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Building the Next Generation of Application Software Southwestern Gifts, Inc. (SGI), is a small catalog retailer of Southwestern art, jewelry, and gifts that distributes two catalogs per year, in May and October. About 40% of orders are received by phone and 10% by mail, and the rest via the SGI Web site. SGI employs up to 50 people, including 15 warehouse staff and 30 order-processing clerks during the Christmas shopping season, 4 accountants and bookkeepers to handle payroll and account payable, 3 buyers, a catalog designer, 4 IS staff, a warehouse manager, and the owner-operator. SGI currently has a Hewlett-Packard (HP) ProLiant midrange computer running Linux, a small Dell server running Windows Server, and 20 desktop computers, all connected by a 100 Mbps Ethernet LAN with a single T1 (1.54 Mbps) Internet connection. Ten desktop computers are used only for order entry. The Dell server provides file and printer sharing for desktop computers and printer sharing for the HP computer. The other 10 desktop computers are used by the accountants, warehouse manager, buyers, catalog designer, and IS staff. Application software on desktop computers includes Quicken (an accounting package), various productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office, and Adobe Illustrator (graphics design software). SGI purchased an order entry and inventory control package eight years ago from an out-of-state vendor. This package stores data in a MySQL relational DBMS and uses a proprietary IDE and operating environment called Data Entry, Retrieval, and Query System (DERQS). DERKS provides forms-based data entry and data queries, a file definition tool, and a simple report generator. Screen forms are defined by using an interactive layout tool that compiles and stores screen layout and content in a screen definition file (SDF). Database tables are also defined with an interactive tool, and a simple query interface and report generator are included with the DBMS. Application programs are written in a proprietary interpreted scripting language to display and manipulate screens, manipulate database content, and generate simple reports. Most of the existing application programs are DERQS scripts, but some are written in C and C++. DERQS includes a compiler library with functions that enable C programs to display DERQS screens and interact with DERQS files and the MySQL database. This library also works with C++ programs because C++ is a superset of C. Within a year after purchasing the order-entry and inventory control package, SGI contracted with the vendor to develop a Web-based order system for customer's use. The Web interface is targeted for Internet Explorer 5 (the most current version at that time). Web pages are hosted by Apache Web Server software running on the HP server, use HTML forms-based data input and JavaScript, and interact with back-end processing functions written in C. One IS staff member specializes in DERQS data entry functions and script-based applications. A second IS staff member specializes in the DERQS query language and develops and maintains C and C++ applications. A third IS staff member maintains the Website, including the online catalog and order-entry system. A fourth IS staff member manages the LAN and desktop computers. SGI has seen the phone and mail order parts of its business decline steadily. Although it expects to keep these systems operating for several more years, SGI sees a need to improve its Web-based ordering system to attract younger, more tech-savvy customers. SGI also wants to minimize the number of software technologies it depends on and integrates purchasing, sales, inventory, and accounting functions more tightly. To achieve these goals, SGI plans to make several improvements to its information systems, including the following: Updating the Web-based ordering system to take advantage of more recent HTML standards, later IE versions, and other browsers, such as Firefox Implementing a direct interface to financial information in the MySQL database so that data can be uploaded to Quicken and Excel Enabling buyers to interact with the sales, purchasing, and accounts payable systems Using Web-based interfaces for existing and new application programs, with support for employees working from home or while traveling SGI recently learned that the company that developed and supported DERQS has filed for bankruptcy. No company has shown an interest in purchasing the rights to DERQS, so it appears that no further upgrades or technical support will be available. Questions: Should SGI develop any new software with DERQS? If not, what tools should it acquire for new system development? Should SGI implement the functions of its existing DERQS-based applications by using more up-to-date development tools? Should SGI consider replacing its disparate collection of tools and supporting software with an integrated suite from a large vendor, such as an Oracle DBMS with J Developer or Microsoft SQL Server with Visual Studio? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this replacement

Challenges in the Global Business Environment, assignment help (4-6 pages)

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review Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct, located athttps://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/.

 write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

  1. List specific changes that Apple has made to its Code of Conduct in recent years. Provide at least one (1) example of each change.
  2. Explain the identified changes to the suppliers in such a way that they will understand the standards that Apple requires in order to maintain their relationship with the company.

If you choose the written paper, your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

  • Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
  • Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

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Provide an explanation of what an undescended testicle is. Discuss how it occurs, the organs and structures that are affected, and treatment options. Apply all related medical terms and their meanings.

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The point of this field activity and analysis assignment is to get you to start critically thinking about and watching the different kinds of sales efforts that we are confronted with every day. The more attention you place on these daily interactions, the more you can learn from them, realize what techniques are being utilized, and consider how you could adapt them to improve your sales strategies. During the next few weeks, you will need to go to or be involved in 3 sales establishments/ situations/transactions of any kind – retail, wholesale, internal or external sales, distributor, etc. Note and critique the salesperson's technique how they/their techniques addressed the following questions: What kind of an opening was used? Were questions used? How was the sales pitch? FAB or something else? What kind of a trial close (if any) was used? How was the close (if things got that far?). What lessons can you learn from what you experienced? Your 3- to 5-page write-up, 1- to 1.5-pages for each experience, should summarize the key points to each of the 6 questions above for each experience. Follow APA format and support your perspective with a minimum of two sources.

Capital Budgeting, assignment help

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Required:
Compare the results of the three (3) methods by quality of information for decision making. Using what you have learned about the three (3) methods, identify the best project by the criteria of long term increase in value. (You do not need to do further research.) Convey your understanding of the Time Value of Money principles used or not used in the three (3) methods. Review the video titled “NPV, IRR, MIRR for Mac and PC Excel” (located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7CryVgFbBc to help you understand the foundational concepts: 

Scenario Information:
Assume that two gas stations are for sale with the following cash flows; CF1 is the Cash Flow in the first year, and CF2 is the Cash Flow in the second year. This is the time line and data used in calculating the Payback Period, Net Present Value, and Internal Rate of Return. The calculations are done for you. Your task is to select the best project and explain your decision. The methods are presented and the decision each indicates is given below.

Investment Sales Price CF1 CF2
Gas Station A $50,000 $0 $100,000
Gas Station B $50,000 $50,000 $25,000

Three (3) Capital Budgeting Methods are presented:

  1. Payback Period: Gas Station A is paid back in 2 years; CF1 in year 1, and CF2 in year 2. Gas Station B is paid back in one (1) year. According to the payback period, when given the choice between two mutually exclusive projects, the investment paid back in the shortest time is selected.
  2. Net Present Value: Consider the gas station example above under the NPV method, and a discount rate of 10%:
    NPVgas station A = $100,000/(1+.10)2 – $50,000 = $32,644
    NPVgas station B = $50,000/(1+.10) + $25,000/(1+.10)2 – $50,000 = $16,115
  3. Internal Rate of Return: Assuming 10% is the cost of funds; the IRR for Station A is 41.421%.; for Station B, 36.602.

Summary of the Three (3) Methods:

  • Gas Station B should be selected, as the investment is returned in 1 period rather than 2 periods required for Gas Station A.
  • Under the NPV criteria, however, the decision favors gas station A, as it has the higher net present value. NPV is a measure of the value of the investment.
  • The IRR method favors Gas Station A. as it has a higher return, exceeding the cost of funds (10%) by the highest return.

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The IKEA Case Study Background & Introduction: IKEA is a Swedish-owned global business founded in 1943. The business generates annual revenues of 27 billion euros and employs 139,000 people at 298 stores in 26 countries. The values and design philosophy of the founder continue to underpin the brand. These values might be summed-up as frugal, democratic, environmentally aware, and clean & simple design. IKEA has become synonymous with Swedish lifestyle. The stores are virtually identical across the globe, and they sell a range of globally-sourced flat-packed (unassembled) furniture products as well as a range of related furnishings for the home. Each store offers customers a ‘Swedish experience’ by incorporating restaurants and a variety of customer services intended to simplify the shopping process (e.g., childcare).

Operant Conditioning and Superstitions

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LASA 1—Operant Conditioning and Superstitions

Many people believe that superstitions are absolutely true. This often causes them to believe and act in ways that are out of the norm either to avoid a negative outcome or to bring about a positive outcome. However, the origins of all superstitions lie in operant conditioning (for example, wearing the same shirt worn during a victory game to all future games in order to ensure victory).

In this assignment, you will examine the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the formation of a superstition.

Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research the development of operant conditioning and its basic principles. Then, address the following:

  • Describe the historical antecedents of operant conditioning. What factors led to the rise of operant conditioning?
  • Describe the principles/concepts which can be applied to explain the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the development and maintenance of superstitions.
  • Brainstorm to come up with a number of superstitions you may have heard or read about. Using your knowledge and vocabulary of operant conditioning, choose one of these superstitions. Then, describe in detail, the thinking processes involved that resulted in the acquisition and perpetuation of this irrational belief.
  • Describe a specific aspect of the operant conditioning process that leads to these beliefs becoming so deeply ingrained and long standing in nature. 
  • Explain whether a person can ever be rid of superstitions. What methods can be used to help such a person?
  • Interview a family member or friend to discover a superstition that he or she believes in. Explain the nature of the event that led to the formation of this superstition. Does this information fit with your understanding of how the operant conditioning process results in the development of superstitions? Why or why not?

Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format. The paper should be double-spaced and in 12 point, Times New Roman font with regular one-inch margins and free of typographical and grammatical errors. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Be sure to include a title page and a reference page. 

Grading Criteria and Rubric

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria

Maximum Points
Describe the historical antecedents of operant conditioning and the specific factors which led to the rise of operant conditioning.
(Course Objective [CO] 1)

24
Describe the principles/concepts that can be applied to explain the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the development and maintenance of superstitions.
(CO2)

28
Describe at least one superstition and analyze the thinking process that was involved in the acquisition and perpetuation of this irrational belief.
(CO1)

28
Describe the elements of the operant conditioning process that lead these beliefs to be so deeply ingrained and long standing.
(CO2)

28
Explain whether a person can ever rid him or herself of superstitions. Describe methods that can be used to help the person.
(CO4)

16
Describe a superstition of a friend or family member and the events that led to the formation of his or her superstition. 
(CO2, 4)

12
Analyze whether the superstition fits with your knowledge of operant conditioning’s role in the development of superstitions.
(CO2)

20

Writing Components:
Organization (12)
Usage and Mechanics (12)
APA Elements (16)
Style (4)

44
Total:

200

rules of the game in politics

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The American electoral process is conducted based a on a variety of very important and sometimes confusing rules.  The rules determine who can run, when elections are held, who can vote, and where candidates can run.  These rules also determine who wins.  Answer the following questions:

  1. What effect would changes in who can vote in primary elections have on how candidates would run their campaigns?
  2. How do single-member districts and plurality rules impact third-party candidates and independent candidates?
  3. How does gerrymandering affect the electoral process?

Your initial post should be at least 250-300 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

Explain whether the dispute is at an impasse or not and if any party is experien

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  1. Explain whether the dispute is at an impasse or not and if any party is experiencing any settlement pressures.
  2. Discuss the use of arbitration or mediation if the negotiation between the Wilsons and Greens reaches an impasse. Should they consider arbitration or mediation to resolve their differences? Why or why not?
  3. Analyze other hybrid forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that are available and should be considered if negotiations fail to produce a settlement.
  5. Your paper should be four to five pages in length (not including title and reference pages). Format your paper according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center, and utilize three to four scholarly sources in addition to the textbook. Be sure to cite your sources within the body of your paper and on the reference page.

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The research paper should consist of six parts: Read the textbook, and read other books, research papers and online resources about the design principles in Web engineering. Clearly list these principles as 1, 2, 3, …… Also explain, elaborate and discuss with your own understanding. Find and show 100 bad examples of Web engineering that violate the principles and cause poor usability. Label and list them 1 through 100. Most of the bad design examples that an end user is sensitive to (and suffer from) are in the user interface designs. However, your examples are not limited to user interfaces. You are encouraged to find the bad examples through your own experience. Second-hand examples are allowed. For example, if you browse the Web, you can easily find something like top 20 bad Web designs. However, original examples of your own may carry more points in the grade of this assignment, compared to the examples that you find on the Internet. (I don’t have a formula and I will not use a formula to calculate your grade mechanically). For each example, describe the problem and explain why it is bad; what design principles it violates, and suggest a fix for this design. That is, what you think is the best way of doing it. Screenshot for each example is not required but is beneficial and will help you to earn more points in your grade. Even if you decide not to provide screenshots for all the examples, screenshots for some examples are still helpful. For each example, you must clearly state or label whether this is your own contribution, or give credit and reference to the source (book, journal, Web URL, etc.) If don’t say anything whether it is your original example or cite a reference, you will not receive credit for that example. In the case that you use reference sources, you need to describe using your own words. Simply “copy and paste” violates the copyright of the original work. Copying from other students is cheating and is prohibited. This is an individual assignment. Teamwork, or “working together” is not allowed. If the word for word copy is found among students, all students involved will receive a penalty, from zero grade of this assignment, up to an F grade of this course, and subject to university disciplinary actions on academic dishonesty.