Case Study 12 Interactive Session: Technology (LIFE ON THE GRID : iPhone Become iTrack)

Case Study 12

Interactive Session: Technology (LIFE ON THE GRID : iPhone Become   iTrack)

Question 1

Why do cell phone manufacturers (Apple, Google, and BlackBerry) want to track where their customers go?

Answer

The cell phone manufacturers (Apple, Google, and BlackBerry) want to track where their customers go because they collect this data for advertising and marketing purposes. And the mobile technologies based on the Smartphone make it possible to locate people through out of the day, to report this information to cooperate data sell it to advertisers and others.A number of firms have adopted business models based on the ability of smart phones to report on the whereabouts. Most of the popular apps report the locations.

Question 2

Do you think cell phone customers should be able to turn tracking off ? Should customers be informed when they are being tracked? Why or why not?

Answer

Yes I think that there should be a feature to turn such features off because the. Customers should be informed even though most apps do display that GPS and network access is a requirement for the application. Because the cell phone by using the phone companies technology to triangulate positions relative to cell phone towers. This location capability has been increased significantly in recent years as more phones come equipped with GPS chips to more precisely position the user. Access to location has been very limited beyond emergency responders, due to legal and privacy concerns.

Question 3

Do you think cell phone tracking is a violation of a person’s privacy?

Answer

Many privacy groups are calling for legislation to gain user consent as a condition of cell phone tracking. Go to the Internet to find out one of the privacy groups and summarize its stand and viewpoint. We must support this group in its call for federal regulation cell phone tracking. Because the Cell phone manufacturers (Apple, Google and Blackberry) tracking is indeed an invasion of privacy. A privacy group is Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) was founded in 1993 and focuses public attention to emerging civil liberties and to protect privacy, the first amendment, and constitutional values. EPIC does not lobby for, consult, or advice companies, nor do we endorse specific products or services. This list merely serves as a sampling of available privacy-enhancing tools. I do support its calls for federal regulation because it does need to be regulated, as this type of tracking is a breach of privacy. Google and Apples position of cell phone tracking is to help improve apps and service. Limitations of cell phone tracking can be specified in the settings from accurate to city locations.

Case Study 11 (DST Systems Scores with Scrum and Application Lifecycle Management)

Case Study 11

DST Systems Scores with Scrum and Application Lifecycle Management

Question 1

What were some of the problems with DST Systems’ old software development environment?

Answer

DST Systems is a software development company whose flagship product, Automated Work Distributor, increases back – office efficiency and help offices become paperless. DST was founded in1969 and its headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri. The company has approximately ten thousand employees, 1200 of whom are software developers.

Some of the problem is DST Systems’ used a mixture of tools, processes, and sourced code control system, different group within the organization used very different tools for software development for example like Eclipse.  This makes managers hard to unable to easily determine how resources were being allocated, which of their employees were working on certain project, and the status of specific assets. Other than that, the previous method that is “waterfall” method which is used for designing, coding, testing and integrating its product. In the waterfall model of software development, progression flows sequentially from one step to next like a waterfall, with each step unable to start until the previous step has been completed.

Question 2

How did Scrum development help solve some of those problems?

Answer

Scrum is a framework for agile software development in which project progress via a series of iteration called sprints. Scrum projects make progress in a series of sprints, which are time boxed iterations no more than a month long. Scrum development help solve some of those problem by relies on self- organizing, cross- functional teams supported by a Scrum Master and a product owner. The Scrum Master acts as a coach for the team, while the product owner represents the business, customers or users in guiding the team toward building the right product. DST tried Scrum with its existing software development tools and experienced strong results. The company accelerated its software development cycle from 24 to 6 month and developer productivity increased 20 present. 

Question 3

What other adjustments did DST make to be able to use Scrum more effectively in its software projects? What management, organization and technology issues had to be addressed?

Answer

The other adjustments DST was able to make to use Scrum more effectively in its software projects were by setting up a project evaluation team to identify the right development environment. DST wanted the ability to use the new software without significant training and software they could quickly adopt without jeopardizing AWD’s development cycle. After considering, DST settled on CollabNet’s offerings.

CollabNet specializes in software designed to work well with agile software development methods such as Scrum. Its core product is TeamForge, it used to centralize management of users, projects, processes and assets. DST adopted Collabnet's subversion product to help with the management control of changes to project documents, programs, and other information stored as computer files. DST’s adoption of CollabNet’s products was fast, just requiring 10 weeks. Besides, the adjustment allowed DST to complete all of their work within the ALM platform.

For the part of management, organization and technology issues had to be addressed, Jerry Tubbs, the systems development manager at DST systems, says DST was successful in attempts to revamp the software group because some factors.

1.  Looked for simplicity rather than complicated

2.  Much cheaper than some of the alternatives

3. Involved developers in the decision making process to ensure that change to be greeted enthusiastically

4. Allow for the developers to adopt ALM software on their own.

The company was successful because they selected the right development framework as well as the right software to make that change a reality and skillfully managed the change process.

Case Study 10 (Albassami's Job Is Not Feasible Without IT)

Case Study 10

Albassami's Job Is Not Feasible Without IT

Question 1

What systems are described here? What valuable information do they provide?

Answer

The system needed the facility to serve specific sectors in the organization, in addition to providing information throughout the group. The system is based on clustered Dell servers running Windows 2003 and connected to over 270 Window XP clients. The database management system, used as the backbone of the system, is Sybase Adaptive server, whereas clients use SQL Anywhere. There is replication between the server at headquarters and the client’s branches. Throughout the replication, branches’s data is sent to the server and aggregated to create the most updated database version, and the sent back to the branches. This means every branch has the most recent version of the client list, truscks’ availability, and new shipping contracts so that any customer is able to deal with any branch at any time.

Entreprise-wide knowledge management systems are firmwide efforts to collect, store, distribute, and apply digital content and knowledge. Enterprise content management system provide databases and tools for organizing and storing structured documents and tools for organizing and storing semistructured knowledge, such as e-mail or rich media. Knowledge network systems provide directories and tools for locating firm employees with special expertise who are important sources of tacit knowledge. Often these systems include group collaboration tools, portals to simplify information access, search tools, and tools for classifying information based on a taxonomy that is appropriate for the organization. Enterprise-wide knowledge management systems can provide considerable value if they are well designed and enable employees to locate, share, and use knowledge more efficiently.

From the study, digital form is the company had to establish several infrastructural components such as the computer network, backup system and security policy this enabled the implementation of various systems including time and attendance systems this has saved a lot of lost working hours and has been linked to the ERP. Next, website having an attractive and informative website has become a major need .the website helps many functional departments including marketing HR, sales, and customers services.

Lastly, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the company has picked Oracle E-business Suite after meeting planning what would really fit their needs. The modules chosen to help automate the business processes were: Oracle financials, inventory management, manufacturing sales and marketing, order management and procurement. CEO and it consultant involvement   in the project steering committee and adequate training and change management.

Question 2

What value did the IT/IS investments add to Albassami?

Answer

Since the system is based on clustered Dell servers running Windows 2003 and connected to over 270 Window XP clients. The database management system, used as the backbone of the system, is Sybase Adaptive server, whereas clients use SQL Anywhere. There is replication between the server at headquarters and the client’s branches. Throughout the replication, branches’s data is sent to the server and aggregated to create the most updated database version, and the sent back to the branches.The IT/IS investments add to Albassami achieving some strategic business objectives which are operational excellence, new products, customer and supplier intimacy, improved decision making and competitive advantage.

Question 3

How did implementing the Shipping Information System address the business needs and information requirements of Albassami?

Answer

The shipping information system used at Albassami maintains all the sender information such as the sent car, the truck number, the sender and receiving branches, and it also send an SMS to the client acknowledging the arrival of the car. The system also records the client’s data, and holds maintenance information. Linking the data of vehicle maintenance centers with the transportation service helps to enhance company performance and achieve better customer service. The system also enables standard reports to be provided to top management and head sectors about the productivity of each branch, resulting in accurate identification of needs for different regions and thus proper budget allocation. In addition, the system allowed a better audit on all drivers’ tracking information.

Case Study 4 Interative Session : Technology (UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology)

Case Study 4

Interative Session : Technology

UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology

Question 1

What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system?

Answer

Inputs of UPS’s package tracking system is scan bar-coded label attached to a package which contains detailed information about the sender, the destination and when the package should arrive.

The processing of UPS’s package tracking system is before the package is picked up, information from the “smart” label is transmitted to one of UPS computer centers in Mahwah, New Jersey or Alpharetta, Georgia and sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination.

The output of UPS’s package tracking system is customers download and print their own labels using special software provided by UPS or by accessing the UPS Web site.

Question 2

What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy?

Answer

UPS has used the dispatchers in computer center to download the label data and use special software to create the most efficient delivery route for each driver that consider traffic, weather condition and the location of each step. By using the software, UPS estimate it save 3 million fewer gallon of fuel of every year. This technology related to UPS’s business strategy which is best services and lowest rates.

Moreover, to accomplish business strategy which UPS want to increase cost savings and safety, UPS are train driver to use “340 Methods” to optimize the performance of every task from lifting and loading boxes to selecting a package from a shelf in the truck.

UPS has also used handheld computer called Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) which can access wireless cell phone network. Drivers can know their task by handheld, the DIAD has a function which is automatically captures customers signatures.

Question 3 

What strategic business objective do UPS information system address?

Answer

The strategic business objective that UPS information system address were provided best customer services to the customers. Every year UPS spend more than $1 billion to maintain high level of customer services.

UPS also focus on improve the efficiency of the performance. UPS invest and use a lot of systems or software to increase the company performance. For example, Package Tracking System, UPS using this system to monitor and re-route package throughout the delivery process. The UPS can always improve operational efficiency.

The others strategic business objective is lower cost. UPS was keeping costs low to compete with competitors like FedEx. By using information system in UPS, it can reduce cost of operation.

Question 4

What would happen if UPS’s information systems were not available?

Answer

If UPS’s information systems were not available, UPS will face some problems. The process of providing information to customer will become slow. The customer cannot receive the information rapidly.

The operation of UPS will also become slow. Because UPS is using technology and information to monitor and control the operation when information system does not available, it will effect to the operation of the organization.

Moreover, UPS need to spend more on cost. The cost to deliver the product and monitor the performance of driver will increase when information system does not occur.

Power Slide Presentation [Lecture 11 Building Information System] (Group New Generation)

Case Study 7 Information security threats and policies in Europe

Question 1

 What is a botnet?

Answer

In the term "botnet" as used here, the "bot" is short for robot. A single bot is a software program that can, when surreptitiously installed on a person's computer, execute certain specified commands. Botnet is a network of autonomous malicious software agent there are under the control of a bot commander. The network is created by installing malware that exploits the vulnerabilities of Web servers, operating systems, or application to take control of the infected computers.

Question 2

Describe some of the main points of the Digital Agenda of Europe.

Answer

The main point of the Digital Agenda of Europe is to define the key role that information and communication technologies will play in 2020.The initiative calls of a single, open Europe digital market. Another goal is that broadband speed of 30Mbps be available to all European citizen by 2020 in term of security, the initiative is considering the implementation of measure to protect privacy and the establishment of a well-functioning network of CERT to prevent cybercrime and respond effectively to cyber attacks. The European Commission has proposed a Digital Agenda. Its main objective is to develop a digital single market in order to generate smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe.

What are the obstacles hindering the Digital Agenda?

• fragmented digital markets;
• lack of interoperability;
• rising cybercrime and risk of low trust in networks;
• lack of investment in networks;
• insufficient research and innovation efforts;
• lack of digital literacy and skills;
• missed opportunities in addressing societal challenges

Question 3

Explain how a cyber-attack can be carried out.

Answer

There are 3 basic parts to a cyber-attack:

1. Access: a method to get inside or gain access to a network or system
2. Vulnerability: some part of the system that the attacker can take advantage of or manipulate
3. Payload: the purpose of the attack, namely, what exactly is the target and how significant will the damage

There are many other forms cyber-attacks may take.

Denial Of Service attack occurs when “an attacker attempts to prevent legitimate users from accessing information or services.” This is typically accomplished when the attacker overloads a system with requests to view information. This would be an example of a remote attack.

Spear phishing is another simple method by which an attack may gain access to a computer system or network. Once some information about a target is acquired, an email is sent purporting to be from a legitimate company asking for information such as usernames and passwords to banking websites or network logins.

Backdoors, or hooks, are placed inside a computer or network in order to create a vulnerability that can be exploited later on.

And tampering with basic electronics is a simple type of cyber-attack. It is also possible that such software or even hardware could be installed into electronics by the original manufacturer

Question 4

Describe some of the weaknesses exploited by malware.

Answer

Malware, known as Stuxnet is a shorthand term that encompasses all types of malicious software. This includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and all other types of software that get put onto your computer without you knowing it. Some of weaknesses of malware is it hidden in shortcuts to executable programs (files with extension. Ink) was executed automatically when the content of an infected USB drive was displayed as the malware is propagated via USB.

Case Study 6 Apple, Google, and Microsoft Battle for Your Internet Experience

Question 1

Compare the business models and areas of strength of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

Answer

Apple:  It has the basis of creating a very strong hardware base for the internet future and thus logically they play their role in this battle by laying emphasis on the hardware that facilitates mobile computing. Apple has gone into the stance that applications, one of the major earners for tablet and phone manufacturers, should be device restricted. For example, one application should be unique to the brand of the device and should be allowed to function in another device from another separate brand. They even stopped Google in its plans to allow Google applications to work on Apple products. Thus by doing this Apple is trying to capitalize on their loyal customer base and create a Apple weds Apple scenario.

Google: Google is the believer in the concept that in the future the devices used to run the applications and other internet options should be a fraction of what they are being charged now and instead the revenues generated should be from the in-app advertisements. Google even bought AdMob, an application advertisements development company, to work on such a concept. This future, Google and Microsoft have tried their hand at going hardware friendly but they still do not put the same emphasis on the hardware as Apple.

Microsoft: Microsoft has laid its bet on the operating system on which the mobile computing devices shall run. Microsoft also has announced plans to develop the hardware for mobile computing, something it has not done so far, and thus has entered into the field of both Google and Apple. By integrating the hardware and software deal Microsoft has actually change the dynamics of the whole market. And this can be problem some for Google and Apple as they shall have to change their own perspective and outlook towards the level of competition that they shall have to face in the coming years in mobile computing.

Question 2

Why is mobile computing so important to these three firms? Evaluate the mobile platform offerings of each firm.

Answer

Mobile computing is basically doing the activities which involve internet without being fixed to a particular place. The importance of mobile computing for all the three mentioned firms which is Apple , Google and Microsoft as it is the future of the internet technology and for these firms to  flourish and expand they need to be very effective with mobile computing.

APPLE:  The mobile platform that Apple provides with its products is “iOS” (Kevin K, 2012). This mobile platform is the closed platform that is it is applicable for apple products and only apple apps could work on this. Some of the remarkable features amongst them are:

Ø  There is an option over which you can reply later on the calls which you can’t take immediately.

Ø  Integration with the facebook over which you can share all you iphone activities

Ø  There is a passbook app through which you can use you iphone as a credit card.

Ø  There is also an upgradation of the apple maps app which is very impressive.

GOOGLE:  The mobile platform that Google provides is “Android”. This mobile platform is a universal platform or you can say it’s an open platform when compared to the mobile platform offered by Apple. The latest version provided by the Android software is the version 4.1 “jelly bean” (Android, 2012). Some of the notable features of this version are:

Ø  A simple screen swipe would provide you with search results related to Google.

Ø  The voice recognition tool in this version would rub offline.

Ø  Another of the new feature is GOOGLE NOW in which the preferences are chosen based on the data like the time location and personal history and over this the search results are provided

MICROSOFT

Microsoft is entering this market recently by launching the tablet named “Surface tablet”. The mobile platform that Microsoft is offering is the Windows Phone 8(Kevin K, 2012). This operating system will be compatible with the laptops and the desktops.

Some of the unique features of this operating system are:

Ø  Support dual core chips

Ø  Support multiple screen resolution

Ø  Provides advanced map technology

Ø  Offers Passbook wallet.

Question 3

What is the significance of mobile application, app stores, and closed versus open app standards to the success or failure of mobile computing?

Answer

Any computer software that performs specific tasks is called Applications (Bovee 2012, p 256). They can range from large business computer programs such as “Sun Systems” for processing large accounting problems to a simple program that can be used to order something as simple as a pizza, in today’s world applications have become a part and parcel of the day today.

Today’s mobile and tablet users are becoming more and more inclined towards a product which has more number of application than the other product option. Although it can be said that such a thing has happened because of the fact that the devices today have become so specified that a certain range of products shall have the same specs regardless of their make. This change can be determined as a major shift in the consumer psyche and even the big three have not underestimated this change.

 The development of applications and software’s to match these expectations is a task that all the companies in the fray to be the leader in the mobile computing market, wither it be Apple, Google, Microsoft or any other new player, shall have to look into great detail and precision.

The importance of mobile applications can be justified on this basis itself that Google has based their future growth prediction on the very same. Mobile applications have such a great scope of growth in the future that they can one day eclipse the sales of the hardware part of mobile computing and form a major market themselves here players like Google and apple shall have tough competition even from small fray players if a common platform for application usage is formed, the very same reason why Apple is resisting Google’s repeated efforts for a common mobile platform.

According to experts(Kevin, Timothy et.al) mobile applications are even today a big part of the on the go access market. Finish mobile giant Nokia too has a say in the application future as it still has the lion’s share in the applications that are used in its mobile phones, which in spite of the recent drop are a very big number. Applications and app stores are also being viewed as a source of major entertainment by many users of mobile computing devices, with games like angry birds and temple run taking the market by storm it is very evident that applications and app stores are a thing for the future.

Lastly it can be said that although all three firms have great opportunity in the market which is still young and in its infancy, the first mover shall have very definitive advantage to take control of this veritable goldmine.

Question 4

Which company and business model do you think will prevail in this epic struggle? Explain your answer.

Answer

Google:  The search engine giant has a lot of positives going for it rather than the negatives. The clear positives that can make it a winner are:

1. A well-established name is something which not a lot of players can boast of but Google is one of them, although Apple and Microsoft have chartered territories of their own but Google can fight them out both as an equal if not better.
2. The Company has entered into all the three basic markets of mobile computing including hardware, operating system and the application stores. Their hardware is something which a few competitors can best , however the Android operating system has taken the market by storm and the app store which comes with it is a mean bully in itself (Android 2012)
3. Google has also bet on of the most time relevant feature of the mobile computing market, the App store, and this is the biggest advantage which the Google business model gives it and makes it the prime contender for the number one position. With hundreds of applications already online and hundreds more in the development stage Google has started to take a sort of lead on the other players in the race to be number one. And this may not be decisive right now but with Google’s recent acquisition of application developers and their heavy R&D expenditure on the same, it is just a matter of time before it will take out companies like Apple and Microsoft. (Android 2012)

Although the Google bandwagon is on its way there are certain roadblocks that it can face that can halt its march and some of them are:

1. The Google brand is big but it still lacks the appeal of an Apple product and this many say is one of the most major difference between the two.
2. The Android system although perfected to a large extent still has a few errors in the new versions that can hamper the growth of the operating system and this where a competitor like Microsoft can prevail over the Company
3. Lastly it can be said that Google’s move towards a common mobile application platform can itself backfire and could increase competition from local app players which can affect the overall profitability from this step.

Thus it can be said that Google does have a lot of positives that can help it in the market and if it can take care of the negatives and maybe tweak the one platform stance, it can just pull ahead of Apple and Microsoft in this battle of the behemoths.

Question 5

What difference would it make to a business or to an individual consumer if Apple, Google, or Microsoft dominated the Internet experience? Explain your answer.

Answer

Consumers would be forced to buy only one product and use only one service. They would create a monopoly and the positive would be they would create a standard. This would affect quality; prices would be as high as possible because they would have no competition. No competition means nobody could force a monopolist from the outside to improve products, diversify rang or products and lower price. Right now it is too early to tell who would dominate the internet experience but it is good to have competition than just one market leader.