Monday, January 27, 2020

Case study of fostering team in nuneaton

Case study of fostering team in nuneaton The background to your involvement I am currently on placement with the fostering team in Nuneaton which has in excess of seventy five carers in and around the Nuneaton/Bedworth area. The fostering team consists of 4 full time social workers, whose role encompasses assessment work along with supervisory responsibility of foster carers in line with the Department for Children, Schools and Families Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2010 which sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to save and promote the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004 ( (DCSF, March 2010) and to identify placements for children being accommodated under various sections of the Children Act 1989. While on placement I shadowed a social worker involved in supporting 14 yr old Philips foster carers to deal with particular behavioural issues that had led to his placement breaking down. The foster carers have 3 foster children currently in their care, Phillip 14, James 15 and David 16. The 2 foster carers Mike 49 and Jane 46 live in a 4 bedroom house in Hinckley. Philip had left the house and was refusing to return, stating that his foster carers did not like him and that he wanted to live on his own. Bed and breakfast accommodation was arranged for him for a few days while the situation was re-assessed and a meeting with the foster carers arranged. Fundamental to all relationships and particularly the interaction between Philip and his mother, Philip and his foster carers and social worker and foster carers, communication is a central component. Analysing how effective communication plays a vital part in this clients circumstances will form the basis of this discussion. Good communication skills are a principle component of effective social work practice. They include active, attentive and empathetic listening, recognition of verbal and non verbal communication and general formal and informal interview techniques, as Payne has suggested, the application of communication theory gives practical help in controlling and understanding relationships and interactions with clients and a technology of interviewing and interpersonal skills (Payne, 2005, pg 178). Over recent year the children looked after by foster carers have included an increasing proportion of distressed adolescences along with the disruption rate for these placements as being high (Farmer et al 2003). One of the aims of the fostering social worker is to conduct detailed assessments of parenting approaches and strategies used by the foster carers looking after a teenager in a long term placement and how these strategies can change and develop during the course of the placement. Research has been conducted into fostering task with adolescents by Farmer et al (2004), found that they were concerns about the behaviour and well being of children when they move into a new placements. The findings in this case study highlighted a number of factors that contributed to the breakdown in the relationship with the foster carers and Philip and finally the placement. In this situation I had found out the Philips social worker had not communicated the nature and context of behavioural issues associated with him to the foster carers social worker so that foster carers could have been better informed. Following the placement breakdown the foster carers had reflected on their own lack of knowledge and experience at dealing with young people with behavioural problems had highlighted the need for specific training in this area for foster carers. Part 2 Using the material from part 1, critically analyse the challenges in ensuring good practice in communicating with this service user/s or carer/s What theory underpins your interaction? Modern social work theory incorporates social psychology and social construction theory to understand the way groups in society relate to each other and create and maintain social identities. Social psychology has influenced social work practice specifically with concepts from role theory and communication theory. Role theory offers a viewpoint in sociology and also within social psychology that includes most of everyday activities to be the acted out of socially defined categories such as mother, supervisor, and lecturer. Each defining social role comes with a set of rights, duties, expectations, norms and behaviour a person has to be able to fulfill. Communication theory uses a range of concepts from the scientific to the humanistic, to help us understand how people conduct themselves in creating, exchanging and interpreting messages (Farrell, 1987). These concepts help us to understand patterns of language and identify how people construct their social world.helping them to recon struct the world by using language differently to identify possibilities for change (Payne, 2005, pg 161). Communication theory is concerned with a range of ideas that can explain how individuals, groups and organisations communicate with each other. Linguistically, in the form of the spoken and written word and other mediums, and non verbal forms, such as body language and the way we speak, including tone, pitch, intonation and speed. Communication is more than the mere transmission of facts, as has been suggested information might be facts, or other things that might be learned, such as emotions, memories, bodily sensations or an idea about how someone feels about you (Payne, 2005, pg 171 or 178) and furthermore that language informs the way we think, the way we experience, and the way we interact with each other. Language provides the basis of community, but also the grounds for division (Thompson 2003:36) This suggests that communication networks are inextricably linked to social identity, ethnicity, culture and class. As Payne suggests, networks of communication build up and how we communicate and with whom, becomes part of our culture and social relations, for example, ethnic and class division are marked by separation in communication networks and patterns of communication often express power, domination and subordination. Communication may, therefore, help us to identify oppression and inequality (Payne, 2005, pg 171). If we use language, along with the capacity to communicate, to form our lives and to relate to others, then social workers need to be sensitively aware how their choice of words and mode of communication in intensely personal and emotional charged situations, can increase and decrease oppression in their interactions with young people. For example, use of professional jargon without explanation may alienate a client by creating a language barrier between social work er and the service user or carer. Where a child is suspected of being in need of protection the social worker must balance the needs of the young persons safety along with the potential of breaking up the family. The social worker that I shadowed believed that the needs of young people in foster care could be met through meaningful, consistent and positive relationships with the foster carer whilst on the other hand you have child care policy which is primarily about safeguarding, outcomes and accountability. A crucial time for young people spans 12-19 years, this is when they ask themselves: Who am I? Where do I want to be? During this period they are also concerned with how they appear to others and what groups and networks they identify with. Erikson terms this psychosocial stage as the Identity versus Role Confusion period (Beckett, 2002 ). Attachment theory Attachment theory offers an understanding of personality development and behaviour in close relationships and provides an account of the difference in peoples emotional and relationship styles. (Howe, 2000).  John Bowlby is considered to the psychiatrist that developed the attachment theory. Bolwby suggests that when children are separated from their parents or care giver they suffer loss because of the attachment between them. I can see how Philip may have felt when he thought the he had to leave his home for a second time having already lost the home of his birth mother, it is thought by the social worker and the foster carers that one of the reason that Philip does not want to return is because he does not want to suffer loss again. This has had an obvious affect of Philips behaviour, the tenets of this theory is that close relationships or attachments have a direct effect on the emotional and social development across a lifespan (Howe 2000). Avoidant Attachments Howe (2009) describes avoidant attachments as children and young people whom display avoidant attachments as having parent(s) that are either indifferent whom have their own trauma going on or are emotionally rigid or completely rejecting of their childs needs. Although parents will react well when their child is happy and content that soon changes when the child needs change for instance when their child is in distress and is need of comfort. Howe suggest that attempts at intimacy only seem to increase parental distance, even rebuff, this communicating to the child that they are not wanted. Attachment to home and a safe place is a primary ways in which people preserve self-identity. the way in which people identify and become attached to places, buildings, objects, and how this attachment can contribute to personal well-being or how we feel about ourselves (Low et al 1992). To look at why these places, building and objects become important provides us with insight into what happens when people have to move and the dilemmas that they may face. Attachment is an emotional relationship that provides reliability, continuity, care and comfort. John Bowlby writes in his research relating to the concept of attachment, describing it as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings (Bowlby, 1969, p. 194). Bowlby held the psychoanalytic view that early years experiences of a child has an important propensity toward development and behaviour later in life, most attachment styles are formed in the early years of childhood developed through the relationship with the care -giver. Mary Ainsworth during the 1970s built on the work of Bowlbys work in her study called Strange situations which looked at children where they were left alone for a short period of time then quickly comforted by the care giver/mother (Ainsworth, 1978). These help her to formulate the attachment classification system, which examine specific differences in a childs use of attachment figures as a constant and reliable base from which they can then explore the environment. Change requires personal adjustment, and some change can be more stressful than others. When facing a move fears of adjustment and a change in familiar environment and living conditions can be seen as a major problem for young people. Philip was reluctant to move out of the area that he lived at with his foster carers, he felt that if he had to move to supported lodging that it would be in an are where he has had problems in the past. Care Management involves assessing needs and keeping a watchful eye over a number of services that are provided by workers other than the social worker, the role of care manager is not new to social work and has existed for many years, historically the social worker would arrange a package of care, seek the views of the service user, engage with other professionals when collecting information relevant to the care package following that there would be an assessment then the social worker would engage appropriate services that met the need of the service user. Discrimination ,Inequality and oppression, Separation and Loss Solution focused (brief) theory Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)is based on solution-building rather than problem-solving. SFBT explores the here and now and planned aspirations opposed to solving the current problems this method of working with young people can be practiced as well as other interventions. The theoretical underpinnings of solution-focused brief therapy have been developed out of philosophy as well as an appreciation of communicating positive outcomes through a creative process. Primary because the focus of this intervention is on future goals set by the young person, more importantly because with this method of intervention shows that problems are not limited by boundaries therefore neither the social worker (and other professionals) cannot be wrong the tends to lead to agreements being forged. This had been found to help build the relationship with David so that he felt that he was being heard through his verbal and non verbal communication. However whilst there is not a grounded understanding that identify the nature of the problem SFBT it creates problems in being able to measure efficacy. In this instance SFBT was used to build confidence, trust and capacity with David so that he would be prepared for his future with the current foster carers. Task centred practice Task Centred social work provides a clear framework for professional intervention, it deal with current (here and now) problems. It focuses on the problem and tries to negotiate and agree a method of dealing with the problem by identifying goals and setting timescales. There are 2 primary components of this approach which are Task Crisis intervention theories Outcomes Led Approach Child development Children do not have the same language skills or the emotional development of adults and therefore their attachment anxieties are triggered stopping them expressing themselves verbally and producing dysfunctional or attachment behaviours. Attachment behaviours can include minimising expressions of distress, that is the child knows that when their parent is shouting at them and the child is distressed this results in further parental rejection, so the child learns to minimise expressions of distress. The child acts happy even when frighten. In contrast the child express graet distress, especially when a parent is about to leave a type of attention seeking behaviour is communicating but not saying verbally show me you love me. Parenting a teenager in foster care can be vastly different from the ordinary parenting a birth child that is now a teenager. With the foster child there need to be a recognition and understanding of the young person background along with any previous placement breakdowns whether there are any disturbed and difficult behaviours. Foster carers must assist in adjusting the young persons defence mechanisms, developing attachments with the foster family whilst wherever possible maintaining links with the birth family. The foster carers felt that due to a recent argument with Philips birth mother he felt that no one liked him as his birth mother had chastised him for his language toward her. What skills are necessary? Report writing in accordance to the BAAF standards, work load and time management. Correspondence and record keeping Empathy is a dominant concept within social work. Recieving empathy enhances a clients feeling of self worth by communicating to them that they are understandable and are worth understanding. A social workers verbal and non verbal responses are crucial to communicating to the client they are being understood and entails skills to filter out and feedback themes and core messages in the client communication( ) Communications skills are essential in effectictive social work practice throughout the stages of assessment, planning, intervention and review. Questioning skills need to be employed to gain greater clarification concerning extremely personal issues and to constructively challemge client to recognised their responsibilities. For example, in the assessment process the accuracy of information is vital. However, the nature of this information is often sensitive and loaded with emotion and feeling from the past. If foster carers and young people are able to share this type of information they need to be convinced that there are being understood. What knowledge is required? In my interaction with service users and specifically in this case service providers (foster carers) human development theory influences my approach and form of communication. What techniques are appropriate? Interview formal and informal Assessment Reflection From my learning perspective, this case study highlights the complexities associated with working with children with behavioural issues. It was an opportunity to examine how social work can and does address thiese issues through the legislative and policy frameworks, along with our own knowledge and experience as well as the values and ethics set out in the National Occupational Standards. Your analysis should also include reflection on your skills and learning needs (500 words including 500 word description of an interaction with a service user) References Department of Children, Schools and Families (2010) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A Guide to Interagency Working ToSafeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children Nottingham: DCSF Publications. Thompson, N. (2003) Communication and Language: A Handbook of Theory and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Low, S, Altman, I. (1992) Place attachment: a conceptual inquiry in Altman, I. and Low, S.M. (eds) Place Attachment, New York: Plenum Press. Thompson, N. (2005) Understanding Social Work, Preparation for Practice- Second edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Department of Health (1991). Care Management and Assessment: a Practioners Guide. London: HMSO. Howe, D. (2000) Attachment Theory. In Davies, M. (ed). The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work. Oxford: Blackwell (pp 25-27). Howe, D. (1995) Attachment Theory for Social Work Practice. New York: Palgrave. Farmer,E.,Moyes,S.,Lipscombe,J, (2004) Fostering Adolescents Jessica Kingsley: London Farmer,E,. Moyers,M,(2003) Parenting skills adolescents: Skills and starategies, London School for policy Studies, University of Bristol: Bristol Care Management Care management is gathering information and seeking out how needs can be best met whilst enabling the service user to access services required, it also monitors service delivery ensuring that their services are continuing to meet the identified needs. The relationship between social worker and carer is a continually developing one whereby the negotiating with other professionals and giving and receiving information, this is all done in a non judgemental way enabling the carer to also develop their own skills of negotiating. I this case the carer was concerned with achieving a form of agreement or understanding as to the amount of foster children she could have at her home. It is important not to make the carer feel that care management is all about ticking boxes and ensuring that the correct piece of paper have been completed, if this where the case then there would not be the need for social work skills when manage care packages. Characteristics of Attachment Bowlby held that there were four characteristics of attachment: Proximity Maintenance The desire to be near the people we are attached to. Safe Haven Returning to the attachment figure for comfort and safety in the face of a fear or threat. Secure Base The attachment figure acts as a base of security from which the child can explore the surrounding environment. Separation Distress Anxiety that occurs in the absence of the attachment figure. (Bowlby, 1969). Care Management, involves overseeing the provision of a package of care services geared toward maintaining someone in the community who would otherwise need to rely on institutional provision (Thompson 2005 p69). Good care management encompasses a macro overview when completing the assessment, it should be completed in partnership with the service user and family paying regard to the strength and weaknesses as well as their ability to look at their life history and communicate the reason they find themselves in the current situation. Care Management is defined in government guidance as the process of tailoring services to individual needs (DOH, 1991:b).

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Global Transportation Industry: Bombardier Essay -- Case Study

Political Factors Being a major player in the global transportation industry, governments are both partners and customers to Bombardier. The transportation industry is seen as a quintessential strategic industry due to its highly profitable nature and contribution to a country's economic growth and prosperity, attracting significant support from their governments. The Government of Canada provides Bombardier with various subsidies such as tax breaks, financing, loan guarantees, and R&D support. The federal government, through EDC (Export Development Canada) administer these subsidies, even providing loans to international airlines enabling them to buy regional aircrafts from Bombardier . Such initiatives are necessary to allow Bombardier to thrive in an industry dominated by state backed international rivals. However, the issue of unfair subsidizing to undercut completion has been subject to legal cases and numerous allegations among the major rivals. The impact of this attention is being seen in the form of more conservative subsidy measures. In the light of such scrutiny, this trend is set to continue, forcing Bombardier to evolve into a more independent self sustained company. Economic Factors Along with the rest of the world, Bombardier has suffered the ill effects of the recession. However, there is an upward trend in the transportation industry led by growing demand and impressive economic growth forecasts in developing nations such as China and India. For the next 20 years, a return to sustained growth in business aviation is predicted, with a estimated demand for 24,000 business jets in all segments in which Bombardier competes. This represents total revenues of approximately $626 billion for the industry. These fac... ...any that is able to sell at a higher rate than cost has a greater chance of being more successful. Overall, Bombardier has been able manage a gross profit in the range of 15-16%. Given the nature of their operations being mostly on a contract basis, meaning that their product prices differ by customer, this shows that Bombardier is able to successfully sell their products at a consistently profitable manner. Additionally, it represents their ability to negotiate with customers. Of great notice is that they were able to maintain their margin levels throughout the recession of 2008-2009. Sources: Wiedman, 2002: http://www.camagazine.com/archives/print-edition/2002/dec/regulars/camagazine25484.aspx Stanford & Eprile, 1999 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6419/is_3_73/ai_n28735186/ SEC press release, 2004 http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2004-144.htm

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Character Development In Boy In The Striped Pajamas

You are an eight-year-old boy forced to move with your family from your home in Berlin to the countryside because your father received a promotion as the head Nazi officer at a work camp. Without any friends, you sneak away during the day to explore the land behind your house and find what you understand to be a â€Å"farm.† It turns out to be a work camp where you meet another boy your age. You quickly become friends with the boy named Shmuel, who is forced to live in the work camp because he is Jewish. You do not understand the hatred towards the Jews during this time, and because of this, an unlikely friendship forms. Shmuel’s father disappears and you offer to come into the camp to help look for him. When searching in the barracks, things†¦show more content†¦The movie realistically depicts the suffering and the treatment the Jews went through during the Holocaust. The Jews were not labeled as people during this time, this is evident when Bruno’s fat her tries to explain who the Jews in the concentration were, and said, â€Å"the thing is, Bruno, those people...Well, you see, theyre not really people at all.† They were treated worse than dirt and any job before they had before entering the concentration camp became useless. One Jew in the movie, Pavel practiced as a doctor before the war, but now peeled potatoes to survive. Pavel receives a beating over an accident when he spilled one of the soldier’s wine at dinner, but the true reason he receives the beating because the officer took his frustration out on him. The main reason they were treated badly during that time because many believed the Jews were the cause of Germany losing the War, Gretel explains this to Bruno, â€Å"Theyre evil, Bruno. Evil, dangerous vermin. Theyre the reason we lost the Great War.† Germany takes its frustration out on the Jews, just like the officer did to Pavel. They live in horrible conditions at the work camps; they are forced to sleep in small wooden bunks with other prisoner crammed in there with them. When Bruno and Shmuel are in the camp there are snarlingShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas1659 Words   |  7 Pagesthat stands out the most is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.   Made in 2008, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, is a Holocaust movie filmed from the frame of reference of an eight-year-old boy.   The director-writer, Mark Herman took the story of two boys, written by John Boyne, and developed a masterpiece (The Boy in).   With the use of these two boys, Mark Herman takes the divide of cultural bias and economic injustices and links them together.   The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is an accomplished film madeRead MoreThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas717 Words   |  3 Pages2.06B Text Analysis: â€Å"Unit 2 Journey to Identity† Text Analysis Title: The Boy In The Striped Pajamas.|Author: John Boyne|Publication Date: | I chose this book because (respond in at least 2 sentences): I chose this book because it has a deep story. After seeing what happened in the movie and reading the book it is so sad to see what happens and how things come out to be.| Discussion Questions Use the text and your analysis to prepare two interpretive or evaluative discussion questionsRead MoreEssay on 2.09a Text Analysis771 Words   |  4 PagesUnit 2 Journey to Identity Text Analysis Title: ​ Boy in The Striped Pajamas The Author: ​ Boyne John Publication Date: ​ 01/05/06 I chose this book because (respond in at least 2 sentences): Because I found the book trailer interesting and I also enjoyed the plot of the book. I also chose the book because it was the only book that seemed most interesting. Connecting with Character: Protagonist ​ Bruno How do you relate to this character? Similarities Beginning: ​ None Differences Read MoreThe Films Were Conceptualized By John Boyne1848 Words   |  8 Pagesadministrative influential personnel; Nazi commandant and his Jewish inmate famously identified as Scanlon. The story reflects various social, economic and political aspects that are evident and have a significant effect on the current world (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, 2016). The plot of the story introduces various events that happened in a sequence. In the beginning, we encounter Butterfield’s son Bruno. Bruno dwelled in the same resident with his parents and12-year-old Gretel, his elder sister inRead MoreBoy in Striped Pajamas1470 Words   |  6 PagesThe Boy In Striped Pajamas: A Movie Analysis The film is an emotional experience highlighting the tragedy of innocence, using the point of view of an eight-year-old German boy to expose the raw psychological devastation of the era. Its an unnerving film with a knockout punch for an ending, but it feels more acceptable as an educational piece than a profoundly rewarding work of drama. This movie is based on a book that goes by the same name, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, written by John BoyneRead MoreEssay on The Short Life of Anne Frank by Gerrit Netten2196 Words   |  9 Pageswith cinema dramatization of real events ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by Mark Herman. I will be focusing on how each director uses techniques to show true aspects of real life, and how this persuades the audience into believing that they are witnessing something accurate, and true to the directors intention. Gerrit Netten’s 2001 documentary ‘The Short Life of Anne Frank’ and Mark Herman’s 2008 historical drama based film ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, are both based on the innocence perceivedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Boy Of The Striped Pajamas 2429 Words   |  10 PagesLiterature March 30, 2015 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Introduction ​Most people view the Holocaust as one of the worst things that has ever happened in human history. It’s very difficult to argue this belief. Not only were millions of people killed in battle, but millions were killed outside of battle. After his murder of over six million Jews, Adolf Hitler became regarded as one of the most hated and evil people in the world, and still is today. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a novel based on thisRead MoreAn Analysis Of John Boyne s The Boy s The Striped Pajamas 1503 Words   |  7 PagesTitle: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Author: John Boyne Publication Date: January 5, 2006 I chose this book because (respond in at least 2 sentences): I have watched the movie many times and I always wanted to know which was better and what the difference between the book and the film. Connecting with Character: Protagonist Bruno How do you relate to this character? Similarities Differences Beginning: Bruno wanted to meet Shmuel and become friends with him at first sight; He wanted to playRead MoreThe Striped Pajamas By John Boyne2334 Words   |  10 Pageswere killed outside of battle. After his murder of over six million Jews, Adolf Hitler became regarded as one of the most hated and evil people in the world, and still is today. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a novel based on this time period. Written in 2006 by an Irish author named John Boyne, it is about a boy named Bruno who is nine years old growing up in Germany during the second World War. Even though it is written by an Irish author and not a German one, it is well-known for depictingRead MoreBreaking Boundaries Of Tradition History1996 Words   |  8 Pages as well as the ones they have faced in their history. The after affects on these people is still prominent even today, through the low numbers in their population, and their psychological damage. The films â€Å"Schindler’s List† and â€Å"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas† are both set in the Holocaust. Schindler was a man of great wealth, and was also a German. He was an executive, and like most businesspersons, he wanted to make more money. Therefore, he implored the help of someone to run the numbers,