Visioning Activity (8/22)

Dr. LCJ's Visioning Activities ...



... are listed below:

I.                   Education

1)      Complete my Doctoral degree at CTU in December 2012

2)      Publish my Dissertation in at least three (3) IT Journals

3)      Earn credentials (certification) in Project Management Professional (PMP) via Project Management Institute (PMI)

4)      Master the art of multi-tasking

5)      Lean to ride a motorcycle, and then buy a Harley Davidson

6)      Learn to speak Spanish, French, Italian, and Japanese fluently via Rosa Stone

7)      Publish articles on Business Intelligence, and Networking and Firewall Engineering for the US Department of Homeland Security

8)      Learn web development and create my own personal website

9)      Learn how to draw nice art via color pencils or oil paint

10)  Learn to fly a small airplane

II.                Job/Research

1)      Implement my CS855 Social-Technical Plan at US Homeland Security via SAIC, integrating Business Intelligence with Social Media Network

2)      Integrate Business Intelligence with Network and Firewall Engineering

3)      Travel to Japan to work and conduct IT Research for US Department of Homeland Security via SAIC

4)      Continue research in systems analysis, design, and integration

5)      Travel to USCIS Vermont Service Center in South Burlington, VT and conduct new projects

6)      Learn how to predict the future in information systems and technology

7)      Publish IT papers for the US Department of Homeland Security via SAIC into IT Journals

8)      Implement my dissertation research into my job duties

9)      Study how business intelligence benefits education within the Washington DC Public School District

10)  Conduct research on women and their progression in information systems and technology at US Department of Homeland Security via SAIC

 III.             Philosophical and/or Religious

1)      Visit Israel and Africa

2)      Study Christianity

3)      Volunteer with Girl Scouts of America

4)      Preach my first sermon to young girls to empower them to be all they can be

5)      Read and study the bible, from Genesis to Revelation

6)      Study the Books of Ruth, Esther, and Proverbs 31

7)      Re-enroll and teach financial classes with Crown Financial Ministries

8)      Enroll in the Rich Dad/Poor Dad Education classes

9)      (Really) learn how to think out of the box … walk by faith and not by sight

10)  Assist my church to finish our new campus project

IV.             Travel

1)      Travel to Japan

2)      Travel to Italy

3)      Travel to France

4)      Travel to Spain

5)      Travel to Ghana, Africa

6)      Travel to Tahiti

7)      Travel to China

8)      Travel to Korea

9)      Travel to Las Vegas

10)  Travel to Hawaii

V.                Home(s)

1)      Purchase a Vacation Condo in Massanutten Resort

2)      Purchase my new Townhome in 2013

3)      Get married in Hawaii or Puerto Rico

4)      Live in a beautiful home w/my Husband & Family in the suburbs or the country

5)      Install a nice size Jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub in my new Townhome and my family home’s master bathroom

6)      Create a gourmet kitchen w/an island and breakfast area designed like an Italian Bistro

7)      Build a deck or a private patio room outside the master bedroom suite w/a small Jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub

8)      Learn how to landscape my yard, e.g., nice trees, flowers, rosebushes, etc.

9)      In my “Family Home”, create the family room as a home theater

10)  Build my Mother & Grandmother a brand new home

 

And here's a song that brings it all together for me:

 

 

Animoto Innovation Video (8/18)

Integrating Business Intelligence with Social Media Networks


Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.



BI + Social Media = Insights for Everyone from Any Data, Any Size, Anywhere

Organizations are recognizing the significance of developing well-planned, relevant social media marketing campaigns, as almost everyone uses popular social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others.

Two Forces:  Technical & Social

Technical:   Organizations recognize that social media tracking needs to be part of their overall business strategy, integrating social data into their corporate BI systems. Social media data is like any other data your organization might collect except that it's often unstructured and it comes from an external system. Organizations realize that there is so much that can be gained from viewing social media data as another data source in their BI systems.

Social:  By collecting and analyzing social media data alongside the rest of their corporate BI, companies get an enhanced view of the people who purchase (or don't purchase) their products and services.  Social data can explain why Product X sells so well in Washington DC, and can even help you spot early trends that can drive product development, and product delivery, marketing messaging. BI will present a visual representation of this data, making it easy to identify these trends.

Overall, BI empowers users of all levels with new insights through social media balancing the need for IT to monitor and manage user created content.

References Cited:

Microsoft Corporation. (2012). Microsoft business intelligence.  Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/bi/default.aspx.

Powell, J.E. (2011).  Integrating social media and business intelligence. Retrieved from http://tdwi.org/articles/2011/05/11/integrating-social-media-and-bi.aspx.

Futurist Prediction (8/15)

 

 

There are so many future predictions, e.g. speculations, out there concerning hybrid vehicles.  And with the rapid advancement of technology, it is believed that hybrid vehicles are fast turning into the cars of the future.  With increased costs of living and high concerns of the environment, many customers are taking the chances with the advance technology which hybrid vehicles have to offer.  At present, Toyota and Honda are the two well-known companies producing hybrid vehicles (Go, P., 2010).  About a month ago, I was fortunate to have driven the 2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid while my 2005 Corolla was getting repaired, and I wholeheartedly loved and enjoyed that vehicle.  It’s small.  It’s safe.  It’s economical.  And, it’s high-tech.

 

 

Virtually, all vehicles at present are computer-controlled, while at the same time, traffic flow and road management are being managed by progressive computer networks.  Hybrid vehicles not only allow for greater speed of travel; they also have built-in safety features and toughened materials making fatalities become virtually non-existent.  Through long-term research and analysis, the auto industry is competitively merging performance and human wellbeing by means of the cutting-edge safety technology that keeps everyone on the road.  It does not mean that the combustion engines will disappear any time soon.  It does mean that hybrid vehicles are expected to claim a large percentage of the road (Gott, P., 2008; Tellem, T., 2009).

The forces I found for this blog are: technical and economical.  Hybrid vehicles are technical having robust equipment utilizing power sources to improve mileage.  They also have aerodynamic architecture to keep the car up-to-par, and the tires built with less friction while driving.   Hybrid vehicles are also economical where they provide good gas mileage, are very fuel efficient, and most importantly, they can help save our planet.

References Cited

Go, P. (2010).  The future of hybrid cars.  Retrieved from http://info-hybridcar.blogspot.com/2010/02/future-of-hybrid-cars.html

Gott, P. (2008).  Will electric cars rule the future? Retrieved from http://www.hybridcars.com/fuels/will-electric-cars-rule-future-25049.html

Tellem, T. (2009).  Top ten high-tech car safety technologies. Retrieved from http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-high-tech-car-safety-technologies.html

New Agora Analysis (8/11)

Merriam-Webster defines dialogue as:

·         A conversation between two or more individuals.

·         An exchange of ideas and opinions.

·         A discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at a resolution.

Bohm, Factor, and Garret (1991) defined dialogue as:

“a collective observation of how hidden values and intentions can control our behavior, and how unnoticed cultural differences can clash without our realizing what is occurring.  It can therefore be seen as an arena in which collective learning takes place out of which a sense of increase harmony, fellowship and creative can arise.”

 

Schreibman and Christakis (2007) created the Structured Design Dialogue Process (SDDP/SDP) to simplify meaningful group dialogue via language and technology to enhance the pursuit of community wisdom and power (Luong, 2012; Schreibman & Christakis, 2007).   This process allows insightful thinkers, researchers, and practitioners to assemble together and contribute to research studies of their expertise through dialogue.  The Six (6) Laws of Dialogue from The New Agora paper is an interesting subject in regards to the SDDP/SDP, where dialogue is conducted amongst various scholars and practitioners concerning research study methods in information systems and technology.  Christakis created a Tree of Meaning (Schreibman & Christakis, 2007) to endorse six (6) principles of the meaning and wisdom in dialogue:

1)      Appreciation of diversity

2)      Disciplined dialogue

3)      Understanding relative importance

4)      Meaning & wisdom

5)      Autonomy & authenticity

6)      Evolutionary learning (Luong, 2012; Schreibman & Christakis, 2007)

The SDDP/SDP method supports planning for innovation and change, for it offers a blueprint to scholars, researchers, and/or practitioners to share information in an efficient and effective manner.  Process innovation and quality enhancement opportunities will be offered in systems/project development, which in turn will cut down excessive expenses via integrating new technology into the existing information system.

 

 

The forces I found for this blog are: social and cultural.  The New Agora Analysis is social involving scholars, researchers, and/or practitioners come assemble to discuss or have a dialogue concerning research study methods in information systems and technology.  The New Agora Analysis is also cultural because it focuses on specific (target) group of people and the subject or career areas they are involved in.

References Cited

Bohm, D., Factor, D., & Garrett, P. (1991). Dialogue:  a proposal. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/archives/e-texts/bohm_dialogue.htm .

Luong, M. (2012). Structured design dialogue process. Retrieved from http://naturallyming.blogspot.com/2012/02/structured-design-dialog-process-sddp.html .

Merriam-Webster Inc. (2012). Dialogue. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialogue .

Schreibman, V. & Christakis, A.N. (2007). New agora:  new geometry of languaging and new technology of democracy: the structured design dialogue process. Retrieved from http://sunsite.utk.edu/FINS/loversofdemocracy/NewAgora.htm .



Delphi vs. NGT (8/8)

The Delphi Method is a forecasting method that is developed based on questionnaire or survey results from a diverse panel of experts (Linestone & Turoff, 1975).  This is a flexible research method for doctoral students to discover new concepts inside and outside of the information systems and technology body of knowledge (Skulmoski & Hartman, 2007).  Questionnaires or surveys are distributed to a targeted audience of experts to gather information about a specific subject matter.  The experts are allowed to adjust their answers subsequently, and are kept anonymous.  The responses received are shared within the group, and then a correct response is reached through a consensus from the group as a whole.  In summary, the Delphi Method is established on the conjecture that a group judgment is more valid than an individual judgment.

 

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is an evaluation method that is developed based on questionnaire, survey, and evaluation results from a diverse group of experts (Dobbie et al., 2004; University of Oregon, 2012).  This is a structured (e.g., non-flexible) process where brainstorming is used in problem-solving sessions to encourage innovative thinking, with or without group interaction.  Each expert writes his/her ideas, comments, or concerns about a subject matter, problem, or issue at hand.  The multiple inputs are received and taken into account, discussed within the group, and prioritized in order of importance.  Like the Delphi Method, the NGT prevents the discussion from being dominated by one individual, encouraging all group members to participate in giving solutions or recommendations concerning to the problem (Sample, 2012).

 

The forces I found for this blog are: social and cultural.  The Delphi and NGT are social involving the each team member to actively participate both as an individual as well as a group. It is also cultural where organizations encourages personnel to work together as a team to get things done or to solve problems.

Lisa’s Choice…

To explore an innovative idea, I choose the Delphi with open collaboration.  It is flexible and versatile where it can be utilized in a wide range of environments.  It is cost efficient and cost effective where a diversity of group members can participate in the panel and provide their input.  And most importantly, the group members’ input remains anonymous.

References Cited

Harold A. Linstone, H.A. & Turoff, M. (1975).  The delphi method:  techniques and applications.  Reading, MA.: Addison-Wesley.
 

Sample, J.A. (1984). Nominal group technique:  an alternative to brainstorming. Received from http://www.joe.org/joe/1984march/iw2.php

Skulmoski, G.J., Hartman, F.T. & Krahn, J. (2007). The delphi method for graduate research. Retrieved from http://jite.org/documents/Vol6/JITEv6p001-021Skulmoski212.pdf
 

University of Oregon. (2012). Leading a discussion using the nominal group technique. Retrieved from http://tep.uoregon.edu/services/newsletter/year95-96/issue30/nominal.html

Ted Talks (8/1): Caitria and Morgan O’Neill: How to step up in the face of disaster

When a natural disaster hits, everything from daily life to business operations go wild, and saving lives takes top priority above anything else. After lives are saved, everyone must find a way to sustain themselves and/or get their business operations back up and running. Unfortunately, not all lives are saved or business operations are destroyed where vitality is lost and eventually perish. Why? Because the community overall has limited resources and/or customer base.

In this short skit presentation, these Caitria and Morgan O’Neill talked about how they survived a tornado disaster that hit their hometown of Monson, MA. Usually when people have endured a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or an earthquake, they are scared to death, and mentally devastated. I’m sure Caitria and Morgan were too, yet, with the use of their cell phones and laptops, they took a different route to make things better for their hometown and surrounding areas. They became lead volunteer coordinators to provide a service community power disaster recovery to assist families to recover quicker and return back to their homes. A software application was created to assist communities to receive relief after a natural disaster. This “disaster recovery in a box” offers easy-to-use tools to assist communities to be proactive in structuring volunteers, donations and information needed to put their community back up and running. In addition, it also offers guidelines to prepare every town, county, or state with tools and training before a disaster hits.

This mission started in June 2011 and it led to a powerful organization in which Caitria and Morgan are now running: Community Powered Recovery … Website: www.recovers.org . These sisters not only identified problems that typically arise during a natural disaster recovery, but they were also proactive to solve those problems for their community and other communities as well. As a result, their organization is a huge success today.

The forces I found for this blog are: technical and economical.  The “disaster recovery in a box”  is technical being providing up-to-date information, route the residents and/or business, supplies, and resources to the appropriate locations.  Moreover, residential and/or business information is saved on “cloud” servers, keeping them safe and secure from natural disasters.  The “disaster recovery in a box” is also economical allowing residents and/or businesses to connect with each other, keep track of information, coordinate natural disaster relief efforts to help rebuild the community with ease (Fellowship Technologies, 2012).

References Cited

Recovers.org. (2012). Community powered recovery. Retrieved from https://recovers.org/

Fellowship Technologies. (2012). Technology help churches recover after a natural disaster. Retrieved from http://www.fellowshipone.com/trends/technology-helps-churches-recover-after-a-natural-disaster

Ted Conferences LLC. (2012). Caitria and Morgan
O’Neill: How to step up in the face of disaster. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/caitria_and_morgan_o_neill_how_to_step_up_in_the_face_of_disaster.html

NMC Horizon Report (7/28): Tablet Computing: Time-to-Adoption Horizon: One Year or Less

 

Blog Website Link: http://drlcj2012.blogspot.com/2012/09/tablet-computing-time-to-adoption.html

If you want to pick a great gift for a student or a teacher, a Tablet PC (e.g. tablets) would be the perfect pick. Tablets are strongly recognized by the education community as a powerful tool. There are a number of public schools encouraging students to use tablets instead of heavy set of textbooks. For example, in Manila, Philippines, the city government has provided tablets to senior high school students in selected public schools on a pilot basis (ABS-CBN News, 2012). Another example, in Richland County School District 2 in Columbia SC, a dear sister-friend (college alumni) of mine has two sons in the middle school who are using the iPad2 for their school assignments, along with their books. A third example, my church has a scholarship ministry to assist students who are going to college. Last summer, the graduating high school seniors were award a new iPad2 along with scholarship funds to go to college. And a final example, I received a Blackberry Playbook as a gift in October 2011 and I love it. It comes in handy when I attend meetings, grad school symposiums, and especially job interviews. The progression in tablets has captured the imagination of educators around the world (The NMC Horizon Report, 2012, p. 14). Because of their portability, large display, and touchscreen, tablets are ideal devices for students for individual learning, as well as fieldwork (p. 15). Tablets are excellent tools to have, being a mobile device with a combination of a laptop, smart phone, e-reader, Wi-Fi connection, and a mass of apps available to customize it (p. 17). Students can take their notes electronically, anytime, anywhere. They can record their lectures and/or presentations easily. Their data is protected. And most importantly, they will benefit with getting more assignments done in less time. No question about it, tablet computing has, and still is, proven itself to be an ideal solution for both students and educators.

The forces I found for this blog are:  economical, educational, and technical.  Tablets are economical being lightweight, easy to carry where students can function without lugging around laptops, portable notebooks, and/or textbooks combined.  They also have a low-heat processor and a longer battery life than the average laptop (Dutta, 2012).  Tablets are educational having specific functions via special digital pen in which the student's handwriting becomes the input within the tablet itself.  Students with tablets are not only learning new game apps but they are also learning or enhancing their skills challenging subjects such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics.  Not only do the students' grades increase, but also their standardized test scores (Bloom, 2012).  Tablets are of course technical.  Students can take notes electronically that can be stored, accessed, reviewed, reorganized, and synchronized with inputs that can be streamlined with input in other data or fille formats (Dutta, 2012).


Reference Cited:
 
ABS-CBN News. (2012). Makati public school students to get tablet PCs. Retrieved from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/05/31/12/makati-public-school-students-get-tablet-pcs

Bloom, J. (2012). Educational value of tablet computers.  Retrieved from http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/technology&id=8469105

Dutta, P. (2012). What are the advantages of tablets pcs? Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_4886016_what-advantages-tablet-pcs.html

New Media Consortium (NMC). (2012). Tablet computing: Time-to-adoption horizon: One year or less. Retrieved from http://www.ctudoctoral.net/file.php/1038/2012-Horizon-Report-HE.pdf