French Influence of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

French Influence of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sir Gawain and the Green Knight utilizes the convention of the French-influenced romance. What sets this work apart from regular Arthurian or chivalric romances is the poet's departure from this convention.   The clearest departure takes place at the resolution of the piece as the hero, Sir Gawain, is stricken with shame and remorse rather than modest knightly pride, even after facing what appears to be certain death and returning to his king alive and well.   Although this manner of closure would leave much to be desired for an audience who is interested in reading a ridigly conventional romance, the coexistence of the romantic convention with the departure from it inspires questions concerning why the author would choose to work within such guidelines and what the significance is of breaching those guidelines.   By employing the chivalric convention in romantic literature and then going beyond it to reveal other ways of thinking, the writer challenges the very notion of chivalric conventions of the surrounding social climate.   He demonstrates throughout the work a need for balance.   As symbolied by the pentangle worn by Sir Gawain, representing the balanced points of chivalric virture, each being codependent of the other in order to remain a whole, the narrative could be considered as a      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What accompanies an appreciation for the seemingly sudden shift from the typical romance at the end of the piece is the raised awareness that the change does only seem to be sudden.   Careful exlporation of the plot, setting, and character descriptions illuminates several deviations from the established convention of the ideal society existing within the text.   The effect is then a type of balancing act-- blah blah blah      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The opening of the piece sets a fairly typical stage for an Anthurian romance, giving relevant historical and geographical information. King Arthur's court is going on as it is expected to be within the social constructs, merrily feasting and celebrating the Christmas holiday.   The entrance of the Green Knight into Arthur's court marks a significant event. He is a courtly figure from their recognizable world.   He appears as a knight ought to appear: tall, handsome, and fashionably dressed; however, the Green Knight's adherence to the conventions of the court is offset by

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting Reaction Paper Essay

The Narcotics Anonymous meeting which I attended was named 7 Days of NA which was located on 1212 North Wolfe Street at an organization called Dee’s Place. Just as the Alcoholic Anonymous meeting previously attended, the location appeared to be in a covert and quiet place to hold a support group. We entered through the rear entrance, which seemed to be staged that way to secure participants identity. As before at the last support group I attended, I searched around the room to see again, a 12 steps guide posted on the wall, a relatively thick NA ‘Basic Text’ textbook on the desk of the facilitator and this time there were more participants in attendance. There were approximately 20 woman and men in attendance, predominantly African Americans and two Caucasian women, however a majority of the attendees were women. All of which we either their due to being court ordered or there for the regular daily attendance. Before I was able to sit in my chair I was approached by a group of women, who appeared to be regular attendees, who greeted me with hugs and welcomed me to the meeting. After attending the AA support group, I felt as though I already knew what to expect and how to effectively receive the stories of how some of the individuals overcame substance abuse addiction. The meeting began with the facilitator reciting the Serenity Prayer, then she asked if anyone was new to the meeting. Again I was nervous and uncertain how to respond so I looked around but did not stand up because I did not want to be acknowledged. They then made announcements, where I then witnessed three people receive key chains for being 1 week clean. Though to some being one week clean may not pose much significance, however to the individual who sustained their sobriety for that period of time, it was proven that it was an enormous step for the individual. To me I believe the use of the key chain is a great aspect in motivating the individual to continue making progress towards their goals.  I observed that when each person who had the floor recounted their stories of addiction, ever yone appeared to have much admiration for the person sharing their story. I observed that before sharing their story they started with an introductory statement saying â€Å"Hi, my name is Janet, and I am an addict† and much like AA after each individual recounted their stories they thanked the group for having them while the grouped responded â€Å"Thanks for sharing†. This group, like AA appeared as though they were a unified family. Everyone listened to what each other had to say with no interruptions, no biases, and all appeared to be in support of one another. After listening to several stories of individuals suffering from addiction of various illicit substances to include mainly heroin, crack-cocaine and benzodiazepines, I was in awe as to how early some individuals began abusing drugs. Some of the participants started using drugs as young as 12 years old while some have been abusing drugs for as long as 20 years. However many participants identified as being clean for several years to include one woman who was clean for 15 + years, wh ich made me reflect on how strong these individuals must be to overcome such a powerful disease such as addiction. I noticed that though they have been clean for so long, they still dedicate themselves to attend NA meetings to assist in maintaining their sobriety. According to Gossop, Steward and Marsden (2007), it has been proven that attendance in 12 step self help groups including AA and NA meetings shows increased abstinence, improved psychological health outcomes and improved substance use outcomes. Expressing their stories of addiction to the group, for myself may appear to be seemingly hard and embarrassing but with a group of such empathetic and supportive members, recanting their stories came with ease. Once again I was asked if I would like to share my story, however this time I was more prepared and quickly and respectfully declined the opportunity to share a story with the group. Many participants engaged the group with stories of overcoming addiction or being sexually molested by family members as reasons behind their addiction. However all of their stories were compelling and empowering to the group of individuals who have seemed to endure some of the same sentiments as their fellow group mate. It appeared as if the individuals in the group even though that were court ordered appeared to be extremely engaged and very involved during the meetings. It seemed as though most who attended found peace and solice from  the group during the NA meetings. As it stated by Krentzman, Robinson, Moore, et.al (2010), client’s state that their top two reasons for attending NA meetings were to promote recovery/ sobriety and to find support acceptance and friendships. One thing that I learned from the NA group that just as in AA, family support deems to be an important function on the perseverance of an addict and that the participation and involvement of family is detrimental in the treatment process for the addicts. In several of our readings many of the passages discussed the effects of family systems support as it pertains to substance abusers chemical addiction. The passages described the family system as being a detrimental part of the treatment process as well as for the trea tment of the family as well. According to past studies, family involvement has aided clients in sustaining abstinence from drugs/alcohol and studies also show that those individuals with extensive family involvement in therapy reported higher numbers of clients being abstinent after six months as well as a much better family relationship (Crnkovic & Delcampo, 1998). After listening to all the stories of both feelings of defeat and success, the environment felt so warm and opened. Everyone made each other feel like no matter how long someone has been addicted or whether someone has fallen victim to relapse, they were still a part of the family and they were there to aid that individual in getting through their demise. Everyone motivated and supported each other to succeed. At the close of the meeting, everyone stood in a circle while everyone embraced and recited the Serenity prayer again. I believe that NA is an extremely important aspect of the treatment and intervention process of addiction, because it allows the individual to open up to those who have similar issues and who can emphathize and relate to what that person may be going through because they have or are in the same predicament. Longitudinal studies has proven that having an affiliation with NA has a greater likelihood of sustaining abstinence, improved social functioning and self efficiacy (Humphreys, Wings, McCarty , et al., 2004). As it relates to social work, advocating for self help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous are detrimental to the treatment process of addiction. These groups provide, advocacy, support and education to their clients which are all essential in supporting addicts in their treatment recovery. Working with these individuals requires empathy, understanding and comprehension of the disease  model of addiction, to be an advocate for not only clients facing addiction, but for the surrounding urban communities which are consumed with the drug abuse epidemic daily. References Crnkovic, A., & DelCampo, R.L. (1998). A systems approach to the treatment of chemical addiction. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 20(1), 25-36. Gossop, M., Stewart, D., & Marsden, J. (2008). Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5†year follow†up study. Addiction, 103(1), 119-125. Humphreys, K., Wing, S., McCarty, D., Chappel, J., Gallant, L., Haberle, B., †¦ & Weiss, R. (2004). Self- help organizations for alcohol and drug problems: Toward evidence-based practice and policy. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(3), 151-158. Krentzman, A. R., Robinson, E. A., Moore, B. C., Kelly, J. F., Laudet, A. B., White, W. L., †¦ & Strobbe, S. (2011). How alcoholics anonymous (AA) and narcotics anonymous (NA) work: Cross- disciplinary perspectives. Alcoholism treatment quarterly, 29(1), 75-84.

Posttraumatic stress disorder

In your opinion, is the government doing enough regarding the diagnosis/treatment of mental illness and PTDS for our returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. (2-3 pages) No, I don’t believe that the U. S. Government is serving the populace in the most diligently way possible. Today which is different from the service people of even my father’s era? In his day back in 1946 WWII had just ended. Though women were on the front lines as nurses they weren’t there as a moving part of the military, flying planes, driving tanks, on board of ships to bearing a weapon. Times are a changing! Poor grammar yes but that was the way that phrase goes. Now today also gays and Lesbians are allowed to be â€Å"Out and proud†! We were always there just now we have a voice and a Right to openly serve. We have always been in the military defending our neighbors. Now like the melting pot that holds all the different variations that can cause mental anguish that allows PTSD to rear its ugly head it seems the variations are un-limited. Now some emotions might be stirred by hatred within the units in the field wielded toward their fellow fighting commandants’. I’d not sure but I would imagine that during Korea and Vietnam women made up maybe only a slight population of the MASH (Mobile Ambulance Surgery Hospital)Bombs bursting around them as well as our poor wounded soldiers can be added to other outward disturbances that can cause PTSD in the Medical Corps. Women who were nurses, in the Civil War, â€Å"Clara Barton†, one of the well known historic nurses that changed for the better care of our battled heroes. Stress is a killer also a side effect of PTSD, suicide. There is a story of two sisters (twins) that both were aboard the sister ship of the Titanic called the Lusitania. The Lusitania was used as a hospital ship in WWI. It carried the wounded, the near death and in some cases the dead. Screams and the smell of the infections haunted one of the sisters to take her life by leaping to her watery death. Her sister’s courage weighed heavy upon the sister who lived till the end of the second trip home from France where the injured boarded. Upon arriving home she resigned and went about her life; unfortunately the sounds of the ship and the pain of her missing sister was I guess you might say the death of her. Her health fell into ruins and her days were marked, she never wed and died before she was 50. According to The US Department of Veterans Affairs (Affairs, 2009), PTSD is defined as â€Å"an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]A traumatic event is something horrible or scary that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]You may feel afraid or feel you have no control over what is happening. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]PTSD from combat is not always acknowledged by the individual suffering from it because of embarrassment, fear of being medically discharged, lack of understanding about what is happening to them, and a variety of other reasons. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]As a person suffers through this disorder without having a proper medical diagnosis or understanding, their life may become very difficult to cope with. [ (Affairs, 2009) ] The exact rate of PTSD in women veterans is unknown. (Iowa, 2007)Studies conducted after the Gulf War concluded that female service members were more likely than their male counterparts to develop PTSD. Iowa, 2007)This is consistent with the 2 to 1 ratio of female to male PTSD sufferers in the general population. (Iowa, 2007) Women are seeking help due to both war trauma and victimization by their peers. (Iowa, 2007) Military sexual trauma is the term used by the VA to refer to a variety of sexual offenses ranging from verbal sexual harassment to assault and rape. (Iowa, 2007) The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 authorized new and expanded services for women veterans including outreach and counseling services for sexual trauma incurred while serving on active duty. Iowa, 2007) Treatment of PTSD in women who have served in combat is in its infancy. (Iowa, 2007)A treatment intervention known as â€Å"Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)† is being used by the VA along with a cognitive approach. (Iowa, 2007)PE therapy gradually exposes the client to images of the threatening experience and has the client repeatedly recount his or her traumatic (Iowa, 2007)memories. Presently, 600 therapists are being trained in these approaches for treatment of female veterans with combat trauma. Iowa, 2007) Women’s Veterans Program Managers are now being placed at VA medical centers across the country. (Iowa, 2007)There are also programs for women who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. (Iowa, 2007) I think that time will either be for our advantage as a country and a lesson learned allowing us to implement devices that will help our heroes as they make their journey inwardly and outwardly homeward bound. So they can sleep at night without worries of the war and the things that dominated days and nights while defending America. Posttraumatic stress disorder In your opinion, is the government doing enough regarding the diagnosis/treatment of mental illness and PTDS for our returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. (2-3 pages) No, I don’t believe that the U. S. Government is serving the populace in the most diligently way possible. Today which is different from the service people of even my father’s era? In his day back in 1946 WWII had just ended. Though women were on the front lines as nurses they weren’t there as a moving part of the military, flying planes, driving tanks, on board of ships to bearing a weapon. Times are a changing! Poor grammar yes but that was the way that phrase goes. Now today also gays and Lesbians are allowed to be â€Å"Out and proud†! We were always there just now we have a voice and a Right to openly serve. We have always been in the military defending our neighbors. Now like the melting pot that holds all the different variations that can cause mental anguish that allows PTSD to rear its ugly head it seems the variations are un-limited. Now some emotions might be stirred by hatred within the units in the field wielded toward their fellow fighting commandants’. I’d not sure but I would imagine that during Korea and Vietnam women made up maybe only a slight population of the MASH (Mobile Ambulance Surgery Hospital)Bombs bursting around them as well as our poor wounded soldiers can be added to other outward disturbances that can cause PTSD in the Medical Corps. Women who were nurses, in the Civil War, â€Å"Clara Barton†, one of the well known historic nurses that changed for the better care of our battled heroes. Stress is a killer also a side effect of PTSD, suicide. There is a story of two sisters (twins) that both were aboard the sister ship of the Titanic called the Lusitania. The Lusitania was used as a hospital ship in WWI. It carried the wounded, the near death and in some cases the dead. Screams and the smell of the infections haunted one of the sisters to take her life by leaping to her watery death. Her sister’s courage weighed heavy upon the sister who lived till the end of the second trip home from France where the injured boarded. Upon arriving home she resigned and went about her life; unfortunately the sounds of the ship and the pain of her missing sister was I guess you might say the death of her. Her health fell into ruins and her days were marked, she never wed and died before she was 50. According to The US Department of Veterans Affairs (Affairs, 2009), PTSD is defined as â€Å"an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]A traumatic event is something horrible or scary that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]You may feel afraid or feel you have no control over what is happening. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]PTSD from combat is not always acknowledged by the individual suffering from it because of embarrassment, fear of being medically discharged, lack of understanding about what is happening to them, and a variety of other reasons. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]As a person suffers through this disorder without having a proper medical diagnosis or understanding, their life may become very difficult to cope with. [ (Affairs, 2009) ] The exact rate of PTSD in women veterans is unknown. (Iowa, 2007)Studies conducted after the Gulf War concluded that female service members were more likely than their male counterparts to develop PTSD. Iowa, 2007)This is consistent with the 2 to 1 ratio of female to male PTSD sufferers in the general population. (Iowa, 2007) Women are seeking help due to both war trauma and victimization by their peers. (Iowa, 2007) Military sexual trauma is the term used by the VA to refer to a variety of sexual offenses ranging from verbal sexual harassment to assault and rape. (Iowa, 2007) The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 authorized new and expanded services for women veterans including outreach and counseling services for sexual trauma incurred while serving on active duty. Iowa, 2007) Treatment of PTSD in women who have served in combat is in its infancy. (Iowa, 2007)A treatment intervention known as â€Å"Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)† is being used by the VA along with a cognitive approach. (Iowa, 2007)PE therapy gradually exposes the client to images of the threatening experience and has the client repeatedly recount his or her traumatic (Iowa, 2007)memories. Presently, 600 therapists are being trained in these approaches for treatment of female veterans with combat trauma. Iowa, 2007) Women’s Veterans Program Managers are now being placed at VA medical centers across the country. (Iowa, 2007)There are also programs for women who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. (Iowa, 2007) I think that time will either be for our advantage as a country and a lesson learned allowing us to implement devices that will help our heroes as they make their journey inwardly and outwardly homeward bound. So they can sleep at night without worries of the war and the things that dominated days and nights while defending America.

Precise Software

1. In assessing the value of Precise SQL for the user firm one has to consider increase in DBA productivity. Assuming 52 weeks in a year, how many hours does a DBA save in a year because of Precise? 3 Points DBA Hours Saved per year52 * 9. 4488. 8 DBA Hourly Wage (assuming 40 hours to a week) 3 Points Unburdened DBA salary$60,000 Hours worked Per Year52 * 402080 Burdened DBA salary1. 33*$60,000$79,800 DBA Hourly Wage (unburdened)$60,000/2080$28. 84 DBA Hourly Wage (burdened)$79,800/2080$38. 36 Annual Saving for the customer firm Hours saved per DBA per week9. 4 Hours saved per DBA per year52 * 9. 4489Savings per DBA per year (unburdened)489*$28. 84$14,102 Savings per DBA per year (burdened)489*$38. 36$18,758 Average number of DBA's10 Annual savings for firm per year (unburdened)10*$14,102$141,020 Annual savings for firm per year (burdened)10*$18,758$187,580 2. Precise SQL also helps with respect to deferral of hardware replacement decision. Answer the following questions on hardware deferral What is the probability of postponing hardware purchase for a year? Hint (a year has 12 months or four 3-month periods). 3 Points Probability of postponed purchase (A) for 3 monthsP(A) = . 6 Probability of making purchase (B)P(A) = 1-P(A). Probability of not making a hardware purchase for 1 yearP(A)4. 1296 Hardware Cost Saving if postponed by a year 30% 1 Point What is the average annual hardware budget affected by Precise? $1,430,000 1 Point Based on the above three pieces of information, what is the dollar savings due to deferral of hardware purchase? Average annual hardware budget affected by Precise$1,430,000 Hardware Cost Saving if postponed by a year30% Probability of postponing by 3 months60% Savings for three months($1,430,000*. 3*. 6)/4$64,350 Dollar savings due to deferral of hardware purchase for one year($1,430,000*. )$429,000 5 Points 3. Precise SQL also enhances end-user productivity; please answer the following questions on end-user productivity (total 15 poi nts). Number of transactions per day: 194,000 Total time in seconds spent in these transactions in one day prior to precise? 2 Points Average daily transactions processed by all users combined194,000 Average end user response time per transaction15 Total time in seconds15*194,0002,910,000 Total time in seconds spent per user per day: 2 Points Total time in seconds to accomplish 194,000 transactions2,910,000 Number of simultaneous users215Number of transactions per user194,000/215902 Total time in seconds spent per user per day:902*1513530 Total time spent per user in hours over one day? 2 Points Total time in seconds spent per user per day:902*1513530 Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 76 Assuming an 8 hour day – % time spent 2 Points Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 76 % of time spent3. 76/8. 47 (47% of user time) Improvement in end-user response time per transaction: 25% Based on the above two pieces of information, % of time saving: Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 6 % of time spent3. 76/8. 47 (47% of user time) Improvement in end-user response time per transaction25% % of time saving:. 25*. 4711. 75% Using information on time saving from above, the salary information, and information on burden rate , what is the $ saving per user per year? Average end user salary$30,000 Burdened rate, average end user salary$30,000*1. 33$39,900 $ savings per user per year11. 75%*$39,900$4,688 Using the above number, what is the saving for the firm (in dollars)? $ savings per user per year11. 75%*$39,900$4,688 Number of users215 Total user savings for the firm215*$4688$1,007,920 . Cost of selling a Single Unit of SQL (for 1999) : Revenues (Software License): $9,770,000 Assuming $20,000 price per unit, number of units sold: 2 Points $9,770,000/$20,000 = 489 (approx) Assuming Sales and Marketing expenses capture all sales related expenses, cost of a single sale: $7,913,000/489 = $16,183 3 Points ? 5. Total Value of Precise SQL The value of Precise SQL to an end-user firm has three components that you have calculated thus far. Taking these three components together what is the value of Precise SQL for a customer firm with one copy of the SQL? 3 PointsAnnual savings for firm per year (burdened)10*$18,758$187,580 Annual hardware deferral savings(1,430,000*. 3)$429,000 Total User Savings215*$4688$1,007,920 TOTAL$1,624,500 With a customer investment of $20K, what is the return on investment? Cost per license$20,000 Cost per firm (assuming 10 DBA's per firm and each DBA requires a license)($20,000*10)$200,000 Discount (assume 25% discount as per page 8 of case)($200,000*. 75)$150,000 ROI (12 MONTHS)($1,624,500-$150,000)/$150,000983% With your ROI calculation is Precise able to capture (appropriate) the value it creates for its customer? Why or why not?Given the scenario that led to an ROI calculation of close to 1000%, the product is priced too low. Precise needs to focus on communicating the value generated by usage of their software to potential customers in an effort to support increasing the price of their product to more accurately reflect its overall value to the end user.? 6. In terms of sales force for Insight, Precise has two choices, what are these choices and what are the two main advantagesdisadvantages of using each option. Precise currently has a single sales team trained to sell all of the company's products (other than Presto) through a dual channel distribution system.Each rep is paid a base salary of $75,000 plus a commission depending on how many licenses they sold. The average rep made sales of up to $800,000 annually and thus earned $120,000. The highest paid rep about $300,000. Options: a)Keep the same sales force Advantages – Able to continue to cultivate existing business relationships with IT managers and DBA's. Since the sales cycle of software, especially of higher priced suites, could take up to 12 months, these re lationships could prove beneficial for a new product launch.Their overall knowledge of Precise products and services is also an advantage, allowing the sales rep to leverage the full specter of Precise product offerings to a potential client. Disadvantages – The current sales team is perhaps not the best. Their annual sales and salaries are below average for commercial software sales forces. It may not be the wisest decision to leave the sales of your newest product in the hands of an underperforming team. Additionally, the current sales force is already heavily tasked, as Alon stated â€Å"They're running in ten directions at once. Adding to what appears to be an already overloaded sales team would not be the optimum way to introduce a new value and feature laden product to the market. b)Create a more specialized sales force Advantages – Precise would be able to recruit top sales people and begin product introduction with a high performing, laser focused team. This t eam would not have existing relationships with current Precise customers which could be an advantage in dealing with the echelon of Company executives required to authorize a software purchase of this magnitude.Disadvantages – Loss of the personal relationships with current customer DBA's may crimp product sales. Additionally, augmenting the existing sales force adds to the overall operating expenses of Precise and would add to their current string of operating losses. ? 7. One option to introduce Precise Insight at the Oracle OpenWorld 2000. Such an introduction could result in first mover advantage. What are the factors that likely influence the possibility of first mover advantage in this case. How would these factors impact first mover advantage in this case? 0 Points Precise conducted a survey of its customers and quickly found that â€Å"end-to-end response time† was the preferred indicator of overall system capacity and health. High dollar investments in enterpr ise applications like ERP, CRM or supply chain management left those who championed for their introduction into a Company eager to demonstrate the effectiveness of their respective choices. An end-to-end software application would help these internal champions by assuring optimizations throughout the user base.As companies continued to expand their global presence, many locations were separated geographically, at times by thousands of miles. Insight offered a solution to make high data intensive applications run more smoothly and efficiently. The need for senior executives to ensure these high dollar investments authorized by they themselves were successful was itself an undiscovered and underserved market. Meeting the needs of some top decision makers, more importantly, those with the ability to authorize large Company investments would add to the first mover advantage. Precise Software 1. In assessing the value of Precise SQL for the user firm one has to consider increase in DBA productivity. Assuming 52 weeks in a year, how many hours does a DBA save in a year because of Precise? 3 Points DBA Hours Saved per year52 * 9. 4488. 8 DBA Hourly Wage (assuming 40 hours to a week) 3 Points Unburdened DBA salary$60,000 Hours worked Per Year52 * 402080 Burdened DBA salary1. 33*$60,000$79,800 DBA Hourly Wage (unburdened)$60,000/2080$28. 84 DBA Hourly Wage (burdened)$79,800/2080$38. 36 Annual Saving for the customer firm Hours saved per DBA per week9. 4 Hours saved per DBA per year52 * 9. 4489Savings per DBA per year (unburdened)489*$28. 84$14,102 Savings per DBA per year (burdened)489*$38. 36$18,758 Average number of DBA's10 Annual savings for firm per year (unburdened)10*$14,102$141,020 Annual savings for firm per year (burdened)10*$18,758$187,580 2. Precise SQL also helps with respect to deferral of hardware replacement decision. Answer the following questions on hardware deferral What is the probability of postponing hardware purchase for a year? Hint (a year has 12 months or four 3-month periods). 3 Points Probability of postponed purchase (A) for 3 monthsP(A) = . 6 Probability of making purchase (B)P(A) = 1-P(A). Probability of not making a hardware purchase for 1 yearP(A)4. 1296 Hardware Cost Saving if postponed by a year 30% 1 Point What is the average annual hardware budget affected by Precise? $1,430,000 1 Point Based on the above three pieces of information, what is the dollar savings due to deferral of hardware purchase? Average annual hardware budget affected by Precise$1,430,000 Hardware Cost Saving if postponed by a year30% Probability of postponing by 3 months60% Savings for three months($1,430,000*. 3*. 6)/4$64,350 Dollar savings due to deferral of hardware purchase for one year($1,430,000*. )$429,000 5 Points 3. Precise SQL also enhances end-user productivity; please answer the following questions on end-user productivity (total 15 poi nts). Number of transactions per day: 194,000 Total time in seconds spent in these transactions in one day prior to precise? 2 Points Average daily transactions processed by all users combined194,000 Average end user response time per transaction15 Total time in seconds15*194,0002,910,000 Total time in seconds spent per user per day: 2 Points Total time in seconds to accomplish 194,000 transactions2,910,000 Number of simultaneous users215Number of transactions per user194,000/215902 Total time in seconds spent per user per day:902*1513530 Total time spent per user in hours over one day? 2 Points Total time in seconds spent per user per day:902*1513530 Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 76 Assuming an 8 hour day – % time spent 2 Points Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 76 % of time spent3. 76/8. 47 (47% of user time) Improvement in end-user response time per transaction: 25% Based on the above two pieces of information, % of time saving: Total time spent per user in hours over one day13530/60*603. 6 % of time spent3. 76/8. 47 (47% of user time) Improvement in end-user response time per transaction25% % of time saving:. 25*. 4711. 75% Using information on time saving from above, the salary information, and information on burden rate , what is the $ saving per user per year? Average end user salary$30,000 Burdened rate, average end user salary$30,000*1. 33$39,900 $ savings per user per year11. 75%*$39,900$4,688 Using the above number, what is the saving for the firm (in dollars)? $ savings per user per year11. 75%*$39,900$4,688 Number of users215 Total user savings for the firm215*$4688$1,007,920 . Cost of selling a Single Unit of SQL (for 1999) : Revenues (Software License): $9,770,000 Assuming $20,000 price per unit, number of units sold: 2 Points $9,770,000/$20,000 = 489 (approx) Assuming Sales and Marketing expenses capture all sales related expenses, cost of a single sale: $7,913,000/489 = $16,183 3 Points ? 5. Total Value of Precise SQL The value of Precise SQL to an end-user firm has three components that you have calculated thus far. Taking these three components together what is the value of Precise SQL for a customer firm with one copy of the SQL? 3 PointsAnnual savings for firm per year (burdened)10*$18,758$187,580 Annual hardware deferral savings(1,430,000*. 3)$429,000 Total User Savings215*$4688$1,007,920 TOTAL$1,624,500 With a customer investment of $20K, what is the return on investment? Cost per license$20,000 Cost per firm (assuming 10 DBA's per firm and each DBA requires a license)($20,000*10)$200,000 Discount (assume 25% discount as per page 8 of case)($200,000*. 75)$150,000 ROI (12 MONTHS)($1,624,500-$150,000)/$150,000983% With your ROI calculation is Precise able to capture (appropriate) the value it creates for its customer? Why or why not?Given the scenario that led to an ROI calculation of close to 1000%, the product is priced too low. Precise needs to focus on communicating the value generated by usage of their software to potential customers in an effort to support increasing the price of their product to more accurately reflect its overall value to the end user.? 6. In terms of sales force for Insight, Precise has two choices, what are these choices and what are the two main advantagesdisadvantages of using each option. Precise currently has a single sales team trained to sell all of the company's products (other than Presto) through a dual channel distribution system.Each rep is paid a base salary of $75,000 plus a commission depending on how many licenses they sold. The average rep made sales of up to $800,000 annually and thus earned $120,000. The highest paid rep about $300,000. Options: a)Keep the same sales force Advantages – Able to continue to cultivate existing business relationships with IT managers and DBA's. Since the sales cycle of software, especially of higher priced suites, could take up to 12 months, these re lationships could prove beneficial for a new product launch.Their overall knowledge of Precise products and services is also an advantage, allowing the sales rep to leverage the full specter of Precise product offerings to a potential client. Disadvantages – The current sales team is perhaps not the best. Their annual sales and salaries are below average for commercial software sales forces. It may not be the wisest decision to leave the sales of your newest product in the hands of an underperforming team. Additionally, the current sales force is already heavily tasked, as Alon stated â€Å"They're running in ten directions at once. Adding to what appears to be an already overloaded sales team would not be the optimum way to introduce a new value and feature laden product to the market. b)Create a more specialized sales force Advantages – Precise would be able to recruit top sales people and begin product introduction with a high performing, laser focused team. This t eam would not have existing relationships with current Precise customers which could be an advantage in dealing with the echelon of Company executives required to authorize a software purchase of this magnitude.Disadvantages – Loss of the personal relationships with current customer DBA's may crimp product sales. Additionally, augmenting the existing sales force adds to the overall operating expenses of Precise and would add to their current string of operating losses. ? 7. One option to introduce Precise Insight at the Oracle OpenWorld 2000. Such an introduction could result in first mover advantage. What are the factors that likely influence the possibility of first mover advantage in this case. How would these factors impact first mover advantage in this case? 0 Points Precise conducted a survey of its customers and quickly found that â€Å"end-to-end response time† was the preferred indicator of overall system capacity and health. High dollar investments in enterpr ise applications like ERP, CRM or supply chain management left those who championed for their introduction into a Company eager to demonstrate the effectiveness of their respective choices. An end-to-end software application would help these internal champions by assuring optimizations throughout the user base.As companies continued to expand their global presence, many locations were separated geographically, at times by thousands of miles. Insight offered a solution to make high data intensive applications run more smoothly and efficiently. The need for senior executives to ensure these high dollar investments authorized by they themselves were successful was itself an undiscovered and underserved market. Meeting the needs of some top decision makers, more importantly, those with the ability to authorize large Company investments would add to the first mover advantage.

Job analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job analysis - Essay Example The responsibilities of the Office Assistant includes answering phone calls, reading and answering email messages regarding parking and transportation transactions and speaking with customers in person if needed. Clerical duties are specified to typing, reviewing memos, forms, letters and other general correspondences, sorting and filing of documents and records, receiving, sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing mails and editing documents of accuracy and well phrased information. It also includes processing required documents for applications, payment of bills, payment records and sending of notifications for those who failed to pay orders when necessary. Moreover, the use of computers, typewriter and software processors are needed in the entry of data gathered and keeping records. With the responsibilities mentioned earlier, it is then important for the employee to be proficient in English both verbally and in written form and should also be able to understand instructions and perform them as needed. The Office assistant should be able to type with a minimum speed of fifty words per minute, has the basic knowledge of computer operation and should be able to use Microsoft Word instruments necessary for editing like spelling and grammar corrections. His grammar and spelling should be exceptionally good to make sure grammatical errors are corrected before final records are kept. Basic mathematical abilities are necessary for correct computations and analytical abilities are also required to decide on duties without the assistance of a supervisor. In addition, organizational skills are required to keep an efficient office performance where records are easily found when needed, using simple arrangements that provide easy access to information. Good public relation s should be acquired by the employee to perform well in dealing with customers and other

Analysis of Black Criminal Stereotypes And Racial Profiling Article Research Paper

Analysis of Black Criminal Stereotypes And Racial Profiling Article Authored by Welch - Research Paper Example Welch seeks to address the diverse factors contributing to the criminal stereotyping of Blacks since this perception has, unfortunately, availed a rationale for the sorts for racial profiling employed by law enforcement agencies, as well as other criminal justice institutions (Welch, 2007). Welch uses prior research to explore the theoretical elements employed in the development of Black criminal characterization. The author highlights studies on theoretical elements employed in the development of Black criminal characterization. The prior research assumes a weak correspondence between the broadly embraced stereotypes and criminality (Quillian & Pager, 2001). Questions remain on the guarantee of the accuracy of data collection procedures, and as the information backing the observation may be erroneous. The article on racial profiling can be criticized based on its methods and conclusions. The author does not take into account the conceptual framework employed in the development of Black criminal characterization (Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). This derives from the fact that different theories may explain racial disparities and problems arise when interpreting findings on racial profiling since the mere presence of disparity within the aggregate statistics does not, itself demonstrate racial bias in the same way that racial disparities within prison populations demonstrate racial bias by sentencing judges (Russell, 2013).   Welch cites empirical studies on Black and crime to demonstrate that Blacks remain mostly depicted in a negative light such as criminally threatening (Welch, 2007). This implies that can be understood as a crime-specific mode of racial prejudice and discrimination.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

TEENAGE PREGNANCY - Essay Example In the past few years, pregnant teenagers have become a twisted fashion statement, a heavily sought-out fad (Moore, 2006). Now, at the beginning of the second decade of this new millennium, teenage pregnancies are increasing at an alarming rate with no decrease in sight due to a lack of knowledge being given to the teenagers. There are three common causes as to why teenagers are becoming pregnant at a shocking rate. Socially, it is ordinary for teenagers to be pressured by their peers to engage in underage sex, resulting in young pregnancies. Teenagers have the mindset that if their friends and classmates are involving themselves in underage sex, then not only should they do the same, but they feel that their actions will be condoned by the commonality of underage sex. Economically, it has been proven that teenagers from lower income neighborhoods or situations of poverty have an increased chance at becoming pregnant due to a lack of information and resources, as well as access to contraceptives (Cherry, 2001). Legally, many teenagers believe that they are old enough than what the age of consent lays down, and that they are old enough to know what they want as possible parents at such a young age. Furthermore, it is quite often that the men that impregnate the girls are unaware of how old they really are , which, regardless of whether or not the girls give permission, goes against the law of age of consent. Teenagers either going through pregnancy or making their rounds as teenage moms face numerous social problems as a result of their poorly calculated sex romps. Due to the demand of infants for their mothers, the majority of teenage moms have no choice but to drop out of school to tend to their baby. Although they do exist, very few schools offer specialized daycare facilities to take care of children while their mothers are in class