Jesus Christ keeps me in focus of the things that really matter.

How do YOU find your balance in life?

Bababa: A Case of Communication Disparity 0 Comments

Do you understand what is being illustrated in the dialogue above? I can, because I am Filipino. However, if you have no understanding of the Tagalog language, then this would seem to be just a ridiculous cartoon to you. I thought this was a good example of the importance of effective communication. Notice that I have emphasized the word "effective." Person A might have said something to Person B, but if it was not effectively communicated, then the message is lost in the process.

Displayed below is the translation of the Filipino conversation:

Now, it makes more sense, doesn't it? Likewise in Systems Analysis & Design, communication is essential. As Brother Brian Smith has reiterated in class, communication is one of the four vital concepts we need to understand in this IS242 class (along with balance, iterative, and incremental). Sometimes, analysts and programmers get so technical in their terms and wording that the end-users fail to comprehend how and what to do with the project. For a project to be developed effectively, all stakeholders must have a good understanding of the project scope and specifications.

As we learned last week in class, joint application development (JAD) is "a popular systems development technique that uses a cross-matrixed task group of users, managers, and IT professionals that work together to gather information, discuss business needs, and define the new system requirements." This is a good means of including users in the process of the project design and in ensuring that the needs of the various users are met. Successful systems must be user-oriented and the JAD approach accomplishes this objective.

Braving the New Semester 0 Comments

Five months have come and gone and I am back at the LDS Business College. It has been a wonderful and productive summer for me – tied the knot with my sweetheart at the Mesa Arizona Temple and worked as a Tech Support Intern at Queen Creek Primary Care. I am quite excited for this Fall Semester 2009. I finished my Business Transfer degree last April and I am now working towards finishing Business Information Systems. I am facing such challenging classes, so I know I can't rely on luck alone to get through this semester. Diligence and divine inspiration might just do the trick.

All my classes started with the discussion of the school's Learning Model, i.e., "Prepare, Teach One Another, Ponder and Prove." This is inspired by Doctrine & Covenants 88 : 78-80; 118-126. This is one of the many reasons why I love the LDS Business College! It is not only an academic school, but more so, it is considered to be a Temple of Learning. My experiences here have made me realize how much I have grown academically and spiritually.

For IS 230 (Advanced Spreadsheets and Databases), we learned about Logical Functions. Terms such as NESTED IF and HLOOKUP were enough to make my head spin. However, after reading Chapter 1 and discussing the issues with my classmates and instructor, I then finally understood the concepts and completed the exercises. It was an exhilarating feeling knowing you've done something right, ha-ha.

Kidding aside, it was really interesting to see how to go about putting in the correct formula in the correct cell in order to generate the correct results. The key here is consistency. Similarly in life, we can mostly expect a good outcome, if we've put in a good effort and did so with good intentions.

Working on these logical functions, I have seen the similarity of this IS 230 class to my Finance class. FIN 101 has taught me valuable life lessons on major purchase decision making, budgeting, and making sound investments. We dealt with a lot of Excel worksheets, and indeed, I have realized how the usage of formula(s) provides a more efficient way of dealing with finances.

Overall, I think we really kicked off this Academic Year with a bang. I am looking forward to the what this semester will bring, and though my classes seem tough, I am welcoming the challenge!