ITs MARK

From the perspective of a highly ethical people, software piracy is not an option. Even it is much costly, utilizing a pirated one is already equivalent to a grievous act as plagiarism.

An individual has that innate instinct to do everything in order to survive. For an instance, some of the natives of Zimbabwe consume rodents for them to feed their hungry stomachs and endure life. And in today’s scenario, people are living in an extremely industrialized world wherein technology is almost part of our daily lives. Definitely, software piracy evolved to answer the individual’s need of software yet could not afford to buy a genuine one.

The ethical standards of a community depend on what are generally accepted by the group. If using pirated software is rampant in a society, prolonged practice of this wrongdoing will be generally acceptable in the near future if the developers and the government will not take actions and strictly implement policies regarding this matter.

To contest piracy, software developers should study the reasons behind such crime and the corresponding effects on its profitability. If lowering of price will result to higher revenue because of increased volume of sales, developers may adjust its price to a point wherein profit will not be compromised. Also, a strong campaign should be performed to orient people of the negative effects of piracy as well as how detrimental supporting for this crime is. Thus, this means will be beneficial to everyone as consumers for the affordable and secured consumption, the developers for the increased demand and profitability, the government for decreased piracy crimes which will result to higher tax earnings and the society as a whole for an ethical and healthy environment.

Behind a company’s success is a defined set of objectives. Goals are necessary in bringing the company into its peak since people working on it have apparent view of the company’s direction. In developing excellent objectives, such should be aligned with the company’s mission and vision and should be SMART as they possess the following characteristics:

Specific –clear about what, where, when, which and why such target is to be accomplished

Measurable – for the performance to be measured,

quantifiable criteria should be established

Attainable – knowing the capacities and con

straints makes the company more efficient and effective in maximizing its resources

Realistic – the workforce and its capacity should be considered wherein both should be willing and able in attaining the given objectives

Time Bound – an objective should have a time frame for it to have a sense of urgency

Since a company’s success depends on its established objectives, performance or progress in attaining those goals should be monitored or measured. This should be one of the reasons why the need for Business Intelligence is dramatically increasing.

As defined in Wikipedia, Business Intelligence or BI is a set of theories, methodologies, architectures and technologies that transform raw data into meaningful and useful information for business purposes.

Since not all users are concerned of all the details of a report and interested only on certain information, BI is a helpful tool in providing their particular needs. BI can transform voluminous data into an interpretation which is affable depending on a certain group of users.

Using BI, an organization will have the capacity to extract essential data hastily in any given time thus, any concern it may face will be addressed immediately and such will then result to a more efficient and effective workforce. Furthermore, BI can assist in identifying and developing strategies to improve the current status of the company since the management will have an immediate access to its operations despite the enormous amount of data.

For an organization using Business Intelligence, performance monitoring and evaluation would be easy. However, using such tool should not be the reason why a reward or punitive program should be implemented. Rather, either of the two programs should only be employed to motivate the people working behind the company to reach the given target. BI is only a technical tool which organizes data for easy performance measurement in determining whether an objective is accomplished. Thus, a reward such as pay raise, promotions or any perks shall be given to laudable people who have done their part in achieving such goals.

Technology has modernized our lives that it unceasingly brings comfort to us. One of the prevalent trends brought by technology which is embraced by many individual is online shopping.

Purchasing through internet permits us to reserve what we want anytime and anywhere with just a tap on our gadgets. Why consume lots of time in traffic jam, waiting in a queue and going in a crowd to satisfy that fervent want of having the best buy when we can elude these hassles when we can go online? In fact, best deals can be found on the internet wherein prices, qualities, payment terms and any aspect we need to consider in acquiring a product can be easily compared with just a click. Also, we can have plenty of varieties to choose from without having to go to different local stores.

Despite of all the pleasure it proffers, we should however understand certain disadvantages of online shopping. The most important aspect we need to consider is the security risk. We should ensure that the online stores we are transacting have a good reputation, and have a strict privacy security with regards to our personal details. Also, a possibility that the items we ordered or even paid may not be delivered to us and if provided may not fit the specifications we expect. Shipping cost may be also added especially when returning a product you are not satisfied of or damaged due to mishandling during shipment. The convenience the online shopping brings depends on the things we need and not everything are suggested to be bought through internet.

For instance, the items I can acquire through online without hesitation are the airline ticket, hotel accommodation and books. Nowadays, most of us prefer to book our own plane tickets as well as our hotel accommodation. Aside from having a choice to pay it through credit card and pay it later, we can choose our own preferences with the best price. Same also with purchasing books online, we do not need to scan all over the bookstore to find what we need that may end up buying different books we do not intend to buy. Purchasing books online give us the ease in choosing the kind of book we need.

There are also things that I may have a second thought buying online. Some of these are garments, perfumes and gadgets. Personal stuffs like clothes and shoes are better tried before acquiring to ensure that they perfectly fit me. Same with the perfume, smelling the scent if it truly fits my taste is necessary. I also prefer trying, holding and knowing the specs of a gadget before purchasing. However, there are brands for these stuffs I am consistently purchasing. And since I am already familiar with those brands and the company is already tested on its reputation, I can be rest assured that my purchases will be delivered and corresponds with the qualifications I need. And since these things are not so expensive, only an immaterial amount is at risk.

On the other hand, buying food, equipment and jewelries through internet will not be one of my considerations. When it comes to food, safety should be the first priority. I cannot entrust the safety of the food I have not even seen for myself and I am not knowledgeable enough for its supplier before I spend for it. In cases of equipment and jewelries, a great risk is on hand since these items are so expensive. The possibility of theft or fraud is very material. Since having a large amount of money is required to acquire such things, I will not risk my hard earned income in buying such things without assurance of delivery.

In buying different products, different specifications should be considered. We should always assess that the comfort we get from buying online does not compromise the quality of what we need and most of all, the security of our private data.

As technology transforms our lives, others may think that they cannot live without such thing in the present world. But for me, what’s important is still my personal relationship with God, with my family and with my friends which is still quite untouched by technology. Going to church, having a cup of coffee with my friends, and having a date with my family does not require such technology and in fact an incomparable moment spent with them personally.

Technology brings comfort in our lives and it promises a superfluous time to be spent in church or with our loved ones. However, what happens today is a turnaround. Everyone is busy hitting our gadgets and even during meal time wherein it’s the only moment we can spend quality time and share our thoughts with our family is already seized by technology.

Despite some of the negative effects of technology, we have to admit that it greatly improved the quality of life. We can easily reach out with our friends we haven’t seen for years and we can be updated with what’s happening with the world with just a click. A great help in my career is also offered by it since our company is currently using ERP.  With the aid of technology, I, as an accountant can generate financial reports automatically without going through a tedious process. I can’t also deny the enormous help of technology as we establish the new company of ours, the Sound Shots IT and Accounting Services where it offers technology-based products and services.

Technology is just like any substance, it can be detrimental if abused or used excessively but a great help in achieving a person’s efficiency and effectiveness if used responsibly. Let us bear in mind that it is only developed to improve our lives and relationships but not to replace anything especially anyone in our lives. It is present so that we can fully appreciate and enjoy what life has to offer together with the people we cherish.

by:

Mark Jim Acosa