Bruce R. Wall

Paul,
Thanks. I partially agree that the ELT should make the decisions. Although part of me would like to empower the DBC and the other managers. I think this is why I kept them in the loop more. Ultimately it is up to the ELT or the CEO but allowing the DBC to aid in the decision to high level would garner a lot of buy in from the lower level…[Read more]

Paul,
Thank you for the perspective of experience. You raise an excellent point about managers thinking a project will be small then the project grows larger than expected bogging down the IT department. I agree a company must be very careful about over extending itself to allow for smaller “pet” projects. It would seem based on what you said…[Read more]

In the Navy we have an example of systems thinking called Standardization meetings. In these meetings we get several Pilots and Aircrewman of all ranks from each department together to discuss issues or concerns. The reason we bring so many different people together is to gain as much perspective as possible. These different perspectives are built…[Read more]

I picked the Channels box because I believe it is very interesting how in the Government contracts realm this box is very narrow and does not allow for much flow. More specifically I work under the Contract Instructor Services Atlantic Fleet (CISLANT). We perform Contract Instructor Tactical (CIT) services for the MH-60R platform in the US Navy.…[Read more]

Matulovic should give them a nice cold can of suck it up and tell them to drink up, JK. He should however explain to them how this new process will ensure the projects most inline with the company strategy will receive funding. As well as how this will better assist everyone in the company. If they would like to receive funding in the future they…[Read more]

Jonathan,
If I am reading your post correctly it sounds some what like what Google does. They encourage people to spend 20% of their time on their own projects. This idea I believe would assist in keeping executives from asking for favoritism funding because they would be able to slowly work on projects that were not given full funding. Although…[Read more]

Being someone that comes from a military background I am always a fan of structure. The change in the process to become more structured is much better. Although I do not agree with laying the majority of the decision making in the DBC’s hands. The decisions for what should be funded or what is in alignment with the corporate strategy should not be…[Read more]

The computer chips in the cards appear to be very safe especially with the reduction of fraud in Europe. Although it does not stop people from using technology to steel your ID and apply for their own computer chipped card under your name. I think their always is a way around any safeguard. Criminals are creative and will eventually find the weak point.

Are advances in technology making more or less likely for fraud. I believe you can ask this question every month and get a different response. We can probably compare it to escalation with weapons and body armor. Every time someone invents a more deadly weapon another person invents a method to defend against it. Every time we think we are safe…[Read more]

SumanthKumar,
Great idea with the optional insurance. I think not only will it make the customers feel more comfortable but it could also be a potential money maker if they ran their own insurance. I think it would be difficult and expensive to get an already established insurance company to insure the idea of allowing a stranger to live in…[Read more]

I have use Uber a few times and have to say I will use them many more times. They are much more convenient, clean, and professional than the standard taxi service. The ability to use the app for payment makes getting home from any where less stressful. Lets not forget the whole “tipping” concept that a lot of cabbies live by. With Uber you don’t…[Read more]

Saqib,
You raise a good point that paying is not completely illogical and that a lawyer would use the lack of payment against the hospital. Although if the hospital would prefer to hold out against the hackers then they may have to make the choice to stop seeing patients to avoid harming and or being sued. I realize this may bring its own…[Read more]

What was most interesting to me about this case was Jacobs why question. Sunnylake’s CEO Paul hired an IT director to help him develop a digital record system for the hospital. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) would replace the paper copies. Despite Paul’s worries about security Jacob continued to ensure him that the system was secure. After Paul…[Read more]

Christine,
Great idea with providing information that would allow the renters to be tracked down in the case of damages. The insurance idea sounds great at first but if it were required wouldn’t Airbnb be limiting their customer base, not to mention increasing the cost? The cost could quickly get out of hand and be more than a local hotel.…[Read more]

Airbnb could possibly have avoided issues like EJ’s by taking steps to assist their customers. Each of the following steps could be taken individually or together. Although many of theses steps would be hindered by the fact they punish owners for not accepting renters.
Steps:
– Requiring renters to use their actual information (ie full names).…[Read more]

Initially I agreed with your points to require large down payments or performing low cost background checks prior to renting. Although I did my best to devils advocate those ideas. I think the flip side to both of those ideas are the lessening of your customer base. When you require a large down payment from a renter you will weed out all those…[Read more]

Stephen,
Good call this app comes in handy for more than just runs too. It is a quick reference for just measuring distances as well. I used to use this app for bike rides on trails as well.

Jonathan,
Waze is my favorite navigation app as well. Not only is it helpful when trying to navigate safely and quickly to your destination but it can become some what of a game. When my wife and I go on road trips we use this app and look for things to report or verify reports from other members. It becomes almost like a game of I spy. Not to…[Read more]