Progress within the AIS Module - Essay Example

?Self – Reflection: Progress within the AIS Module The AIS module was presented in an effectively structured manner needed due to the scope of a widerange of topics starting from the basic theoretical frameworks of Accountancy and the Information System to the subject of Technology and Ethics. As indicated in the requirements, the self-reflection is designed to take a personal evaluation of how I managed the task and how I worked as an individual. With emphasis to be focused on the learning process, the discourse would hereby highlight the skills learned from various modules, the personal and professional developments noted as a consequence of actively participating in the tasks, and finally, my future plans. Skills Learned From closer assessment of my personal and professional skills, it is apparent that the following skills were developed from the course: analytical skills, critical thinking, and intellectual growth from increased inputs on AIS concepts and theories, comprehension skills, the ability to interpret and apply required tasks and activities, and increased understanding of financial and accounting operations of an organization, among others. Further, skills to enable me to comply with the needed follow through in the module are likewise improved: prioritization of tasks or time management, problem-solving skills, introspection and even decision-making skills. The given lectures do not only provide the required explanation for terms being the subjects of discussion; but more importantly, learning goals are identified and illustrations are provided to guide and enhance learning skills. For instance, the topic on transactions processing gave students the lay-outs for sales or revenue cycle, as well as other cycles such as the purchasing, payroll and fixed asset cycle. These lay-outs assisted students in understanding the theories through visual representation of elements and interactions among stakeholders: managers, different departments, and external institutions (suppliers, government, and customers). I realized, however, that there were some topics which are generally difficult to understand given the nature and level of complicated concepts that were presented. For example, the topic on IS auditing was a fairly difficult topic that aimed to provide concepts in the most concise form. It, however, was successful in providing a general overview of the audit techniques and steps from a student’s perspective. Both critical and analytical skills are improved in this phase. I realized that for students who developed a deeper interest in the subject would need to make additional research or undertake additional courses on that topic alone. The topic on security and control is an interesting, relevant and contemporary issue that is highly important in terms of applicability to global organizational settings. Due to the technological developments accorded by the internet age, various organizations that opted to implement electronic applications (such as online banking, selling transactions through electronic business, and delivery of health care) need to be serious about awareness on this subject. My interpretative, analytic and application skills are enhanced as the subject of security breaches are closely studied. The topic on recovery procedures and control measures are most useful to inform me on the critical aspects of ensuring security in various phases of the operations in the organization, not only in information technology, but in other areas such as personnel, physical lay-out and structure, among others. It is my personal belief that other topics were fairly presented in a very generalized manner with the objective of providing the necessary information that could be sourced from these: supply chain management, logistics and competitive advantage. These concepts should be discussed in more detail in other management courses like marketing. Another subject that is felt to have a wide range of complex topics and sub-topics is the area of systems development that presented other equally difficult areas such as design, planning, implementation and analysis. Despite trying to understand all the needed theories and concepts, viewing the included sub-topics and interrelated concepts tend to scare students on the depth of understanding and analysis needed for these. These topics posed more challenges in terms of applying skills in screening information and remembering those that are would be most applicable in the near future. Personal and Professional Developments My personal reflection enabled the realization that from among the skills developed, time management was most enhanced. Since most of the lecture notes initially defined goals or objectives, I was trained to clearly set an identified goal in each task or activity. By setting objectives, it is easier to measure my progress and evaluate the rate of performance. Information processing skills are likewise improved. The ability to build networks, extract and validate information and disseminate information effectively to those who need these information the most. Likewise, the course enhanced my ability to find problems and solutions even when alternatives, information and objectives are confusing or difficult to find. The wide range of information presented in various topics provided training grounds to screen the most relevant information, to determine the root problem, if needed, and to analyze the alternative courses of action. These steps are consistent with problem-solving and decision-making, which are both developed in the course. More importantly, the whole module, including this essay requirement developed my skills of introspection: the ability to examine personal thoughts, feelings, and mental processes with the aim of determining the progress made. Every activity was taken in a positive and objective point of view to eliminate biases and subjectivity. The secret of giving a balance reflection is being true to myself to truly assess both strengths gained and the weaknesses that still need to be addressed. In this regard, my personal assessment assisted in the determination of the following weaknesses: (1) the need to be more flexible in practical applications of the theories learned from the course; (2) taking full responsibility for my personal and professional growth; (3) the ability to cope with stress and complying with the demands of the academic requirements; and (4) the development of personal initiative for further research on topics that are misunderstood and that needs more analysis. Having identified these weaknesses, I am faced with the task of addressing them. Applying the theories in the course is seen to be realized in future activities. Taking full responsibility for my growth is seen related to the development of personal initiatives to conduct further research to increase understanding of topics that were regarded as fairly comprehended. At times, due to limitations of time, I was made to be simply satisfied on the amount of current understanding for the topic presented in the module. As mentioned above, topics like auditing or systems development present opportunities for further research to provide greater understanding and expertise on these fields. I acknowledge, however, that learning is a continued process. I could not be rushed into learning volumes of concepts and theories in one sitting. There are ample time needed to synthesis and integrate these concepts on my intellectual capacity and learn to slowly apply them to future use. When the situation and the time call for the need to implement these theories, the basic framework provided by the course is a welcome plus factor. Finally, I came to realize that there is still the need to cope with stress and the ability to comply with academic requirements, not only of this module or course, but in other activities, as well. Coping with stress comes with effective time management and skills in prioritization. Though it has been identified that the course assisted in improving time management skills, there are instances when balancing course requirements with other roles give stress to my life. All students assume other roles in terms of being either a child to one’s parents, an employee, a spouse, or a citizen of this country. As active participants of this society, I also need to balance assumption of different roles to ensure that the responsibilities expected from assuming one role is not totally neglected. Future Plans I plan to be a professional leader in the role of a manager of a global organization. In this regard, the learning from the course is considered useful from the point of view of a future leader. All topics are important for future applications, especially these theoretical frameworks and concepts are effective and useful for business practitioners, especially for the review and use of management as tools for decision making. In current years, there has been a definite trend toward wider distribution of organizational information and reports to all interested persons, in contrast to the previous generations when management reports and financial statements are considered as confidential in nature. The trend in increasing transparency in global organizations’ operations reflects an increasing awareness of the impact of disclosure of information that would aid in the choice of alternatives that faces every decision-maker in the business world. In this regard, my increasing expertise on various accounting and information system topics would greatly assist in the management of global organizations. Conclusion The self-reflection exercise provided valuable information on the objective assessment of how I managed the tasks and how I worked as an individual. By identifying the skills that were developed, as well as the weaknesses that still needs to be addressed, my overall performance in the course is effectively gauged and measured. As I plan to be a future leader in a global organization, the identified skills require to be continually enhanced to meet future challenging demands. The area of ethics and corporate responsibilities need to be incorporated in my current learning; as well as the concepts of diversity in culture. The privilege of having gained theories, concepts and applications in accounting and information system is highly appreciated in its entirety. Read More