ACB 2nd Advance Manual Project #1: Challenges of Fingerprint Enrollment

Advance Manual : 226-H Technical Presentation
Project # 1    : The Technical Briefing
Title          : Challenges of Fingerprint Enrollment
Delivered at   : PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by   : ATM-G/CL Rufino "Ron" Jacobe
Target Norm    : Advance Communicator Bronze

     *     *     *     *     *     *

Prologue:  (the Toastmaster of the Day must read this before the speakers starts the speech)

Background of the Target Audience:

A  technical briefing is conducted every week to decision makers, department heads, and line managers  working at National Information Center of the Ministry of Interior.   For some critical projects, royal dignitaries may attend the briefing.

Please note that all attendees of the briefing has the minimum technical knowledge and prior background of the subject/ project to be presented.   Only the department involve in the project are allowed to attend the briefing

   *     *     *     *     *     *

(Speakers delivers the speech)

Your Highness Prince Bandar it an honor to be at your presence, Directors, General Managers, fellow Consultants, good evening.

We are gathered here tonight to shed light on the status and challenges that we are facing in the implementation of the Fingerprint Enrollment project.   I believe that all department involved are well represented here in this meeting. I also understand that each the department received regular updates from the line managers. However, those reports do not include updates on the status of entire project.   

Hence, the objective of this briefing is to assess with you, if the Fingerprint Enrollment schedule is achievable or not.  I will discuss three major concerns that we believe are critical to the project: 

Major Concern 1:  Computer Support

You would agree with me that the heart and main component of the project is a reliable computer system.  This system is comprised of:
•    hardware that runs 24 hours x 7 days per week 

•    stable computer software
•    dedicated team of engineers and software programmers
Failure or delays on any of these three components will have a major impact on the timetable.

To cite an example: 

Issue No 1: Software bug on authentication and cross reference

Last Nov 2008, we discovered a software bug during a live test.  Finger print data cannot be validated versus Iqama data.  Investigation shows that somebody modified the reporting system which affects the validation mechanism.

What is the impact of the issue?  Major!

The production run was delayed by two weeks to restore the software to its original state.

Preventive Measures:

The software development team will no longer have access to any of the 200 live servers.  Any modification on the software must be cleared with the Change Committee.

Issue No 2: Server Farm Failure

Last December 2008, 24 Servers went down because of a configuration error.  The hardware failure made the remaining 176 Servers inutile because access to the database has been disabled.

What is the impact of the issue? Severe!

There was a delay of 3 months!  Actual gathering of fingerprint data started only by April instead of January, and without the assistance of the Consulting team, the delay may have lasted for six months.

Preventive Measures:

To preclude similar occurrence in the future, the Change Committee has issued a procedure governing any changes on the computer configurations and settings.   The Audit & Security Committee will oversee the implementation of the new procedure.

Issue No 3: Insufficient Manpower

When the project started, we estimated that we will need 10 engineers and programmers.   This estimation is no longer valid because of the incurred delays on the project.   Now, there is a need for additional 4 head counts.  

The request of additional manpower has been submitted to the HR Department.

Major Concern 2:  Telecommunication support

Another major concern that is haunting the project is the perception that the Telecommunication support is unreliable.

For simplicity, we divided the issues into two components:

1.    Link between Central Office to Zone Center
2.    Link between Zone Center to Collection Nodes

Issue No 1:  Some Zone Centers experience delay

Operators in the Zone Centers complain that there is a delay which lengthens gathering procedure from the normal 5 minutes per person to 15 minutes per person.

This issue has been validated.  The affected sites are:
•    Buraidah
•    Tabuk

The report submitted by the Saudi Telecoms Company (STC) showed that the primary communication link on these Zones had been damaged if not destroyed because of the indiscriminate digging during the water expansion of 2007-2008.   STC is looking on this matter and based on the latest report, only one area is not repaired – Najran.

Preventive Measures:

Last February, the Project Management Committee approved two supplementary for the project.  These supplementary will cover the installation of a secondary link via cable line and commissioning of a tertiary link via satellite.   Once completed, all Zone Centers will have three full-redundant connections.  This should preclude any communication link issues in the future.

Issue No 2:  Network Congestions from the Collection Nodes

For the entire month of April, we made a thorough analysis on the performance of the 500 Collection Sites spread across the country.   Initial result shows an extended full utilization of the network link on particular periods of the day.  
  

The slide shows the network bandwidth utilization on a given time frame of a day.

What is the impact of the findings? Minor.

Users will experience delay on validation which may extend the fingerprinting duration by at least 3 minutes.   Instead of the regular 5 minutes average, each transaction may now last to up to 8 minutes.

Action Item:

A recommendation has been submitted to the Project Management Committee to revise the flow of the registration.   Iqama data will no longer be online; instead, it will be stored on the Collection Sites.   Once approved, the new bandwidth assignment will be 20% downlink / 80% uplink from the previous 50% downlink / 50% uplink

What is the impact of the action item?   Validation would be instantaneous and there will be no perceived delay on the data storing.

Overall fingerprinting procedure may be reduced to 4 minutes or less

Major Concern 3:  Operation Issues

Issue No 1:  Limited number of stations

As per our original projection, we will only need 500 Collection Sites, with each Sites having a least 5 workstations, for an average of 18 pax per day.  This calculation was taken from a straight forward averaging from the total 9 million targets.  It did not consider the demographic distribution of the population.

Impact to the project:  Major

Some cities have been assigned with more Collection Sites than necessary, while cities are short of Collection Sites.   If this trend will continue, only the cities of Abha, Arar, Madinah, Najran, Tabuk and Taif will achieve 100% completion; while Buraidah is 85%, Dammam 90%, Jeddah, 80% and Riyadh 70%.

Action Item:

The most recent paper released by Planning Department shows a need of additional 200 Collection sites that will be assigned to densely populated areas of Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Buraidah.  The recommendation has been submitted to the Planning Committee for approval.

Issue No 2:  Information Dissemination

We also believe the major reason for the low enrollment rate is the lack of information dissemination of the project.  There are basic questions such as:
•    Who should enroll?
•    What is the requirement for enrollment?
•    Where and when can I enroll?
•    Do I need to enroll my dependents?
•    Can I travel outside the country if I did not enroll?

Action Item:

Planning Department has assigned this task to the Project Committee, and we expect result within the week.

Allow me to summarize the issues at hand and the recommend solutions:

The Fingerprint Enrollment project has three major concerns that requires immediate attention.  These concerns are:  Computer Support, Telecommunication Support and Deployment Issues/Streamlining.

Based on our careful study and lengthy analysis of the situation, we may not be able to complete the project on the target date of October 2009.  The best estimate, given all our issues are address, is on December 2009.



Honorable members of the committee, the decision is yours.

CC Project #10: The Colors of Pinoygraphers (PG)

Competent Communication Manual
Project #10: Inspire Your Audience
Speech Title: The Colors of Pinoygraphers
1st Delivery at: PIPCA Riyadh Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by: ACB/CL Ramed Borja

2nd Delivery: 2nd Anniversary of Pinoygraphers@Sg
Sentosa Park, Singapore

* * * * *

Opening

Captures Audience Attention:

I want to see the Canonites. Raise your camera! Nikonians, make a cheer! Olympians & Sonynites raise the roof! (Hahaha… settle down, everyone and take a seat.)

Body

Thank you masters of ceremony.

Good evening everyone. What a beautiful crowd we have here tonight. I could see visitors from the FilSg community - Mao, and all other guest who shares this special night with us. Good evening. To my fellow Pinoygraphers – PG for short, happy anniversary! Let me hear it one more time… “Happy Anniversary”!

Main Point 1: Looking Back

What a beautiful feeling, isn’t it. We are all proud because tonight we set another milestone for PG – our second anniversary.

Sub point 1: Accomplishments as a group

We have accomplished many things.

As a group, we held our 2^nd Grand Photo Exhibit last year. We wowed the local and international audiences with our exemplary works. We were honored by no less than Philippine Ambassador Belen Anota. Our canvasses were displayed at the embassy hall and was also seen in select 1^st class restaurants in the city.

Sub point 2: Trips and Photo sessions

We visited and scouted every inch of Singapore. We also explored Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and some of us even ventured far north to China.

Sub point 2: Individual Accomplishments

We have members who brought credit to the group. They won in Photo Competitions such as

· 2007 PhotovideoI Photographer of the Year

o Ally Laurente & Erik Estrada (Grand Winner & 1^st Runner up)

· 2008 Singapore Garden Festival

o Ramil Nesas – Grand Prize

· 2007 Marina Bay Countdown

o Glenn Gamayot

· 2008 The Great Leica Reportage Challenge

o Reinier Tinapay – Finalist

And others were featured in Magazines, Publications or web sites

· 2009 Website

o Obeth Christobal

· 2008 DPP Magazine

o Rey Tuazon

There are many more. If I have to name it all, I doubt if the entire evening would be enough. Just remember that you, PG, individually and as a group, has brought honor and prestige to each and every one of us.

Main Point 2: Through the Storm

We are successful, aren’t we? What’s next? But after all the hype, excitement, and glamour, PG… have you taken a closer look within our ranks – within our selves? Have you noticed that we are in middle of the storm?

Sub point 1: Lack of Direction

We wander without direction several months ago. We are directionless… not because we don’t have a captain. But rather, because we allow nobody to be the captain.

Sub point 2: Indifference

And when we found someone to take the mantle of leadership, some of us abandoned ship… just when the captain needed us - the most.

Why?

Because we started to breed the culture of indifference: we wanted to enforce our own standards. And we want other conform with it. We forgot our main principle; that each and every one of us is different. We may not agree with each other but we respect each other. We forgot, that it is our different that makes us dynamic, that makes us creative, and that made us successful.  Have you forgotten, PG?

Main Point 3: the colors of Pinoygraphers

But worry not. I didn’t fly a thousand miles to bring additional storm or perhaps soak you with rain of our follies. I came here because I want to you see there is a rainbow ahead us. There is a rainbow – amongst us.

Sub point 1: Red = Vitality & Fire

We have so many red in Pinoygraphers. Don’t you see?  Glennboi, you’re the brightest red we have. You help provide the much needed leadership during our early beginnings. Your energy and enthusiasm was so contagious we never felt tired despite those impossible schedules we faced.  Keep the vitality, going, please. MOP, you are a strong red. A different kind of red! You are a fire, a catalyst in the group. Keep the fire, burning!

Sub point 2: Orange = Creative Energy & Playfulness

Bhong88. You are the creative mind of the group. Because of your ideas, we set out our plans, our goals, and our activities. Whose idea was “Pinoygraphers goes Extreme”? Who created our logo? Bhong88, you are our creative energy.

Sair_reel, Boy_Kulot & Bib, you too are the orange hue of Pinoygraphers. Your presence alone provided us relief from boredom.

Sub point 3: Yellow = Wisdom & Resilience

Donvito! He may not be here, but his love for PG is unquestionable. He thought many of us, and help us understand the complex world of portraiture. Shielam and Cavallerigurl, both of you kept the monthly challenge running. Your dedication is one asset that we treasure the most.

Sub point 4: Green = Balance / Life

Ally and Erik, you two are the most rabid newbie of PG during our early days.

Ally, your work with the nature, brought in us… the essence of harmony.

Erik, I believe you knew all the newbie – especially the pretty ones. Seriously, you help in our expansion and growth.

You are the green hue of PG

Sub point 5: Blue = Spirituality / Peace and Understanding

Bem, you can provide peace when all others are running in confusion.  Jude, our photo journalist. You can easily craft words, pictures and ideas into one coherent message . You enhances the flow of communication within the group. Your presence is calming and relaxing.  Blue’s clues, indeed!

Sub point 6: Indigo = Infinity & Self-Mastery

Blessedwind, you are a genius! And more than that, you are blessed with talents that you selflessly shared to the group. May your kind, multiply a thousand times!

Together with Strobist, you are the Indigo of the PG.

Sub point 7: Violet = Elemental & Creativity

JanuariousIII, where are you? Hindi ka tao! – You are not human. How can we fathom the artistic width that you traverse? While everyone’s eyes were focusing for the obvious, your eye looks beyond what we cannot see. How did you do that?  Glenshutter, you think exploring the niche in “a girl” photo series is easy? Nobody dared to explore in that avenue. Simply because they knew… taking pictures what the easy part. Executing the concept was the impossible part. That was very brave of you. And to all those who silently navigate the “darker” side of the light spectrum. Testing the limits of photography, challenging the conventions, creating niches… you are the Violet hues of PG

Conclusion

Summary or review: Shades of Hues

For the rest whom I failed to mention by name, … we, including myself, are the shades of the rainbow. You don’t want a 7-color rainbow, don’t you?. You want a high resolution rainbow, right? We fill-in the gaps between colors.  I want you to remember we may be a faint variation of one color, but definitely, we as an individual, we are unique. We need leaders, we need workers, we need thinkers, we need organizers, we need critics, we need participants, and definitely, we need you.

Call to Action: The challenge ahead

Why do we need you?  Because there are challenges ahead of us.

• upcoming 3^rd Grand Photo Exhibit
• ratification of our Constitution and By-Laws
• launching of the 1^st PG Coffee Book
• launching of the PG Awards
• And we will select the Pinoygraphers of the Year Award.

The tasks ahead are great. It will take more than the Executive Committee and the Core Group to make this happen. We need each member to contribute and participate.

Can I count on you Pinoygraphers?

• Will the Reds take the leadership? 
• Orange, generate wonderful ideas.
• Yellows, flex your muscles and make the leg work.
• Greens, gather and get everyone involve
• Blue, provide the necessary venue and logistics
• Indigo, provide guidance and encouragement when we are losing hope
• Violets, function as the necessary critique to ensure quality of our endeavor.

Let’s work as a full color of Pinoygrapher. I know we can accomplish many things, today, tomorrow and in the future. 

I believe in the colors of Pinoygraphers.

Back to you masters of ceremony!

CC Project #10 - prologue

Background of the Target Audience:

The Pinoygraphers, or PG as they call themselves, is an organization of All Filipino Photographers which based in Singapore. It was founded on April 23, 2007 with initial membership of less than a dozen.

Today, it has grown to over 200 members across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, the Philippines, USA, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

Current State of the Group

July 2008: Glennboi, the de facto leader, left the group with a heavy heart. He has issues with some members involving personal matters.

Nov 2008: Bhong88 assumed the leadership but was plague with insubordination because of leadership issues

Jan 2009: S_o_J finished the draft of Constitution and By-laws.

Mar 2009: Five members of ExeCom resigned due to irreconcilable difference with the current leadership. Three more members tendered their resignation with effective date of Apr 26, 2009

Members Complains

Indifference among members specially with the newbie

Objective of the Speech:

· Inspire someone to take the leadership of the group

· Inspire old members to return and participate

· Inspire new members to be more active

<< Introduction for the Speaker >>

Good evening fellow Pinoygraphers.

We have a special guest tonight. You know him in the forum as Sons_of_Jorge or SoJ. And, I believe over 50% of the members had been a “victim” of his balance comments, soul-full encouragements, and hard-hitting critiques. He wrote most of our write-ups, newsletters, and articles that were published in DPP & Mabuhay Magazines.

One of the founders of PG, my photo-buddy, please welcome our brother from the land of the sands & camels…

Sons_of_Jorge

CC Project #8: The Fan

Competent Communication Manual
Project #8: Get Comfortable with Visual Aides
Speech Title: The Fan
Delivered at: PIPCA Riyadh Toastmasters Club
Evaluated by: ATM-G/CL Ron Jacobe

* * * * * *

Opening

Captures Audience Attention:

I need a volunteer, someone who knows a bit of me. TM Richard! What is do you think is my favorite hobby!

Hah! That is one of my hobbies, I agree, but not my favorite.

Body

Fellow Toastmasters, beloved guests, lady and gentlemen good evening!

Tonight, let me talk about a hobby that is closer to my heart than all the girls I met. A little disagreement in there, I could see. Hehehe...

Main Point 1: My Hobby and Me

What is my favorite hobby? I believe only few of you here knows that I love Formula 1 or simply F1, very much

Sub point 1: Acquaintance with F1

Have you heard of F1? It is a racing competition of cars that is running at 300kph or more.

I never heard of it until the year 2004 when my boss brought me to Malaysia to represent our company in the Sepang Circuit.

Clueless, I asked my boss to bring me to the docks. I want to see the cars up close and personal. And when I got there, whoa! It was a love a first sight. Not that model in the car, but these beautiful and magnificent pieces of machines. I was so bewitched, I didn’t sleep that night.

The next day, I watch the race and I was overwhelmed with sound of the machines. No wait – it was not a sound – it was a scream, a thunder coming out from the mighty engines!

And everywhere I go, I see funny faces, rabid fans in an ocean of red, yellow, blue and white.

It was a fascinating experience.

Sub point 2: Hobby of Collecting

It started there.

I begin collecting F1 items like caps, jersey, shirts, miniature F1 cars, bags, and even shoes! Only to realize later, that I was into a hobby of collecting.

Sub point 3: Hobby of Outdoor & Travel

I got hooked into the sports. Too much, that I started to follow the race as it moves to different countries. I went to Australia, Japan and China and if not of monetary consideration, I could have wind up in Europe too.

Sub point 4: Hobby of Photography

Along the way, I meet fans, beautiful people, and seen different places.

It was very exciting and how I wish my friends could share the feeling. They could not understand no matter how I explain. That is why I pick up photography because I want to capture all the beautiful things I’ve seen and then show it off to my friends.

Besides, a big camera and my matching outfit make me look good, isn’t it?

Main Point 2: What is F1

I became a fanatic of Formula 1.

And just like what true fan does, I started to understand the nitty-gritty of the game.

Sub point 1: Cars & Teams & Fans

There are 11 teams to choose from: Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedez, Red Bull, Toyota, Renault, Honda, Force India, and many more.

And the Drivers: there is Kimi of Ferrari, Lewis of McLaren, Fernando of Renault, David of Red Bull, Nico of Williams, and a lot more. All in all, there are 22 drivers – two from each team.

Which team I belong?

As you can see, it’s obvious. I cheer for the Ferrari Team.

Sub point 2: Circuit Race & Host Country

Every year – called season – there are 17 races. And these are held in different countries that were spread across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As the F1 teams moves from one circuit to another, expect, a horde of fans that follows with them.

I have been to 5 countries, my 6^th last year in Bahrain, and I am hoping to get my 7^th in Abu Dhabi this coming November.

Conclusion

Summary or review

You could see, my fellow Toastmasters, I enjoyed my hobby very much.

Collecting F1 items, watching F1 circuit races, cheering for the Ferrari Team with my camera by my side… all of these bring great personal satisfaction.

So what is my hobby for me?

· It relieves all the tension that my work place tolls on me.

· It is my breather in the foggy atmosphere of the corporate life.

· It is my lifeline when my work asked me to sink in the bottomless pit of work priorities.

· It is sometimes my avenue to fantasize a life with celebrity complex

It brought fulfillment in me.

Call to Action / Memorable Statement

How about you my fellow Toastmasters? What do you do after work? Do you exist and live so that you can work? Or do you work so you can exist to live?

Pick up a hobby, if you don’t have one. Relax and take time to enjoy life. An old Egyptian proverb says:

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Be careful not to overdo it. Novelist Maria Edgeworth said

All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.

Back to you evening master!