ISM3004 Computing Portfolio Project, 2008 for
Sumiko Jividen

Upon graduation from UF, I plan on working for a medical consulting firm that assists physicians in opening their own practices. I plan on relocate for this position. here.

Part 1 - Web Page Project

Why do you think a Web presence (site) is an essential for businesses of all sizes?

Working for a large medical non-profit organization such as Shands at the University of Florida, is definately an asset. Many of our training staff refer back to the web for additional research in hopes of diagnosing patients properly. Web referencing is a common practices at Shands because it is also a teaching facility, and top level management encourage staff to take advantage of this opportunity. Web presence is definately essential for business of all sizes to utilize for their market share voice, and for the rapidly evolving e-commerce that we take part in everyday. Shands takes part in this method for recruiting new employees in most specialties. They would not have such a diverse work force if they did not solicit their job openings via the web.


Part 2 - Podcast

The use of podcasts in business

Advertising is rapidly transforming to stay current with competition and to remain profitable. An addition to the promotional element of business is podcasting. Podcasting is a compilation of audio and video files that can be accessed through the use of the Internet. This new technology was developed in the early 2000’s, and has been a hit with radio and television shows ever since. Particularly of Apple, the creators of iPod and iTunes, which advertises their latest products and services to consumers consistently, who are trying to remain ahead of the completion. Subscribing to podcasts is relatively cheap, unless you download a wealth of files.

Podcasts add a trendy twist for consumers, who utilize the Internet and sites that provide synchronized feeds, in order to view or listen to a wealth of digital media. Technology will continue to evolve, and it is in our best interest as entrepreneurs, business owners, consumers, and a host of other individuals to maintain and modify these changes. Podcasts will bring success and hopefully economic growth to businesses, which prefer to use this method along with their other resources. I hope to use podcasting in the future because I believe that its strength and reach will eventually develop into a monumental asset to advertising.

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Part 3 - Secure E-mail

The use of secure e-mail, commonly known as encrypted e-mail, in the business setting has created many benefits. Encrypted e-mail service provides customer confidence, and ensures the protection of customer identity and health information. Wards off outsiders trying to pry in the organizations’ strategy and blueprints, and internally is protected from strikes and reorganization.

Encryption provides electronic privacy, or e-mail privacy, from unlawful access and scrutiny. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution upholds “a reasonable expectation of privacy”. Through the use of the internet, business organizations are posed with a great threat of malicious attacks, and prevention of hackers should be enforced immediately to shield from harm. Promoting authentic security using an encryption key would give my business a greater sense of strength.

During my employment at the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, I was required to use a secured email account. Due to the nature of my position having access to a multitude of Social Security numbers, the government thought it was best to utilize this software. Using their version of Thunderbird, established confidence within the USDVA to safely compose and read e-mails over the internet. The success of our government depends on the security of our nation. Defending the identity of veterans from fraud, forgery, and even more serious white collar crimes, also gives the already leery veterans some much needed assurance from the government.

As a consumer and as an entrepreneur, I would recommend encrypted e-mail to business organizations alike. Incorporating secure e-mail definitely gives the firm a powerful defense from dishonest individuals, attempting to invade the intelligent information of the firm. Rigorous filtering reduces the amount of spam that is received with the use of encrypted e-mail accounts, and simplifies the identifying of senders, who could be involved in forgeries, does not completely ensure that all spam is blocked. Knowing that my business is protected from hackers, gives me total confidence in the growth of my company, and having the best security available with the use of the Internet increases that coolness.


Part 4 - Collaborative Computing

Collaborative computing is such an integral part of the business sector, allowing users to share files, interact and participate actively in a database, and creating documents and surveys that will better assess the quality of an assignment or project. Collaborative computing features peer-to-peer interaction with the use of discussion boards and group panels, which allows the user to share regularly. Sharepoint, is a website that presents individuals with the ability to mutually share documents, feedback, general discussions, etc. The software associated with Sharepoint, is relatively easy to navigate through, with step-by-step instructions, supplying the user with basic information on how to complete a task.

For example, the success of students enrolled at the University of Florida distance learning program relies heavily upon collaborative computing. E-Learning or the Blackboard Learning Systems, was distinctly created for students accessing academic instruction from the university. The learning environment joins students from all over the world in this socially active community, which seems to grow each semester, as the online student population increases. This method has effectively contributed to the enhancement of learning for students, and has revealed a new approach of conducting collaborative learning via the Internet.

The benefits of collaborative computing are endless, providing businesses with a fresh direction into the future. The use of collaborative computing in my business would give it an added dimension, offering a new scope on interaction from my business associates. The use of this software will increase the rewards of any business, with effort and creativity.


Part 5 - Excel

Excel 2003/2007 Skills

The Excel Project: DVD Rental Data Analysis, was a demonstration of accurate application utilizing the Microsoft Office Excel 2003 software. After beginning this project, I became increasingly aware that I didn't know as much about Excel as I thought I did. However, after many failed attempts, I began to gain confidence in the program and in myself while completing the project. Through the use of tutorials, lectures, and the discusssion board, I was able to manipulate existing data, and to format the data properly with greater ease. The movie rental data analysis was very informative, and revealed the complexity and reach of Excel 2003. Aspiring to be a future business owner, I was able to gain valuable knowledge and resources with the use of Microsoft Office Excel 2003. The use of the Pivot Table Wizard was rather informative because it allows you to retrieve data, and modify the values that you are specifically looking for; however, it was tedious and challenging, but the experience was invaluable.


Part 6 - Database

Microsoft Access Skills

The Computing Portfolio Project: Database - DVD Rental using the Microsoft Access 2003 was challenging, but I was able to gain more knowledge using the program. Understanding the value of the program was the first step. Microsoft Access 2003 is a relational database management system that allows the user to manipulate data, and provides the necessary entry for other individuals to view the data and to correct any data that needs to be changed. It is a collection of tables, consisting of columns and rows, and can be manipulated in the tabular form. Microsoft Access 2003 can store a massive amount of information within each of the databases that are being used.

One feature that I really like about Microsoft Access 2003 is the save function. The function is already programmed into the application software, meaning that everything is saved as you go. Many people have experienced technical glitches, where their computer shuts down for some reason or they close the file without properly saving the document first. Microsoft should incorporate the save function in all of their software because it would be a lot easier to use.

Microsoft Access 2003 would be very convenient for me to use when I open my own business. I would be able to change the data within minutes, and able to recall information within seconds. Most small businesses blend this software with their data to form a unique database that is easy to view and correct. Individuals who are involved in the 'door-to-door' operations benefit from this software because they are able to manuever around the database with such ease and are able to retrieve relavent data. Maintaining records for my business won't be as difficult as I had imagined, but with continuous practice with Microsoft Access 2003, I will be able to manage my business better.