Systems Development & Project Management

MUST BE COMPLETELY ORIGINAL WORK – 5 PAGES
 
 
Research two articles concerning information systems development and project management. Drawing on these two articles, your textbook, and other sources, write an essay that addresses the following:
 
1. Provide a well-formulated thesis statement in your introduction paragraph.
 
2. Explain how a business user could be involved in the core activities of building an information system.
 
3. Analyze how software development methodologies (such as agile development) can work in tandem with project management for the benefit of both information systems development projects and organizations.
 
4. Evaluate how project managers and/or IT managers can ensure that information system development projects are in alignment with business strategies and goals.
 
5. Summarize your findings in a five-page paper using proper APA formatting.
 
 
 
Your response must be at least five pages in length and in APA format. You are required to use the two outside articles. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations.

History

Based on the texts by Kafka and Eliot, (writing on one or the other or both), discuss how the writers seem critical of modern culture, as they portray modern man as a self-conscious functionary who fears an acute loss of spirituality and identity, as well as the ability to achieve authenticity and happiness, overcome by the dehumanizing forces of industrialization and capitalism in post-WWI Europe.
 

  • Your response should be at least 750 words in length
  • Use MLA format for any quotations or citations that you use to support your answer
  • Plagiarism
    Three common types of plagiarism you need to be aware of as a student:

    • Recycling a paper; “double-dipping”; self-plagiarism: Reusing a paper you have written for a previous course
    • Copying directly from a source without proper quotations or paraphrasing: When you try to pass something off as your own work
    • Not using proper citations
    • Your paper should have at least 80% of your own original thought, not “borrowed, paraphrased [or] quoted” from material pulled from the Internet, articles, journals, books, etc. Your thoughts, not someone else’s!

Behavioral Science

Write a paper of approximately 500 words, how you would explain to your friend psychopathology, what constitutes major depression, and at least two possible treatments. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the guest’s claims.
Include:
  • A definition of psychopathology
  • What constitutes a major depression diagnosis
  • Two possible treatments for major depression
  • Evaluate the strength and weaknesses of the talk show guest’s claim
Include two scholarly sources, which may consist of readings from the University Library  or your textbook, or other selections.
Format your assignment using West Writing Style Handbook  guidelines

The influences of social media on attitude-toward-the -object approach? "

  Social media has impacted our lives in many ways; it is an important communication tool that people use to connect with other people or organizations. Consumers use social media to share their experiences, reviews, advice, warnings, tips and any other information that may be appealing to their “connections” or “friends”. This shared information can often be a helpful source which may influence consumers’ decision-making. Based on what you’ve learned, how does social media influence a consumer’s attitude towards a brand or advertisements? Has social media affected your purchasing decisions or opinion of a brand? In this week’s blog post, discuss two to three (2-3) methods in which a business could use LinkedIn to influence consumer behavior.

  • Your blog entry should be approximately two to three (2-3) paragraphs in length.

Critical Writing

Option 2 – Critical Writing Assignment on Interview with the Dalai Lama Write a 1200-1500 word paper in which you critically analyze the perspective of the Dalai Lama as found in Module 7 of the course from the vantage point of John Hick’s pluralistic hypothesis, which is encountered in the same module. You need not agree with Hick’s position and you may role play if you choose, but your paper must take up and defend a clear thesis and the paper must include substantial engagement and specific references to both the Dalai Lama interview and the article by Hick.  Before getting started, please be sure to review the requirements to be observed for this and all other PHI 110RS Critical Writing Assignments. Your paper must:   Defend a thesis and should proceed according to the following format: Thesis, Argument, Objection(s), Response(s), and Conclusion.  Include citations to the primary required class readings. These and any additional sources must be properly cited using MLA format.   Fall within the following length requirements: 1200-1500 words.  Use a standard 10-12 pt. font and be double-spaced.
 
 
Saint Leo University. Encountering the Real. 2013 ed. New York: Cengage Custom. Print. ISBN: 978-1-285-55349-8

Crime Causation and Diversion Presentation

Create a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation in which you compare two juvenile diversion, intervention, or prevention programs operating in your city or state. Include the following:

  • How do the programs work to reduce juvenile crime?
  • What are the programs’ major goals, objectives, and core beliefs?
  • How do community-based programs address issues related to juvenile gang violence?
  • What is the role of law enforcement in the programs?
  • Who are the key participants in these programs?
  • What services do they provide to juveniles?
  • Which of the two programs is more effective at reducing juvenile crime? Why?

Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines.

Managing Change Effectively

The CEO has said he does not want anyone to lose his or her job. Some may need to be retrained, but no one will be let go from their job. There will be a merger and it will take place in two weeks, but the timing for blending the organizations will be over several months.
 
Change is inevitable in organizations and your organization is about to go through a major change with the new merger.
 
In a 2 page paper, cover the following:
 

  • What is the importance of Change Management?
  • How will you effectively manage the change in your organization?
  • What kind of hurdles will you encounter and how will you overcome them?
  • Provide 2 sources.

APA FORMAT REQUIRED

invasive species

Part I
To prepare for this article, in paragraph format (one paragraph should be plenty):

  1. Define “invasive species” using the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website: National Invasive Species Information Center. USDA. https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/state.shtml
  2. Provide three examples of invasive species in your region.
  3. Define “endemic species,” and provide an example of an endemic species from anywhere in the world. If you can find an example of an endemic species in your region, please include it as well.

Now read the article Political Responses: Where eagles dare. (2013, Sep 14). The Economist, 408(8853):9. Accessed at http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21585083-more-prosperous-countries-now-favour-protecting-wildlife-not-killing-it-where-eagles on August 16, 2016.
After you have read the article, answer the following questions in paragraph format by using an introduction sentence, related topic sentences, and a conclusion statement that draws connections between the ideas presented. You should be able to address all questions in Part I in 1–2 paragraphs.

  1. Name some ways that governments are trying to redress threats against endemic species. Briefly describe the examples presented in this article.
  2. What is described as the biggest challenge for governments?
  3. How are governments addressing this challenge?

Part II
With habitat loss, less land and resources means lower carrying capacity. For the second part of this assignment, you will apply the readings from your Module 4 Home page to two cases in which conservation of habitat applies to carrying capacity and economics. Choose one of these large predators to investigate: African predators (lions, hyenas, etc.), cougars (mountain lions), or polar bears.

  1. What size of land/water is required to support this animal?
  2. What pressures threaten this organism’s habitat?
  3. What role does international trade and political regulation play in protecting this organism? Are these in place and enforced?

Resources
Available via Summon in the Trident Online Library:
Haywarda, M. W., O’Brien J., & Kerley, G. I. H. (2007). Carrying capacity of large African predators: Predictions and tests. Biological Conservation. 139:219–229.
Glick, H. B. (2014). Modeling cougar habitat in the Northeastern United States. Ecological Modeling. 285:78-89.
Websites
Wildlife Conservation Society at www.wcs.org
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife at wdfw.wa.gov/living/cougars.html
Polar Bears International at www.polarbearsinternational.org

Part III
Finally, examine the costs and benefits of conservation using the Montgomery Botanical Centre as a case study. View the results of a study on the costs and benefits of preserving a collection of plants at the following site: http://www.bgci.org/resources/article/0634/.
In 1–2 paragraphs summarize the following, using complete sentences:

  1. What are the costs associated with maintaining this collection (generally speaking, not exact numbers)?
  2. What are the benefits of preserving this collection and how are they measured? (Hint: They are described as “conservation success.”)
  3. What part of this collection gives diminishing returns and why?
  4. How does collection size relate to efficiency of management of the collection?
  5. When is it most valuable to preserve a plant species?

Cash Budgets

 
A cash budget helps an organization plan and control the movement of cash into and out of the company. It is important for an organization to have a good understanding of its cash needs in order to identify instances of cash idleness or shortage. Cash on hand allows the organization to make commitments to various stakeholders, including employees and suppliers. Idle cash represents missed opportunities to reinvest into the organization and to return value to shareholders.
 
In this Application, you will use the information on cash budgets outlined in the Resources to prepare a cash budget for Gladiator Robotics given the data provided in the scenario below.
 
You will create and use an Excel spreadsheet for your calculations for the problems below, and the spreadsheet you develop is what you submit for the Application. Note: The Resources section includes tutorials for those who might need help in designing and using an Excel spreadsheet.
 
Gladiator Robotics
Read the information below and complete Parts I, II and III
The board of directors of Gladiator Robotics is considering whether or not to donate to a national robotics convention for high school students interested in technology and engineering. The company needs you to prepare a monthly cash budget to determine the available cash reserves for January, February, and March. Relevant data appear below.

October
actual
November
actual
December
actual
January February March
Sales $300,000 $325,000 $450,000 $310,000 $350,000 $400,000

All sales are on account. Collections are expected to be 60% in the month following the sale, 25% in the second month following the sale, and 10% in the third month following the sale. Five percent are deemed to be uncollectible.
The company sold equipment in February for $20,000 and received a dividend on investments of $4,000 in March.
Cash on hand as of January 1st is $14,000.
Material purchases are as follows:

October November December January February March
$80,000 $85,000 $105,000 $80,000 $88,000 $92,000

Material purchases are paid 50% in the month purchased and the remainder in the following month.
Other disbursements are paid in the month incurred.

January February March
Labor and wages 150,000 185,000 215,000
Selling costs 62,000 68,000 78,000
G & A costs 30,000 31,000 38,000
Income taxes 32,000
Capital equipment 50,000

The company wants to maintain a cash balance at the end of each month of at least $10,000. It has a $250,000 line of credit at the bank and will borrow from the bank in order to maintain this balance.
Part I: Prepare a monthly cash budget for January, February, and March following the template that is provided to complete.
Part II: Analyze the cash budget and make recommendations to the board of directors of Gladiator Robotics regarding your findings. Be specific regarding possible causes and remedies (if applicable).
Part III: What if any concerns do you have about the ability to make the donation? Also, do you have any concerns about cash on hand which might impact variable HR expenses such as recruitment costs or other commitments to employees including staffing, development or rewards? Be specific.