IFS SLICE VOL 3

As we approach the nemesis known as exams, we also approach the end of the course and modules. The rush begins for the final submissions, as the coach would say "its crunch time"

Progress for the past week includes reflecting and refining skills on peer assessments; possibly a more challenging task than simple project initiation itself, and in just a moment I shall elaborate as to why exactly.  When presented with a particular task, be it individual or group, for me it's simply best to attack the project head on. Research, due diligence, consultation with lectures, liaising with peers etc.  However critiquing a fellow colleague's work, and being cognisant that the outcome has implications on both parties' marks posed a somewhat challenge. It is something that I do indeed have experience in, however, I am not accustomed to just yet. I am usually the individual concerned with performing the work at hand and having seniors assess it to their liking and level of acceptance. One can fully appreciate the skill development as many of us in IFS will undoubtedly become Project Managers. However this is an area in which my experience is finite in comparison to the rest of my skills.

Learning from the week include the Models below:

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TTF - Technology Task Fit

Technology task fit is the degree to which technology assists an individual in performing his/her portfolio of tasks.

More specifically the correspondence between task requirements individual abilities and functionality of the technology.

When technology provides features and support that fit the requirements of a task - information systems have a positive impact on performance when there is a correspondence between core functionality and task requirements

TTF - using  Broadband Adaptation  

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TAM - Technology Acceptance Model

The technology acceptance model (TAM) is an information systems theory that models how users come to accept and use a technology.

The model suggests that when users are presented with a new technology, a number of factors influence their decision about how and when they will use it.

—  Perceived usefulness

—  Perceived ease of use

TAM - using  Broadband Adaptation  

TTD -Theory of Technology dominance

TTD has two dependent factors:

—  Reliance - The extent to which an individual applies the intelligent decision aid and integrates the recommendations of that aid into his or her judgment.

—  Dominance - The state of decision making where the intelligent decision aid, as opposed to its user, takes primary control of a decision making process.

TTD has four independent factors:

—  Task Experience - The level of experience a decision maker has regarding the completion of a task as well as the extent to which the decision maker has developed strategies for completing that particular task.

—  Task Complexity - The extent to which the cognitive abilities of the decision maker are challenged with completing a certain task. (In psychology this is often termed Task Difficulty.)

—  Decision Aid Familiarity - The extent to which the decision maker is comfortable with the intelligent decision aid based on prior experience and/or significant training with the aid (or similar aids).

—  Cognitive Fit – The extent to which the cognitive processes used with the decision aid to complete a task match the cognitive processes normally applied by the decision maker using the aid.

My Skill Inventory to date include:

  §  Mentoring

  §  Coaching

  §  Reporting

  §  Business & Process Analysis

  §  Improving methodologies

  §  Training & Coaching methodology,

  §  Risk assessment

  §  Time management.

  §  Business and Data analysis

  §  Conflict management

  §  Interviewing

  §  Directing

Occupational goals remain unchanged and entail becoming a BA -Business Analyst

The plan to achieve this goal is to pass Honours (fairly well) then apply to UCT BASA program.

Obtain my Advanced Diploma in Business and System analysis, then either get placed in a company as part of the program or simply seek a company to work for that suits my persona. My intention is further my studies part time as I do wish to obtain a Masters in Information Systems

Goals for the years to come would include moving into a BA role, then later to Senior BA and from there Solutions System Architecture or DevOps. While I have certain milestones I wish to reach, I am open to simply enjoy the journey and do not wish to over-plan and would not mind ending up wherever the road takes me.

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The moment were we part ways I am afraid, This chapter concludes the final in our trilogy

For what it’s worth , it’s never too late or in some cases, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it.

I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and If you find that you’re not. I hope you have the courage to start all over again.

IFS SLICE VOL 2

"My senses begin to dim, I feel a loss of my strength, it is the heat of the battle, in the warriors code there is no surrender even though his body cries 'stop' his spirit cries 'never' deep in my soul a quiet ember"

Sleepless nights consume our daily lives; and if one does figure out that Parody then you have experienced IFS Postgrad."

Such has been the last 2 weeks dating the mistress known as Honours who consumes all my energy and time. A cool feeling of relief washes over my face after the Peer Review for IFS 731, as a bulk of the presentations I say farewell to.

To list but some of the adversity overcame in recent weeks were assignments for ever single module due in recent succession.

Having taking a break from the student life; and returning from the work environment to once again become a student I feel a slight evolutionary advantage, and if history has taught us anything - it is that evolution always wins.

My years in the work environment have enabled me to take charge of unprecedented situations and act as a leader to my team.

Looking back at it now and comparing our final presentations with first, I can truly say we have come a long way.

 

1. Progress per week

Progress to date thus far includes Assignments and presentations on Agile, Project Management, Scrum, DevOps; every single concept once asked in past interviews if I had knowledge on.  

IFS 712 is complete in respect of assignments and presentations minus exam

IFS 713 is nearing completion minus exam as all that remains are a last few class discussions.

IFS 722 we have only recently received both our assignments one group and one individual research assignment in preparation for Honours; for those who wish to pursue

IFS 721 had to be placed on a brief hold while prioritization for deadlines of other modules take place. 

Despite the pandemonium among students our team moral has growth substantially and we have become more of a little family, not only slaving away for assignments but bringing each other breakfast in the morning, treats in evening to create a more positive and pleasant working environment.

2. Lessons learnt & Interests.

I've learnt that Project management is hardly what it once was in terms of approach, development execution and overall methodology. Digital innovation is at the forefront, leaving companies looking for fresher and more adaptive methodologies to meet project requirements. Increasingly traditional approaches such as the hierarchical waterfall method take a back seat to burgeoning Agile and DevOps techniques. 

When it comes to project management, Agile should no longer be considered merely an option but rather a necessity. Agile allows the structure and sequence of open communication and collaboration between phases. Agile approaches introduce a faster and more adaptive management process, breaking down once- monolithic projects into quick-hitting sprints. The emphasis is placed on constant adaption, innovation, experimentation and feedback for constant improvement. Out of this we have Scrum and Lean; which are essentially mindsets/methodologies. They have different approaches and they work effectively in different situations. Scrum begins with the team while Lean begins with the process. Lean Software Development facilitates guidelines on a set of practices, while Scrum focuses itself to the framework of project management practices.

3. Personality

Test 1 - Findings

INTJs -  Introversion Intuition Thinking Judging are analytical and most comfortable working alone and tend to be less sociable than other types.  Nevertheless, INTJs are prepared to lead if no one else seems up to the task, or if they see a major weakness in the current leadership. They tend to be pragmatic, logical, and creative. They have a low tolerance for spin or rampant emotionalism. They are not generally susceptible to catchphrases and do not recognize authority based on tradition, rank, or title. 

Test 2-  Findings

The Investigator. The perceptive, cerebral type. Alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. 

At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way

The Enthusiast. The busy, productive type. Extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming overextended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness.

 At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied

In comparison to SWOT analysis I feel there was a glaring contradiction between my personality test and my personal SWOT; perhaps I am my own worst enemy or harshest critic. The personality test reveals more credit than I allow myself to have; which is fitting considering I am not an natural optimist.

I agree with the personality type to a level in which the personality tests highlight "individuals such as myself are most comfortable working alone and tend to be less sociable than other types"

At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way

Insights gained from personality tests findings reveal that I could be both analytical and examine in detail and in-depth as well as approach matters from a holistic and overall view.

Additional comments and views

As one of the top performing students I have been fortunate enough to be selected to attend a conference in Germany on Digital Transformation of Higher education hosted through HNU -Hochshule Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences. While this is an amazing opportunity the application for the Visa has cause considerable anxiety with my ever strenuous schedule.

IFS SLICE VOL 1

Man 1 -So what do you do?

Man 2 - I'm in IS

Man 1 - aaaah yes that's good, my son also does IT courses and things, so you fix computers and stuff right?

Man 2 - Not quite, in fact I have never fixed a PC, laptop, kindle, mobile device in my life.

Man 1 - So what is that you do?

Man 2 - Let me explain what IS is about......

IS/IFS/ Information Systems facilitates the incorporation of both hardware and software, technical and managerial skills for the purpose of gathering, computing, processing and essentially distribution of information deployed in a user friendly and beneficial form. The confluence of a sequence of clear defined tasks/objectives ensures delivery of a particular project is met.

This framework and methodology can be applied not only to business and academia but also every day life to ensure everything goes according to plan.

In this Blog we shall uncover more detailed aspects of the fascinating concept known as Information Systems seen through the eyes of the most promising IFS Student in the history of the (UWC) University of the Western Cape. Also I shall reveal the numerous aspects that pertain to the world of IS.

• IS can comprise of various aspects in terms of course content at an academic level. Be it Managing Systems Delivery, End User Practical, Delivering IS benefits and so on. The incredible and fascinating concept of IS is that it cannot be reduced to single practice or function. If someone is an accountant we know automatically they do accounting, however when we mention someone is in the world of IS, the possibilities are so much more than a few limiting options; for example:

• Database administrator.
• Information systems manager.
• IT consultant.
• IT technical support officer.
• Multimedia programmer.
• Network engineer.
• Systems analyst.
• Systems developer.

To name but a few of the most synonymous with IS. My personal favourite being the BA -Business Analysis. The title is more than just a prestigious occupation to impress all your old buddies you went to high school with, every single organization incorporates the expertise of a Business Analyst be it directly or indirectly whether they know it or not.

During the course of about 3 weeks that I have been in PostGrad at UWC I can honestly say I have learnt more about Information Systems than I ever did in my years as an Undergrad student.

To highlight but a few topics covered were:

• Project Management
• SDLC -Systems/Software Development Life Cycle
• Causes of project failure
• Business Model Canvas
• Digital Innovation (more particularly in creative industries)

Food for thought

Perhaps to briefly elaborate on something rather interesting is that Creative Industries Claims is promotes Neoliberism as a political ideology and thus furthers the hegemony of multinational corporate capital over cultural sphere. Yet cultural industries remain under the control of media conglomerates (SBOK™ Guide, 2013 edition)

The very popular Agile

One of my lecturers Carolien van den Berg; a very attractive, highly astute yet fairly stringent lecturer taught me how to KISS.

KISS being “Keep it simply simple”. This is one of the first concepts she reintegrated in one of my very first lectures.

 Much like the great Marcus Aurelius who counseled simplicity; first principles of each particular thing, ask what everything in itself is?, what needs does it serve? So did Carolien emphasize the need to keep things simple in what can be a complex world of IS with plenty jargon and tautology.

Agile SDLC is what interests me most in IFS 1703 Honours; hosted at the prestigious University of the Western Cape and to be just a tad more specific would be Scrum.

Random fact

In the 80's 2 Japanese geniuses by the names of Takeuch and Nonaka formulated a strategy which was labelled as holistic/rugby approach.

Now for those of us who think of the word “scrum” and automatically think Kobus Wiese , Schulk Burger or even a head on collision going down in the ruck you must be thinking this has nothing to do with SDLC or Scrum.                                                                                                                               

However this is exactly where the origins of the term come from – Like in the game of rugby where the players pass the ball back and forth as they move downfield and the emphasis lies in the method of everyone keeping in line, all players pushing down the field together.

What makes the SDLC of Scrum so awesome?

Well to start with the benefits include:

•          Adaptability
•          Transparency
•          Continuous feedback
•          Early delivery of high value
•          Customer centric
•          Collective ownership
•          Innovative environment
•          Effective development process
•          High trust environment

Quick Recap

We touched on information systems involving people, processes, technology, strategies, solutions, computing and processing and much more. This enables us to realise the career choices in IFS is vast and the skills learnt near guarantee one of employment.

 We have a basic understanding of the SDLC and some of the benefits , as well as its origins.

We also understand that we cannot limit IFS to one particular aspect as that would not do justice and in so doing would be a crystallization and not pay it its full dues; as this can range from business processes to managing large projects to database administration, something all companies need in order to remain competitive and flourish.

S	W	O	T
Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities	Threats
Enjoying specializing in IS; Find information to be extremely useful from a practical perspective	Finding it challenging to keep up with all course material due to workload	Form study groups summarize course material then reconvene to share notes	External factors in my personal life distracting me from focusing attention on work; having to follow up with momentum for provident payout continuously, visiting Labour Department for UIF which is time consuming etc
Adaptation to working in groups with different backgrounds and cultures		Make use of consultations offered by lecturers
Ability to comprehend complex terminology

Interest Inventory

My interest inventory would need to compromise largely of BASA - business and system analysis.

As mentioned previously from  a career perspective the occupation I wish to pursue someday would be that of a BA for a well established company. Eliminating bottlenecks and constraints, coming up with various approaches and methodologies to ensure delivery of a project is met would be something I could comfortably do until mandatory retirement.

My heart is set on this and I feel achieving an Honours and perhaps even Masters will enabled me to land a role in that of a Business Analyst.

Personal Values & Outlook

My values are rather simple and include incorporating a balance in life which I think is crucial not only for success but for mental stability.

Trying not to eat too much junk food, squeezing in exercise 3 times a week, having core believe such as religion is extremely important to me; perhaps an old fashion notion but I truly belief if you do not make time for God or give him what he wants, then he will never grant you what you want.

Never judging people who have different Ideologies and world views but rather to learn from them. Remain humble, be the hardest worker in the room and always stay hungry for greatness, success and increasing your skill set.