Abstract This paper examines the positive impact technology has had in many areas of life, such as the environment, transportation, business, communication and health. Associated problems, such as pollution and the threat of bioterrorism are also discussed.
From the Paper "Technology has made a positive impact on the environment. Advances have made it easier to build buildings that are stronger and last longer. These buildings also do not put deadly pollutants in the air as some constructions did as little as 50 years ago. Buildings in the United States have climate control and make working more comfortable for people. The buildings also have weigh rooms so those employees can exercise at their work place. The digitized systems allow employees to count calories as they work out."
Abstract This paper analyzes in detail the demise of the dotcom business, Webvan. The author states that Webvan ignored the most important lesson that good business is still based on basic rules of supply and demand, customer service, employee relations, and prudent expansion. It reached too far and too fast.
From the Paper "In the boom days of the dotcoms, even with such ambitious scope, Webvan had no trouble raising capital; at its inception, investment analysts gave it the nod with assessments that ranged from "attractive" to "strong buy" ... But no sooner did the company go public in November of 1999 and raised $375 million, but the bottom dropped out, and it showed losses of $144.6 million in its first year of existence. At that point, from a market perspective, most of us would do what the analysts did"urge "holds" and caution"to give the brand-new baby business time to find its feet."
Abstract This paper examines the complexities of doing business in our virtual age, looking at the particular challenges of marketing a virtual bookstore. At the center of this paper is a case study of an individual who once owned a bricks-and-mortar bookstore and considered opening a virtual bookstore, only to find the marketing challenges too great. This study shows how the booksellers have had to adjust their own business practices so that they could interact in the smoothest possible way with virtual stores. This paper then presents some possible modifications that will allow this particular bookseller to succeed in today's virtual age.
From the Paper "Independent bookstores have traditionally taken chances on new authors, who often contribute substantially to making the marketplace of ideas more diverse. But the number of independent bookstores ? which have allowed new writers to find their audiences ? seems to decrease each day. The loss of these bookstores is not the same as the closing of a cute clothing boutique; each independent that closes takes with it some measure at least of the freedom of expression that exists only when it is used. The support of these newly emergent authors is something that virtual bookstore owners can use as a marketing strategy. This man, who is planning to open a virtual mystery bookstore later this year, intends to use this as a marketing strategy. Especially for mystery readers there's always this search for new authors. Mystery readers tend to read a lot of books and they"re always running out of new works to read by their favorites, so they"re always looking for new writers. And that's often very hard to find in a Barnes and Noble because they"re committed to these huge profits and sales figures. I"m not looking for that. I?m looking to make a little bit of a profit ? and I want to be part of the mechanism that brings new authors into the public arena. And I know that there are a lot of people who would appreciate that. I go to conferences all the time, and people are always asking when there's going to be a bookstore all about new voices."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss available methods to secure a network so people can access it remotely. The paper describes the network administrators? challenge of securing an enterprise network from hackers. The author writes that with software and hardware innovations, consultants and companies specializing in enterprise security, showing up practically everyday, network security is attainable.
From the Paper "When the first public access networks were installed in Berkley, California in the mid 1970s, the principle was to provide people the means to share information. Restricting access to a remote computer system or protecting it was an unimaginable concept."
Abstract This paper analyses how videoconferencing has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. It details the technology and lists the many different places that it can be applied. It looks at how videoconferencing is used in the business world and how it has changed the face of business and communication. The paper also looks at how it has become a factor in home-based businesses in a positive manner. According to this author, it has opened up the world to anyone because this technology allows people worldwide to communicate and share ideas with one another.
From the Paper "The videoconference connections may be limited to a closed network such as LAN (Local Area Network) or may use public networks such as regular telephone lines. Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) has considerably reduced the expense of videoconferencing making it economical as well as high quality. ISDN works over regular copper telephone lines, transmits at a minimum of 128 KBPS per line, and provides dedicated bandwidth for smooth audio and video. In contrast, a regular Internet connection may cause audio clipping delays resulting in jerky video on slow networks."
Abstract This paper outlines the necessity of computers in today's society and emphasizes the fact that computers do not perform without the aid of people. To support this claim, the writer describes three professions essential to information systems.
From the Paper "The first person that we will discuss is the Computer Systems Analyst. This person is responsible for analyzing the needs of a business and designing a computer system to meet their needs. They also constantly evaluate existing systems and devise ways to improve production, work flow, or expand new systems for new purposes (COG 541). Their job requires a thorough knowledge of all phases of an operation so that they can best design a system to meet the customer's needs. They design systems for all phases of an operation including operations planning, monitoring, testing, accounting, forecasting, coordination, scheduling, and many other areas. They may design the company's entire system, or in larger companies, they may work as a team and be responsible for only a small part of it."
Abstract This paper discusses why the Unix/Linux Operating System has become popular and its major advantages as compared to Microsoft Windows. The writer also explores the five components of an operating system - user interface, device management, file management, memory management and processor management.
From the Paper "Analysts agree that if one operating system stands a chance to give Microsoft a run for its money, that system is Linux, a version of Bell Labs' venerable Unix operating system, written for personal computers. With a very strong grass-roots movement, Linux users are in the millions world-wide. The reason for the Linux phenomenon stems from the input and support of Linux users around the world. Unlike Microsoft who sell a site license giving you the right to install Windows on a certain number of computers, Linux allows its users to pass on their system and to use it on as many computers as they want, even allowing to modify the program (Simnacher 1998). Moreover, you can download Linux from the Internet or get a copy from the North Texas Linux Users Group or another Linux user. Furthermore, Linux fans rave about the operating system's reliability and speed. It can run on relatively old 386-based computers and Linux has versions available for Digital Equipment Corp.'s Alpha 64 workstations and the Macintosh and the Amiga, a computer that Commodore, a computer maker, abandoned (Simnacher 1998).'
Abstract This paper focuses on the merger of the aforementioned companies. It looks at the history behind the merger and opposition to it. It mentions the corporate staff involved and lists the events leading up to the merger. It deals with the position of stock holders and lists the benefits of the merger. The paper concludes with a look at how the merger has been accepted by the market.
From the Paper "Hewlett Packard is a Houston based corporation that has a reputation for selling computer accessories, such as printers, calculators, electronic notebooks, computer software, etc? Compaq headquarters is a Dallas based corporation, headquarters in Plano TX, that sells mainly computers. Carly Fiornia, HP?S CEO, decided that in a rapidly changing economy, the company would be more productive by merging together and combining into one big company."
Abstract This paper details which changes need to be made in order to upgrade a business computer system. It first explains why XYZ company needs to expand its system and how the change will benefit clients and personnel alike. XYZ is a medical practice and the writer examines what changes need to be made to the administration and operations of the company in order for the technical changes to run smoothly.
From the Paper "One of the most critical areas to upgrade XYZ Company is that of its information technology system. Its current method of storing and retrieving information remains woefully out of date, resulting in needless delays for both patients and physicians. Such delays not only result in wasted time, but also hold the potential problem for error in terms of patient's medical records, billing, and data regarding the organization. XYZ's current computer network consists of 3 IBM Pentium's 166 MHz. Due to insufficient hard drive capabilities the company thus must keep hard copies of all record. The most obvious problem that results from this is the danger of mishandled information lies in the often overstuffed and poorly organized storage room. However, needless costs also ensue because of the necessity of employees working more hours in an improperly filed and outdated file room."
Abstract This paper covers the issues related to Internet abuse, sexual harassment and e-mail harassment in the work place based on a given case study. The case study illustrates abuse of the workplace environment and the trust accorded by employers and coworkers.
The paper then turns to the controversial question of the right of the employer to monitor employee e-mails and Internet use and if so, the question of the extent to which this is allowed.
From the Paper "When an employee enters the office environment he or she is essentially entering a place where he is being trusted to cater to the organizational culture. The salary received by the employee is not merely for services provided but rather the sense of loyalty and trust that he or she incites in the employers and the coworkers. In the same context, the employees within the organizational environment trust the management to keep them safe and expect their coworkers to maintain a stress free environment as far as possible. The policies created for the regulatory functioning of the work place are then presented so as to maintain certain decorum of trust within the organization. These policies then create the culture of the organization and work to create the reputation the organization has in terms of employee's and customers for the most recent research suggests that a satisfied worker produces more turnover in terms of production and is thus, more motivated. Any interference in these policies would then directly interfere with employee motivation."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of E-books, what they are and the technology behind them. The paper also explores the history and purpose of E-books. In conclusion, it discusses writer's predictions for the role of E-books in the future.
From the Paper "The technological explosion over the last few decades has taken the world to heights it never knew were possible. Today, with the click of a mouse, one can purchase stocks, plan and book trips, chat with others around the world and many other functions. One of the most innovative functions that technology now allows is the use of E-books. E-books are an up and coming ability to locate and read full textbooks online. There has been much controversy as to the advantages and disadvantages of having E-books available and as the debate continues the industry moves forward. America has been in an economic slump for several years and the future of E-books is precarious, however the industry has managed to survive and continues to grow despite the obstacles it faces."
Abstract This paper examines the aspects of developing a new business and the best values for your advertisement dollars. The paper offers where to find business plan development software, provides a who's who in the world of corporate advertisement and a discussion of advertising medias. It describes the outstanding benefits of Internet advertisement, point of purchase agreements and floor ads.
Table of Contents
Mplans.com
Advertising World
Major Advertising Agencies
Floor Graphics
From the Paper "Many have ideas about starting their own business. However, most people do not have any idea where to begin. Starting a business without a plan is a road to failure. Many consulting firms are available that offer advice, but these services are much too expensive for the average entrepreneur just starting out. Mplans.com is company that offers other companies assistance in developing their business plans, marketing plans, and advertising plans. Their solutions are much lower cost than the consulting services discussed earlier. They offer sample plans online and software that offers a number of point and click marketing plans for a variety of small businesses. These software packages average $90.00 per set. They also offer free information online. They have sample plans from many small business categories. "
Abstract This paper discusses the business-to-business e-commerce model and the business-to-consumer model. The paper focuses on the former, that being the predominantly successful form of e-commerce. The writer outlines various reasons for this success, a central reason being the Internet environment itself, which eradicates confidentiality and allows for fair competitiveness based on freely available essential information.
From the Paper "E-commerce is not just Web-enabling a business model at hand. It is a complete restructuring of an organization's operations, targets, products, and customers, thus essentially demanding a rethink. The basic issue with e-commerce is that most of the business decision makers merely look at it as a new channel, rather than widening their viewpoint and aspiring progressively."
From the Paper "Outsourcing" (the hiring of outside experts or companies to fulfill part of the business model) is a modern business methodology that addresses the needs of organizations, merchants, and consumers to cut costs while improving convenience, the quality of goods and services and increasing the speed of service delivery. Outsourcing is defined by the CCTA (Central Computer and Technology Agency) as: the management and operation of part or all of an organizations IT services by an external source, at agreed service levels to an agreed cost formula over an agreed period? (Halvey & Melby 48)."
Financial analysis of Cisco Systems (through 1999). History of company. Ratio analysis including--fixed and total asset turnover ratios; debt ratio; times interest earned; price; earnings, etc.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 71.95
From the Paper "Cisco Systems was founded by Leonard Bosack and Sandra Lerner, who were a young husband and wife at Stanford University in 1984. Bosack developed technology to link the network in the computer lab to his wife's network in the business department. Believing the idea was a good one, they took a mortgage on their house, bought a used mainframe, and got friends and relatives to work for deferred pay, selling their first router in 1986.
Turning to Donald Valentine, a venture capitalist at Sequoia Capital who bought a controlling stake, the Cisco team expanded its marketing thrust to include corporations and in 1987, saw sales of $1.5 million that grew to $28 million in 1989."
