Reflections on Session 6

Oops! Three students did not get credit for their posting because they were unable to meet the 100-word threshold. The reason for the threshold is to ensure that students submit a substantial, value-added and meaningful information. No, it does not guarantee that but through my teaching experience I found that it certainly helps. Incidentally, when I find an exactly 100-word submission, I tend to look at the posting more critically since I suspect that the student added fluff to bring it up to the threshold.

I am glad students are taking a global perspective in this class. It was interesting to read how Europeans and Asians do things differently from a commercial standpoint. Hey let's face it....we live in a global village. (But the question arises...now who is the village idiot? Sorry 'bout that.) We get our cars from Japan and Germany, our coats from Poland and the Czech Republic, our fruits and coffee from Costa Rica and Colombia, and our TV shows from Great Britain (Office, Weakest Link, BBC shows, etc.).

One of the threads in Session 7 provides for a means for you to give me mid-semester feedback. Hopefully, I can try to fix things before the end of the semester. If not, at least your fellow students who take this class next semester will benefit. I would appreciate hearing from you!!!! Thanks!!!

Identity theft is a frightening thought. I've had my credit card stolen once which I guess is a type of identity theft. Fortunately, my credit card company forgave me for all of the false credit card charges (it amounted to thousands of dollars of clothing after my card disappeared from a local restaurant). However, I hear about these horror stories where the bad guys get into your checking and savings account and take all of the funds. The victims are unable to buy things on credit because their credit rating is shot. Let's face it, much of this evil wrongdoing is due to technology. Yes, technology can be a two-edge sword.

Students need to know about the risks surrounding technology. This is a major consideration when implementing a new technology application in an organization. They need to know how to address this risk (countermeasures and controls) and understand that they assume a certain level of risk when it is finally installed. They need to know how to reduce risks on a continuing basis. Threats cannot be totally eliminated unfortunately. I guess you could transfer the risk such as buying identity theft insurance, but that is the not the total solution.