e-Management brings commitment, expertise and proven success to every opportunity.
Solutions

Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Is Big Data a Big Deal?

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

Is Big Data is another way of saying predatory online marketing? You decide.

Is Big Data is another way of saying predatory online marketing? You decide.

Big data as the name suggests is all about large volumes of information. More and more schools, government agencies, retailers, and other organizations are analyzing big data to learn more about people. Big data players include Amazon, Facebook, and Google, to name a few. Naturally, consumer profiling by these and other companies has led many to be a little concerned about issues around privacy and has left other consumers frustrated because of what they see as predatory online marketing. Think about those ads that follow consumers everywhere online following an innocent search on Google or Bing. Yeah, that’s big data analytics at work. But is Big Data bad or good? We’ll let you decide…

The Potentially Bad Stuff…

  • Exclusion Based on Highly Sensitive Data: In a 2016 U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report (Big Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion?), the federal agency examines big data and fairness. The report raises concerns that companies may be making decisions by “incorporating errors and biases” into big data analytics. Such decisions, according to the report, could result in potential discriminatory harms.” One example given is how analytics from social media “likes” could reveal sensitive information about consumers’ political affiliation, faith, and recreational habits (e.g. smoking, drinking, etc.). Sensitive information taken out of context could lead to excluding consumers from employment opportunities, services, and products.
  • Bad Guys Trying to Dupe Seniors (and Others) into Making Poor Decisions: Big data can be used by individuals and companies looking to scam consumers as well. The same FTC report gives examples of companies obtaining lists from people who respond to sweepstakes or ailing seniors. Apparently, these consumers may be the most susceptible to being victims of fraud.
  • Low-Income Consumers Getting Bad Deals: A Huffington Post article from Nathan Newman explains how big data can harm low-income shoppers. The article points to “free services” that come with the high-price of giving away personal information so that companies that use big data can “exploit” consumers. Examples of this is when finance companies single out low-income consumers by using targeted ads made possible by big data and then markets high-interest rate services such as payday and subprime loans to the audience. Big data obtained from free services and mobile apps can also lead to “price discrimination” where some consumers pay more for the exact same service. Well, that’s definitely not good.

The Potentially Good Stuff…

  • Better Products: Many companies are investing more and more marketing dollars to track what people say and do online—collecting information about what consumers like, dislike, and need. Data collected help companies launch new versions of cool stuff. People who get excited about the latest Samsung or Apple update can probably thank big data analytics for those innovations and new features like a smartphone that keeps working even after you drop it in water. What took them so long to get that one to market? *smiles*
  • Better Service: People do business with people they like. Big data helps companies, schools, and other organizations to tailor a better and arguably more personal experience. Writer Larry Alton points to the fact that organizations that leverage big data get their information from surveys, social media, and other online reactions to offer the best service based on your particular pet-peeves and preferences.
  • Better Deals & Decisions: Many consumers also benefit from websites and apps that use big data to pull together useful information. Think comparison shopping. For instance, couples who are planning to marry get a better idea of costs from a that estimates expenses of weddings. Many motorists cringe when there are signs of auto mechanical issues. Well, there are places to get accurate information on how much drivers should be paying for auto repairs. There’s Nextag® that gives shoppers the power to get the best deal on millions, that’s right millions of products. These convenient tools are all powered by big data analytics.

Your Thoughts…

Like any promising technology, big data analytics can be used to enhance customer experience or exploit vulnerable people. We’d love to hear from you: (1) What are your thoughts on big data?  (2) How much information are you willing to give up to improve your customer experience or bring new products to market? (3) Where does your privacy fit into the big data conversation?

I.C.E. Breaker

Friday, January 17th, 2014

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are known for immigration related initiatives. But many are surprised to learn about the agency’s work protecting citizens from cyber crimes, human trafficking, and child exploitation. (Photo Credit: Philip A. Dwyer/AP)

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are known for immigration related initiatives. But many are surprised to learn about the agency’s work protecting citizens from cyber crimes, human trafficking, and child exploitation. (Photo Credit: Philip A. Dwyer/AP)

Let’s go back to 2003. It was around this time the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) evolved out of the investigative and federal enforcement functions of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Conversations around immigration and law enforcement in this country can become passionate quite quickly.  But, there’s more to ICE than public opinion on how to deal with issues surrounding immigration. When many think of ICE’s mission, they typically assume the agency is about the removal of undocumented persons or the enforcement of immigration laws. But a lot of folks are surprised to learn about its investigative programs such as the Cyber Crimes Center (C3).

Did you know about ICE’s role in ending online exploitation?
The C3 Child Exploitation Section (CES) is responsible for busting production and distribution of explicit images of children and persons who travel in the U.S. for the expressed purposes to abuse, assault, or exploit children. C3 CES uses the latest Internet technology to investigate and catch adults who try to sexually exploit minors. Only a few weeks ago a man was arrested in California thanks to the work of agents for ICE. The man later admitted to Internet-media crimes involving children.

Did you know about ICE’s role in catching predators?
Similar to its CES program, ICE runs Operation Predator, which as the name suggests, is focused on investigations into people who prey on minors. The scope of Operation Predator is wider than CES’ online mission.  ICE works with the Department of Justice, the U.S. Secret Service, and even the U.S. Postal Service to carry out its goals. There’s even an Operation Predator App available on iTunes. The app allows users to report suspicions of unlawful behavior directly to ICE.  Last month, the app was credited in helping law enforcement in Louisiana arrest a man believed to be a predator and producer of illegal media involving children.

Did you know about ICE’s charge to investigate a variety of online crime?
If you have ever been a victim of online fraud, you may be happy to learn ICE has a program that focuses on perpetrators using the Internet to break immigration and other jurisdictional laws. The Cyber Crimes Section (CSS) program is responsible for tracking online money laundering, sales of illegal drugs, and even identity theft.  CSS is responsible for shutting down pirate websites that exploit corporate intellectual property including media files for copyrighted music and videos. According to IT Law Wiki, CCS initiatives also protect Americans by putting organizations who sell counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other merchandise out of business!

Criminals Are Walking On Thin I.C.E.

With so much focus in the news on local enforcements’ issues with undocumented people living in the USA,  it may be easy for ICE’s  work fighting against human trafficking, protecting children from predators, and getting in front of cyber crimes to be overlooked by news agencies and the general public. So, (1) what’s your take on immigration and customs issues affecting the USA?  (2) Did you know about ICE’s role in fighting Internet crime and child exploitation? (3) What other things would you like to see ICE focus on in the coming year?

Is the Hassle Worth It?

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

Long lines at TSA are causing some passengers to see red. But, are the lines worth the wait?

Long lines at TSA are causing some passengers to see red. But, are the lines worth the wait?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is all about safety. Right?  So, why is it that TSA is one government agency that many Americans (and visitors to this country) love to hate? Perhaps one reason is that for some, TSA feels like “Big Brother,” who has made everyday travelers out to be “bad guys.” TSA has fined travelers for attempting to carry-on prohibited items. Did you know the maximum penalty is $11,000? Maybe, the resentment against the agency has to do with long lines at airports. TSA’s image concerns could possibly be fueled by passengers who dislike removing their shoes every time they travel by air. Or conceivably, it’s those evasive scanning machines that reveal intimate images of passengers (of which some were leaked online). Well, the good news is those x-ray machines should be gone by June.

But wait, there’s more. Even A-list (and few D-list) celebrities have issues with TSA check points at airports. Check out this hilarious of celebrities. It just goes to show, no one, even the most fabulous among us, is immune from TSA’s mission to “protect the nation’s transportation systems” from those who would do passengers and commerce harm. I could go on and on about why people roll their eyes at the mere uttering of the letters: T-S-A.

Given the fact that so many travelers dislike TSA, we decided to put together this list of reasons passengers should reconsider their angst for the security administration.

  1. TSA has an app! What? I’m just saying. Who in this age of Androids, iPhones, and smartphones doesn’t appreciate a good app?  The mobile app gives passengers the power to learn as much as possible before getting to the airport. It’s available 24/7 and is designed to help travelers get through check points without the hassle of the aforementioned A-list celebrities. :-)
  2. TSA has adopted a new risk-based approach to security. What does this mean? Well, TSA hopes it means improved safety and fewer headaches for passengers.  The new approach assumes most travelers aren’t out to perform acts of terrorism. With TSA Pre ✓™ Expedited Screening, frequent flyers, active duty military, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler members  may have faster screenings for travel within the U.S.A. This may result in fewer headaches and hassles during travel for many.
  3. Reality “Check?” TSA has invested more than $60B in technology and resources to keep travelers safe during the 10 years following those airline terrorist attacks on American soil. What’s the money being used for? According to FastCompany.com, TSA has funded programs to train air marshals to keep flights safe and special dogs to help sniff out possible threats along with other security programs and initiatives. As a result, TSA employees and technology have prevented more than 50 million carry-on security breaches and kept order on the vast majority of domestic flights. The true reality check might be the fact that thankfully there has not been an incident like the horrific events in 2001.

Is TSA Protecting Us or Just Watching Us?
TSA may be notorious for its random security checks, evasive technologies, and long lines at airports. But, the agency insists they are good for security. (1) Do you buy TSA assertions around their approach to keeping passengers safe and secure? (2) How do TSA agents compare to their international counterpoints? (3) What ideas to you have to improve airport and transportation security?

Times are tough, but…our hearts are tougher!

Friday, April 20th, 2012

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

e-Management will participate in The Race to End Poverty, Saturday, April 28th in Rock creek Park. How do you support your community?

e-Management will participate in The Race to End Poverty, Saturday, April 28th in Rock Creek Park. How do you support your community?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46 million people are living at or below the poverty line. Can you imagine being a family of four having to survive on an annual income of $22,314? Well, that’s the official definition of poverty in the United States. Imagine how many more families are living on annual incomes of 2-3 thousand dollars more and are omitted from the poverty designation. Arguably, the consensus on the radio, TV, or cable network news is that many people are concerned about our nation’s economic stability. Times may be tough; but Americans are still lending a helping hand to make life better for those in need.

How are people helping out?

Giving: According to Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities, giving is once again trending upward even though the economical outlook is uncertain. In 2010, Americans and foundations gave nearly $300 billion—about 2 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product).

Volunteering: More than one in every four of us volunteer our time to causes we love, says the Corporation for National and Community Service. In fact, one in every three persons who lives in Minneapolis-St. Paul volunteers—the highest rate in the country.

Participating: Tens of thousands of people participate in marathons, walkathons, and other races that bring attention to issues such as heart health, cancer, homelessness, and many other causes dear to our hearts. The Boston Marathon alone raises more than $10 million every year cites the Nonprofit Quarterly (April 10, 2012) for local charities!

Corporate giving/volunteering: Many companies donate money and time to make their communities better! At e-Management, we are focused on corporate citizenship; so, we are engaged in charities around energy (sustainability), education, and the elimination of poverty. We’ve exceeded our ENERGY STAR goals for the last three consecutive years. In addition, we’ve established a scholarship at the University of Maryland. This month, we plan to participate in The Race to End Poverty, a 5k organized by A Wider Circle. The organization provides “beds, dressers, and other basic need items to families that are moving out of shelters or living in neglected neighborhoods.” A Wider Circle also puts on workshops in low-income schools and “teaches health and wellness classes at shelters and public housing facilities.”

How are you helping out?
Our goal is to create a list of charitable organizations that need our  support. We feel great about giving financial support, volunteering our time, and participating in causes dear to us. What about you?  How do you give back to your community?  Where do you volunteer? What are some of your favorite charities? Do you plan to participate in The Race to End Poverty or another walkathon, marathon, or race to benefit charities?

Women Who Rock!

Friday, March 30th, 2012

By Dennis Powell, e-Management

If February is for the heart (link to Heart Health Month Blog); then March must be all about women. Why? Well, every March 8th is International Women’s Day.  Did you know March is also Women’s History Month?  So, it was no wonder that one of my friends recently shared an online article about “10 Things Women Do Better Than Men.”  The article talks about how women are better managers; how women survive more vehicle accidents; and how women are evolving “hotter” than men. Okay, I agree with all of the above, because…women rock!  And at e-Management, we are drinking the Kool-Aid.  *smile* The company is, after all, a women-owned technology services business supporting the U.S. government. In fact, women comprise 50% of our executive team. As this month closes out, I wanted to celebrate the contributions of women in government, technology, media, and politics who have inspired me in some way.

Did you know the NPR talk show host Diane Rehm, who battled a voice disorder, received the 2011 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award from the Voice Foundation for her exceptional contributions to the field of voice communication?

Did you know the NPR talk show host Diane Rehm, who battled a voice disorder, received the 2011 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award from the Voice Foundation for her exceptional contributions to the field of voice communication?

One of My Favorite Women in Government
As a proud graduate of Washington, D.C. public schools, I am always quick to point out people who attended our system such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Linda Cureton. If you live in our Nation’s Capital and work in government, chances are you know that Ms. Cureton (who attended the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts) has a reputation for looking at creative and innovative approaches to using technology to advance the mission of government and getting information out to constituents. In fact, Ms. Cureton is one of a few CIOs who openly embraces the power of social media such as blogs and social media. She even practices what she preaches since you can follow her on and subscribe to her feeds on . In a very real way, Ms. Cureton is helping to pave the way for women in government and at NASA, an agency that only years ago had few women in leadership positions. She inspires me because she isn’t afraid to shake up the status quo. Way to go!

One of My Favorite Women in Technology (and Health)
Speaking of women and technology, Forbes magazine recently listed our very popular First Lady Michelle Obama as one of “The Most Powerful Women In Technology.”  Like her husband the President during his historic run for the White House, Ms. Obama is using technology to get her message throughout our nation—childhood obesity is a national health crisis! Simply do a “Let’s Move! Campaign” search on YouTube and you will easily find several fun (or funny) of the First Lady doing the “dougie” (an urban dance among young people across the country) at my middle school alma mater Alice Deal. Her commitment to this issue has led to higher awareness of health issues in youth, which has received bipartisan as well as corporate support.  As a health enthusiast myself, it’s easy to see why the First Lady inspires me. Her message when it comes to health isn’t “insurance” or access to pharmaceuticals. Instead, her campaign is about the ever-important but often overlooked component of wellness: prevention.

One of My Favorite Women in Media & News
Like Ms. Cureton, National Public Radio (NPR) talk show host Diane Rehm attended D.C. public schools and is one of the most inspirational people in media and news today.  Her 40-year career in radio is impressive hosting her namesake program (The Diane Rehm Show) since 1984. Additionally, she has gained a reputation for being a journalist who always asks the tough questions in an effort to get to the truth. Perhaps even more amazing is how she has overcome personal challenges in her life such as her battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder that affects speech production. Since her diagnosis in 1998, Ms. Rehm has continued new career without a hitch. Ms. Rehm has brought heightened attention to the condition and its treatments. Naturally, she inspires me because of her tenacity and her passion to continue to pursue her love for news.

One of My Favorite Women in Politics
On the other side of the Atlantic resides one of my favorite world leaders, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is the second-term president of Liberia.  She is co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize along with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen for their work on behalf of women’s rights and world peace. According to The Guardian, President Johnson-Sirleaf “negotiated significant debt relief, more than quadrupled the national budget, opened a large investigation into corruption and started the truth and reconciliation commission to address crimes committed during the [Liberian] civil war.”  Under her leadership, women have had greater access to employment opportunities and public education has improved for many.  She inspires me because she is one of a handful of politicians who seems to be delivering on her campaign promises! And are there any better causes than education, world peace, and human rights?

Hall of Fame
It’s my hope that this blog posting brings attention to the significant contributions our sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers make beyond what has been considered their traditional roles. You’ve seen my list. Now, I want to see yours. Who’s in your Hall of Fame? Who are your favorite women in tech, politics, health, education, government, business, and beyond?