What we have learnt from readings
Gallaugher Text: Ch 11 The Data Asset
In any organization, data storage is a very critical issue. With the advancement in technology, huge volumes of data can be stored in small gadgets such as flash disks. Data management is very important to ensure that the organization is fully informed about its assets. With the new technology, an organization is aware for example when raw materials are low and hence need purchase of more (Cross, 2010). Since technology advances continuously, better methods of data management are generated each time. Data management is very important in that it facilitates decision making in the organization. With development in software such as business intelligence, decision making has become very easy. This software are able to analyze data and even recommend a course of action hence making decision making in an organization very simple.
Proper data management is very important in that it influences the success or failure of any organization. It is a source of competitive advantage to any organization. With the new technology, an organization is able to come up with products and services that are unique as compared to those of the competitors. These goods and services are such that they satisfy the needs of the customers’ best. In addition, use of new technology in data management ensures that proper decisions are made hence an organization is able to be ahead of the others. New technology in data management also helps to reduce costs to an organization hence success (Cross, 2010). For example, he number of employees and materials require to manage data are reduced hence success of the organization.
There are softwares that are important in data management. Proper data management is very important in ensuring that data is usable in the organization when needed. These softwares process data to information and then store it until when needed. For data to be important, it should be accurate, relevant, reliable and available when needed. In deciding on the softwares to use in data management, the organization should consider factors such as availability, costs, accuracy and cost involved (Cross, 2010). In conclusion, I have learnt that data is an asset in the organization that requires proper management to facilitate success of an organization.
Cross Text: Informal Learning pgs 36-110
Learning in any organization is a continuous process. Learning is also an important aspect for an organization since it helps an organization to adapt to the changing environment. An organization learns through both formal and informal methods. Formal learning in an organization is whereby the employees are taken to schools, training or in business meetings. On the other hand, informal learning is whereby employees learn from each other as they work. Both methods of learning are important in an organization but more emphasis has been put on informal learning.
Informal learning in an organization has been preferred due to various reasons. Informal learning takes place through various methods. The employees are able to ask the other workers what to do or they can observe what the others are doing and hence learn from them. In addition, the workers are able to make calls and ask what is to be done (Cross, 2010). There are many advantages associated with this method. This kind of learning is motivated by the employees themselves as opposed to formal learning. The organization benefits from this kind of learning because efficiency in the organization is enhanced in performance of duties. In addition, the organization incurs no costs as opposed to formal learning. I have learnt that formal learning may not be helpful in that what is learnt in class may not usually be practically applicable.
What the management of an organization requires is usually the execution of duties by the employees. Otherwise, formal learning involves costs and wastage of time that the management usually try to eliminate. Informal learning is more advantageous to any organization and to the employees since they feel satisfied with their jobs in addition to relating well in the organization. Even though formal learning is important in any organization, informal learning is the most preferred kind of learning in any organization.
Wang 2008 Mobile Computing Self-efficacy article
Use of computers is a very common aspect in the business. The use of modern technology facilitates provision of services in any organization. Satisfied customers are ensured in an organization that uses modern technology. Mobile devices are being invented at a very fast rate due to the advancement in technology. The application of mobile phones is becoming very common in many businesses. Other mobile devices with programmes that are very advantageous to business organizations have also been invented. Generally, these devices are a source of information to the users.
There are several challenges that are encountered in the use of mobile devices in the information search. These mobile devices have no steady internet connection and therefore getting information from them at some places is difficult (Taniar, 2009). These devices also cannot access input and output device making their use difficult. They have no mouse like desktop computers. They cannot also be used to obtain hardcopies when needed in some places. The devices also have small screen that makes reading information from them difficult. These limitations of mobile devices prove the necessity of use of desktop computers.
The fact that the use of modern technology is important, I have learnt that the employees are required to have the skills to use the technology related devices. The ability of an individual to use computers in an organization is called self efficacy (Bandura, 1997). Self efficacy cannot be measured since a person may be familiar with a particular application but is not able to use another application effectively. Since technology is ever changing, I have learnt that it is necessary to encourage the employees to learn whenever there is change in technology. In conclusion, learning the use of computers and other mobile devices is a continuous process.
References.
Cross, J. (2010). The working smarter fieldbook: How winning companies collaborate in the cloud. Berkeley: Internet Time Alliance.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York, NY: Freeman.
Taniar, D. (2009). Mobile computing: Concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.
