Tips

IT and Politics

root — Sun, 25 May 2008 05:41:06 -0500

As IT has gotten more involved in business processes, IT has become closer to the politics in the organization. In the past many IT groups fell under finance or accounting. Some have said that because of this, many accountants and heads of finance became CEOs — through the use of the information and capabilities of IT.

Today, IT cannot avoid political involvement. How a new system and process are implemented affects the power structure of the winners and losers. Politics sometimes generates new project ideas. Projects can be started and then later killed for political reasons. For example, manager A starts a project. It appears useful, but manager A moves on and is replaced by manager B. Manager B then either changes or kills the project. The new manager is “putting her stamp” on the work.

How to measure risk level in software development cost estimation

root — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:40:29 -0500

Most of us put a lot of effort into cost estimation in our personal lives. When considering a new job offer, most of us look closely at the cost of living in a different area; likewise, when shopping for a new car, most people check with several dealerships to find the best deal. The business world is constrained by the same budget factors. These components drive up the cost of software:

The chosen source code language—Using an obscure or unpopular language will most likely drive up costs.
The size of the application—The size or complexity of the application has a bearing on cost. As an example, the level of security needed is something that will affect the complexity of a given application. This also has a direct correlation to the scope of the project.
The project time constraints—If a project is projected to be completed in one month versus three months, this might mean that more overtime needs to be paid, along with fees for rushed services.

What if auditee or client reject our finding?

root — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:29:47 -0500

What should we do when we come up with the situation that the auditee reject our finding. As a senior auditor, you’re already analysis that the finding you give to the client was correct. All of previous documentation also already stated. But the client insists that he or she is right? What should we do: never make a deadlock situation, is the answer. Always provide room for negotiation, and here is ten tips from IIA chapters in the US how to better negotiate.

1. Don't make all your demands up front.
2. Don't reveal your true deadline to others.
3. Take advantage of the "good guy, bad guy" scenario.
4. Rely on the power of competition.
5. Attack problems, not people.
6. Put yourself in the other person's shoes
7. Give recognition when due.
8. Try the "fait accompli tactic."
9. Focus on minor issues first.
10. Feint (look to the left, move to the right).

The ten negotiating strategies were incorporated into a survey questionnaire, which was sent to a sample of internal auditors from IIA chapters in the U.S. detail at here

If we certainly believe that the negotiation is the key, then you should practicing a lot to improve your negotiation skill.

Canada Airport Security Tips and Procedure 2007

root — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:20:55 -0600

Every country has its own security procedure for the airport. The Government of Canada recently issue a new airport security procedure called the Passenger Protect Program, are in place at Canadian airports effective June 18, 2007.

Detail Program:

All passengers 12 years of age or older are required to have one piece of government-issued photo ID or two pieces of government-issued ID without photo.
All passengers 12 years or older will be screened against a no-fly list, called the Specified Persons List. The list includes the name, date of birth and gender of individuals who may pose an immediate threat to air security.
For all flights departing Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal for the U.S., duty free liquids, gels and aerosols must be transferred to checked luggage before a passenger proceeds through the screening process. These airports have pre-clearance services for duty free items.
For all other Canadian flights bound for the U.S. and the U.K. duty free goods like these may be available depending on the airline but passengers will only receive their purchases at the end of the flight. Travelers are urged to check with airlines in advance.
For other international flights, the rules can vary. Some airlines will allow duty free liquids, gels and aerosols to be taken on board with carry-on luggage but only if the goods are delivered to passengers after the boarding gate and while getting on the aircraft.