Discussion 1 - Systems Modelling
Systems modelling depicts a UML conceptualization that integrates models and constructs of structures, processes, and mechanics for running and maintaining business and information systems. The systems attribute concepts such as input, output, logical arrangements, methods and all the prevalent schemes and relationships between all the components (Whitten, Barlow, & Bentley, 1997). It is functionally imperative that the organization adopts a system modelling theme and approach for the following reasons.
Systems modelling serves as a tool that logically and sequentially presents all the tasks and activities of a project. Logical organization of projects ensures effective, efficient and smooth flowing project cycles. Moreover, logical order ensures that any deliverables to the project are mapped out with their requirement stages and phases.
Systems modelling as a tenet of UML ensures that the pre-developed use cases for the project are sent over to the designers and programmers with all the specifics and requirements. Therefore, the designers will have all the necessary intel they need for developing a system on a need base analysis that captures the needs of the stakeholders and the target end users.
Logical models and constructs of system modelling encourage creativity and reduce the tendency of overreliance on a single or specific systems hence eliminating the possibility of bias in approach. The strategy promotes diversification and inclusion of ideas and systems that enhance the overall capacity of the project to be successful.
With systems modelling, requirements and policies that are aimed at completing the project are not overlooked or missed out since the pictorial/ diagrammatic representation of all the steps always indicate any incomplete or unfulfilled condition (Whitten, Barlow, & Bentley, 1997). Therefore, all the project tenets are comprehensively covered and captured.
Adopting a systems modelling approach to the project management process of the company will to a great deal enhance the outcome of this and all the future projects.
Discussion 2 - The Value of Information
The dictum revolving around the concept of information is sensitive and goes on to elicit and stir questions regarding the value and critical angle of information. Information just like knowledge and skills is power. How one acquires a piece of intel and the consequent use and level of manipulation that one subjects the intel to asserts the overall value at a given moment in time. Information is sought, manipulated and used by wide range of entities ranging from individuals, businesses, NGOs, corporations, and governments; how they use the intel determines the ultimate value the of information. For companies and organizations, the nature of the information received and the ability of the decision-makers at the specific level profoundly determines the state of the firm regarding the milestones and the profits or losses that the business entities may accrue. The decision based on the information available is critical to the daily operations, management criteria and personnel management.
Nations also are directly affected by the level, and magnitude of the information they possess. The economies of scale are significantly shifted and affected by the intuitive and professional ability of a nation to acquire, process, manipulate and take action as necessary depending on the information received and the output generated at the decision makers level. According to the IDS Bulletin, the impact of the value of information to a nation is significant to the overall development policy, economic planning, and the practice. Information is valuable depending on how it impacts the infrastructural development, governance, trade policies, regulations, international relations and political prowess (Song, Thomas, & Yi, 2010). Countries which can dig, generate and acquire valuable information and act on it register high levels of economic growth and development as compared to those that are reluctant on the same.
Intrinsically, information is purposed to inform and inspire. Many countries in the world have mastered the art of acquiring, manipulating and using the information steadily to improve various sectors of their economy (Davies, 1994). A nation like the United States of America is very keen and strict on how information gathered, the flow and the use. For economic growth and development, the USA has ensured that everyone has access to information regarding investment, wealth management and banking facilities and services. Most importantly, they have made sure that people are educated about the economic systems and how they work. The approach has significantly improved the financial capacity and growth of the USA.
References
Davies, S. (1994, May 25). Introduction to information, knowledge and power. (S. Davies, Ed.) Is Knowledge Power? The Use and Abuse of Information in Development, 25, pp. 1-23. Retrieved August 10, 2016, from https://www.google.com/search?q=introduction+to+information%2C+knowledge+and+power&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b
Song, C. J., Thomas, W. B., & Yi, H. (2010). Value relevance of FAS No. 157 fair value hierarchy information and the impact of corporate governance mechanisms. The Accounting Review, 85(4), 1375-1410.
Whitten, J. L., Barlow, V. M., & Bentley, L. (1997). Systems analysis and design methods. McGraw-Hill Professional.
