Today's post was going to focus on my thoughts about ERP systems, but I feel compelled to take a different course.
When I woke up this morning, I had no idea what the day had in store for me. I started it like any other and went on about my business. While at work, my grandmother called but I didn't answer because I was in the midst of something I perceived to be of more importance. She left a message, which I didn't check until now.
In a quavering voice, she told me that my Uncle passed away. A short time ago, he suffered a freak accident while working on a construction site, which paralyzed him from the neck down. I planned to see him and my family Father's Day weekend, but got sick instead. Today, he succumbed to his injuries and took his last breathe.
Even though, I haven't seen him much over the years, every time we were together we had a blast! He was easy like Sunday morning, loved life, joked around with everyone he came in contact with, and was very suave. For those reasons, he affectionately earned the nickname "Cat Man", which is the southern version of "Rico Suave". He survived Iraq, yet wanted to go back for a second tour. The family pleaded for him to stay, but he was headstrong (like the rest of us) and started making plans to return. Who would have thought his life would have been taken in a manner other than war?
My heart is riddled with grief and I'm not sure I have the strength to sit through class tonight, yet alone get through the weekend. The funeral is Saturday in Mississippi, but I still have to: study for my Operations Mgmt midterm and write a research paper and case for this class. Somehow I'll have to put on my cape and power through this weekend, deflecting all emotions that come to impede my progress.
Today, was a reminder that no man knows the day or hour so we must live life to the fullest and seize every precious moment.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Best Laid Plans
Last week, I had my whole weekend planned out. I was going to finish all of my coursework by Friday, enabling me to get out of town for the weekend. However, I guess it wasn't in the cards for me. I ended up getting sick Friday afternoon and spent the rest of the weekend calling earl and resting. So much for doing my work! Getting sick put me three days behind and I have a midterm next week. This means that I'll be pulling all nighters, which I DESPISE (I need my beauty sleep, which, clearly, I haven't been getting lately..have you seen the bags under my eyes). Funny thing is, every time I make plans (pertaining to school) something ALWAYS happens that prevents me from following through. It's like the universe realizes I'm about to get ahead and then slaps me back into next week, literally.
Blogger's Note: This post contains a lot of urban vernacular, if you need help decoding, please visit www.urbandictionary.com.
Goodnight.
Blogger's Note: This post contains a lot of urban vernacular, if you need help decoding, please visit www.urbandictionary.com.
Goodnight.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Boys and Their Toys
I overheard an interesting conversation among three IT people the other day. One gentleman proudly told the others that he ordered the new iPhone 3GS, to be delivered Friday. His peers asked "What does it do differently than the original?" He responded, "Nothing really, but it will allow me to stream videos". Nothing really?! Well, then WHY buy it? He continued by saying, "I really shouldn't get another because I've already been through three. Plus I can't afford it, but I just want it". Why anyone would choose to eat Ramen noodles for the rest of the month just to tote around a new phone baffles me.
He did have an interesting idea...he suggested that cell phone manufactures make a cool, waterproof phone (none of those unattractive, rugged looking ones though). That's a good idea since I too have lost a phone to water damage. However, that will never happen as manufactures will lose the money they receive from those tired of receiving a re-furbished phone and decide to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Also, they will lose money from selling warranties, accessories, and other extras. Here's another thought...instead of a waterproof phone, how about one that simply works?
I read an article from PC World that suggested bugs and viruses had become a new reality in the cell phone world. Everyone is rushing to market to beat out their competitors, but, as a result, they're sacrificing quality. If you have a unique, cutting edge product that's full of bugs, doesn't deliver on its technological promises, and costs more than other phones on the market, what's your value proposition?
A male colleague, who prefers to remain anonymous, said, "It's funny how when it comes to gadgets, men don't care about the value proposition as long as it's the newest, hippest thing". I guess he's right,boys and their toys....
Article Reference: http://www.pcworld.com/article/158384/cell_phone_bugs_and_glitches_the_new_reality.html
He did have an interesting idea...he suggested that cell phone manufactures make a cool, waterproof phone (none of those unattractive, rugged looking ones though). That's a good idea since I too have lost a phone to water damage. However, that will never happen as manufactures will lose the money they receive from those tired of receiving a re-furbished phone and decide to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Also, they will lose money from selling warranties, accessories, and other extras. Here's another thought...instead of a waterproof phone, how about one that simply works?
I read an article from PC World that suggested bugs and viruses had become a new reality in the cell phone world. Everyone is rushing to market to beat out their competitors, but, as a result, they're sacrificing quality. If you have a unique, cutting edge product that's full of bugs, doesn't deliver on its technological promises, and costs more than other phones on the market, what's your value proposition?
A male colleague, who prefers to remain anonymous, said, "It's funny how when it comes to gadgets, men don't care about the value proposition as long as it's the newest, hippest thing". I guess he's right,boys and their toys....
Article Reference: http://www.pcworld.com/article/158384/cell_phone_bugs_and_glitches_the_new_reality.html
Monday, June 15, 2009
Eureka!
My fellow classmates and I are beginning to grumble about the amount of work crammed into this short summer session course. However, I am beginning to understand how it all fits together.
Our first major assignment was to analyze and submit a case AND a research paper (both due on the same day I might add). On Saturday, I started to wonder how I would finish both in time to watch the NBA Finals Sunday (Congrats Lakers!!). Since the research paper was due several hours before the case, I thought it best to work on that first. I'm glad I did because it helped me understand the difference between the roles of a CIO and a CTO. At first, I thought it was just useless knowledge, but as soon as I read the case it became more clear. In order to analyze and make meaningful recommendations about the case, doing the research first was paramount. It really helped me understand why some of Jack Carlisle's colleagues felt he was overstepping his bounds and why he was so concerned about his relationship with the new CEO. Going forward, I will try to complete the research component first before tackling the case as it saved mental anguish and, most importantly, gave me enough time to watch the game!
So, there's a method to Professor B's madness and now I get it.
Update: For my invisible follower who felt I was trying to be a sycophant by this post, please know that it's the furthest thing from my mind..I'm merely making an observation(we'll settle this at home).
Our first major assignment was to analyze and submit a case AND a research paper (both due on the same day I might add). On Saturday, I started to wonder how I would finish both in time to watch the NBA Finals Sunday (Congrats Lakers!!). Since the research paper was due several hours before the case, I thought it best to work on that first. I'm glad I did because it helped me understand the difference between the roles of a CIO and a CTO. At first, I thought it was just useless knowledge, but as soon as I read the case it became more clear. In order to analyze and make meaningful recommendations about the case, doing the research first was paramount. It really helped me understand why some of Jack Carlisle's colleagues felt he was overstepping his bounds and why he was so concerned about his relationship with the new CEO. Going forward, I will try to complete the research component first before tackling the case as it saved mental anguish and, most importantly, gave me enough time to watch the game!
So, there's a method to Professor B's madness and now I get it.
Update: For my invisible follower who felt I was trying to be a sycophant by this post, please know that it's the furthest thing from my mind..I'm merely making an observation(we'll settle this at home).
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Love Affair Continues
Today, my longstanding love/hate relationship with technology persisted as several events occurred that continue to push me away.
1. In the middle of a conversation on my BlackBerry aka “Crackberry” my phone decided it was tired of listening to yet another conversation with my mother, dropped the phone call, and displayed the “white screen of death” along with the hourglass icon. Why this happened…who knows, but this wasn’t the first time and, I must say, it’s getting pretty old.
2. Normally I receive about 70 emails a day, so you can imagine my disbelief when only one registered on my phone all day. I reconnected my phone to the network (in case it got lost), but nothing came through. Several hours later, my LightSpeed notifier goes off like crazy. Here comes, not one.. not two.. or three emails, but about 50 emails flood my inbox. Oh great, I thought, now I need to drop what I’m doing to wade through the ocean of emails (because I have an addiction to email and must respond immediately).
3. While working on my research paper a weird imprint appeared on my computer screen. It looks like a caption box from a cartoon strip. First, I thought it was unique to the website I was on. I opened another browser window and it was still there. I opened various documents and, yep, still there. I wish I knew how to take a picture and post it to this blog, because it’s really annoying (at least my friends got a good chuckle out of it). I even shut down and rebooted the computer, but apparently, its decided to stay awhile and bug the heck out of me.
So, you see, its episodes like these that continue to wedge distance between me and a potentially healthy relationship with technology. Some of you will say don’t sweat the small stuff, but when something abruptly interrupts your life one can’t help but to notice.
1. In the middle of a conversation on my BlackBerry aka “Crackberry” my phone decided it was tired of listening to yet another conversation with my mother, dropped the phone call, and displayed the “white screen of death” along with the hourglass icon. Why this happened…who knows, but this wasn’t the first time and, I must say, it’s getting pretty old.
2. Normally I receive about 70 emails a day, so you can imagine my disbelief when only one registered on my phone all day. I reconnected my phone to the network (in case it got lost), but nothing came through. Several hours later, my LightSpeed notifier goes off like crazy. Here comes, not one.. not two.. or three emails, but about 50 emails flood my inbox. Oh great, I thought, now I need to drop what I’m doing to wade through the ocean of emails (because I have an addiction to email and must respond immediately).
3. While working on my research paper a weird imprint appeared on my computer screen. It looks like a caption box from a cartoon strip. First, I thought it was unique to the website I was on. I opened another browser window and it was still there. I opened various documents and, yep, still there. I wish I knew how to take a picture and post it to this blog, because it’s really annoying (at least my friends got a good chuckle out of it). I even shut down and rebooted the computer, but apparently, its decided to stay awhile and bug the heck out of me.
So, you see, its episodes like these that continue to wedge distance between me and a potentially healthy relationship with technology. Some of you will say don’t sweat the small stuff, but when something abruptly interrupts your life one can’t help but to notice.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Technology...the Final Frontier
Student's Log
Star Date: 6090.9
I have been left with no choice, but to tackle my fear head on. Today marked my landing into the final frontier...the abstruse world of TECHNOLOGY *cue mysterious music* affectionately known as MBA 8125 (Information Technology Management). I am apprehensive of technology as it is rapidly evolving and I do not have the time nor desire to keep up. Plus, it continuously lets you down like a bad relationship, which turns me off even more. Yes, I have a "Crackberry", iPod, and other devices, but if you asked me "How does it do that?" I wouldn't have the first clue, but should I...my background is in finance.
I am learning that effective leaders must have knowledge of technology in order to ensure their IT strategy is in line with the overarching strategies of the business and organization. Since I will be one of those future leaders, I must learn the basics. Plus, it's a required course in order for me to graduate (so it's kind of important).
Since this is an unfamiliar topic, to me, I was hoping for a teacher who was an expert in the field who would not look at me cross-eyed when I asked "dumb" questions. My prayers were answered when I met Professor B. He's knowledgeable and breaks down subjects in an easy to understand manner. Lastly, he approaches topics with humor (a HUGE plus in my book). When I asked "What's a tag?" he explained it in a way that I will understand for the rest of my life (or until they change the name of the function).
At the end of class, we played a game of IT Jeopardy. During the game, I quickly realized that my Geekiness Quotient was closer to 2 than the 5 he thought most people should be at. I mean, do you know what HTML or URL stands for or who created the web (apparently not Al Gore). When I determined I didn't know the basics, a sinking feeling came over me. Next I began to think that some of these questions may magically reappear on our "pop quiz" Thursday, thankfully they did not *exhale*. He has high expectations for his students and I plan to do my best to meet them (no matter how much extra time I have to spend to increase my Geekiness Quotient).
The class requires me to blog weekly, so be prepared to hear from me regularly. That brings me to my last point...blog...what's a blog? I still don't really know, but I do what I'm told. However, ask me again in 7 weeks, when class ends, and I should have a more definitive answer.
Oh...please forgive the Star Trek references. I just saw the movie. I'm no sci-fi geek, but I LOVED it!
Live Long & Prosper
Star Date: 6090.9
I have been left with no choice, but to tackle my fear head on. Today marked my landing into the final frontier...the abstruse world of TECHNOLOGY *cue mysterious music* affectionately known as MBA 8125 (Information Technology Management). I am apprehensive of technology as it is rapidly evolving and I do not have the time nor desire to keep up. Plus, it continuously lets you down like a bad relationship, which turns me off even more. Yes, I have a "Crackberry", iPod, and other devices, but if you asked me "How does it do that?" I wouldn't have the first clue, but should I...my background is in finance.
I am learning that effective leaders must have knowledge of technology in order to ensure their IT strategy is in line with the overarching strategies of the business and organization. Since I will be one of those future leaders, I must learn the basics. Plus, it's a required course in order for me to graduate (so it's kind of important).
Since this is an unfamiliar topic, to me, I was hoping for a teacher who was an expert in the field who would not look at me cross-eyed when I asked "dumb" questions. My prayers were answered when I met Professor B. He's knowledgeable and breaks down subjects in an easy to understand manner. Lastly, he approaches topics with humor (a HUGE plus in my book). When I asked "What's a tag?" he explained it in a way that I will understand for the rest of my life (or until they change the name of the function).
At the end of class, we played a game of IT Jeopardy. During the game, I quickly realized that my Geekiness Quotient was closer to 2 than the 5 he thought most people should be at. I mean, do you know what HTML or URL stands for or who created the web (apparently not Al Gore). When I determined I didn't know the basics, a sinking feeling came over me. Next I began to think that some of these questions may magically reappear on our "pop quiz" Thursday, thankfully they did not *exhale*. He has high expectations for his students and I plan to do my best to meet them (no matter how much extra time I have to spend to increase my Geekiness Quotient).
The class requires me to blog weekly, so be prepared to hear from me regularly. That brings me to my last point...blog...what's a blog? I still don't really know, but I do what I'm told. However, ask me again in 7 weeks, when class ends, and I should have a more definitive answer.
Oh...please forgive the Star Trek references. I just saw the movie. I'm no sci-fi geek, but I LOVED it!
Live Long & Prosper
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