DEV Community: Windya Madushani

Industries Transformed by Information Systems: Education, Healthcare, News, Travel

Windya Madushani — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:17:03 +0000

An information system is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products. Business firms and other organizations rely on information systems to carry out and manage their operations, interact with their customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace. Information systems are used to run inter-organizational supply chains and electronic markets.

Information systems have transformed the following industries and sectors.

Education

Using audio and video material - Nowadays, teachers use videos and audio to teach students a better lesson.
Using several technical platforms - Students now have the opportunity to continue their studies through a variety of mediums, such as Zoom, MS when they are not physically able to study.
Using the Internet - Unlike in the past, in addition to acquiring knowledge from books, it is now possible to acquire various knowledge online as well.

Healthcare

Virtual Reality (VR) – VR is changing the lives of physicians and patients alike. Looking into the future, you could travel to Spain or home while you are in a hospital bed, or you may watch operations as if you are holding the scalpel.
Robotics – Robotics is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields of medicine. Robot developments range from disinfectant robots or exoskeletons right through to surgical robots and pharmabiotics.
Healthcare trackers, wearables, and sensors - Closely connected with the future of healthcare and medicine, patients’ and individuals’ empowerment is taking better care of their health using technologies like wearables, health trackers, and sensors. These are excellent devices that allow us to know more about our health and give us more control over our own lives.

News and Media

Changing Newsroom Tools - As much as consumers have changed the tools they use to get information, newsrooms have changed the tools they use to present the news and gather it. Facebook and Twitter have become heavily ingrained in the process.
Live Streaming - Stations have also jumped onto increasingly popular live streaming apps, which they use to disseminate information to the often-younger demographic that heavily populates those services. Platforms like Periscope, which allows people to access live video from users around the globe, have become an integral part of the news-gathering process, especially at TV stations, which can use the feeds on the air.
Personalized News - Streaming services have also emerged as an example of how consumers now expect a personalized experience when viewing content online. Roku, Hulu, and Netflix are changing the way we engage audiences and provide them with a niche personalized version of what they want and when they want it.

Travel and Hospitality

Contactless Payments - Another important form of travel tech is the ability to accept contactless payments. This will allow travel companies to process payments much more quickly, including in situations where customers do not have access to cash, or their credit or debit card. It can also enhance the customer experience because it is a time saver.
Voice Search & Voice Control - Smartphones, smart speakers, and AI assistants have all helped to increase the relevance of voice search as far as technology trends in the travel industry are concerned. In particular, a growing number of travel customers are using voice search to find and book airline tickets, hotel rooms, and travel experiences.
Cybersecurity Measures - Cybersecurity is a major focus area for those in travel management roles because companies in the industry are increasingly at risk from cyber-attacks and also more vulnerable to data breaches of other kinds. Travel companies are a major target because they employ lots of people and have access to an abundance of customer data.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”– Mark Twain

Okay, that’s it for this article.
Also, if you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Thank you for reading this article, and see you soon in the next one! ❤️

Do you know about the Accounting Information System (AIS)?

Windya Madushani — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:20:15 +0000

It has often been said that accounting is the language of business. If that is the case, then an accounting information system (AIS) is the intelligence—the information-providing vehicle—of that language.

In another way, An accounting information system (AIS) is a structure that a business uses to collect, store, manage, process, retrieve, and report its financial data so it can be used by accountants, consultants, business analysts, managers, chief financial officers (CFOs), auditors, regulators, and tax agencies.

Specially trained accountants work in-depth with AIS to ensure the highest level of accuracy in a company's financial transactions and record-keeping, as well as make financial data easily available to those who legitimately need access to it—all while keeping data intact and secure.

An accounting information system is a way of tracking all accounting and business activity for a company. Accounting information systems generally consist of six primary components: people, procedures and instructions, data, software, information technology infrastructure, and internal controls. Below is a breakdown of each component in detail.

Accounting is the systematic and comprehensive recording of an organization’s financial transactions. It also includes summarizing, analysing, and reporting these transactions to management, owners/investors, oversight agencies, and tax collection entities. That means accounting is a data identification, collection, and storage process as well as an information development, measurement, and communication process.

An AIS can be a paper-and-pencil manual system, a complex system using the latest in IT, or something in between. Regardless of the approach taken, the process is the same. The AIS must collect, enter, process, store, and report data and information. The paper and pencil or the computer hardware and software are merely the tools used to produce the information.

This text does not distinguish an AIS from other information systems. Instead, our viewpoint is that the AIS can and should be the organization’s primary information system and that it provides users with the information they need to perform their jobs.

There are six components of an AIS:

The people who use the system.
The procedures and instructions used to collect, process, and store data.
The data about the organization and its business activities.
The software used to process the data.
The information technology infrastructure, including the computers, peripheral devices, and network communications devices used in the AIS.
The internal controls and security measures that safeguard AIS data.

These six components enable an AIS to fulfil three important business functions:

Collect and store data about organizational activities, resources, and personnel. Organizations have several business processes, such as making a sale or purchasing raw materials, which are repeated frequently.
Transform data into information so management can plan, execute, control, and evaluate activities, resources, and personnel
Provide adequate controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and data.

A well-designed AIS makes it possible for a company to operate normally on a daily basis, whereas a poorly designed AIS can make it more difficult. The third benefit of an AIS is that it can be used to find out what went wrong for a company when it is having problems. Lehman Brothers and WorldCom cases serve as two illustrations.

Okay, that’s it for this article.
Also, if you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Thank you for reading this article, and see you soon in the next one! ❤️

What do you think about ‘Gender Equity’?

Windya Madushani — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:20:24 +0000

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”
–Maya Angelou

Women play many roles in their lives and fulfill many responsibilities. As a university student as well as a teacher, I have to meet different people every day. There I work with both men and women. The thing to be really proud of is that women are coming forward at a relatively increased rate these days. Even in the university, there are mostly female students, and the tendency of female students to come forward and present themselves in various competitions and festivals is very high. As a teacher, I am proud to see mostly female students in the classes. Although the IT sector was used only by men, nowadays female students are also moving to the IT sector. I am pursuing an accounting degree Enter a new world called accounting and information systems.
In such a new world, let's find out what should be done to minimize the gender gap in the work environment.

Focus on diversity during your recruitment process.
Create fair compensation and promotion procedures.
Offer flexible and supportive employee benefits.
Create a diversity and inclusion training program.
Hold managers accountable.
Build an inclusive company culture

Let's pay attention to some of the tech women I admire in today's world

1. Shellye Archambeau

Shellye Archambeau is the CEO of MetricStream, a firm that takes the headache out of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) for startups and digital companies.

2. Michal Segalov

One of Google’s most famous Software Engineering Managers, Michal has been working with the internet giant since 2007. Helping to improve Android phones by working on Google Play, she’s also supporting greater participation from women in tech.

3. Angela Ahrendts

Apple’s SVP of both retail and online stores since 2014, Angela is 15th on the Forbes 100 Power Women list. With an annual pay package of around $25 million, the former Burberry CEO is the first woman to make it onto Apple CEO Tim Cook’s executive team.

4. Clare Flynn Levy

Heading up the Women in Fintech Power List for 2016, Clare is the Founder & CEO of a financial software company, Essentia Analytics.

5. Sheryl Sandberg

Facebook’s infamous COO has been named the most powerful woman in tech by Forbes for five consecutive years, and seventh on the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list.

Who are the non-binary?

Most people – including most transgender people – are either male or female. But some people don't neatly fit into the categories of "man" or "woman," or “male” or “female.” For example, some people have a gender that blends elements of being a man or a woman, or a gender that is different than either male or female. Some people don't identify with any gender. Some people's gender changes over time.
People whose gender is not male, or female use many different terms to describe themselves, with nonbinary being one of the most common (sometimes spelled with a hyphen, as “non-binary”). Other terms include genderqueer, agender, bigender, genderfluid, and more. None of these terms mean the same thing – but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female. If you’re not sure what a word means, you can usually just ask politely.
It is a matter of pride to be part of an open-minded community that values the equality of men and women in today's world compared to the past and respects everyone's opinions.

Accountant Vs IT Skills & Software Skills in the Present World

Windya Madushani — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:38:48 +0000

An accountant is a specialist in bookkeeping. They organize the financial records that you need to run your business, such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements and profit and loss statements. They can simplify the financial jargon involved in running a business, audit your records and create tax reports. The functions of an accountant have changed with technology. You will be more competitive whether you are a junior accountant trying to land your first job or an experienced accountant seeking to advance. The modern accountant must have a broad range of skills, beyond traditional accounting.

Are accountants required to have IT skills and software skills in order to succeed in the modern world?

In today's world, accountants must have both IT and software skills in order to do their job efficiently and effectively. Here are some reasons:

Automating Accounting Processes: Many accounting tasks can now be automated thanks to the advent of accounting software. Accounting software has made accountants' work easier and more efficient. To be able to use this program effectively, accountants must have both IT and software skills.

Data Analysis: Data Analysis With the increasing amount of data available, it has become essential for accountants to be able to perform data analysis. They must be able analyse data to spot trends, patterns and anomalies. They will need IT skills and the ability to use software to analyze data.

Communication: Today, communication is crucial to our success. Accountants must communicate with clients, colleagues, as well as other stakeholders. They need to be able to use technology to communicate with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Cloud Computing: The cloud computing revolution has transformed the way that accounting firms operate. Cloud-based accounting software makes it possible for accountants to work anywhere and at any time. Cloud-based accounting software requires IT skills to be used by accountants.

Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity It's vital that accountants are aware of cybersecurity risks as well as how to avoid them. To be able identify and prevent cyber threats, accountants must have IT skills.

Spreadsheet software: An accountant must be proficient in the use of spreadsheet software like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to analyze data, create financial reports and manage financial data.

Accounting software: An accountant must be familiar with accounting software like Sage, Xero or QuickBooks to manage financial transactions and create financial statements.

Data visualization: An accountant must be able create visual representations using tools like Tableau and Power BI to show financial data. This skill is useful in identifying patterns and outliers in financial information.

To be able to do their job effectively in today’s world, accountants must have both IT and software skills. These skills are essential for automating accounting processes, data analysis, communication and cybersecurity. To succeed in today's business world, an accountant must have both technical and soft skills. They must be able to use technology to analyse and manage financial data and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.

It is therefore necessary for IT to be able to function as an accountant in a world where technology is constantly improving.

Okay, that’s it for this article.
Also, if you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Thank you for reading this article, and see you soon in the next one! ❤️

What is Diversity?

Windya Madushani — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 14:31:44 +0000

Diversity is dissimilarities differences—among people due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, education, experience, physical appearance, capabilities/disabilities, and any other characteristic that is used to distinguish between people.

Why Diversity Matters in Contemporary Organisations?

Women's representation in the workplace

At present, increasing representation of women in every place
has become a very common fact. Compared to male students, female students are also seen in schools at a much higher rate.

Aging population

At present, the elderly population living at home has become a rapidly increasing number than the working population.

Ethnic minorities / Social class / Religion / Caste / Rural vs. Urban / Language differences / Technical competency / Access to communication / Other context-specific factors

Currently, many people representing different religions, different races, and different cultures have come to the work environment.

Ethical concerns on accommodating differently-abled people (both mentally and physically)

Nowadays, people with various physical and mental disorders have come to the work environment.

Concerns regarding sexual orientation

At present, people with different sexual behaviors such as men, women, homosexuals, etc. have also entered the work environment.

What Is Workplace Diversity?

With its basis in civil rights legislation and social justice, the word diversity often invokes a variety of attitudes and emotional responses in people. Diversity has traditionally been considered a term used by human resources departments, associated with fair hiring practices, discrimination, and inequality. But diversity today is considered to be so much more. We define workforce diversity as the ways in which people in an organization are different from and similar to one another. Notice that our definition not only focuses on the differences but also the similarities of employees. This recognizes that managers and organizations should view employees as having qualities in common as well as differences that separate them. It doesn’t mean that those differences are any less important, but that our focus is in finding ways for managers to develop strong relationships with and engage their entire workforce.

Managing Diversity?

Managing diversity is maximizing the ability of all employees to contribute to organizational goals and to achieve their full potential unhindered by group identities such as race, gender, nationality, age, and departmental affiliations.

Top management needs to make sure that diversity and inclusion are part of the organization’s purpose, goals, and strategies. Diversity needs to be integrated into every aspect of the business—from the workforce, customers, and suppliers to products, services, and the communities served. Policies and procedures must be in place to ensure that grievances and concerns are addressed immediately. Finally, the organizational culture needs to be one where diversity and inclusion are valued, including ensuring individual performance is measured and rewarded on diversity accomplishment.

Obstacles for Managing Diversity

Prejudice
Discrimination
Stereotyping
Ethnocentrism
Lack of understanding about diversity and inclusion – Perceiving diversity and inclusion as a challenge but not as a strength

How to Overcome the Obstacles Developing awareness (mindset change) about the strengths/advantages of appreciating diversity and accommodating for inclusion

The best example for diversity including to workplace is PUMA company.

Appreciating Diversity and Practicing Inclusion –
PUMA Brand Ambassador for Body Wear and Swim Wear Winnie Harlow

“I hope I am helping to open the door a little further for someone else to get through. My mentors have done that for me and it’s my ambition to do the same for others as I grow in my career. I want to continue to help champion confidence, inclusivity, and acceptance”

Winnie Harlow

All things considered, my final suggestion is that all people are always equal, so all people should be treated equally.

Okay, that’s it for this article.
Also, if you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Thank you for reading this article, and see you soon in the next one! ❤️