Why Can't Microsoft Make "Soft" Packaging?Written by Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
Why is it that Microsoft wants you to buy its product but does not want you to open plastic case that is welded around cardboard box? I believe that such packaging along with cockroaches will survive atomic disasters! Good luck finding any clue as to an easy way to open this fused bit of skin-tearing packaging. I split my scissors trying to pry open ends. I ripped a fingernail attempting to wiggle into a miniscule space. I wedged in a letter opener to see if I could leverage any kind of muscle and rip that sucker open. I seriously thought of using a chain saw. Finally, in a fit of anger akin to Hulk, I seized one small, dagger-like split in plastic, held plastic casing with other hand and yanked with all my might. I cut my hand extricating box from opening I'd created.
| | Function Modelling - What Is ItWritten by John Owens
You are free to copy and send this article to whomever you think may find it of interest. The only conditions are that you copy and send it in its entirety and include all of resource details at bottom of article each time you send it.Many of terms used in this article are standard terms used in Integrated Modelling Method (IMM™) details of which can be found at end of this article. For a full colour version of this article complete with diagrams, please send an email with "Request for Article 502 HTML" in subject to: articles@smart-training.co.uk ***************************************************************** Function Modelling! What IS That? An article by John Owens Creator of Integrated Modelling Method (IMM™) ***************************************************************** Function Modelling Is Foundation of All Business Modelling! ***************************************************************** Knowing this one fact and keeping it foremost in your mind will enable you to build business models very quickly that are focussed, relevant, rigorous and easy to understand. If you start with any other model when doing business modelling you are off course - and may never get back! ***************************************************************** Know Your Functions and You Know Your Business ***************************************************************** This is another fact to keep foremost in your mind, because, from your business functions (commonly called 'functions') you can derive all of your other business models - including information and data models. ***************************************************************** What is a Function? ***************************************************************** But what is a business function? Here is a definition that you should commit to memory: "A business function is an activity, or coherent set of activities, that a business must perform in order to meet its business objectives and continue in existence". "It is what business ought to be doing" I use term 'ought' as businesses are often doing things that are so far away from what they ought to be doing that it is a miracle that they continue to exist. If you find out from business managers what business ought to be doing and model this - as opposed to modelling anything else - then your models will enable business to go to where it ought to be. Example of business functions are: Accept Order from Customer Dispatch Goods to Customer Accept Payment from Customer Pay Suppliers for Good Received ***************************************************************** Is a Function a Department? ***************************************************************** The term 'function' is often incorrectly used to mean a department within a business. People will often refer to 'Finance Function' when they really mean 'Finance Department'. This misuse of term should be avoided! The term 'Finance Function' is still a valid term when used to mean 'all of finance activities required to support business'. So what do you call Finance Department? Easy, 'Finance Department'! ***************************************************************** Is a Function a Process ***************************************************************** This is perhaps most common and most serious area of confusion. Many (sadly far too many) analysts (and business people too) use term 'process' when what they are actually referring to is a function. Business functions and business processes are not same thing. A business process is definition of order in which business functions are carried out in response to a trigger in order to achieve a desired outcome. ***************************************************************** For an e-book describing process modelling in detail go to: www.smart-training.co.uk/shop.htm ***************************************************************** What is Function Modelling? ***************************************************************** Function modelling is all about identifying, analysing and modelling business functions, independently of: · how they are currently done · who currently does them. · current organisation structure The real power of Function Modelling is realised by concentrating on identifying, analysing and modelling what business ought to be doing as opposed to how business currently does things. The main reason for this is that how things are done in a business can change dramatically over time (due to changes in such things as policy, technology, etc.) whereas what has to be done, by and large, remains same. ***************************************************************** The Stages of Function Modelling ***************************************************************** In order for Function Modelling to be truly effective it must be done in a structured and ordered fashion. In all there are five distinct stages to Function Modelling: · Information gathering · Analysis and investigation · Modelling · Feedback · Implementation Because there are five stages this does not mean that function modelling takes forever. If done properly it can be done very quickly, but following five stages ensures that it is not only done quickly but done correctly too!
|
