Fundamentals of Computer Science
Computing involves using computer technology to fulfill a necessary task with the assistance of computers. Additionally, computing entails the participation of the computer through either hardware or software assistance. The sole purpose of computing is to engage a certain type of computer device. Computing typically involves creating, developing, and organizing the hardware and software systems, processing, organizing, and managing various types of information, among other tasks. It also has a specific aspect that is relatively strictly defined, referring to the term as a Discipline (Ekanayake and Fox, 2010). This report focuses on two recent narratives in computing, which have been examined using Actor Network Theory. This essay provides a glimpse into modern computing, emphasizing that it does not function independently.
Network-oriented analysis of sociotechnical systems
Actor Network Theory (ANT) is increasingly popular among information system researchers since this study discusses the use of actor-network theory as a conceptual framework for those in the field of information systems. Actor network theory is an approach within social theory that originates from social science, viewing objects as components of social networks (Munro, 2009). Moreover, this ANT is regarded as a constructive method and typically steers clear of essential justifications for all new occurrences and innovations. This theory also connects with those entities involved in the domains of sociology and anthropology. Furthermore, there is typically one element that renders this theory relevant to the realm of information system research, as it challenges the distinctions between human and non-human entities on an ontological level.
Moreover, this Actor Network Theory is presented in a graphical format, and there are typically two perspectives on this theory. The initial perspective in this is the actor network for a specific period known as a network theory model, and it represents a snapshot process. (Alcadipani and Hassard, 2010). Conversely, the alternative perspective emphasizes the dynamic nature of the actor network, typically illustrated as a timeline featuring pertinent events that are commonly documented and linked to each model of actor network theory that appears on the timeline. Furthermore, these actors must be regarded in their own capacities and can never serve as intermediaries that solely relay the impact of one entity to another without making any changes. Additionally, the entities in actor network theory can include humans, technologies, and even intangible actors (Munro, 2009).
The Mind-Reading Machine
This theory is essential, and the narrative explored in this context focuses on the computer and the person. From the perspective of actor-network theory, the computer serves as an actor, while the individual utilizing it functions as an actant. In this context, the computer comprehends the emotions and feelings of individuals and begins to operate according to the preferences of each person (Farias and Bender, 2012). Furthermore, human beings are rich in emotions, and technological advancements have emerged to enhance this by recognizing our gestures and the desires we have for such interactions. Additionally, as humans, we uniquely experience these kinds of emotions, and we are simply fortunate to possess them.
The researcher has practically applied this theory by creating computers that can read emotions. It is typically a breakthrough in the IT sector where machines possess emotional intelligence, along with everyday items that are often attuned to our daily emotional states (Venturini, 2010). The computer won’t recognize the actual meaning, but it will be similar to how a fridge provides food when someone is hungry or how a mirror reflects a person’s appearance, and so on. Moreover, emotions such as joy and fear captured by the webcam on the computer have been removed, illustrating a broad spectrum of various facial expressions of a person, from frowning to smiling. These emojis are also part of the text messages that allow individuals to express their emotions to others. The actions of the actants are vital in developing this theory, and individuals must act in accordance with it to effectively apply this theory. Moreover, cultural variations have shown that there is a significant disparity in emotional responses among men and women, as well as across various age groups and demographics.
The smiles of actants vary from one situation to another; for example, if a person is angry and someone makes them smile, that reaction may not reflect the typical response observed in general (Ostermann, et al., 2010). Moreover, emotions in the actant tend to be quite intricate, and the manner in which people express them varies across different contexts. Furthermore, researchers are not aiming to create a machine that surpasses an expert, as technology is currently at a child’s level and will require considerable time to grasp the emotions of the actant.
Additionally, there may be certain problems that can influence the efficiency of these computers, such as maintaining privacy safeguards beyond emotional considerations. Moreover, the lack of detected emotions by the user can result in significant expenses on failure. Moreover, personal emotions vary from one individual to another, and if something beyond the primary emotions is expressed by the person, the computer will struggle to provide the most accurate response. The second tale that was released in 2015 is
The Role of Cloud Computing Platforms in Driving Global Economic Development
In this narrative, the actants consist of the ideas related to cloud computing that dominate the majority of this document. It functions as a collection and specifies that cloud computing is an integrated system of remote servers that are accessible via the internet for storing personal data. The success of a manufacturer today is assessed by its ability to compete in speed and agility rather than by its size (Armbrust et al., 2010). In recent years, manufacturing companies have relied on conventional methods for overseeing their business activities and data management. The overall change has been impacted by how they monitor and exchange data between customers and suppliers. It highlights the key advantages of conducting business through the cloud. Additionally, this narrative outline various cloud-based platforms and applications that offer enhanced accuracy and speed compared to traditional systems.
Moreover, cloud computing platforms liberate them from the challenging responsibility of developing and maintaining the enterprise software. Additionally, actant has a significant role in this narrative where the overall area of focus revolves around cloud computing. In the current global landscape, manufacturers lack both the time and budget for IT infrastructure (Greenhalgh and Stones, 2010). As a result, many of them are seeking cloud-based systems to utilize the data more conveniently. Utilizing this, they can link sensors integrated into their factories, inventories, raw materials, and various other aspects related to the company’s supply chain process. In any organization, data is one of the most valuable assets, and it is crucial for companies to keep all data within a secure system (Hall, 2010).
In the manufacturing sector, cloud computing significantly enhances management functions. Cloud-based systems and processes provide greater accuracy and speed in comparison to conventional working methods. This innovative technology has changed how data is monitored or communicated within the company. It strengthens and enhances the company’s supply chain management by securely storing information related to clients and suppliers (Munro, 2009). It is also significantly aiding other management functions like planning. Making plans and setting schedules has become relatively simple now. Additionally, it guarantees a significant degree of control and coordination.
Control is easily achieved since all data records can be tracked within a short period. Coordination exists as it simplifies the connection between different elements. Another important role of management, which is organizing human resources, has also improved thanks to the use of cloud computing. All the data concerning the employees in the company can be handled efficiently. Additionally, it enables quicker and more rapid decision-making. This enhances both the efficiency and the profitability for the organization.
Instead of outdated computer and software systems, a type of open collaboration can be sustained within the cloud system. In this globalized environment, the average manufacturer depends on external suppliers for a larger share of the assembly components (Hall, 2010). An actant essentially aids in establishing suitable supplier cooperation that is crucial for expansion. This enables companies to effortlessly expand their global manufacturing operations to accommodate the growing complexity of their supply chain processes.
Another concern can be identified here as to whether the cloud is truly providing the best facilities to users or not. Moreover, it has not been determined whether storing data in the cloud is secure, as cloud computing may or may not provide optimal protection to users. Moreover, sharing files, media, and other documents occasionally poses a risk to individuals, as cyber theft can result in leaks at any time, potentially leading to data loss or the exposure of sensitive personal information. All aspects must be considered by cloud computing.
Conclusion
The previous study concludes that Actor Network Theory is highly significant in computing research, as it is regarded as a suitable theory for examining computing. In this concept, both humans and technology may act as intangible entities. Additionally, this study showcased two computing narratives: how cloud computing platforms are driving global expansion and the computer that understands your thoughts. In the initial narrative, emotions serve as actants, forming the complete tale centered on feelings, while in the second narrative, cloud computing functions as the actant.
Additionally, it has been determined that these narratives and actants contribute to improving management functions within an organization. It has been recognized that scaling manufacturing intelligence is universally embraced with cloud platforms that also offer enhanced accuracy. Both statements above indicate that an actant (Cloud computing) and (Feelings) in today’s world do not operate independently.
References
- Alcadipani, R. and Hassard, J., 2010. Actor-Network Theory, organizations and critique: towards a politics of organizing. SAGE.
- Armbrust, M. and et.al. 2010. A view of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 53(4). pp. 50-58.
- Contini, F. and Cordella, A., 2007. Information System and Information Infrastructure Deployment: The Challenge of the Italian e-Justice Approach. The Electronic Journal of e-Government. 5(1). pp 43 – 52.
- Ekanayake, J. and Fox, G., 2010. High performance parallel computing with clouds and cloud technologies. In Cloud Computing. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
- Farias, I. and Bender, T., 2012. Urban assemblages: How actor-network theory changes urban studies. Routledge.
- Greenhalgh, T. and Stones, R., 2010. Theorising big IT programmes in healthcare: strong structuration theory meets actor-network theory. Social science & medicine. 70(9). pp. 1285-1294.
- Hall, A. J., 2010. Information Technology Auditing. Cengage Learning.
- Munro, R., 2009. Actor-network theory. The SAGE handbook of power. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
- Ostermann, S. and et.al., 2010. A performance analysis of EC2 cloud computing services for scientific computing. In Cloud computing. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.