Internment of families without criminal charge in Manchester
Internment of families without criminal charge in Manchester.
Families are being interned if
a) one member is 'guilty of anti-social behaviour'
(the police can get a magistrate to arrange that,
without any criminal charge being laid)
b) they are in danger of losing their home
(the council can arrange that)
c) "they have expressed a will to address parenting issues"
(the social workers and medics can arrange that, no problem)
They're locked up pretty much indefinitely, without ever facing criminal
trial.
Look how brown-nose boy Paul Lewis lyingly repeats in his 'Guardian'
article that 70% have either been rehoused or are "in line" to be
rehoused.
Anyone remotely familiar with bureaucratic lies and white-collar work
knows that this really means: 'nowhere near 70% have been rehoused, and
the real figure is so low that we're not going to tell you'.
Oh, and guess what, this internment is 'voluntary' at the moment, but
the government plans to make it 'compulsory'.
Oh yeah, and I looked up the outfit called 'National Children's Homes'.
Its chairman Gordon Edington is a big property guy. He's a director of
'Lend Lease':
<http://www.lendlease.com/llweb/llc/main.nsf/all/all_whooverview>
From the 'Lend Lease' website:
"Lend Lease is a leading real estate services business, having
developed, constructed and managed real estate assets around the world
for over 45 years. From office towers, hospitals and airports, to
shopping centres, pharmaceutical facilities and RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES,
Lend Lease has created many landmarks for the public sector and private
enterprise." [my emphasis - banana]
Edington is also a former
- chairman of the property company Greycoat Estates
- president of the British Property Federation
- member of the Bank of England Property Forum
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,1683639,00.html>
***BEGIN ARTICLE***
Respect agenda
'Most families can turn their lives around'
Paul Lewis
Wednesday January 11, 2006
The Guardian
When Alice Stevens went to England's first parenting centre in
Collyhurst, Manchester, she was losing control of her life. Her partner,
Mike, had died and she had been evicted from her rented house. Homeless,
the 50-year-old mother of three began touring Manchester's temporary
night shelters with her 12-year-old son, Lee, and turned to drink during
the day. "I spent nearly all day down the pub. Lee would come to the pub
with me in the mornings and hang out with his mates in the afternoons.
He hadn't been to school in 18 months."
A year on, with the help of staff at the Foundations centre, an
initiative set up by the children's charity NCH and Manchester city
council to offer support to vulnerable families, Alice has stopped
drinking and her youngest son has returned to school. "I never thought
he'd take GCSEs," said Alice. "I still can't believe it."
The project, first piloted in Dundee, is now to be expanded nationwide.
The Manchester centre houses up to five families on its top floor. Each
family has its own flat, and is responsible for paying bills and
covering maintenance repairs. The rest of the building is set aside for
the offices, classrooms, kitchens and relaxation rooms in which
Foundations' 13 members of staff support, advise and train their
families.
To qualify for a place, a family must be at risk of losing its home and
express a will to address parenting issues. A stay in the centre will
usually last around a year, and around 70% of Foundations' intake either
have been rehoused or are in line to be.
The aim is to teach parents how to manage their home, stick to a routine
and discipline their children. Each day parents receive classes geared
towards good parenting, including lessons in healthy eating, DIY and
literacy. "This isn't a soft option," says Andy Duff, project manager.
The most controversial rule at Foundations is the compulsory observation
session, conducted by staff four times a day. "Staff have to check up on
families," explains Duff. "We go in every morning to make sure the kids
are up for school and breakfast is ready," he says. "In the evenings we
make sure a healthy meal is in the oven."
Alice initially resisted the intrusions, says her support worker, Jill
Atkins. "But we're not about standing on the doorstep, we're about
getting stuck into these families. After a tricky start we find most
families can turn their lives around."
Alice agrees: "People from my estate told me not to go in," she says.
"But this place has changed things for me. I'm going to go back to my
friends and live with my boys again. I wouldn't have done it without
them, without Jill."
· Family names have been changed.
FAQ: Getting support
How do the support schemes work?
Pilot projects in Manchester and Dundee are run by NCH Foundations. In
east Manchester the scheme provides residential support for five
families. After signing a support licence agreement, each family
receives its own flat and is held responsible for furnishing and
maintaining its space. Families consisting of up to six people stay for
up to 18 months.
Which families qualify?
They must meet three criteria: one member of the family must be guilty
of antisocial behaviour; the family must be homeless or about to lose
their home; parents must accept the need to improve parenting skills.
What does the programme entail?
Parents have a tutored class a week and daily support. Parents receive
accredited lessons in sewing, DIY, healthy living, cooking, relaxation,
self-esteem, anger management and counselling sessions. Afterwards,
families get a certificate and are rehoused.
Is the scheme voluntary?
The NCH schemes are, but a concern for staff is that, under proposals
unveiled yesterday, problem families would be referred to residential
"sin bins" on a compulsory basis.
***END ARTICLE***
--
banana "The thing I hate about you, Rowntree, is the way you
give Coca-Cola to your scum, and your best teddy-bear to
Oxfam, and expect us to lick your frigid fingers for the
rest of your frigid life." (Mick Travis, 'If...', 1968)
date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 12:26:51 +0000
author: banana
|
Re: Internment of families without criminal charge in Manchester
A Distributed Objects Overview
A study of the DCOM system that Microsoft is developing Waite Groups p. 323
reveals the problems that Microsoft is trying to solve. A distributed
system is many things to many people so far as the definition is concerned.
Waite Group's book states their definition of a distributed system is p.
323, "a collection of software entities physically spread out across two or
more computers, working together to achieve a goal in common". The
definition here includes a file sharing arrangement, but some computer
programmers would not define a distributed system as that. Yet the Waite
Groups says that whether the computers are aware that files exist on other
computers, not locally, does not matter at all.
There are however, those distributed systems built with explicit knowledge
of a computer network or communications link. These systems are designed
from the beginning so that the system's constituent software components are
executed on separate machines (an object-oriented approach).
DCOM is the outgrowth of the evolving technology called distributed objects.
Initial client server implementations were designed to place some core
application functions such as user interfaces, and simple data validation
routines locally, at the client user's machine. And an interesting
consequence of client/server computing is that the mainframe can be turned
into a sort of super-server, providing database and business logic services
for all of the PC based clients.
The mainframe server is not too far back in its time of usefulness though.
A mainframe is the embodiment Waite's Group p. 324 of centralized computing,
and it is an archetypal example of a nondistributed system. The need for
mainframes has actually increased in spite of the option for distributed
systems. Credit card companies, and insurance firms, and telephone
companies (late 1990's) possess a massive volume of information processsing
need. Only mainframes can be used.
Two, and Three-tier Network Architecture
Client/server computing has been evolving. The two-tier model is based upon
a client having all the user interface functionality, and the business logic
required by the system (fat client). While the server is the second-tier
where the application data is located. Application data is often stored in
some type of a database and is often stewarded by a database server program.
The client applications which may be many in number, each running at its own
client workstation -send requests to the database whenever the application
needed information or data stored in the database (i.e., inventory
database). A two-tier client/server system is still a good fit for a
smaller departmental type of application.
However, the two-tier architecture does suffer from several deficiencies.
For one, each client requires the working interface with much of the
business rules portion of the application. So the application as a
multi-user system is dependent on each client, and the clients can be too
many to service at the level needed for tweaking of the applicaton.
In addition to the upgrade/maintenance issues above, the database itself is
connected to all the clients and changing the structure of the database in a
significant way will also affect the ability of the many clients which
search the server database by direct connection with its DBMS. And it is
also more difficult to use more than one application running on/per client
when the data for several applications all must agree to the same DBMS
format. And a change in any application on the clients could again affect
the multi-user system of clients to the degree that their performance of any
other tasks may be stopped by a need to repair and upgrade that one
application being altered.
One can yet imagine the solution to the problem issues of a two-tier network
architecture. The issue of several applications running on a single client
being dependent on the single machine, can be addressed by giving each of
the applications an application server. A corporate research department has
a server, and the financial department has a server, and personnel has a
server for its application also. But unless we are considering an
enterprise with 5000 employees, too many servers can be a problem.
Three-tier Network Architecture
But first consideration is that you do not want a system where all the
clients are directly connected to the main server. So it is necessary to
have at least two servers, which makes this a three-tier network
architecture. But the use of object oriented-programming can allow more
reliability of use for an application server which has been (would be)
designated to run several different applications.
In a three-tier architecture network system the clients still maintain
responsibility for the user interface, and perhaps a limited amount of
validation. Because these clients in a three-tier architecture contain a
minimum amount of functionality, these programs are sometimes referred to as
thin-clients. The use of the web itself to manage individual clients, i.e.,
the Microsoft Windows operating system updates is not related to the core
functions of the application.
There is some basis to the fact that the use of a good relational database
which is object-oriented can be shared between applications. So that part
of the server issue can be partly controlled. The remainder is probably
related to sufficient programming of applications and the use of classes
that will work well together. The application suites such as Microsoft
Office and Lotus Smart Suite can be considered as classes which can be
managed using script. And most of this application becomes more manageable
from the use of such integrated applications as a foundation. But what I
really wanted to mention was that early techniques for using multiple file
compiling and #include files, in C language were a method to change parts of
the program without interfering with the interface, or some of the
non-involved objects.
Systems and Models
A system is an assemblage of interrelated elements. One example is a
mechanism, which may mean the related parts of a machine (as in computer
processor, memory, and other components of a computer) or the related parts
or stages of any process (the mechanism of creation in art and science, the
mechanism of starting up a new company in the computer business).
Another example of a system is an organism, or collection of organs
performing related functions: a Portugese man-o-war (a complex structure of
differentiated coelenterate polyps), a racehorse, an individual human being.
A collection of individual human beings who solve problems or perform
functions in relation to one another is called an organism, and it too is an
example of a system.
When a system is studied for the purpose if explaining it, we are studying
only the properties it has that are showing (a foundation of) its qualities
as a system. The description itself is not fully explanatory, because some
issues of systems are also unrelated to their formal nature as systems. A
racehorse has other qualities besides the fact that he is a living organic
system. It is a symbol for the owner's interests and prestige when it is a
good racehorse. The references to the system is in terms of a potential for
contribution, is manifested within itself. The definition of what "is", is,
comes to mind. Mostly my own speculation, except for the part about the
racehorse.
Inputs and Outputs
The part of the real world that directly affects the functioning of a system
is called the system's environment. The environment is the landscape or
topography the system is situated within. There is interaction between the
system and the environment the system is situated within.
The action of the environment on the system is called input. The reaction
of the system is called output. Schematically, Radlow p. 367 we can see the
system and environment as two halves of a closed world.. (controlled
environment?).
For a company in the computer business, the inputs are the orders the
company receives for computers, the technical staff it is able to recruit,
its sources of working capital, and the marketing and technology of
competing companies (information). These are the inputs of the competitive
computer business environment. The outputs of a computer company are new
products, the company's image as a technological leader and "a supplier of
service to customers (defined or to be defined)", the company's success or
failure in increasing its sales and market share, and finally the bottom
line: profits.
In transforming input into output, the computer system processes the initial
input, sends this to the system's control program (the operating system),
does more processing in a sequence controlled by operating system
instructions, accesses memory and stores the results of processing, and
sends output to one or more devices.
The issues of processing, and control, and storage represent long lists of
instructions.
inputs outputs
Environment =====>System=====>Environment
The input(s) is information which the system receives from its environment.
The output is informaton the system transmits to its environment. (as
illustrated above)
Whenever a large organization plans to install or modify a complex computer
system, a systems analyst writes a program model of the proposed system.
Once an English language-description (pseudo code version of the system)
with flow-charts Radlow p. 369 has been created, it can be translated into a
computer program for the computer to execute (run). The computer program is
a working computer model of the system itself (within its environment). The
computer program is now prepared to accept inputs and outputs.
In most cases the focus of interest (on the introduction of the system) is
not the technology aspects of the system (sometimes there is an upgrade in
computing power to address) but it is with the purpose of the system within
the organization. That would be integrating the system into the processes
of the organization. The underlying hardware and software will be used to
smooth the flow of information, increase productivity, and improve service
(within a larger Systems and Models
A system is an assemblage of interrelated elements. One example is a
mechanism, which may mean the related parts of a machine (as in computer
processor, memory, and other components of a computer) or the related parts
or stages of any process (the mechanism of creation in art and science, the
mechanism of starting up a new company in the computer business).
Another example of a system is an organism, or collection of organs
performing related functions: a Portugese man-o-war (a comples structure of
differentiated coelenterate polyps), a racehorse, an individual human being.
A collection of individual human beings who solve problems or perform
functions in relation to one another is called an organism, and it too is an
example of a system.
When a system is studied for the purpose if explaining it, we are studying
only the properties it has that are showing (a foundation of) its qualities
as a system. The description itself is not fully explanatory, because some
issues of systems are also unrelated to their formal nature as systems. A
racehorse has other qualities besides the fact that he is a living organic
system. It is a symbol for the owner's interests and prestige when it is a
good racehorse. The references to the system is in terms of a potential for
contribution, is manifested within itself. The definition of what "is", is,
comes to mind. Mostly my own speculation, except for the part about the
racehorse.
Inputs and Outputs
The part of the real world that directly affects the functioning of a system
is called the system's environment. The environment is the landscape or
topography the system is situated within. There is interaction between the
system and the environment the system is situated within.
The action of the environment on the system is called input. The reaction
of the system is called output. Schematically, Radlow p. 367 we can see the
system and environment as two halves of a closed world.. (controlled
environment?).
For a company in the computer business, the inputs are the orders the
company receives for computers, the technical staff it is able to recruit,
its sources of working capital, and the marketing and technology of
competing companies (information). These are the inputs of the competitive
computer business environment. The outputs of a computer company are new
products, the company's image as a technological leader and "a supplier of
service to customers (defined or to be defined)", the company's success or
failure in increasing its sales and market share, and finally the bottom
line: profits.
In transforming input into output, the computer system processes the initial
input, sends this to the system's control program (the operating system),
does more processing in a sequence controlled by operating system
instructions, accesses memory and stores the results of processing, and
sends output to one or more devices.
The issues of processing, and control, and storage represent long lists of
instructions.
inputs outputs
Environment =====>System=====>Environment
The input(s) is information which the system receives from its environment.
The output is informaton the system transmits to its environment. (as
illustrated above)
Whenever a large organization plans to install or modify a complex computer
system, a systems analyst writes a program model of the proposed system.
Once an English language-description (pseudo code version of the system)
with flow-charts Radlow p. 369 has been created, it can be translated into a
computer program for the computer to execute (run). The computer program is
a working computer model of the system itself (within its environment). The
computer program is now prepared to accept inputs and outputs.
In most cases the focus of interest (on the introduction of the system) is
not the technology aspects of the system (sometimes there is an upgrade in
computing power to address) but it is with the purpose of the system within
the organization. That would be integrating the system into the processes
of the organization. The underlying hardware and software will be used to
smooth the flow of information, increase productivity, and improve service
(within a larger organization envoronment). The accentuation of the
capabilities of the system is conceptually more than he sum of its parts,
not what is considered to be the performance(s) of the system's hardware
underpinnings.
Our system model, and all we conceive it to be is the model of a
human-machine interface.
Analysis Of Models of Human-Machine Designs
Some issues to be addressed in the art and science of computer modeling
(systems models):
Inputs - What inputs will the system accept?
Outputs - What output will the system produce?
Step-by Step - How is the input(s) transformed into output?
The definition of the system (the system is defined by) the inputs and the
outputs. Some of the system parts need to be considered individually or in
small groups (subsystems).
Often scale models are built and tested for their behavior within an
operating environment.
The input to the system is controlled and the behavior of the system is
evaluated. But this applies to each new design of the system. Another test
model of the system is needed for every slight modification (alteration) of
the system.
Computer program models are fairly flexible. The static data is stored as
lists of parameters, which are placed into the variables of the system model
(simulation). The adjustments are made to the model during the simulation
and the results are gained in a "what-if" analysis scenario, at times.
At times there is no prior information about the performance of the system.
Then the inputs to the system need to be controlled even more highly. From
th effect the inputs hove upon the model system (simulation) a set of
modified instructions are designed. A close examination of what is observed
to happen as input(s) to the system is transformed into output. The goal
here, is to establish the simplest possible link between cause (inputs) and
effect (output). And by simplifying and simplifying again, we can build a
computer model for any mechanism, or organism, that accepts input(s)
and transmits output.
Introduction to Information Systems
As far as information processing, a management information system addresses
issues of a longer term nature. A system is a process which changes and
adapts as it is growing to meet challenges. A management system involves
organizational planning and operations within several functional work areas.
The environment within which this takes place can be conceptualized as
having subsystems, which are parts of a supersystem.
Another issue about systems is the possibility for management modeling and
simulation. This may be a significant management system to some who are
competent to be managers. There is a certain school that manages using a
spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is also backed by the brute force of the club.
Is that a goal for managers?
In Simulation James Radlow Computers and the Information Society,
McGraw -Hill 1986, chapter 13 p. 366 he states, "Before a computer
simulation can be developed, it's necessary to identify a system and to
construct a model of the system." A computer model is based upon
mathematical equations. When different numbers are substituted into the
equations the alternatives to the current system state can be tested (state
is the operative word).
Various formulas based upon the results of empirical research are written
about in the mathematical/professional literature. The formulas are the
basic knowledge which is needed in order to utilize mathematics and software
to evaluate the current data.
Computer simulations in the social and environmental sciences start with
computer programs that model our economy, our environment, and the society
as a whole. A computer model of the water supply in the country would be
used to simulate the demand for water in the future, and in different areas
in particular; as well as possible new supplies of water, and pollution
issues.
The physical system which is under study is be described within our
conceptual system, which uses conceptual resources-information and points of
data -to represent a physical system. Books which are available
commercially may contain information about the process of designing the
information system and about computer programming, and about the ways to
utilize various computer programming environments.
Computer programming is a subject which relates to both the documentation
and design of the management information system (MIS), and the life-cycle of
the system after it has been designed. Applications for the management of
data (Access database) often allow the user to diagram the data which is
contained and utilized by the system.
And the final products of the system may be distributed using a network to
various client browsers (browser programming, above).
Theory
After a solution of this problem has been devised, it will be possible to
consider problems which may be related in terms of their solvability.
Problem-solving itself involves a system.
In general the solution of this problem will lend itself to the solution of
problems which require a computerized management information system. A
knowledge of the environment which is used to (problem-solve) design and
implement a management information system will lead to further system
programming designs and more development capacity.
Other considered problems based upon text-based data (nominal), and
statistics (formularea) might have related solutions, although a
computerized system is not implemented in all cases.
Design issues in large computing problems include the distribution of
information, or the design of effective systems which do not absorb more
effort than they can produce by conceptual design, in measured physical
results.
DISCUSSION
The information in this section is adopted from the book by Ray McLeod, Jr.,
Texas A & M University, Management Information Systems - A study of
computer-based information systems. publ. Prentice Hall, New Jersey 1995.
Introduction to the computer-based information system - Chapter 1
Information management
The manager and systems
A model of a computer-based information system
An example of a management information system
The information services organization
Using Information technology for competive advantage - Chapter 2
Competitive advantage
What are information resources?
Who manages the information resources?
Strategic planning
Strategic planning for information resources
End-use computing as a strategic issue
The information resources management concept
The general systems model of the firm - Chapter 6
Introduction
Models
The general systems model
Putting the general systems model in context
The systems approach - Chapter 7
Introduction
The systems approach
Preparation effort
Definition effort
Solution effort
Review of the systems approach
Putting the systems approach in perspective
Fundamental of computer processing - Chapter 9
Introduction
The computer as an element in an information system
Computer architecture
Primary storage
Input units
Output units
The role of input and output devices in problem solving
Software
The role of software in problem solving
Keeping input efforts to a minimum
The database and database management system - Chapter 10
Introduction
The hierarchy of data
Data management
Secondary storage
The relationship of secondary storage to processing
The predatabase era
The dawn of the database era
The database concept
Database structures
Database software
Creating a database
Using a database
A model of a DBMS
The database administrator
Putting the database and DBMS in perspective
Data communications - Chapter 11
Introduction
The basic communication model
Computer-based data communications
Communications hardware and software
Basic network approaches to processing
Local area networks
Protocols and network architectures
Network management
The role of datacom in problem solving
The accounting information system - Chapter 12
Introduction
What is data processing?
The accounting information system
Data processing tasks
Characteristics of the accounting information system
A sample accounting information system
System overview
The major subsystems of the distribution system
Fill customer orders
Order replenishment stock
The role of the accounting information system in problem solving
Summary
The management information system - Chapter 13
Introduction
What is a MIS?
The concept of organizational information subsystems
Executive information systems
Marketing information systems
Manufacturing information systems
Financial information systems
Human resources information systems
The MIS and human factors considerations
Putting the MIS in perspective
The MIS and problem solving
Summary
Decision support systems - Chapter 14
Introduction
Decision making
The DSS concept
DSS objectives
A DSS model
Periodic and special reports
Mathematical modeling
Simulation
A modeling example
Modeling advantages and disadvantages
Computer graphics
Group decision support systems
The role of the DSS in problem solving
Summary
Office automation - Chapter 15
Introduction
Office automation
OA applications
The role of office automation in problem solving
Summary
Expert systems - Chapter 16
Introduction
Artificial intelligence
The appeal of expert systems
An expert system model
The user interface
The knowledge base
The inference engine
The development engine
A sample expert system
Advantagesand disadvantages of expert systems
Neural networks
Multimedia in the CBIS (computer-based information system)
Summary
Managing information resources - Chapter 22
Introduction
The CIO as a member of the executive committee
Global, quality, and ethics influences
Safeguarding information resources
Systems security
Contingency planning
Business process redesign
Information management cost reduction strategies
The future of the CIO
Summary
NOTES
organization envoronment). The accentuation of the capabilities of the
system is conceptually more than the sum of its parts, not what is
considered to be the performance(s) of the system's hardware underpinnings.
Our system model, and all we conceive it to be is the model of a
human-machine interface.
Analysis Of Models of Human-Machine Designs
Some issues to be addressed in the art and science of computer modeling
(systems models):
Inputs - What inputs will the system accept?
Outputs - What output will the system produce?
Step-by Step - How is the input(s) transformed into output?
The definition of the system (the system is defined by) the inputs and the
outputs. Some of the system parts need to be considered individually or in
small groups (subsystems).
Often scale models are built and tested for their behavior within an
operating environment.
The input to the system is controlled and the behavior of the system is
evaluated. But this applies to each new design of the system. Another test
model of the system is needed for every slight modification (alteration) of
the system.
Computer program models are fairly flexible. The static data is stored as
lists of parameters, which are placed into the variables of the system model
(simulation). The adjustments are made to the model during the simulation
and the results are gained in a "what-if" analysis scenario, at times.
At times there is no prior information about the performance of the system.
A new system design would present such a case. Then the inputs to the
system need to be controlled even more highly. Radlow suggests that these
systems include a cause - effect principle. (as opposed to the
consideration in statistics studies) The design studies are accumulated and
the central (core information) about a system of a certain type is generally
not tested, but a variation from the central core studies would suggest a
very revolutionalry noe system design, in perspective. Building a model
flight simulator would require knowledge of aerodynamics (the core
principles). And by simplifying and simplifying again, we can build a
computer model for any mechanism, or organism, that accepts input(s) and
transmits output.
We're assumuing that the situation, or state, of the system is fully
described by the numerical values of these two observables (Radlow p.
371-372) related to a flight simulatior (discussion of power and lift
(elevator)). The initiation variables are given the title - starting
state, then a series of obeservations is commenced. The variables supplid
at the commncement of the series are relative to the starting state
variables. Any supplied variables in the series of inputs being supplied
are judged for their effect upon the current state, which is cause by every
input prior upon the system.
Radlow p. 372, "So it goes through all the possible states of an aircraft in
flight -or any other system. A given input, together with a given state of
the system, produces a determinate output together with a determinate next
state of the system. -What change of state and what output? We will use
our observations of the system to construct reference tables to answer those
questions.
The change-of-state table will be called the transition table and the output
due-to-be-given input table will be called the output table.
While the inputs are very tightly controlled; from the effect the inputs
have upon the model system (simulation), a set of modified instructions
(processing instructions) are designed. A close examination of what is
observed to happen as input(s) to the system is transformed into output.
The goal here, is to establish the simplest possible link between cause
(inputs) and effect (output). And by simplifying and simplifying again, we
can build a computer model for any mechanism, or organism, that accepts
input(s)and transmits output, as noted above.
Introduction to Information Systems
As far as information processing, a management information system addresses
issues of a longer term nature. A system is a process which changes and
adapts as it is growing to meet challenges. A management system involves
organizational planning and operations within several functional work areas.
The environment within which this takes place can be conceptualized as
having subsystems, which are parts of a supersystem.
Another issue about systems is the possibility for management modeling and
simulation. This may be a significant management system to some who are
competent to be managers. There is a certain school that manages using a
spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is also backed by the brute force of the club.
Is that a goal for managers?
In Simulation James Radlow Computers and the Information Society,
McGraw -Hill 1986, chapter 13 p. 366 he states, "Before a computer
simulation can be developed, it's necessary to identify a system and to
construct a model of the system." A computer model is based upon
mathematical equations. When different numbers are substituted into the
equations the alternatives to the current system state can be tested (state
is the operative word).
Various formulas based upon the results of empirical research are written
about in the mathematical/professional literature. The formulas are the
basic knowledge which is needed in order to utilize mathematics and software
to evaluate the current data.
Computer simulations in the social and environmental sciences start with
computer programs that model our economy, our environment, and the society
as a whole. A computer model of the water supply in the country would be
used to simulate the demand for water in the future, and in different areas
in particular; as well as possible new supplies of water, and pollution
issues.
The physical system which is under study is be described within our
conceptual system, which uses conceptual resources-information and points of
data -to represent a physical system. Books which are available
commercially may contain information about the process of designing the
information system and about computer programming, and about the ways to
utilize various computer programming environments.
Computer programming is a subject which relates to both the documentation
and design of the management information system (MIS), and the life-cycle of
the system after it has been designed. Applications for the management of
data (Access database) often allow the user to diagram the data which is
contained and utilized by the system.
And the final products of the system may be distributed using a network to
various client browsers (browser programming, above).
Theory
After a solution of this problem has been devised, it will be possible to
consider problems which may be related in terms of their solvability.
Problem-solving itself involves a system.
In general the solution of this problem will lend itself to the solution of
problems which require a computerized management information system. A
knowledge of the environment which is used to (problem-solve) design and
implement a management information system will lead to further system
programming designs and more development capacity.
Other considered problems based upon text-based data (nominal), and
statistics (formularea) might have related solutions, although a
computerized system is not implemented in all cases.
Design issues in large computing problems include the distribution of
information, or the design of effective systems which do not absorb more
effort than they can produce by conceptual design, in measured physical
results.
DISCUSSION
The information in this section is adopted from the book by Ray McLeod, Jr.,
Texas A & M University, Management Information Systems - A study of
computer-based information systems. publ. Prentice Hall, New Jersey 1995.
Introduction to the computer-based information system - Chapter 1
Information management
The manager and systems
A model of a computer-based information system
An example of a management information system
The information services organization
Using Information technology for competive advantage - Chapter 2
Competitive advantage
What are information resources?
Who manages the information resources?
Strategic planning
Strategic planning for information resources
End-use computing as a strategic issue
The information resources management concept
The general systems model of the firm - Chapter 6
Introduction
Models
The general systems model
Putting the general systems model in context
The systems approach - Chapter 7
Introduction
The systems approach
Preparation effort
Definition effort
Solution effort
Review of the systems approach
Putting the systems approach in perspective
Fundamental of computer processing - Chapter 9
Introduction
The computer as an element in an information system
Computer architecture
Primary storage
Input units
Output units
The role of input and output devices in problem solving
Software
The role of software in problem solving
Keeping input efforts to a minimum
The database and database management system - Chapter 10
Introduction
The hierarchy of data
Data management
Secondary storage
The relationship of secondary storage to processing
The predatabase era
The dawn of the database era
The database concept
Database structures
Database software
Creating a database
Using a database
A model of a DBMS
The database administrator
Putting the database and DBMS in perspective
Data communications - Chapter 11
Introduction
The basic communication model
Computer-based data communications
Communications hardware and software
Basic network approaches to processing
Local area networks
Protocols and network architectures
Network management
The role of datacom in problem solving
The accounting information system - Chapter 12
Introduction
What is data processing?
The accounting information system
Data processing tasks
Characteristics of the accounting information system
A sample accounting information system
System overview
The major subsystems of the distribution system
Fill customer orders
Order replenishment stock
The role of the accounting information system in problem solving
Summary
The management information system - Chapter 13
Introduction
What is a MIS?
The concept of organizational information subsystems
Executive information systems
Marketing information systems
Manufacturing information systems
Financial information systems
Human resources information systems
The MIS and human factors considerations
Putting the MIS in perspective
The MIS and problem solving
Summary
Decision support systems - Chapter 14
Introduction
Decision making
The DSS concept
DSS objectives
A DSS model
Periodic and special reports
Mathematical modeling
Simulation
A modeling example
Modeling advantages and disadvantages
Computer graphics
Group decision support systems
The role of the DSS in problem solving
Summary
Office automation - Chapter 15
Introduction
Office automation
OA applications
The role of office automation in problem solving
Summary
Expert systems - Chapter 16
Introduction
Artificial intelligence
The appeal of expert systems
An expert system model
The user interface
The knowledge base
The inference engine
The development engine
A sample expert system
Advantagesand disadvantages of expert systems
Neural networks
Multimedia in the CBIS (computer-based information system)
Summary
Managing information resources - Chapter 22
Introduction
The CIO as a member of the executive committee
Global, quality, and ethics influences
Safeguarding information resources
Systems security
Contingency planning
Business process redesign
Information management cost reduction strategies
The future of the CIO
Summary
NOTES
Chapter 1
Learning Objectives
Know the main types of resources that are available to a firm
Appreciate that information needs to be managed just as any other resource
Understand why there is so much interest in managing information now
Who the users of computers are
Have an introductory understanding of systems concepts
Know the difference between data and information
Know the elements of the computer-based information system (CBIS) and how
they evolved
Be familiar with the types of information specialiosts who can assist the
user in developing information systems
Understand that users are doing more and more of their application
development, and how this trend affects information specialists
Appreciate the difficulty of economically justifying the cost of a computer
system
Understand how a computer system evolves through a life cycle and recognize
the roles played by the manager and information specialists
Understand that information systems belong to their users, not to the
information specialists
Introduction to the computer-based information system - Chapter 1
Information management (P. 4)
The manager and systems (p. 13)
A model of a computer-based information system (p. 19)
An example of a management information system (p. 20)
The information services organization (p. 22)
Information management
The interest in information management is a result of factors i.e., business
has become more complex, the computer has acheved higher capabilities.
Managers of a firm should be computer literate, but more important, they
should be information literate. A main resource of a firm is the
information processor a physical resource. A firm needs to develop an
information services organization to provide expertise in the development of
computer-based systems. Users of computers have begun to attempt some of
the work of the specialists -a phenomenon called end-user computing.
A manager uses many reports or information displays to reflect the physical
condition of the firm with operations scattered over a wide area, and
several thousand employees.
Main Types Of Resources
(1) Personnel
(2) Material
(3) Machinery and plant
(4) Capital (operating money)
(5) Information (including data)
Information and data are a conceptual resource which is used to manage the
other physical (1-4) resources. A manager of information resources ensures
that the necessary raw data is gathered and then processed into usable
information. The information is also distributed by the appropriate
manager. The result is that the effective production and use of information
serves the firm.
Complexity growth (increase) involves international marketing influences,
worldwide competition, technology which increases competition, technology
which increases speeds of business, and external anti-forces which opposes
new business (pollution etc.), tariffs, laws.
The users of a computer-based information system include many non-managers
and staff specialists using the output as well. Users exist outside the
firm itself, customers of the firm receive statements, stockholders receive
dividend checks, and the government receives tax related reports.
The scope of the firm's computers is extensive and it serves the need for
problem-solving information, rather than for the production of management
information. The information service function is a branch of the
organization which is in the firm's functional area, along with
manufacturing, finance, marketing, and human resources. The functional
areas satisfy the need for organization, planning, staffing, direction, and
control. This would include the functions of the figurehead, the watcher
(monitor), and the entrepreneur (one man show) dimensions, in addition to
spokesman, leader, negotiator, resource allocator, and enforcer. It's not
surprising that many managers perform several of these functions at the same
time, or in the same spirit: allocating resources while negotiating.
As for problem-solving skills of a manager the problem is defined as a
condition, for which the outcome of a problem-solving activity is, the
solution. During the problem-solving process, managers are supposed to
become reliably engaged in decision making. A decision is a course of
action.
Information literacy consists of understanding how to use information at
each step of the problem-solving process, and where that information can be
obtained, and how to share information with others.
The manager and systems
A system is a group of elements that are integrated with the common purpose
of achieving an objective. An organization such as a firm or a functional
area (specialty) fits this definition. The organization consists of the
resources that we identified earlier, and they work toward achieving
particular objectives that are specified by the owners or management.
A particular type of a system which has no control mechanism element,
feedback loop element, or objectives element is called an open-loop system.
The open-loop system is known for the trait that it is not able to control
its own operations.
A closed-loop system has a programmed objectives element, a control
mechanism element, and a feedback loop element. The feedback loop element
is connected to the control element, where the objectives are programmed and
monitored. The closed-loop system is a internal loop of control, type of
system.
A system which is not connected to the environment (i.e., for inputs and
resources) is called a open system. Such open systems exist in tightly
controlled laboratories.
A system which is connected to the environment by means of resource flows is
called an closed system. A company's heating system which may receive power
from an electric grid and produce the heat for offices in the comany's
building would be an example of an closed system. It may be useful to think
of a closed electric circuit having a dimmer switch, for remembering which
is the closed system.
A systems view regards business operations as systems embedded within a
larger environmental setting. This is an abstract way of thinking, but it
has potential value to the manager. The systems view:
(1) Prevents the manager from getting lost in the complexity of the
organizational structure and details of the job,
(2) Recognizes the necessity of having good objectives,
(3) Emphasizes the importance of all of the parts of the organization
working together,
(4) Acknowledges the interconnections of the organization with its
environment, and
(5) Places a high value on feedback information that can only be achieved by
means of a closed loop system.
Consultation
A Decision Suport System (DSS) is an information-producing system aimed at a
particular problem that a manager must solve and decisions that the manager
must make. The manager can be located anywhere in the organization-on any
level and in any functional area.
The Management Information System (MIS) is considered to be an
organizational resource.. the MIS is intended to provide problem-solving
information to a group of managers in a general way, whereas the DSS is
intended to support a single manager in a specific way (p. 19 MIS text).
The textbook states, "We regard the management information system (MIS) as
an information-producing system that supports a group of managers who
represent an organizational unit such as a management level or a functional
area. Another piece of information provided by an IBM manager eluded to the
longer-term life-cycle of a MIS.
An Expert System (ES) is one that functions as a specialist in an area. For
example, an expert system can provide some of the same assistance to a
manager as would come from a management consultant. Expert systems are
becoming characteristic of computer use, as firms pioneer these innovative
applications.
Communication
Office Automation (OA) facilitates communication and increases productivity
among managers and office workers through the use of electronic devices.
Office automation has grown to include applications such as word processing,
video conferencing, voice mail, electronic mail, electronic calendaring,
facsimile transmission, and desktop publishing.
A model of a computer-based information system
The computer portion of the information processor contains each of the
computer-based application areas -AIS (accounting information system), MIS,
DSS, OA, and ES. We use the term computer-based information system (CBIS)
to describe the five subsystems that utilize the computer. All the CBIS
subsystems provide information for problem-solving. Information is used in
making decisions. The information produced in the subsystems is a resource
which is an input into the problem-solving process. The result of the
problem-solving process (in this model) would be the problem-solution.
An example of a management information system
The marketing division of a life insurance company uses an information
system that consists of a notebook of computer printouts prepared each
month. Some of the printouts are intended to help marketing managers plan
future personnel hiring programs.
A report among the group of reports, is a projection of sales for the next
forty-eight months, along with corresponding personnel needs. From left to
right .. the columns of this report are: (1) month, (2) sales goal for the
month, (3) the portion of sales to be made by sales agents currently
employed by the company, and (4) the portion to be made by new agents of the
company. New agents will be needed to meet the increasing sales goals and
to replace agents who are promoted or leave the company.
In the center the number of agents needed to meet the sales goals is
identified. The "To Hire" colunmn indicates the number of agents to be
hired that month. The right-hand columns identify the number of recruiters
that will be be needed to hire new agents.
The report is an example of how a firm's objectives can provide the basis
for determining the human resources needed to meet those objectives.
Report 1.10
Summary projections report
Assumed growth rate 110
Production Points Active Agents Recruiters
Mo. Date Goal Current New All Current New To Hire All Current New To
Hire
1 4-2000 | 243000 358000 124000 | 122 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
2 5-2000 | 340000 358000 124000 | 170 122 51 15 | 10 9 23 6-2000 |
310000 358000 124000 | 155 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
4 7-2000 | 320000 358000 124000 | 160 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
5 8-2000 | 330000 358000 124000 | 165 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
6 9-2000 | 340000 358000 124000 | 170 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
7 10-2000 | 358000 358000 124000 | 160 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
8 11-2000 | 358000 358000 124000 | 156 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
9 12-2000 | 358000 358000 124000 | 156 122 51 15 | 10 9 21
10 1-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 158 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
11 2-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 160 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
12 3-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 160 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
13 4-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 161 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
14 5-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 162 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
15 6-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 163 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
16 7-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 166 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
17 8-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 170 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
18 9-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 177 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
19 10-2000 | 358000 358000 124000 | 180 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
20 11-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 186 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
21 12-2001 | 358000 358000 124000 | 189 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
22 1-2002 | 358000 358000 124000 | 190 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
23 2-2002 | 358000 358000 124000 | 192 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
24 3-2002 | 358000 358000 124000 | 192 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
25 4-2002 | 358000 358000 124000 | 195 122 51 15 | 10 9 2 1
The information services organization
The term information specialist is used to describe any of a firm's
employees who have full-time responsibility for developing and maintaining
computer-based systems. There are five main categorties of information
specialists -systems analysts, database administrators, network specialists,
programmers, and operators. These specialists have traditionally worked
together, and with the user, in developing computer-based systems. The
ultimate flow of information is from the computer to the user.
System analysts work with users in developing new systems and in improving
existing systems. Systems analysts are expert at defining problems and in
preparing written documentation of how the computer will assist in solving
the problems.
Information specialists have always had more work than they can handle. It
became a critical situation in the 1980's when users began making demands on
information services for additional systems support. The information
specialists could not respond fast enough and the work backlog meant
backlogs of jobs waiting for the computer. The introduction of lower-cost
computers and software mass production contributed to the evolution of
End-User computing (EUC).
In many cases the user will work with information specialists in jointly
developing systems. This means that information specialists can assume more
of a consulting role than they have in the past. The help desk service and
support for end users of software which is purchased from the major software
sales companies (i.e., Microsoft, Lotus) indicates the result of an end-user
computing communication chain.
Chapter 2
Learning Objectives
Understand the relationship between a firm and its environment
Recognize that a firm can control its environment to a certain extent
Appreciate that competitive advantage can be achieved by managing the
information flows that connect the firm to all environmental elements
Know what the information resources are, and who manages them
Understand the meaning of the chief information officer concept
Be aware that the firm's executives chart its course through its competitive
environment by engaging in long-range, strategic planning
Appreciate why it is so important that the top-level managers in each
functional area cooperate when developing their own strategic plans
Have an idea of the content of a firm's strategic plan for its information
resources
Know the ingredients that comprise thje modern concept of information
resources management
Using Information technology for competive advantage - Chapter 2
Competitive advantage
What are information resources?
Who manages the information resources?
Strategic planning
Strategic planning for information resources
End-use computing as a strategic issue
The information resources management concept
Competitive advantage
In the computer field, competitive advantage refers to the use of
information to gain leverage in the marketplace. The idea is that the firm
does not have to rely entirely on super physical resources when engaged in
competition. Rather, superior conceptual resources-data and information-can
be used as well. The firm's managers use conceptual as well as physical
resources in meeting the strategic objectives of the firm.
The physical system is to be described by our conceptual system, which uses
conceptual resources-information and data-to represent a physical system.
What are information resources?
These paragraph's are from Don Box's book:
My work is done. I can finally rest, knowing that I have finally put into
writing what many have termed the rich oral history of COM. This book
reflects the evolution of my own understanding of this rogue technology that
Microsoft was kind enough to reveal to the programming world in 1993.
Although I did not attend the original OLE Professional Developer's
Conference, I still feel as if I have been doing COM forever. After almost
four years of working with COM, I can barely remember the pre-COM era of
computing. I can, however, vividly remember my own painful trek across the
COM landscape in early 1994. It took me roughly six months before I felt I
understood anything about COM. During this initial six-month period of
working with COM, I could successfully write COM programs and almost explain
why they worked. However, I had no organic understanding of why the COM
programming model was the way it was.
Fortunately, one day (August 8, 1994, roughly six months after buying the
book Inside OLE2), I had an intense epiphany and at once COM seemed obvious
to me. This by no means meant that I understood every COM interface and API
function, but rather that I understood the primary motivating factors behind
COM. (I have Ken North's book Muti-DBMS Programming John Wiley 1995 in
which he explains OLE2 and more)
From this, it became clear how to apply the programming model to everyday
programming problems. North's book just mentioned states p. 69,
"Interoperable object technologies such as CORBA and OLE add more
capabilities to the tool kit of DBMS vendors who are trying to provide
technical solutions for distributed data and interoperability between
heterogenous databases." North's theme p. 66 is Using Objects to Access
Data and he mentions Data Access Objects which is a term that Microsoft uses
today, but North's book is dated 1995. North refers to chapter 9 in his
book where objects and object-oriented programming are covered in more
detail.
North's book chapter 8 p. 258 seems to provide an overview of the currently
accepted presentation languages Microsoft's Excel, Access, Word along with
others. He names these 4GL tools presentation tools. Radlow suggests that
Excel is actually a language because it can reconfigure the computer
effectively using software.
Many other developers have related similar experiences to me. That would be
the experience of having a COM epiphany! As I write this preface three
Augusts after the fact, developers still must go through this six-month
waiting period prior to becoming productive members of COM society.
I would like to think that this book might shorten that time period, but I
make no promises.
My own experience has shown that once the why is understood, the how follows
fairly naturally. Conversely, simply knowing the how rarely provides
adequate insight to extrapolate beyond the documentation. This insight is
critical if one hopes to keep up with the programming model's continual
evolution. His epiphany centers about the why of COM!
As this book emphasizes, COM is more a programming discipline than a
technology. To this end, I have attempted not to bludgeon the reader with
detailed descriptions of each parameter to each method from each interface.
The North book stresses data oriented products. As we enable products with
data access capabilities, we increase the number of users who lack the
skills of an SQL guru and the potential for security and data integrity
issues. The tools for data access and data presentation to be discussed by
North include query processorrs, spreadsheets, data publishers, report
writers, and word processors. They all possess the capability to access
databases using ODBC so frequently that they are described as being
ODBC-enabled. I suppose that it should be noted by me, that any distributed
application is going to confront these ODBC driver, data binding issues,
unless the type of client is restricted to a Windows Internet Explorer, or a
flavor that is fairly similar.
Wayne S. Freeze wrote, Visual Basic Developer's Guide to COM and COM+, publ.
Sybex 2000 p.4 COM is a binary standard, which means that any programming
language (with the proper facilities) can create COM objects. Because COM
objects are binary they can be contained in their own executable files.
Which is usually what happens.
date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 12:49:12 -0600
author: frankenstein @foster.com
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