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Check out our analysis of China's NRI ranking here:
http://mdimaxulu5.wix.com/prettyshange#!group5-assessment3/cokl
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I often find when browsing the internet, I get distracted and end up reading and/or doing things that had nothing to do with what I had originally planned. That’s because the internet is overflowing with information from almost every topic one can think of, and in almost any language. Similarly, Twitter is overflowing with information covering ever subject matter, some of this information is valuable, and some is not. So how does one go about filtering through this information to get what they are looking for?
Using microblogs to gain knowledge is no easy task, and filtering through all the posts can be very daunting. It is extremely difficult to retrieve information from Twitter due to the sheer number of posts that one could possibly be sifting through. That is where mining may come in handy. Searches on Twitter seem to work pretty quickly, especially in comparison to searching through emails or folders. I decided to conduct a search to gather from the common issues people have in Information Technology, especially with regards to databases. Alas, a search for #ITIssues came up blank. So I tried again. This time, I searched #ITProblems, and got an endless amount of posts. I read through about 20 and packed it up because not a single one had to do with databases, my topic of interest. So hopefully third time’s a charm – this time I entered #databaseproblems and got a decent number of mostly relevant tweets. However, even though the search was very specific, there were still some posts that were irrelevant and even found one in another language. This can be blamed on the fact that any person who has a Twitter account can add any hash tag that they want, so sometimes the information will still be irrelevant. I saw a post from my #databaseproblems search that interested me so I viewed the account and sifted through previous tweets. This was extremely difficult as it turned out that this person was a serial tweeter, and trying to find information that was relevant was quite difficult. Twitter claims to only store a limited number of tweets per account, so if this person posted something about database problems in 2012, and had since then posted more than the storage capacity tweets, this may also be a problem (Quora, 2010). It is difficult to retrieve old tweets on Twitter. However, this can be surmounted by using an API service which stores tweets (checkout backupmy.net). Another superior characteristic of Twitter over conventional methods is the simplicity in sharing information that another person has posted. With traditional data mining a person had to be found and correctly credited before that information could be shared, however, on Twitter, the retweet function gives them credit immediately and hence shortens the process (Asaad, 2014). Data mining on Twitter can quite a test due to the 140 character limitation. This limit forces people to send to shorten their posts and try to summarise it as far as possible. This also leads to incorrect grammar and spelling because words are abbreviated, which makes searching for relevant information even more difficult. There also isn’t a common language on Twitter so it can be used by any and everybody. As was seen when I did my search, this wasn’t the ideal thing when one is searching for specific information. Typing mistakes, word abbreviations, phonetic substitutions, language differenced and bad grammar on Twitter posts have a bad effect on text processing tools. However with traditional Knowledge Management, mining was effortless because a common language is used and most abbreviations can be found in a dictionary (Jisc, 2014). Traditional knowledge management is less interactive than mining on Twitter because there are certain things that may delay attaining knowledge (Honeycutt & Herring, 2009). When looking for specific information that was stored by another employee, first, they would need to be contacted. Then it needs to be conveyed where the information is and if it can be retrieved again (Chen, Zhang & Line, 2011). The information could also be deleted or lost, especially if the person is now a previous employee. However, with a microblog, finding people is easy. During Twitter week, we had to post solutions and/or problems with IT, and I found that I got responses in a matter of seconds. So the point here is that the response rate with regards to microblogs is way faster than that of traditional mining methods (Chen, Zhang & Line, 2011). In conclusion, mining for information on a microblog can be very challenging and time consuming. Microblogs have vast amounts of data and sifting through it can be an issue, which isn’t with traditional methods. However we must not overlook the fact that in terms of speed and response time, it is miles ahead of traditional methods. Microblogging adds a lot of value and can improve knowledge management, but, traditional data mining methods should not be efforts need to be made to bridge the gap and find a method that imbibes the simplicity that comes with microblogs and the accuracy that come with traditional methods. REFERENCES Asaad, A.A (2014) Text mining on Twitter #PrayForMH370 Malaysia Airlines [online] available: http://alstatr.blogspot.com/2014/03/r-text-mining-on-twitter-prayformh370.html Chen S., Zhang H., Lin M.(2011) Comparison of Microblogging Service Between Sina Weibo and Twitter, 2011 International Conference on Computer Science and Network Technology. Honeycutt C., Herring S. C. (2009) Beyond Microblogging: Conversation and Collaboration via Twitter, Proceedings of the 42nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Jisc (2014) Value and benefits of text mining [online] available: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/value-and-benefits-of-text-mining [26 September 2014] Quora (2010) [online] available: http://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-Twitter-only-indexes-a-user-s-last-3-000-tweets-Will-they- extend-this [24 September 2014] “Knowledge Management is a management discipline, focused on delivering value through attention to knowledge; both knowledge held by individuals and communities, and knowledge documented in guidance or reference material.” (Knoco, 2014)
Knowledge Management has been around for over 20 years, yet there is still no definition for it. Typing in the words “knowledge management” on Google brings up an astonishing range of definitions and opinions on the subject (Rao, 2012). There are constantly new ways in which knowledge can be stored and accessed, thanks to web 2.0, which is in essence a way to employ new methods to distribute information (Rao, 2012). A microblog is one of the most fundamental tools for colleagues to broadcast information and share knowledge, but as it is with everything we analyse, it is important that we assess the benefits and problems that these technologies can have, and in this case, especially within the workplace. Recently, we partook in a discussion in a chat room, with the focus of conversation being on knowledge management, and I thought the platform was such that it involved people just spewing out information, which made it very hard to follow. There was no order and topics were changing before one had a chance to respond, making things irrelevant at a very quick pace. I tried to think of ways that this could have been rectified, and what I came up with was creating a different room for a different topic, and quickly realized that that is what a discussion forum does, and the issue at hand lay with Microblogs and not discussion forums. Microblogs center on people and constant interactions, unlike discussion forums where the key focal point is the subject matter (Strout & Cascio, 2008). Microblogs make way for fast-paced information sharing, and finding solutions become easier with the use of hash tags and lists. It is also available 24/7, so responses can be obtained no matter what time it is. Also, microblogs can have a good impact on a company’s staff interactions and it can help progress professional relationships within the company. An added benefit to microblogging is that as long as there is a working internet connection, it is accessible (Strout & Cascio, 2008). Microblogs are also a great way to broadcast an urgent message as quickly as possible. The 140 character limit, while many see it as a downfall, can have the benefit that messages are kept brief and to the point so there is no added confusion. Microblogs are not limited to a specific geographical are hence communication and information sharing can take place from anywhere in the world (Strout & Cascio, 2008). Anything that is deployed via the internet has certain security concerns (we all know about the recent disastrous iCloud hack). T an assurance that a microblogs platform is chosen that allows employees to safely share information without the worry that it may fall into the wrong hands (Knoco, 2014). One of the biggest downfalls of a large number of companies is that their information is trapped in files alone and is stored and shared via email and shared drives. Very often, once that employee leaves, their work and information leaves with them and the odds of another being able to make use of it is very slim (Rao, 2012). If an enterprise microblogging tool is employed, then these files can be linked and indexed to make mining easier. One of the major problems with a microblogs is that anyone who has access to it can contribute towards it and can add posts. This may add difficulties in that deciphering between wrong and right information becomes labourious and time-consuming (Garfield, 2014). Finding this difference between right and wrong information is especially important to any person who has to take decisions in the company, because wrong information very often leads to wring decisions. There is also the risk of behaviours more commonly associated with social media, such as obsessive updates or continuous checking of profiles, starting to infiltrate the business which could lead to a less productive worker (Garfield, 2014). This situation gets even tougher because the blog would be part of the company yet the worker may still get distracted from doing what they were hired to do. During the week that we were required to post on twitter about IT topics, I often found myself getting distracted by things that had nothing to do with the project at hand. In conclusion, knowledge is meant to aide in the decision making process and improve a company’s already existing methods. After this analysis, it is clear that microblogs offers many benefits and opportunities, and also some downfalls. It cannot be generalized in the broad sense by specifically saying that companies need/don’t need it. Its benefits may be what is required by one company but not by another so it is important that a company assess their needs and decide if employing a microblogging tool is beneficial to them. REFERENCES: Garfield, S (2014) 5 pitfalls to avoid in knowledge management [online] available: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140902142637-2500783-5-pitfalls-to-avoid-in- knowledge-management [24 September 2014] Knoco (2014) Knowledge Management [online] available: http://www.knoco.com/knowledge-management.htm [24 September 28, 2014] Rao, M (2012) The knowledge movement: trends and opportunities [online] available: http://www.kmworld.com/Articles/Editorial/Feature/The-knowledge-movement- trends-and-opportunities-82071.aspx [24 September 2014] Strout, A, Cascio, J (2008) Is the Enterprise Ready for Microblogging Tools like Twitter? [online] available: http://mashable.com/2008/09/30/enterprise-microblogging/ [24 September 2014]
A watch that you can talk to was believed to be found on superheroes in the comic books, or spies in the movies – but on real people in the real world? What about a machine that can print a plastic body part that can actually be attached and used as the real one would? Or even paying for items without physically handing over any cash? Our parents would have never believed it to be true, but here we are, seeing advancements that were once thought to be impossible. This is why we need to be aware of the negative impacts, we need to educate ourselves, give ourselves a reality check, because it’s hard to not be in awe of it, and that may well make us complacent. This article serves to review three trends – namely – Smart devices, Bit coins and 3D Printers- and explores their negative impact and particularly its effect on South Africa. 1. Smart Devices
offerings, there are still a lot of concerns – and rightly so (Wayner, 2013). The main concerns are those of privacy – a hot topic of debate in the digital era (Chang, 2014). A person can unknowingly be the subject of a Google Glass user. There’s also the subject of copyright and general scouting of one’s competitors are just the starting point in terms of the possible insidious use of the gadget (Wayner, 2013). They might be inadvertent consequences of the technology, but they are all pertinent concerns. b. How does it affect South Africa and how can it be combated? A possible negative effect of smart devices in SA is the risk of car accidents. This matter is getting much consideration globally (Arrive Alive, 2014). Road crashes that involve texting while driving claim a lot of lives each year. Imagine how these numbers will increase as more and more people invest in things such as the smart watch – where you don’t even need to take out your cell phone to read or send messages. Governments need to be more involved and vigilant to meet their lawful duty to guard the rights of their residents to travel in safety on the road. We must make certain that drivers comprehend that texting is one of the most perilous things that can be done whilst in control of a road vehicle (Arrive Alive, 2014). Mobile phone manufacturers and cellular network providers need to initiate campaigns to inform mobile phone users, particularly young adults, about the threats of using a cell-phone while driving. One of the greatest means to curtail texting while driving is to create a social stigma against it, making it socially unacceptable (Arrive Alive, 2014). The uncomplicated reality is that roads are already abundantly treacherous. When we add mobile devices to existing road hazards, we are greatly increasing the risks of being on the road. The truth is that texting while driving is not only a risk to the person behind the wheel, but to all road users! The video below is a great message by Gary Turk, a very talented writer, about the negative side of technology, from a social perspective. Ironic though, isn't it, that the very thing he uses to pass his message across, is the same thing that he is discouraging the use of. i.e Technology.
When melting plastic with heat, 3D printers guzzle between 50 to 100 times more electrical energy than molding to construct an article of identical weight, according to research by Loughborough University (Giplin, 2014). With 3D printers thought to revolutionize the manufacturing industry through mass ‘printing’, Industrial-sized 3D printers definitely don’t reduce our utilization of coal power, which is scarce (Taylor, 2014). b. How does it affect South Africa and how can it be combated? As with all leaps in development of new technology, it contains major inferences for the labour market (Taylor, 2014). Better mechanization will denote a decline in the labour intensity of production processes, that is, fewer jobs, although – it must be noted- fresh jobs to carry out fresh tasks may also be formed (Giplin, 2014). It will additionally signify that discounted labour will turn out to be less cutthroat in relation to more costly, skilled labour due to the improved efficiency (Sanlam, 2014). The more movable the labour force is, the quicker it will acclimatize to the new conditions. Therefore it is probable that the growing use of 3D printers will include severe negative repercussions for China, who are at present the leader in the global manufacturing industry. It is also expected that the production of products which has been handed over to emerging nations, can fall back into the hands of developed countries, leaving the emerging economies struggling once again (Taylor, 2014). China’s response could be to automate manufacturing themselves or by directing their manufacturing to countries with even lower production costs and this could include Africa. Watch this video of a boy who has a prosthetic hand made for him by a 3D Printer. 3. Bitcoins a. Negative Impacts This could be the invention that prevents the ability of anyone, especially government, from printing their way out of difficulties. Anyone fretting after the crumple of African Bank will most likely be captivated by it. Yet still, the entire concept is to be questioned. Everyone knows that the internet is a breeding ground for viruses – let alone cyber attacks. Its tough just losing a flash drive, imagine losing your entire life savings in Bit coins (Wayner, 2013). Yes one may argue that this can be alleviated with backups and better protection, but there's still debate on exactly how much a Bit coin is worth. There's no inherent value, and the marketplace may vary much more than rands or gold (Wayner, 2013). The largest dilemma, however, may be the extreme newness of this technology. Ron Paul, a former congressman, notorious for distrusting central authority said, "If I can't put it in my pocket, I have problems with it." (Wayner, 2013) b. How does it affect South Africa and how can it be combated? While bit coins are still relatively unpopular in South Africa, due to the lack of retailers that accept it, it is starting to pick up. The appearance of bit coin ATMs and Vending Machines is a clear indicator that in most probability, it is being accepted and utilized in South Africa (van der Berg, 2014). With many a person’s falling victim to various scams (We’ve all gotten the ‘Congratulations! You’ve won R5 Million.’ SMS – and some of us may even know people who have fallen victim to such scams.), one has to wonder if this may not worsen should this technology be adopted on a national level. Check out the video below on how NOT to get scammed using bitcoins! REFERENCES
Arrive Alive (2014) Texting and Distracted Driving [online], available: https://www.arrivealive.co.za/Texting-and-Distracted-Driving [21 August 2014] Chang, D. (2014) The dark side of technology [online], available: http://fluxtrends.co.za/the-dark-side-of-technology/ [21 August 2014] Gilpin, L. (2014) The dark side of 3D printing: 10 things to watch [online], available: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-dark-side-of-3d-printing-10-things-to-watch/[19 August 2014] Sanlam (2014) A Ray of Light in the Darkness [online], available: www.sanlam.co.za/wps/wcm/connect/sanlam_en/sanlam/investor+relations/economic+inform ation/economic+commentary/a+ray+of+light+in+the+darkness [20 August 2014] Taylor, J. (2014) 3D printing may shape a new manufacturing revolution [online], available: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/3d-printing-may-shape-a-new-manufacturing- revolution-2013-01-18/ [18 August 2014] van der Berg, R. (2014) SA gets first Bitcoin vending machine [online], available: http://www.techcentral.co.za/sa-gets-first-bitcoin-vending-machine/50432/[19 August 2014] Wayner, P. (2013) The hidden dark side of today’s hottest tech trends [online], available: http://www.infoworld.com/t/it-management/the-hidden-dark-side-of-today%E2%80%99s- hottest-tech-trends-219251?page=0,3 [21 August 2014] Information from Alice Martin at http://www.edudemic.com/the-4-negative-side-effects-of-technology/
The rapid revolution in technology affected our lifestyle drastically and led us to believe that our lives have changed for the better. Now communication with our distant friends or relatives, buying branded products or goods on-the-go and conducting business meeting is possible with just a single click. We believe that all these changes have made our lives more comfortable than before. However, there is a critical concern that is eating up most parents from inside, i.e., whether technology is affecting their children for the good or worse? What are some of the side effects of technology? What are we to do about the tech overload happening right now to students and everyone else? The minds of children are like blank pages. As we know that the generation of this era has a high level of dexterity. Their elevated cleverness allows them to fill those pages very fast with the provided information. Such information can be extracted not only from books and other educational materials but also from games, TV shows and texting. A limited use of gadgets can be quite useful for children as it will allow them to be up to date with the current technology. However, the overuse of these advancements can really hamper or even damage their development in the personal growth, communication and educational department. Though we can’t deny the endowments that the current era of advancement has provides us with, but like any other thing, we cannot deny the fact that there is always two sides to everything: Good and Bad. Let’s take a look at the top 4 ways that overuse of technology has influenced our children in an adverse manner: 1. Elevated Exasperation These days, children indulge themselves in internet, games or texting. These activities have affected their psyche negatively, consequently leading to increased frustration. Now they get frustrated whenever they are asked to do anything while playing games or using internet. For instance, when their parents ask them to take the trash out, they get furious instantly. This behavior has shattered many parent-children relationships. 2. Deteriorated Patience Patience is a very precious virtue and its scarcity could deteriorate a person’s Will. Determination is a necessity that comes with patience and without it no individual can survive the hardships of life. According to studies, tolerance in children is vanishing quite increasingly due to the improper use of technology. For example, children get frustrated quickly when they surf internet and the page they want to view takes time to load. 3. Declining Writing Skills Due to the excessive usage of online chatting and shortcuts, the writing skills of today’s young generation have declined quite tremendously. These days, children are relying more and more on digital communication that they have totally forgot about improving their writing skills. They don’t know the spelling of different words, how to use grammar properly or how to do cursive writing. 4. Lack of Physical Interactivity No one can deny the fact that the advancement of technology has produced a completely unique method of interaction and communication. Now, more and more people are interacting with others through different platforms like apps, role-playing online games, social networks, etc. This advancement has hampered the physical interaction skills of many children. Due to that they don’t know how to interact with others when they meet them in-person or what gesture they should carry. The bottom line is that while technology is a necessity to survive and flourish in this age of advancement, however, parents should control their children by keeping an eye on its excessive usage. Research by Samantha Hanly, Demand Media at http://smallbusiness.chron.com/technologys-negative-impact-business-19118.html Technology has positive affects on global business. The Internet makes it possible for people to communicate easily with associates in other countries. Ecommerce makes it possible for consumers to purchase almost anything from almost anywhere. And the flow of information is fast and often free once you have paid for Internet access. However, technology also has negative impacts on business. Business Relationships Internet technology -- such as chat rooms, Skype and other software -- has made it possible to hold meetings without all parties being physically present in the same place. A drawback is that meeting with somebody over the Internet is much less personal than meeting face-to-face. Internet technology in business decreases the personal aspect of business relationships. Business people used to network in restaurants and on golf courses. Today, the lack of physical proximity decreases brainstorming and other communications that use a personal touch. Employee Morale Installing monitoring software in the workplace sends the message to employees that the company does not trust them, according to research done under the aegis of professor Howard Besser while teaching at New York University. Giving employees responsibility, trust and respect boosts their morale and productivity. Showing them that they are not trusted and must be recorded decreases morale and worker productivity. This is true regardless of the actual reasons for installing monitoring software, according to the same research. Related Reading: What Negative Impact Does Unethical Behavior Have in Information Technology? Spam Spam refers to unwanted and unsolicited email messages. Spam is widespread and has negative impacts on business, according to the article "Impact of Information Technology on Global Business" published by Purdue University. Wading through spam email is a waste of time, and spam filters can only do so much. Users of spam filters must then check for necessary email messages diverted incorrectly as spam. Brick and MortarThe popularity of ecommerce has had a negative impact on brick-and-mortar retail stores. Smaller stores are finding more and more difficult to compete with both Internet businesses and larger retail stores. For example, small community bookstores must compete with Amazon.com as well as large stores such as Barnes & Noble that sell in person and online. Sometimes the smaller stores end up going out of business. |