ITEC1010 CH 10

computer related waste

- organization's operating unintegrated information systems
- acquiring redundant systems
- wasting information system resources

computer related mistakes

- errors
- failures
- other computer problems that make computer output incorrect/not useful
Most are caused by human error

unintegrated information systems

leads to missed opportunities, increased costs, and lost sales

preventing computer related waste/mistakes

- establish policies/procedures
- implement policies
- monitor policies
- review policies

training programs/documents

can help prevent computer waste/mistakes

audits

can be used to track the amount of time employees spend on non-work-related websites

federal law

permits employers to monitor emails sent/received by employees

RFID tags

- microchips with antenna
- embedded in many products we buy
- generate radio transmissions that, if appropriate measures are not taken, can lead to potential privacy concerns

mobile crowd sensing

means of acquiring data through sensor-enhanced mobile devices

the children's online privacy protection act (COPPA)

impacts the design and operations of websites that cater to children

social network services

facebook, twitter, pinterest, google plus, tumblr, instagram

privacy concerns w/ internet

- sending email msgs
- visiting websites
- buying products online

libel

publishing an intentionally false written statement that is damaging to a person's/organization's reputation

selling information

can be lucrative; many companies store and sell data they collect on customers, employees, and others

BBB

recomments the following elements:
- policy
- choice
- access
- security
- redress
- updates

protecting personal privacy

- find out what is stored abt you
- be careful sharing personal information
- be proactive to protect your privacy
- take extra care when buying online

occupational stress

anxieties about job insecurity, loss of control, incompetence, and demotion

seated immobility thromboembolism

formation of blood clots in the legs/lungs

repetitive strain injury

injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or joints caused by repetitive motion

carpal tunnel syndrome

inflammation of the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm of the wrist

(2) primary causes of computer related health problems

- poorly designed work environment
- failure to take regular breaks

work stressors

are hazardous activities associated with unfavourable conditions of a poorly designed work environment

ergonomics

is the science of designing machines, products, and systems to maximize safety, comfort, and efficiency of people who use them

flexibility

is a major component of ergonomics and an important consideration in the design of computer devices

ethical issues

deal with what is generally considered right/wrong

ethical behaviour

conforms to general accepted social norms

morals

one's personal beliefs about right and wrong

law

a system of rules that tells us what we can and cannot do

decision making process

- gather info
- develop problem statement
- consult those involved
- identify options
- weigh options
- choose option
- inplement solution
- review results

code of ethics

states the principles and core values essential to a set of people and therefore, govern their behaviour

mishandling of social issues

includes waste and mistakes, crime, privacy, health, and ethics—can devastate an organization

policies and procedures

must be established to avoid waste and mistakes associated with computer usage

Improper use of information systems and resources by employee

Sending texts and personal email, playing computer games, surfing the Web, shopping online, checking for updates on Instagram or Facebook

Computer-Related Mistakes Common causes

Unclear expectations
• Inadequate training and feedback
• Program development that contains errors
• Incorrect input by a data-entry clerk

Some examples

• Data-entry or data-capture errors
• Programming errors
• Errors in handling files
• Mishandling of computer output
• Inadequate planning for and control of equipment malfunctions

• IS efficiency and effectiveness involves

• Establishing policies and procedures
• Implementing policies and procedures
• Monitoring policies and procedures
• Reviewing policies and procedures

Additional preventative measures

• Requirement that all new applications be approved through an established process
before they are rolled out
• Requirement that documentation and descriptions of certain applications be filed or
submitted to a central office

Examples of other useful policies to minimize waste and mistakes include

• Changes to critical tables, HTML, and URLs should be tightly controlled
• User manuals should be available
• Each system report should indicate its general content in its title and specify the time
period covered
• The system should have controls to prevent invalid and unreasonable data entry

Implement internal audits to measure actual results against established goals,
such as:

• Percentage of end-user reports produced on time
• Percentage of data-input errors detected
• Number of input transactions entered per eight-hour shift

Questions to be answered during a review of policies and procedures:

• Do current policies cover existing practices adequately?
• Does the organization plan any new activities in the future? Who will handle them
and what must be done?
• Are contingencies and disasters covered?

To protect your privacy and your employer's property

• Do not send personal or private IMs at work
• Select a texting or IM app that receives high security ratings
• Disable text previews that appear in a pop-up window on the lock screen
• Do not open files or click links in messages from people you do not know
• Never send sensitive personal data via IM
• Choose a nonrevealing, nongender-specific, unprovocative IM screen name
• Do not send embarrassing messages

• Individuals:

• Can post information to the Internet using anonymous e-mail accounts or screen
names
• Must be careful what they post on the Internet to avoid libel charges

Selling information to other companies can very lucrative

many companies
store and sell the data they collect on customers, employees, and others
• When is this information storage and use fair and reasonable to the people whose
data is stored and sold?

Fairness Issues

The right to know
The ability to decide

Database Storage

Knowledge and Control

Database Usage

Notice and Consent

The right to know and the ability to decide federal privacy laws and regulations

Fairness Issues Database Storage Database Usage

Most organizations realize that invasions of privacy can:

• Damage their reputation
• Turn away customers
• Dramatically reduce revenues and profits

Use of computer-based information systems has changed the workforce

• Jobs that require IS literacy have increased
• Less-skilled positions have been eliminated

Occupational stress

• Anxieties about job insecurity, loss of control, incompetence, and demotion

• Seated immobility thromboembolism (SIT)

• Formation of blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

• An injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or joints caused by
repetitive motion

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

• Inflammation of the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm of the wrist

Two primary causes of computer-related health problems are

• A poorly designed work environment
• Failure to take regular breaks to stretch the muscles and rest the eyes

Checklist to determine if properly seated at a correctly positioned keyboard

• Your elbows are near your body in an open angle to allow circulation to the lower
arms and hands
• Your arms are nearly perpendicular to the floor
• Your wrists are nearly straight
• The height of the surface holding your keyboard and mouse is 1 or 2 inches above
your thighs
• The keyboard is centered in front of your body
• The monitor is about one arm's length (20 to 26 inches) away
• The top of your monitor is at eye level
• Your chair has a backrest that supports the curve of your lower (lumbar) back