216 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-316-2735
Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
February 3, 2007
Mr. Chris Hudson
AIA, President
Morris Architects – Downtown
1001 Fannin - Suite 300
Houston, TX 77002
Dear Mr. Hudson:
I recently came across an online job search that your company is looking for new architects to intern for Morris Architects. In May 2009, I plan to receive my Bachelors of Science in Architecture, and I believe that Morris Architects would provide the best place for me to complete an internship with. I have all of the necessary credentials and background that fit your job and if selected will shortly become an asset to the team.
The Morris Architects projects are remarkably familiar to me, and my ambition is to work for a company of your caliber. If given the opportunity, my computer skills and architectural education such as Architectural Design Studio and Architectural Environmental Systems will reap huge benefits for your company. As you can see from my resume, I have held several leadership positions and have an in depth knowledge of architecture. For example, my senior year at Tech, I was one of fifteen students chosen to design the plans for the leisure pool coming to Texas Tech’s Student Recreational Center in the year 2010.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you in person, so that I may answer any questions you may have for me. In the next seven to ten days, I will be in contact with your office to inquire on the status of my application. I look forward to talking to you soon. Thank you for your consideration.
Cordially,
Ricky D. Sherfield Jr.
Enclosure (1)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Revision on Instruction Manual
On the behalf of the Microsoft Corporation, I would like to thank you for your purchase of an X-Box game system.
This guide will probably will properly demonstrate how to correctly assemble and operate the X-Box gaming system.
Warning: Do not play or use the X-Box Game System for more 3 hours at a time. Also do not engage in the X-Box Game System within 3 feet of the television. These precautions should be upheld to avoid the risk of seizures.
Caution: Entertainment Software Rating Board
Materials: X-Box Console, X-Box Controller, Standard AV Cable, Power Cord
Step 1: Connecting the X-Box game system
- Plug the power cord to the X-Box, then plug the cord to an outlet.
- There are 2 AV Cable cards included with the unit one is for connecting to the television and one is for VCR.
Connecting to Television
-Plug (TV) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
Connecting to VCR
-Plug (VCR) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
-Select VCR on the VCR for TV/VCR setting
Step 2: The X-Box game system should be placed in a safe location.
Location should be flat, stable and free of debris
Take precautions
Prevent from overheating
- Don’t block ventilation
- Be well ventilated area
- Don’t put by heat source
Step 3: Connecting the X-Box unit controller
-Connect X-Box controller to any of the ports on the front of the console
* Be sure the inline release is connected
Step 4: Turning on the X-Box game system
-Press the power button on the front of the system
+ The indicator light will come on
-To turn off, repeat this step
+Indicator light will go off
Step 5: Initial Setup of Settings
-On first use of system, the language and clock must be set
-To select press ® button
-You can also select audio, video and auto-off settings
*All of these are one time settings unless the unit is unplugged or loses power
Step 6: Playing the X-Box Game System
-The X-Box game system plays licensed X-Box video games, licensed audio cd’s and licensed DVD movie disks.
-To use the system press the power button
-After the system is running press the eject button, which is located above the power button
-Insert the disc with the label facing up
Then press the eject button again to close the disk tray
Step 7: Setting the Parental Controls
-The content played on the X-Box system can be limited
+Turn on the X-Box with the disc tray empty
+Select settings, then Parental Control and then games
+ The different levels are
-All
-Mature
-Teen
-Everyone
-Kids to Adults
-Early Childhood
The setup of the X-Box Game System is now complete. If you have any questions, concerns or have any problems, call our free hotline at 1-800-XBOX-GAME.
This guide will probably will properly demonstrate how to correctly assemble and operate the X-Box gaming system.
Warning: Do not play or use the X-Box Game System for more 3 hours at a time. Also do not engage in the X-Box Game System within 3 feet of the television. These precautions should be upheld to avoid the risk of seizures.
Caution: Entertainment Software Rating Board
Materials: X-Box Console, X-Box Controller, Standard AV Cable, Power Cord
Step 1: Connecting the X-Box game system
- Plug the power cord to the X-Box, then plug the cord to an outlet.
- There are 2 AV Cable cards included with the unit one is for connecting to the television and one is for VCR.
Connecting to Television
-Plug (TV) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
Connecting to VCR
-Plug (VCR) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
-Select VCR on the VCR for TV/VCR setting
Step 2: The X-Box game system should be placed in a safe location.
Location should be flat, stable and free of debris
Take precautions
Prevent from overheating
- Don’t block ventilation
- Be well ventilated area
- Don’t put by heat source
Step 3: Connecting the X-Box unit controller
-Connect X-Box controller to any of the ports on the front of the console
* Be sure the inline release is connected
Step 4: Turning on the X-Box game system
-Press the power button on the front of the system
+ The indicator light will come on
-To turn off, repeat this step
+Indicator light will go off
Step 5: Initial Setup of Settings
-On first use of system, the language and clock must be set
-To select press ® button
-You can also select audio, video and auto-off settings
*All of these are one time settings unless the unit is unplugged or loses power
Step 6: Playing the X-Box Game System
-The X-Box game system plays licensed X-Box video games, licensed audio cd’s and licensed DVD movie disks.
-To use the system press the power button
-After the system is running press the eject button, which is located above the power button
-Insert the disc with the label facing up
Then press the eject button again to close the disk tray
Step 7: Setting the Parental Controls
-The content played on the X-Box system can be limited
+Turn on the X-Box with the disc tray empty
+Select settings, then Parental Control and then games
+ The different levels are
-All
-Mature
-Teen
-Everyone
-Kids to Adults
-Early Childhood
The setup of the X-Box Game System is now complete. If you have any questions, concerns or have any problems, call our free hotline at 1-800-XBOX-GAME.
Instruction Manual
On the behalf of the Microsoft Corporation, I would like to thank you for your purchase of an X-Box game system.
This guide will probably will properly demonstrate how to correctly assemble and operate the X-Box gaming system.
Warning: Do not play or use the X-Box Game System for more 3 hours at a time. Also do not engage in the X-Box Game System within 3 feet of the television. These precautions should be upheld to avoid the risk of seizures.
Caution: Entertainment Software Rating Board
Materials: X-Box Console, X-Box Controller, Standard AV Cable, Power Cord
Step 1: Connecting the X-Box game system
- Plug the power cord to the X-Box, then plug the cord to an outlet.
- There are 2 AV Cable cards included with the unit one is for connecting to the television and one is for VCR.
Connecting to Television
-Plug (TV) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
Connecting to VCR
-Plug (VCR) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
-Select VCR on the VCR for TV/VCR setting
Step 2: The X-Box game system should be placed in a safe location.
Location should be flat, stable and free of debris
Take precautions
Prevent from overheating
- Don’t block ventilation
- Be well ventilated area
- Don’t put by heat source
Step 3: Connecting the X-Box unit controller
-Connect X-Box controller to any of the ports on the front of the console
* Be sure the inline release is connected
Step 4: Turning on the X-Box game system
-Press the power button on the front of the system
+ The indicator light will come on
-To turn off, repeat this step
+Indicator light will go off
Step 5: Initial Setup of Settings
-On first use of system, the language and clock must be set
-To select press ® button
-You can also select audio, video and auto-off settings
*All of these are one time settings unless the unit is unplugged or loses power
Step 6: Playing the X-Box Game System
-The X-Box game system plays licensed X-Box video games, licensed audio cd’s and licensed DVD movie disks.
-To use the system press the power button
-After the system is running press the eject button, which is located above the power button
-Insert the disc with the label facing up
Then press the eject button again to close the disk tray
Step 7: Setting the Parental Controls
-The content played on the X-Box system can be limited
+Turn on the X-Box with the disc tray empty
+Select settings, then Parental Control and then games
+ The different levels are
-All
-Mature
-Teen
-Everyone
-Kids to Adults
-Early Childhood
The setup of the X-Box Game System is now complete. If you have any questions, concerns or have any problems, call our free hotline at 1-800-XBOX-GAME.
This guide will probably will properly demonstrate how to correctly assemble and operate the X-Box gaming system.
Warning: Do not play or use the X-Box Game System for more 3 hours at a time. Also do not engage in the X-Box Game System within 3 feet of the television. These precautions should be upheld to avoid the risk of seizures.
Caution: Entertainment Software Rating Board
Materials: X-Box Console, X-Box Controller, Standard AV Cable, Power Cord
Step 1: Connecting the X-Box game system
- Plug the power cord to the X-Box, then plug the cord to an outlet.
- There are 2 AV Cable cards included with the unit one is for connecting to the television and one is for VCR.
Connecting to Television
-Plug (TV) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
Connecting to VCR
-Plug (VCR) AV Cable to X-Box then to the television
Be sure to match color-coded connectors
Yellow with Yellow Video
Red with Red R Audio
White with White L Audio
-Select VCR on the VCR for TV/VCR setting
Step 2: The X-Box game system should be placed in a safe location.
Location should be flat, stable and free of debris
Take precautions
Prevent from overheating
- Don’t block ventilation
- Be well ventilated area
- Don’t put by heat source
Step 3: Connecting the X-Box unit controller
-Connect X-Box controller to any of the ports on the front of the console
* Be sure the inline release is connected
Step 4: Turning on the X-Box game system
-Press the power button on the front of the system
+ The indicator light will come on
-To turn off, repeat this step
+Indicator light will go off
Step 5: Initial Setup of Settings
-On first use of system, the language and clock must be set
-To select press ® button
-You can also select audio, video and auto-off settings
*All of these are one time settings unless the unit is unplugged or loses power
Step 6: Playing the X-Box Game System
-The X-Box game system plays licensed X-Box video games, licensed audio cd’s and licensed DVD movie disks.
-To use the system press the power button
-After the system is running press the eject button, which is located above the power button
-Insert the disc with the label facing up
Then press the eject button again to close the disk tray
Step 7: Setting the Parental Controls
-The content played on the X-Box system can be limited
+Turn on the X-Box with the disc tray empty
+Select settings, then Parental Control and then games
+ The different levels are
-All
-Mature
-Teen
-Everyone
-Kids to Adults
-Early Childhood
The setup of the X-Box Game System is now complete. If you have any questions, concerns or have any problems, call our free hotline at 1-800-XBOX-GAME.
Revision of Resume
Ricky Sherfield
216 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903)-316-2735
Home Phone: 903-593-3080E-mail: Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
Objective
To obtain an internship position with Morris Architects while designing and constructing drawing for architectural projects
Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas
Bachelors of Science in Architecture
Current G.P.A: 2.8 Expected Graduation date: May 2009
Work Experience
Residence Halls Association, Vice President of Programming October 2006-Present
Coordinated campus wide programs for 30,000 students
Attending conferences and business meetings
Overseeing a committee of four senators
Event coordinator and advertisement designer
Residence Halls Association, Acting President January 2007-March 2007
Liaison to housing Administration
Chair for RHA senate meetings
Chief Executive officer
Good’s Pharmacy, Delivery Driver May 2006-August 2006
Entrusted with the responsibility of delivering medicine to patients
Driving the company car, running errands and handling money
Receiving signatures and payments from patients
Volunteer Work
Take a Kid to the Game Program Adopt-A-Highway
Mentor Tech P.A.C. Leader (protégé advisory committee) Mentor Tech Ambassador
Mentor Tech Intramural Coordinator Arbor Day Program
Hulen/ Clement Complex Council Committee Hulen First Floor Representative
Memberships
Residence Halls Association Oct. 2006-Present Mentor Tech Aug. 2005-Present
Architecture Learning Community Aug. 2005-Present NAACP Aug. 2000-Present
Awards
Fitzgerald-Patrick Architecture Scholarship 2005
Dale Chapel Baptist Church Scholarship 2005
Pleasant Hill Scholarship 2005
Job Related Skills
Presiding over meetings Putting on and coordinating programs
Portfolio skills Model making and constructing skills
Drawing, painting and sketching
References
Cory Powell, Associate Director, Mentor Tech Program, 806-786-7735
Claudia Cleneay, High School Educator, Robert E. Lee High School, 903-360-2932
216 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903)-316-2735
Home Phone: 903-593-3080E-mail: Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
Objective
To obtain an internship position with Morris Architects while designing and constructing drawing for architectural projects
Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas
Bachelors of Science in Architecture
Current G.P.A: 2.8 Expected Graduation date: May 2009
Work Experience
Residence Halls Association, Vice President of Programming October 2006-Present
Coordinated campus wide programs for 30,000 students
Attending conferences and business meetings
Overseeing a committee of four senators
Event coordinator and advertisement designer
Residence Halls Association, Acting President January 2007-March 2007
Liaison to housing Administration
Chair for RHA senate meetings
Chief Executive officer
Good’s Pharmacy, Delivery Driver May 2006-August 2006
Entrusted with the responsibility of delivering medicine to patients
Driving the company car, running errands and handling money
Receiving signatures and payments from patients
Volunteer Work
Take a Kid to the Game Program Adopt-A-Highway
Mentor Tech P.A.C. Leader (protégé advisory committee) Mentor Tech Ambassador
Mentor Tech Intramural Coordinator Arbor Day Program
Hulen/ Clement Complex Council Committee Hulen First Floor Representative
Memberships
Residence Halls Association Oct. 2006-Present Mentor Tech Aug. 2005-Present
Architecture Learning Community Aug. 2005-Present NAACP Aug. 2000-Present
Awards
Fitzgerald-Patrick Architecture Scholarship 2005
Dale Chapel Baptist Church Scholarship 2005
Pleasant Hill Scholarship 2005
Job Related Skills
Presiding over meetings Putting on and coordinating programs
Portfolio skills Model making and constructing skills
Drawing, painting and sketching
References
Cory Powell, Associate Director, Mentor Tech Program, 806-786-7735
Claudia Cleneay, High School Educator, Robert E. Lee High School, 903-360-2932
Revision of Adustment Letter
February 21, 2007
1005 Money Lane
Lindale, TX 76960
215 Real Deal Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-657-8394
www.CompUSA.com
Mr. Buck Wheat:
I was very upset after reading your letter sent on February 1, 2007 about your problems with our computer system. I am truly sorry for this unfortunate incident.
As soon as your letter was received, I immediately requested that a program disk be made with the appropriate software that you need to perform your task. The disk should be sent to you in next 3-5 business days. If you would like, we can make arrangements for one of our trained technicians to visit and install the disk.
On the behalf of CompUSA, we would like to offer you a free 2 year warranty on your new computer because of the situation. We know that we can not do anything about the set back that this may have caused you, but we hope that this gift does some justification.
I hope that this incident does not ruin the relationship that you have established with our company. You are a faithful customer, and I hope that you continue to do business with us.
Sincerely,
Accommodation
Ricky Sherfield Jr., Sales Manager
1005 Money Lane
Lindale, TX 76960
215 Real Deal Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-657-8394
www.CompUSA.com
Mr. Buck Wheat:
I was very upset after reading your letter sent on February 1, 2007 about your problems with our computer system. I am truly sorry for this unfortunate incident.
As soon as your letter was received, I immediately requested that a program disk be made with the appropriate software that you need to perform your task. The disk should be sent to you in next 3-5 business days. If you would like, we can make arrangements for one of our trained technicians to visit and install the disk.
On the behalf of CompUSA, we would like to offer you a free 2 year warranty on your new computer because of the situation. We know that we can not do anything about the set back that this may have caused you, but we hope that this gift does some justification.
I hope that this incident does not ruin the relationship that you have established with our company. You are a faithful customer, and I hope that you continue to do business with us.
Sincerely,
Accommodation
Ricky Sherfield Jr., Sales Manager
Revision of Memo
To: Employees of Koller Construction Company
From: R. Sherfield, Assistant Personnel Manager
Subject: Plan of Action for Photocopying
Date: February 21, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the new plan of action for employees of Koller Construction Company making personal copies on the companies’ machines. The objective of this memo is to introduce a new charge account program for making photo copies.
Summary
The number of personal copies used by the employees of Koller has caused the company hundreds of dollars. The response to this situation is to install a charge account for employees, so that they may purchase any copies that they may need.
Discussion
For the last 6 months, the Koller Construction Company has paid $2000 dollars in unnecessary office fees. 84% of this figure has come from paid employees using the copier system for their own agendas instead of company’s. Over the last few months, there has been numerous of personal copies being made.
The only feasible and reasonable plan is to establish a charge account for all employees. This charge account would require that all employees who print, supply their own funds dedicated to printing. Employees can print as much as they like as long as there is money on there account, however once the account reaches zero, printing stops until more money is put on. The cost to print copies is five cents a page.
This charge account plan will do one of two things. It will either slow down the usage of the printer by employees or it will make it to where the company can gain a profit off the number of printings being done. Either way, both of these scenarios are very beneficial to the company.
Recommendation
I suggest that this plan of action be put into place immediately, as for it will be awfully valuable to company in more ways than one. I also suggest that you come to talk with us about your input for the new charge account program.
From: R. Sherfield, Assistant Personnel Manager
Subject: Plan of Action for Photocopying
Date: February 21, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the new plan of action for employees of Koller Construction Company making personal copies on the companies’ machines. The objective of this memo is to introduce a new charge account program for making photo copies.
Summary
The number of personal copies used by the employees of Koller has caused the company hundreds of dollars. The response to this situation is to install a charge account for employees, so that they may purchase any copies that they may need.
Discussion
For the last 6 months, the Koller Construction Company has paid $2000 dollars in unnecessary office fees. 84% of this figure has come from paid employees using the copier system for their own agendas instead of company’s. Over the last few months, there has been numerous of personal copies being made.
The only feasible and reasonable plan is to establish a charge account for all employees. This charge account would require that all employees who print, supply their own funds dedicated to printing. Employees can print as much as they like as long as there is money on there account, however once the account reaches zero, printing stops until more money is put on. The cost to print copies is five cents a page.
This charge account plan will do one of two things. It will either slow down the usage of the printer by employees or it will make it to where the company can gain a profit off the number of printings being done. Either way, both of these scenarios are very beneficial to the company.
Recommendation
I suggest that this plan of action be put into place immediately, as for it will be awfully valuable to company in more ways than one. I also suggest that you come to talk with us about your input for the new charge account program.
Final Course Reflection
During this past semester I have learned a lot of things from my Technical Communication 2318 class. Not only have I learned a lot but I have mastered and accomplished all six of the course goals. In the next paragraphs I will not only show my development but I will demonstrate my mastery of the course goals for this class.
During the first couple of assignments is when I began my process of completing the 6 course goals. Beginning with the business letter and memo is when I 1st got the chance to tackle the goal of designing convincing and usable documents. In both of these assignments, I had to make sure that the ideas and suggestions that I was mentioning were things that could really happen. I also had to make sure that it was something that would be put into place in that situation. The other goal that arose was analyzing communication context. Analyzing was a key factor in this assignment. I had to analyze the audience, the purpose and the situation. This involved me making the right decisions on the company’s behalf. Whatever I choose had an affect on everything.
During the instruction manual I beat the goal of communicating ethically and communicating effectively with diverse audiences. With this document I had to be very ethical; especially, since this product will be used by people of different backgrounds and races. The people who will use this will be very diverse.
For the resume and cover letter I master the problem solving and improving situations through communication goal. With some of my peers in my class we worked together to determine the best and correct way to do the assignment. The big one would be the cover letter. This was rather tricky to discuss with my peers, however we got it worked out.
With the proposal, my teammates and I accomplished the goal of collaborating on communication projects. I had to effectively work with my teammates to successfully master this communication project.
Overall assessment and development
The assignment that I am most proud of is the instruction manual assignment. This is an assignment that I can take and show off to people and just bask in the glory. The assignment is definitely a stupendous one and the grade that I received on this proves this. The instruction manual took a lot of time and hard work to complete but it all paid off in the end. The finish product was a very professional looking document. It actually could have passed for a real set of instruction manual.
If I had to choose an assignment that I was least proud of then I would choose the adjustment letter. This was something that was totally new to me and I had never even heard of an adjustment letter. This assignment was probably my most challenging and most difficult. It was unknown territory for me. I did well on the assignment and I accomplished all of the tasks for it.
The assignment that I learned the most about was the resume assignment. This assignment is one that is very important and affects my life a great deal. There are some many different aspects to the resume and so many different ways that it can be done. This assignment was so beneficial for me because I learned the correct procedure for it and several tips for completing it.
The easiest assignment was the Memo. This assignment was one that wasn’t difficult to complete. It was in some ways self explanatory.
What can I do now that I couldn’t do before
Some of the things that I couldn’t do before that I can do now is I can make professional documents that are for the workplace. Examples of the documents that I can use for when I prepare to enter the work field are cover letters, memos and adjustment letters. Other things that came along with this is knowing what to look for and what to include in these documents. Some of the assignments got me thinking about how to set myself apart from other individuals. Trying to come up with new or creative ways to arrange these documents is key.
Experience with collaborative writing
My experience with working with other people in the class were mostly good ones. There were a couple of times when I felt that things could have been better but overall it was a good experience. Working with other people is sometimes difficult because people are unique but this is something that I have to get use to since I will be dealing with it the rest of my career.
During the first couple of assignments is when I began my process of completing the 6 course goals. Beginning with the business letter and memo is when I 1st got the chance to tackle the goal of designing convincing and usable documents. In both of these assignments, I had to make sure that the ideas and suggestions that I was mentioning were things that could really happen. I also had to make sure that it was something that would be put into place in that situation. The other goal that arose was analyzing communication context. Analyzing was a key factor in this assignment. I had to analyze the audience, the purpose and the situation. This involved me making the right decisions on the company’s behalf. Whatever I choose had an affect on everything.
During the instruction manual I beat the goal of communicating ethically and communicating effectively with diverse audiences. With this document I had to be very ethical; especially, since this product will be used by people of different backgrounds and races. The people who will use this will be very diverse.
For the resume and cover letter I master the problem solving and improving situations through communication goal. With some of my peers in my class we worked together to determine the best and correct way to do the assignment. The big one would be the cover letter. This was rather tricky to discuss with my peers, however we got it worked out.
With the proposal, my teammates and I accomplished the goal of collaborating on communication projects. I had to effectively work with my teammates to successfully master this communication project.
Overall assessment and development
The assignment that I am most proud of is the instruction manual assignment. This is an assignment that I can take and show off to people and just bask in the glory. The assignment is definitely a stupendous one and the grade that I received on this proves this. The instruction manual took a lot of time and hard work to complete but it all paid off in the end. The finish product was a very professional looking document. It actually could have passed for a real set of instruction manual.
If I had to choose an assignment that I was least proud of then I would choose the adjustment letter. This was something that was totally new to me and I had never even heard of an adjustment letter. This assignment was probably my most challenging and most difficult. It was unknown territory for me. I did well on the assignment and I accomplished all of the tasks for it.
The assignment that I learned the most about was the resume assignment. This assignment is one that is very important and affects my life a great deal. There are some many different aspects to the resume and so many different ways that it can be done. This assignment was so beneficial for me because I learned the correct procedure for it and several tips for completing it.
The easiest assignment was the Memo. This assignment was one that wasn’t difficult to complete. It was in some ways self explanatory.
What can I do now that I couldn’t do before
Some of the things that I couldn’t do before that I can do now is I can make professional documents that are for the workplace. Examples of the documents that I can use for when I prepare to enter the work field are cover letters, memos and adjustment letters. Other things that came along with this is knowing what to look for and what to include in these documents. Some of the assignments got me thinking about how to set myself apart from other individuals. Trying to come up with new or creative ways to arrange these documents is key.
Experience with collaborative writing
My experience with working with other people in the class were mostly good ones. There were a couple of times when I felt that things could have been better but overall it was a good experience. Working with other people is sometimes difficult because people are unique but this is something that I have to get use to since I will be dealing with it the rest of my career.
Reflection on Proposal
The reason why our proposal is feasible is because the money that would be used to continue using the old outdated system server could be used to fund the new server. Additional money could come from other outside sources that implement the server.
The decision maker for the problem outlined in the proposal is Sam Segran. He is the Associate Vice President for the Office of the CIO with TTU. He is the boss man and the one who can accept or reject our proposal.
The collaboration of the group helped with the progress of this assignment. There happened to be times when things went slow but overall we got a lot done. It helped to be in a group because there was a lot to do and with the group we could help each other out.
Our process for developing, researching and drafting this proposal was a not so difficult one. First, we came up with a plan for our proposal and a problem. After that we decided to conduct surveys and interviews to collect our research. After all our research was collected we started to meet 4 or 5 times a week either in class or at the library. During these times we divided up tasks while steadily completing all of the requirements.
My part in the proposal was a very significant one. I collected 16 surveys from random people, interviewed Linda Ricks who is the Managing Director-Information Systems for TTU, identified some problems and a solution. I created the timeline, project schedule and graphs. Other tasks I helped with were the scope, methods and qualifications.
The goals that I conquered for this proposal were collaborating with communication projects and solving problems and improving situations thru communication. I had to effectively work with my teammates to successfully master this communication project. During the process of this assignment we had to solve our problems and to also improve the situation by using our communication skills.
The decision maker for the problem outlined in the proposal is Sam Segran. He is the Associate Vice President for the Office of the CIO with TTU. He is the boss man and the one who can accept or reject our proposal.
The collaboration of the group helped with the progress of this assignment. There happened to be times when things went slow but overall we got a lot done. It helped to be in a group because there was a lot to do and with the group we could help each other out.
Our process for developing, researching and drafting this proposal was a not so difficult one. First, we came up with a plan for our proposal and a problem. After that we decided to conduct surveys and interviews to collect our research. After all our research was collected we started to meet 4 or 5 times a week either in class or at the library. During these times we divided up tasks while steadily completing all of the requirements.
My part in the proposal was a very significant one. I collected 16 surveys from random people, interviewed Linda Ricks who is the Managing Director-Information Systems for TTU, identified some problems and a solution. I created the timeline, project schedule and graphs. Other tasks I helped with were the scope, methods and qualifications.
The goals that I conquered for this proposal were collaborating with communication projects and solving problems and improving situations thru communication. I had to effectively work with my teammates to successfully master this communication project. During the process of this assignment we had to solve our problems and to also improve the situation by using our communication skills.
Proposal
Group: JAARE
Alison Baldridge
Jaci Glover
Ricky Sherfield
Erik Williams
Adam Kogler
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
April 25, 2007
Ms. Liu
Texas Tech Professor of Technical Writing
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
We are excited to be able to present this proposal to you because of the profound positive effects we believe will occur if implemented. The proposal includes provisions for greatly improving the currently dysfunctional Techsis web system. It is a widespread belief that having a reliable and user friendly student service application is important and necessary to the Texas Tech community.
We propose to take the measures to replace the current mainframe system for the Techsis application as well as implement a combination of other strategies. Through this proposal, we aim to incorporate a new student service application that allows for more Tech students to be logged onto Techsis at the same time, creating more accessibility. Through this process, we hope for a decrease in website errors.
Thank you for this opportunity to present our proposal and we hope that you sincerely consider it as a possibility. If you have any questions regarding our proposal, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
A Proposal to Improve the Current Techsis System
April 25, 2007
Prepared for:
Mrs. Liu
Texas Tech Professor of Technical Writing
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
Submitted by:
Alison, Jaci, Ricky, Erik, Adam
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 555-1122
Table of Contents
Introduction: Page 4
Statement of Problem: Page 5
Proposed Solution: Page 6
Scope: Page 8
Methods: Page 9
Qualifications: Page 10
Project Schedule: Page 11
Budget: Page 13
Conclusion: Page 14
Works Cited: Page 15
Appendix: Page 16
Introduction:
As Texas Tech students, the Techsis system is extremely important and prevalent due to its importance in record keeping and enrollment. Ultimately, we targeted this area for improvement because of its numerous defects as well as the combination of importance of having a reliable student resources webpage.
We started out our search for improving the Techsis website by randomly surveying Texas Tech students. Our data collection provided us with key data and information that proved not only the importance of the Techsis website, but also uncovered Tech student’s unhappiness with the overall performance of the Techsis website. Fifty three percent of the Tech students surveyed stated that they were “not very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the overall Techsis product. More striking was the result of eighty four percent of Tech students noting that Techsis had malfunctioned while they were logged on. Also, eighty seven percent of the Texas Tech students surveyed reported that there was “a need for improvement of the Techsis website.” Another issue that arose among Tech students was the time of availability with the current system in place. Seventy six percent of the Tech students surveyed said they “strongly disapprove” or “disapprove” with the hours of availability with the Techsis system.
We continued our search by interviewing four members of the Texas Tech University faculty and staff. Through our interviews with Mr. David Coons, the project leader for information systems, he provided us with key insight into the computer software involvement of the Techsis web system. Also, in our interviews with Mr. Dustin Jordan, Assistant Managing Director, he was able to give us a significant headway into our formulation of a feasible solution to our Techsis problem. We were also able to interview Mrs. Kathryn Quilliam, the Ombudsman for students at Texas Tech University. She was able to give us insight into student responses with the Techsis system. Our last interview with Linda Ricks, Managing Director of Information systems, gave us information about provided suggestions for improving the current system in place.
In order to solve the problem with the Techsis website, a new piece of computer equipment, a mainframe, would be a necessary tool in finding a solution. A mainframe is more or less a server with a higher capacity and more capabilities. It is responsible for executing the tasks that servers bring to them. The mainframe acts as the brain of the entire system by making the decisions and processing the data or applications brought before them. Mainframes house the vast amount of data and computer software that is needed for an internet website to interact successfully with a user.
After conducting careful research and analysis, we came to the conclusion that we need to buy a new mainframe system to operate the current Techsis web system. Along with this, we will be implementing a few new techniques to improve upon the remaining components in the Techsis system.
Statement of the Problem:
As stated above, we see a considerable need for improvement over the current system of Techsis. The need for the improvement of the Techsis website emerges from two key details: one, the inconvenient times that the Techsis web system is available and second, the need for improved reliability during the most crucial time for Texas Tech students, enrollment periods.
Texas Tech students rely on the Techsis website for accomplishing important tasks relating to their academic and financial needs. Tasks related to academics include accessing grades from professors, unofficial and official transcript requests, registering for class schedules and dropping unwanted classes. Students are able to use Techsis to research courses that are available and the times and dates those classes are offered. Using the “degree audit” link, Tech students can monitor where they are in their degree program and how it compares to other departments. Personal information is kept through the Tech website, giving students an opportunity to view or change their private information. Personal testing numbers are located on Techsis and students need this number to retrieve test grades given by professors. Also, students can access the financial aid office through Techsis and are able to monitor and pay their tuition balance and fees.
We arrived at the main solution of buying a new mainframe system because of the fact that there is no other feasible solution. For the Techsis system to efficiently work, it needs an efficient server and in a sense, a mainframe system is a server. The Techsis system works from two sides of the equation. On the front side, it uses dedicated application servers that perform the upfront transactions for the user. The front side goes out and retrieves the data and acts as the middle man for the process. Currently, Texas Tech University has seven servers dedicated to the Techsis web system. While that may seem too few, it is actually quite enough for its part in operating the system. On the back side of the equation, there is the mainframe; this is where the problems primarily occur.
The main frame is responsible for carrying out the tasks that the servers bring to it. With the recent growth in the number of Texas Tech students, the main frame system can no longer meet the demands and numbers of the students. Due to the large amounts of users that attempt to all use the Techsis website, for example during the enrollment periods, it freezes up or experiences a “CPU bottlenecking.” There are too many main users for the mainframe system to handle at once, so the system crashes and an error occurs on the users screen. Therefore, by improving the front side of the process by new or more severs, processors, or memory for the front side of the process, it would only worsen the problem. This occurs by expediting more users to the mainframe even more quickly, causing it to crash faster. With the current mainframe unable to handle the growing needs of the Tech students, it has a significant need for improvement or replacement. The only way to handle the current situation is to mend the problem for the mainframe side of the Techsis web system.
Proposed Solution:
Due to Texas Tech’s growth in students over the years, much of the student services have been affected. The current area of concern is the web system, Techsis, which is in charge of numerous student services, most notably the enrollment process. Due to the recent surge in students attending Texas Tech, the current system has been unable and unresponsive to handling the growing demands of Texas Tech students. In order to meet that demand, we propose buying a new mainframe system to administrate the Techsis system. To replace the current mainframe system, we will be looking to buy a new IBM 2096 R07 model. With this mainframe upgrade, we will be able to greatly improve the backside of the system application, Techsis. The backside operations are currently the primary area of concern regarding improving the efficiency and overall performance of the system. Through our purchasing of the IBM 2096 model, we will considerably improve the user interaction portion of Techsis. This will also create a larger network frame so that many more users can be logged onto Techsis at one time. This will greatly increase the threshold, where the bottlenecking was previously occurring. With the IMB 2096 model, Techsis will have a larger ability to orchestrate more functions and users through its faster processors and overall technological improvements from its predecessors.
Ultimately, with the upgraded system, Techsis will be able to handle more clients then before with greater reliability and usability, which was a significant concern for most Tech students. The IBM 2096 will not only affect the Tech students, but the Tech community as well. The improved usability of the site will allow more convenience usage for administrators through bill paying options with the confidence in the system to carry out important tasks. Also, with a new improved system in place, less IT technicians will be required or dedicated to the maintenance of the Techsis web system, freeing them up for targeting other areas of concern regarding technological support.
The new IBM 2096 RO7 model will cost an estimated $200,000, in addition to maintenance fees after the first year, totaling an estimated $4,000 a month. Finally, there will be a monthly fee of approximately $14,729 in software licensing agreements. The upgrade software would provide the necessary bridge between the new updated technology and our current system. The new software along with the new system would provide us with the necessary equipment to create an effective application to handle the vast variety of student services that Tech students demand. It will also create a much more usable and reliable system for Tech students during peak periods such as registration. All estimated costs were consulted from IBM sales representatives. These are only estimates and can not be taken to be literal amounts and prices. The costs of upgrading to the IBM 2096 RO7 model would make up the majority of the budget.
The final two proposed ideas would be implementing a strategy of breaking large networks into smaller ones so that they can process faster. “On a large network, it would make sense to break the network down into smaller segments… Therefore, it’s not competing with other segments for time on the cable” (p. 85). The discussed strategy of breaking networks into smaller sections attempts to slow the bottlenecking that can happen when too many users are on one network at a time. The broken apart segments are ultimately connected together by a high speed segment called a backbone. It is like dividing network into cars and having them drive down the segment or highway. The other proposed solution combines with the first mentioned idea, with the new IBM 2096. During peak times of usage such as enrollment periods, Texas Tech could rent our extra processors from IBM for the 2096 system, which would allow for faster transactions. This would prevent overloading of the mainframe system, which controls the Techsis application. With these three proposed solutions combined, the Techsis system would see incredible improvement in its reliability and efficiency and would prove to be a successful investment for Texas Tech University.
Scope:
To understand the nature and reasoning of the problem and the conclusion behind implementing a new mainframe system, we must address several questions. After our examination of the problem and the formulation of a solution, we must look at the feasibility of its potential implementation.
How reliable is the current system?
Who is affected by the current Techsis system?
Can the current setup of Techsis handle the needs of Tech students?
What is the popular belief from Texas Tech students about the current Techsis system?
What is the faculty and staff’s current opinion of Techsis?
Do the people responsible for the current Techsis system see a need for improvement? If yes, how so?
Would the monetary costs of upgrading the current system outweigh the long term benefits?
What are our options for improvement?
The current Techsis system is the cause of much anguish and grief for many Texas Tech students and faculty. There has been a twenty plus year investment with patch work jobs done along the way. It is now time to introduce a major upgrade and investment so that the system can finally have the reliability and resources it needs to accommodate growing needs of Tech students.
On the feasibility side, the transition would only require a minor changing period and would be greatly rewarding in the future. The new IBM 2096 R07 model would accommodate the current system structure of Techsis. It would allow Techsis to run faster and more efficiently with greater ability to handle more tasks and users than before. The only transition that would occur would be the installation period of the new mainframe and reconfiguration of the Techsis system to run through the new mainframe system. This would take about two weeks to implement.
Methods:
The methods that we employed ranged from interviewing Texas Tech students to poll for a general consensus, to interviewing Texas Tech faculty and staff to finally communicating with IBM salespersons to retrieve estimated costs for our solution. Through our creation of the surveys and the asking of specifically oriented questions, we were able to gather data on Tech student’s opinions of the current Techsis system. With the results soundly in hand and for the majority “unsatisfied” with the current Techsis system we proceeded to collect more information about its inner workings from Tech administrators. We interviewed four faculty members in Mrs. Kathryn Qulliam, Ombudsman for Texas Tech students, Mr. Dustin Jordan, Assistant managing Director of Technology Operations and Systems Management, Mr. David Coons, the Project leader for Information Systems and finally, Mrs. Linda Ricks, Managing Director of Information systems. Through these interviews we were able to decipher and understand the sources of error amongst the current Techsis system. Finally after all our data had been thoroughly collected and examined we contacted IBM about possible mainframe system upgrades. Through our contacts at IBM we were able to get rough estimates for the approximate costs of undertaking the purchase of a new IBM mainframe along with the maintenance fees that would come with the new system.
Through our proposed solution of buying a new IBM mainframe, specifically the IBM 2096 R07 model, we would have a timetable for it to be up and running by Fall 2007. Through its implementation all that would be required would be financing the total costs as well as budgeting the monthly costs that would be incurred with the new system which would not greatly differ from the current monthly costs with the current mainframe system. All that would be required would be a time period in which the Techsis web system could be totally shut down in order for the installation and transition period to take place. This could be done during the slower summer months without causing many serious foreseeable problems. Also the other two strategies of dividing up the network into smaller sections could be started instantaneously but would require a couple of weeks of “running the numbers” so that the smallest groupings could be accomplished, ultimately speeding up the network.
Finally, the last proposal of renting out additional processors for the peak time periods such as enrollment times could be accomplished as a one time effort during the initial installation period. IBM would leave the extra processors in the mainframe system but would only activate them for usability when they were told so by Texas Tech University, of course at an additional charge. However, this small extra charge could save significant aggravation and anguish on the side of not only Tech students but the IT people that are constantly using time and energy to attempt to improve the never ending cycle of Techsis’ recurring problems.
Qualifications:
Each of us feels there is a need for improvement of the current Techsis website. Being Texas Tech students, we are directly affected by the performance of the website. Due to its current volatility, the website consistently creates problems for Tech students and faculty alike. These problems range from an interference with professors being able to post grades to the system crashing during registration periods.
Our individual qualifications:
Ricky – “Since coming to Texas Tech, I have used the Techsis website quite frequently. It is one of the most common websites that I visit and I use it for many purposes.”
- “I have taken several computer and website courses. I am familiar with systems and applications.”
Jaci – “As a Texas Tech student, I frequently use the Techsis website for various reasons and encounter problems with it on a regular basis.”
Adam - “Being a freshman at Texas Tech University I have already consistently encountered problems with the Techsis website for registration purposes and would like to see an improvement.”
- Currently enrolled in an ISQS class and have a basic knowledge of information systems.
- “As a business major I understand the importance of having an efficient product to keep the customers happy.”
Erik – “I have used the Techsis website and other applications similar to it. The other applications I have used run more efficiently. This shows that the Techsis website is inferior and has room for improvement.”
Alison – “As a sophomore here at Tech, I have repeatedly had problems with the Techsis website. I have encountered difficulties scheduling classes and accessing personal information. It is stressful not being able to access the website, especially when I am trying to complete an assignment or deal with academic matters that have a deadline to be met.”
Budget:
Total Expenses
IBM Mainframe 2096 R07
$200,000
Monthly Maintenance Fees
$4,000
Software licensing agreement (Monthly)
$14,729
Total Expenses
$218,729
Software Licensing Agreement Breakdown
DB2 UDB for z/OS
$3209
COBOL Full Function
$619
WebSphere MQ for z/OS
$1595
CICS TS for z/OS V3.1
$3620
z/OS V1 Base
$3037
z/OS V1 DFSMS dss
$145
z/OS V1 DFSORT
$207
z/OS V1 RMF
$119
z/OS V1 SDSF
$196
z/OS V1 Security Server
$179
IBM Tivoli NetView for z/OS
$1803
Total monthly costs for software:
$14,729
Our budget consists of buying a new mainframe system, specifically the IBM 2096 R07 model for $200,000. The monthly fees are associated with owing and operating the system. For the first year after the purchase of the IBM 2096, the monthly maintenance fees will be waived. However, after the one year period, a mandatory monthly maintenance charge from IBM will be incurred, totaling $4,000 a month. Finally, there will be a monthly licensing charge of $14,729 a month.
Conclusion:
The use of computers is very important to Texas Tech students, especially the Techsis website. Through our proposal, we came up with the plan of using a mainframe to better equip the Techsis website to handle large numbers of students accessing the site. We interviewed Tech students and were able to receive firsthand, opinions regarding how the Techsis website is set up and how many problems students have encountered using it. We also interviewed Tech faculty that are associated with the Tech computer systems and Techsis. Through our interviews, we were able to identify the cause of the problem and develop a solution that would benefit Tech as a whole.
During our research, we were able to find the source of the problem in the mainframe running the Techsis program. Due to high numbers of students logged on to computers at the same time, the Techsis website would become overloaded and therefore, cause malfunctions. Students were sometimes unable to access the Techsis website during peak scheduling periods or payment deadlines. Therefore, using a new mainframe would allow for more students to be logged on to the Techsis website while experiencing less or no malfunctions. Through this proposal, we as a group believe that the solution provided will promote stability and reliability for Tech students when using the Techsis website.
Works Cited
Michael, Graves. The Complete Guide to Servers and Server+. Canada: Thomson
Delmar Learning, 2007.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
Texas Tech University. 9 April 2007. 20 April 2007..
IBM. 17 April 2007. 20 April 2007. <http://www.ibm.com/>.
Survey Monkey. 12 April 2007. 20 April 2007. <http://www.surveymonkey.com/>.
Appendix:
Survey Questions:
1. How often do you use Techsis?
2. How reliable do you think Techsis is?
3. How satisfied are you with the Techsis website?
4. Has Techsis ever malfunctioned while you were logged on?
5. How many times has Techsis malfunctioned?
6. How do you feel about the availability of the Techsis website? (Hours)
7. Do you think there is a need for improvement of the Techsis website?
8. How important do you feel the Techsis website is to you as a Texas Tech student?
Interview Sources:
Rhette Angus
zSeries Software Sales Representative, East Region
IBM
1-888-746-7426
http://www.ibm.com/
David Coons
Project Leader for Information Systems
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-6000 Ext. 256
david.coons@ttu.edu
Dustin Jordan
Assistant Managing Director
Technology Operations & Systems Management
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-1016
dustin.jordan@ttu.edu
Kathryn H. Quilliam
Ombudsman for Students
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-4791
kathryn.quilliam@ttu.edu
Linda Ricks
Managing Director for Information Systems
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-6000 Ext. 224
linda.ricks@ttu.edu
Interview Questions:
1. What is your job title, details, student feedback, and comparison with other universities?
2. How does the number of students logged on at one time affect Techsis?
3. How does the server affect Techsis?
4. Has Techsis improved or the years or gotten worse? Ask for examples.
5. How do you feel about Techsis? Do you think there are any problems with Techsis?
6. Where can students voice their opinions about Techsis?
7. If you could give any advice to Tech Students about Techsis, what would it be?
8. Why is Techsis not available 24hrs a day and could it be?
9. What does it mean when the website is down for maintenance and why at inconvenient times?
10. How many resources are devoted to the development and upkeep of Techsis?
11. When there is an error on Techsis, is it just an isolated error with the website or does it encompass the entire Tech network?
Alison Baldridge
Jaci Glover
Ricky Sherfield
Erik Williams
Adam Kogler
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
April 25, 2007
Ms. Liu
Texas Tech Professor of Technical Writing
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
We are excited to be able to present this proposal to you because of the profound positive effects we believe will occur if implemented. The proposal includes provisions for greatly improving the currently dysfunctional Techsis web system. It is a widespread belief that having a reliable and user friendly student service application is important and necessary to the Texas Tech community.
We propose to take the measures to replace the current mainframe system for the Techsis application as well as implement a combination of other strategies. Through this proposal, we aim to incorporate a new student service application that allows for more Tech students to be logged onto Techsis at the same time, creating more accessibility. Through this process, we hope for a decrease in website errors.
Thank you for this opportunity to present our proposal and we hope that you sincerely consider it as a possibility. If you have any questions regarding our proposal, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
A Proposal to Improve the Current Techsis System
April 25, 2007
Prepared for:
Mrs. Liu
Texas Tech Professor of Technical Writing
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
Submitted by:
Alison, Jaci, Ricky, Erik, Adam
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 555-1122
Table of Contents
Introduction: Page 4
Statement of Problem: Page 5
Proposed Solution: Page 6
Scope: Page 8
Methods: Page 9
Qualifications: Page 10
Project Schedule: Page 11
Budget: Page 13
Conclusion: Page 14
Works Cited: Page 15
Appendix: Page 16
Introduction:
As Texas Tech students, the Techsis system is extremely important and prevalent due to its importance in record keeping and enrollment. Ultimately, we targeted this area for improvement because of its numerous defects as well as the combination of importance of having a reliable student resources webpage.
We started out our search for improving the Techsis website by randomly surveying Texas Tech students. Our data collection provided us with key data and information that proved not only the importance of the Techsis website, but also uncovered Tech student’s unhappiness with the overall performance of the Techsis website. Fifty three percent of the Tech students surveyed stated that they were “not very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the overall Techsis product. More striking was the result of eighty four percent of Tech students noting that Techsis had malfunctioned while they were logged on. Also, eighty seven percent of the Texas Tech students surveyed reported that there was “a need for improvement of the Techsis website.” Another issue that arose among Tech students was the time of availability with the current system in place. Seventy six percent of the Tech students surveyed said they “strongly disapprove” or “disapprove” with the hours of availability with the Techsis system.
We continued our search by interviewing four members of the Texas Tech University faculty and staff. Through our interviews with Mr. David Coons, the project leader for information systems, he provided us with key insight into the computer software involvement of the Techsis web system. Also, in our interviews with Mr. Dustin Jordan, Assistant Managing Director, he was able to give us a significant headway into our formulation of a feasible solution to our Techsis problem. We were also able to interview Mrs. Kathryn Quilliam, the Ombudsman for students at Texas Tech University. She was able to give us insight into student responses with the Techsis system. Our last interview with Linda Ricks, Managing Director of Information systems, gave us information about provided suggestions for improving the current system in place.
In order to solve the problem with the Techsis website, a new piece of computer equipment, a mainframe, would be a necessary tool in finding a solution. A mainframe is more or less a server with a higher capacity and more capabilities. It is responsible for executing the tasks that servers bring to them. The mainframe acts as the brain of the entire system by making the decisions and processing the data or applications brought before them. Mainframes house the vast amount of data and computer software that is needed for an internet website to interact successfully with a user.
After conducting careful research and analysis, we came to the conclusion that we need to buy a new mainframe system to operate the current Techsis web system. Along with this, we will be implementing a few new techniques to improve upon the remaining components in the Techsis system.
Statement of the Problem:
As stated above, we see a considerable need for improvement over the current system of Techsis. The need for the improvement of the Techsis website emerges from two key details: one, the inconvenient times that the Techsis web system is available and second, the need for improved reliability during the most crucial time for Texas Tech students, enrollment periods.
Texas Tech students rely on the Techsis website for accomplishing important tasks relating to their academic and financial needs. Tasks related to academics include accessing grades from professors, unofficial and official transcript requests, registering for class schedules and dropping unwanted classes. Students are able to use Techsis to research courses that are available and the times and dates those classes are offered. Using the “degree audit” link, Tech students can monitor where they are in their degree program and how it compares to other departments. Personal information is kept through the Tech website, giving students an opportunity to view or change their private information. Personal testing numbers are located on Techsis and students need this number to retrieve test grades given by professors. Also, students can access the financial aid office through Techsis and are able to monitor and pay their tuition balance and fees.
We arrived at the main solution of buying a new mainframe system because of the fact that there is no other feasible solution. For the Techsis system to efficiently work, it needs an efficient server and in a sense, a mainframe system is a server. The Techsis system works from two sides of the equation. On the front side, it uses dedicated application servers that perform the upfront transactions for the user. The front side goes out and retrieves the data and acts as the middle man for the process. Currently, Texas Tech University has seven servers dedicated to the Techsis web system. While that may seem too few, it is actually quite enough for its part in operating the system. On the back side of the equation, there is the mainframe; this is where the problems primarily occur.
The main frame is responsible for carrying out the tasks that the servers bring to it. With the recent growth in the number of Texas Tech students, the main frame system can no longer meet the demands and numbers of the students. Due to the large amounts of users that attempt to all use the Techsis website, for example during the enrollment periods, it freezes up or experiences a “CPU bottlenecking.” There are too many main users for the mainframe system to handle at once, so the system crashes and an error occurs on the users screen. Therefore, by improving the front side of the process by new or more severs, processors, or memory for the front side of the process, it would only worsen the problem. This occurs by expediting more users to the mainframe even more quickly, causing it to crash faster. With the current mainframe unable to handle the growing needs of the Tech students, it has a significant need for improvement or replacement. The only way to handle the current situation is to mend the problem for the mainframe side of the Techsis web system.
Proposed Solution:
Due to Texas Tech’s growth in students over the years, much of the student services have been affected. The current area of concern is the web system, Techsis, which is in charge of numerous student services, most notably the enrollment process. Due to the recent surge in students attending Texas Tech, the current system has been unable and unresponsive to handling the growing demands of Texas Tech students. In order to meet that demand, we propose buying a new mainframe system to administrate the Techsis system. To replace the current mainframe system, we will be looking to buy a new IBM 2096 R07 model. With this mainframe upgrade, we will be able to greatly improve the backside of the system application, Techsis. The backside operations are currently the primary area of concern regarding improving the efficiency and overall performance of the system. Through our purchasing of the IBM 2096 model, we will considerably improve the user interaction portion of Techsis. This will also create a larger network frame so that many more users can be logged onto Techsis at one time. This will greatly increase the threshold, where the bottlenecking was previously occurring. With the IMB 2096 model, Techsis will have a larger ability to orchestrate more functions and users through its faster processors and overall technological improvements from its predecessors.
Ultimately, with the upgraded system, Techsis will be able to handle more clients then before with greater reliability and usability, which was a significant concern for most Tech students. The IBM 2096 will not only affect the Tech students, but the Tech community as well. The improved usability of the site will allow more convenience usage for administrators through bill paying options with the confidence in the system to carry out important tasks. Also, with a new improved system in place, less IT technicians will be required or dedicated to the maintenance of the Techsis web system, freeing them up for targeting other areas of concern regarding technological support.
The new IBM 2096 RO7 model will cost an estimated $200,000, in addition to maintenance fees after the first year, totaling an estimated $4,000 a month. Finally, there will be a monthly fee of approximately $14,729 in software licensing agreements. The upgrade software would provide the necessary bridge between the new updated technology and our current system. The new software along with the new system would provide us with the necessary equipment to create an effective application to handle the vast variety of student services that Tech students demand. It will also create a much more usable and reliable system for Tech students during peak periods such as registration. All estimated costs were consulted from IBM sales representatives. These are only estimates and can not be taken to be literal amounts and prices. The costs of upgrading to the IBM 2096 RO7 model would make up the majority of the budget.
The final two proposed ideas would be implementing a strategy of breaking large networks into smaller ones so that they can process faster. “On a large network, it would make sense to break the network down into smaller segments… Therefore, it’s not competing with other segments for time on the cable” (p. 85). The discussed strategy of breaking networks into smaller sections attempts to slow the bottlenecking that can happen when too many users are on one network at a time. The broken apart segments are ultimately connected together by a high speed segment called a backbone. It is like dividing network into cars and having them drive down the segment or highway. The other proposed solution combines with the first mentioned idea, with the new IBM 2096. During peak times of usage such as enrollment periods, Texas Tech could rent our extra processors from IBM for the 2096 system, which would allow for faster transactions. This would prevent overloading of the mainframe system, which controls the Techsis application. With these three proposed solutions combined, the Techsis system would see incredible improvement in its reliability and efficiency and would prove to be a successful investment for Texas Tech University.
Scope:
To understand the nature and reasoning of the problem and the conclusion behind implementing a new mainframe system, we must address several questions. After our examination of the problem and the formulation of a solution, we must look at the feasibility of its potential implementation.
How reliable is the current system?
Who is affected by the current Techsis system?
Can the current setup of Techsis handle the needs of Tech students?
What is the popular belief from Texas Tech students about the current Techsis system?
What is the faculty and staff’s current opinion of Techsis?
Do the people responsible for the current Techsis system see a need for improvement? If yes, how so?
Would the monetary costs of upgrading the current system outweigh the long term benefits?
What are our options for improvement?
The current Techsis system is the cause of much anguish and grief for many Texas Tech students and faculty. There has been a twenty plus year investment with patch work jobs done along the way. It is now time to introduce a major upgrade and investment so that the system can finally have the reliability and resources it needs to accommodate growing needs of Tech students.
On the feasibility side, the transition would only require a minor changing period and would be greatly rewarding in the future. The new IBM 2096 R07 model would accommodate the current system structure of Techsis. It would allow Techsis to run faster and more efficiently with greater ability to handle more tasks and users than before. The only transition that would occur would be the installation period of the new mainframe and reconfiguration of the Techsis system to run through the new mainframe system. This would take about two weeks to implement.
Methods:
The methods that we employed ranged from interviewing Texas Tech students to poll for a general consensus, to interviewing Texas Tech faculty and staff to finally communicating with IBM salespersons to retrieve estimated costs for our solution. Through our creation of the surveys and the asking of specifically oriented questions, we were able to gather data on Tech student’s opinions of the current Techsis system. With the results soundly in hand and for the majority “unsatisfied” with the current Techsis system we proceeded to collect more information about its inner workings from Tech administrators. We interviewed four faculty members in Mrs. Kathryn Qulliam, Ombudsman for Texas Tech students, Mr. Dustin Jordan, Assistant managing Director of Technology Operations and Systems Management, Mr. David Coons, the Project leader for Information Systems and finally, Mrs. Linda Ricks, Managing Director of Information systems. Through these interviews we were able to decipher and understand the sources of error amongst the current Techsis system. Finally after all our data had been thoroughly collected and examined we contacted IBM about possible mainframe system upgrades. Through our contacts at IBM we were able to get rough estimates for the approximate costs of undertaking the purchase of a new IBM mainframe along with the maintenance fees that would come with the new system.
Through our proposed solution of buying a new IBM mainframe, specifically the IBM 2096 R07 model, we would have a timetable for it to be up and running by Fall 2007. Through its implementation all that would be required would be financing the total costs as well as budgeting the monthly costs that would be incurred with the new system which would not greatly differ from the current monthly costs with the current mainframe system. All that would be required would be a time period in which the Techsis web system could be totally shut down in order for the installation and transition period to take place. This could be done during the slower summer months without causing many serious foreseeable problems. Also the other two strategies of dividing up the network into smaller sections could be started instantaneously but would require a couple of weeks of “running the numbers” so that the smallest groupings could be accomplished, ultimately speeding up the network.
Finally, the last proposal of renting out additional processors for the peak time periods such as enrollment times could be accomplished as a one time effort during the initial installation period. IBM would leave the extra processors in the mainframe system but would only activate them for usability when they were told so by Texas Tech University, of course at an additional charge. However, this small extra charge could save significant aggravation and anguish on the side of not only Tech students but the IT people that are constantly using time and energy to attempt to improve the never ending cycle of Techsis’ recurring problems.
Qualifications:
Each of us feels there is a need for improvement of the current Techsis website. Being Texas Tech students, we are directly affected by the performance of the website. Due to its current volatility, the website consistently creates problems for Tech students and faculty alike. These problems range from an interference with professors being able to post grades to the system crashing during registration periods.
Our individual qualifications:
Ricky – “Since coming to Texas Tech, I have used the Techsis website quite frequently. It is one of the most common websites that I visit and I use it for many purposes.”
- “I have taken several computer and website courses. I am familiar with systems and applications.”
Jaci – “As a Texas Tech student, I frequently use the Techsis website for various reasons and encounter problems with it on a regular basis.”
Adam - “Being a freshman at Texas Tech University I have already consistently encountered problems with the Techsis website for registration purposes and would like to see an improvement.”
- Currently enrolled in an ISQS class and have a basic knowledge of information systems.
- “As a business major I understand the importance of having an efficient product to keep the customers happy.”
Erik – “I have used the Techsis website and other applications similar to it. The other applications I have used run more efficiently. This shows that the Techsis website is inferior and has room for improvement.”
Alison – “As a sophomore here at Tech, I have repeatedly had problems with the Techsis website. I have encountered difficulties scheduling classes and accessing personal information. It is stressful not being able to access the website, especially when I am trying to complete an assignment or deal with academic matters that have a deadline to be met.”
Budget:
Total Expenses
IBM Mainframe 2096 R07
$200,000
Monthly Maintenance Fees
$4,000
Software licensing agreement (Monthly)
$14,729
Total Expenses
$218,729
Software Licensing Agreement Breakdown
DB2 UDB for z/OS
$3209
COBOL Full Function
$619
WebSphere MQ for z/OS
$1595
CICS TS for z/OS V3.1
$3620
z/OS V1 Base
$3037
z/OS V1 DFSMS dss
$145
z/OS V1 DFSORT
$207
z/OS V1 RMF
$119
z/OS V1 SDSF
$196
z/OS V1 Security Server
$179
IBM Tivoli NetView for z/OS
$1803
Total monthly costs for software:
$14,729
Our budget consists of buying a new mainframe system, specifically the IBM 2096 R07 model for $200,000. The monthly fees are associated with owing and operating the system. For the first year after the purchase of the IBM 2096, the monthly maintenance fees will be waived. However, after the one year period, a mandatory monthly maintenance charge from IBM will be incurred, totaling $4,000 a month. Finally, there will be a monthly licensing charge of $14,729 a month.
Conclusion:
The use of computers is very important to Texas Tech students, especially the Techsis website. Through our proposal, we came up with the plan of using a mainframe to better equip the Techsis website to handle large numbers of students accessing the site. We interviewed Tech students and were able to receive firsthand, opinions regarding how the Techsis website is set up and how many problems students have encountered using it. We also interviewed Tech faculty that are associated with the Tech computer systems and Techsis. Through our interviews, we were able to identify the cause of the problem and develop a solution that would benefit Tech as a whole.
During our research, we were able to find the source of the problem in the mainframe running the Techsis program. Due to high numbers of students logged on to computers at the same time, the Techsis website would become overloaded and therefore, cause malfunctions. Students were sometimes unable to access the Techsis website during peak scheduling periods or payment deadlines. Therefore, using a new mainframe would allow for more students to be logged on to the Techsis website while experiencing less or no malfunctions. Through this proposal, we as a group believe that the solution provided will promote stability and reliability for Tech students when using the Techsis website.
Works Cited
Michael, Graves. The Complete Guide to Servers and Server+. Canada: Thomson
Delmar Learning, 2007.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
Texas Tech University. 9 April 2007. 20 April 2007.
IBM. 17 April 2007. 20 April 2007. <http://www.ibm.com/>.
Survey Monkey. 12 April 2007. 20 April 2007. <http://www.surveymonkey.com/>.
Appendix:
Survey Questions:
1. How often do you use Techsis?
2. How reliable do you think Techsis is?
3. How satisfied are you with the Techsis website?
4. Has Techsis ever malfunctioned while you were logged on?
5. How many times has Techsis malfunctioned?
6. How do you feel about the availability of the Techsis website? (Hours)
7. Do you think there is a need for improvement of the Techsis website?
8. How important do you feel the Techsis website is to you as a Texas Tech student?
Interview Sources:
Rhette Angus
zSeries Software Sales Representative, East Region
IBM
1-888-746-7426
http://www.ibm.com/
David Coons
Project Leader for Information Systems
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-6000 Ext. 256
david.coons@ttu.edu
Dustin Jordan
Assistant Managing Director
Technology Operations & Systems Management
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-1016
dustin.jordan@ttu.edu
Kathryn H. Quilliam
Ombudsman for Students
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-4791
kathryn.quilliam@ttu.edu
Linda Ricks
Managing Director for Information Systems
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-6000 Ext. 224
linda.ricks@ttu.edu
Interview Questions:
1. What is your job title, details, student feedback, and comparison with other universities?
2. How does the number of students logged on at one time affect Techsis?
3. How does the server affect Techsis?
4. Has Techsis improved or the years or gotten worse? Ask for examples.
5. How do you feel about Techsis? Do you think there are any problems with Techsis?
6. Where can students voice their opinions about Techsis?
7. If you could give any advice to Tech Students about Techsis, what would it be?
8. Why is Techsis not available 24hrs a day and could it be?
9. What does it mean when the website is down for maintenance and why at inconvenient times?
10. How many resources are devoted to the development and upkeep of Techsis?
11. When there is an error on Techsis, is it just an isolated error with the website or does it encompass the entire Tech network?
Saturday, April 7, 2007
APA and MLA Assignment
MLA is Modern Language Association. Basically what it is a format, which is used to correctly cite material.
MLA formatting and style guide includes 11 sections. The most common ones are works citied page on books, periodicals, electronic sources, other non-print sources and formatting questions.
Document design is a very important aspect in technical communication. According to Boogieland-Information Design and Information Architecture, “Problems associated with the use of electronic documents are too often wrongly attributed to user incompetence, when in fact it is poor design that is to blame. If an error is possible, someone will make it. The designer must assume that all possible errors will occur and design so as to minimize the chance of the error in the first place, or its effects once it gets made” (http://www.bogieland.com/ucd_techcom.htm). This is a very convincing point. Whenever creating or designing documents, the audience should always be taken into consideration. It is the creators’ responsibility to create good document.
“The effectiveness of a document largely depends on how well it is designed, because readers see the document before they actually read it. In less than a second, the document has made an impression on them, one that might determine how well they read it-or even whether they read it at all” (Markel 256). My motto is if it looks good, it’ll sound good. “Your documents should reflect your own professional standards” (256).
Works Citied
“User-Centered Design in Technical Communication.” Bogieland.com. 10 November 2003.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication Eighth Edition.Boston:Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
APA stands for the American Psychological Association. This is used to cite material in the social sciences area.
APA has 12 sections and the most common are in text citations, footnotes and endnotes, reference list of authors, reference list of articles, reference list of books.
3. Document design is a very important aspect in technical communication. According to Boogieland-Information Design and Information Architecture (2003), “Problems associated with the use of electronic documents are too often wrongly attributed to user incompetence, when in fact it is poor design that is to blame. If an error is possible, someone will make it. The designer must assume that all possible errors will occur and design so as to minimize the chance of the error in the first place, or its effects once it gets made”. This is a very convincing point. Whenever creating or designing documents, the audience should always be taken into consideration. It is the creators’ responsibility to create good document.
“The effectiveness of a document largely depends on how well it is designed, because readers see the document before they actually read it. In less than a second, the document has made an impression on them, one that might determine how well they read it-or even whether they read it at all” (Markel 2007). My motto is if it looks good, it’ll sound good. “Your documents should reflect your own professional standards” (256).
Reference List
(November 10, 2003). User-Centered Design in Technical Communication. http://www.bogieland.com/ucd_techcom.htm
Markel, M. (2007). Technical Communication (eighth edition). Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s
MLA formatting and style guide includes 11 sections. The most common ones are works citied page on books, periodicals, electronic sources, other non-print sources and formatting questions.
Document design is a very important aspect in technical communication. According to Boogieland-Information Design and Information Architecture, “Problems associated with the use of electronic documents are too often wrongly attributed to user incompetence, when in fact it is poor design that is to blame. If an error is possible, someone will make it. The designer must assume that all possible errors will occur and design so as to minimize the chance of the error in the first place, or its effects once it gets made” (http://www.bogieland.com/ucd_techcom.htm). This is a very convincing point. Whenever creating or designing documents, the audience should always be taken into consideration. It is the creators’ responsibility to create good document.
“The effectiveness of a document largely depends on how well it is designed, because readers see the document before they actually read it. In less than a second, the document has made an impression on them, one that might determine how well they read it-or even whether they read it at all” (Markel 256). My motto is if it looks good, it’ll sound good. “Your documents should reflect your own professional standards” (256).
Works Citied
“User-Centered Design in Technical Communication.” Bogieland.com. 10 November 2003
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication Eighth Edition.Boston:Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
APA stands for the American Psychological Association. This is used to cite material in the social sciences area.
APA has 12 sections and the most common are in text citations, footnotes and endnotes, reference list of authors, reference list of articles, reference list of books.
3. Document design is a very important aspect in technical communication. According to Boogieland-Information Design and Information Architecture (2003), “Problems associated with the use of electronic documents are too often wrongly attributed to user incompetence, when in fact it is poor design that is to blame. If an error is possible, someone will make it. The designer must assume that all possible errors will occur and design so as to minimize the chance of the error in the first place, or its effects once it gets made”. This is a very convincing point. Whenever creating or designing documents, the audience should always be taken into consideration. It is the creators’ responsibility to create good document.
“The effectiveness of a document largely depends on how well it is designed, because readers see the document before they actually read it. In less than a second, the document has made an impression on them, one that might determine how well they read it-or even whether they read it at all” (Markel 2007). My motto is if it looks good, it’ll sound good. “Your documents should reflect your own professional standards” (256).
Reference List
(November 10, 2003). User-Centered Design in Technical Communication. http://www.bogieland.com/ucd_techcom.htm
Markel, M. (2007). Technical Communication (eighth edition). Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s
Monday, April 2, 2007
Review to Sample Proposal
This reading was very helpful and beneficial. It really opened my eyes to the task that must be done to complete this proposal. It also was a good example of a proposal. I feel like I can take this example and follow its outline to put together a good proposal.
The research data is extremely important to the writer when making his or her proposal persuasive. The more information the writer has, the better. The better information the writer has, the more persuasive the proposal can be.
The writer of this example proposal has used several research methods. On the last page of the example is the reference page. This page includes six sources of information which all appear to be related to the writer’s topic. Not only are there websites, but there are book cites too, which mean that the writer had to do some investigating in the library. Other research methods used are the budget proposal and the timetable. Both of these two items had to be investigated.
Overall, I feel that this document is very important to me and my teammates in the completion of our task. I feel this document will be used as a template for us to successfully complete this task.
The research data is extremely important to the writer when making his or her proposal persuasive. The more information the writer has, the better. The better information the writer has, the more persuasive the proposal can be.
The writer of this example proposal has used several research methods. On the last page of the example is the reference page. This page includes six sources of information which all appear to be related to the writer’s topic. Not only are there websites, but there are book cites too, which mean that the writer had to do some investigating in the library. Other research methods used are the budget proposal and the timetable. Both of these two items had to be investigated.
Overall, I feel that this document is very important to me and my teammates in the completion of our task. I feel this document will be used as a template for us to successfully complete this task.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Reflection of Instruction Manual
The process I had for this assignment was I wanted to first do something that interested me. The second part of my thinking was I wanted it to be something that most, if not all of the students knew about. Those are the two reasons why I decided to do my instructions on the assembling and operation of an X-Box game system.
When I first choose this topic I thought it would be easy to put together because I have an X-Box game system. I’ve had it for five years and I play with it all of the time. However this was the wrong way to think about the assignment. For this assignment you have to have the audience in mind and all of the different scenarios which come with this. This means that you have to cater the instructions so that everyone from a newbie to an expert could assemble the X-Box game system.
With this now in mind, I decided to keep it simple, yet still professional. For my audience I decided to include pictures for each step and keep the understandable. Another thing I added that turned out good was the borders. I felt the borders kept everything in perspective.
The course goals that I meet in this assignment are as follows: communicating effectively with diverse audiences, designing convincing and usable documents and communicating ethically. With this document I had to be very ethical; especially, since this product will be used by people of different backgrounds and races. The people who will use this will be very diverse. I fell that the document that I designed and came up with is not only usable but it’s convincing too. I feel the document is very professional. If I tweaked a few things it would almost be good enough to be used by the Microsoft Company.
When I first choose this topic I thought it would be easy to put together because I have an X-Box game system. I’ve had it for five years and I play with it all of the time. However this was the wrong way to think about the assignment. For this assignment you have to have the audience in mind and all of the different scenarios which come with this. This means that you have to cater the instructions so that everyone from a newbie to an expert could assemble the X-Box game system.
With this now in mind, I decided to keep it simple, yet still professional. For my audience I decided to include pictures for each step and keep the understandable. Another thing I added that turned out good was the borders. I felt the borders kept everything in perspective.
The course goals that I meet in this assignment are as follows: communicating effectively with diverse audiences, designing convincing and usable documents and communicating ethically. With this document I had to be very ethical; especially, since this product will be used by people of different backgrounds and races. The people who will use this will be very diverse. I fell that the document that I designed and came up with is not only usable but it’s convincing too. I feel the document is very professional. If I tweaked a few things it would almost be good enough to be used by the Microsoft Company.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Instructions
1. The language of the instructions is Spanish. There were two sets of instructions included in the package and I brought the one written in Spanish. Both are the same however. The purpose of the instructions is to show how to operate a portable DVD player.
2. The design of the instructions, guide the reader to go in order. It makes you go in order. The organization of the instructions is good. Everything seems to go in order.
3. I would say that compared to other examples and instructions that there is too much information in each step.
4. The instruction includes complete sentences. This creates a sense of order.
5. Graphics are used and they show exactly how things will appear on the DVD player. There is a picture for each step, which is clear and related to the topic.
6. The basic structure used for this particular manual is good. It has all of the appropriate titles, which lets the readers know when to move on. It also does a good job of using bold and big font. This helps to show when an important step is being used. It includes the safety measures and trouble shooting in case something goes wrong. Overall, the structure is very good. The only suggestion would be to have it spread out more so it won’t be so congested.
2. The design of the instructions, guide the reader to go in order. It makes you go in order. The organization of the instructions is good. Everything seems to go in order.
3. I would say that compared to other examples and instructions that there is too much information in each step.
4. The instruction includes complete sentences. This creates a sense of order.
5. Graphics are used and they show exactly how things will appear on the DVD player. There is a picture for each step, which is clear and related to the topic.
6. The basic structure used for this particular manual is good. It has all of the appropriate titles, which lets the readers know when to move on. It also does a good job of using bold and big font. This helps to show when an important step is being used. It includes the safety measures and trouble shooting in case something goes wrong. Overall, the structure is very good. The only suggestion would be to have it spread out more so it won’t be so congested.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Memo
To: Employees of Koller Construction Company
From: R. Sherfield, Assistant Personnel Manager
Subject: Plan of Action for Photocopying
Date: February 21, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the new plan of action for employees of Koller Construction Company making personal copies on the companies’ machines. The objective of this memo is to introduce a new charge account program for making photo copies.
Summary
The number of personal copies used by the employees of Koller has caused the company hundreds of dollars. The response to this situation is to install a charge account for employees, so that they may purchase any copies that they may need.
Discussion
For the last 6 months, the Koller Construction Company has paid $2000 dollars in unnecessary office fees. 84% of this figure has come from paid employees using the copier system for their own agendas. Over the last few months, there has been numerous of personal copies being made.
The only feasible and reasonable plan is to establish a charge account for all employees. This charge account would require that any employee who wanted to print, would have to have some kind of funds on their account. The cost to print copies would be 5 cents a page.
This charge account plan will do one of two things. It will either slow down the usage of the printer by employees or it will make it to where the company can gain a profit off the number of printings being done. Either way, both of these scenarios are very beneficial to the company.
Recommendation
I suggest that this plan of action be put into place immediately, as for it will be awfully valuable to company in more ways than one.
From: R. Sherfield, Assistant Personnel Manager
Subject: Plan of Action for Photocopying
Date: February 21, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the new plan of action for employees of Koller Construction Company making personal copies on the companies’ machines. The objective of this memo is to introduce a new charge account program for making photo copies.
Summary
The number of personal copies used by the employees of Koller has caused the company hundreds of dollars. The response to this situation is to install a charge account for employees, so that they may purchase any copies that they may need.
Discussion
For the last 6 months, the Koller Construction Company has paid $2000 dollars in unnecessary office fees. 84% of this figure has come from paid employees using the copier system for their own agendas. Over the last few months, there has been numerous of personal copies being made.
The only feasible and reasonable plan is to establish a charge account for all employees. This charge account would require that any employee who wanted to print, would have to have some kind of funds on their account. The cost to print copies would be 5 cents a page.
This charge account plan will do one of two things. It will either slow down the usage of the printer by employees or it will make it to where the company can gain a profit off the number of printings being done. Either way, both of these scenarios are very beneficial to the company.
Recommendation
I suggest that this plan of action be put into place immediately, as for it will be awfully valuable to company in more ways than one.
Adjustment Letter
215 Real Deal Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-657-8394
www.CompUSA.com
February 21, 2007
Mr. Buck Wheat:
I was very upset after reading your letter sent on February 1, 2007 about your problems with our computer system. I am truly sorry for this unfortunate incident.
As soon as your letter was received, I immediately requested that a program disk be made with the appropriate software that you need to perform your task. The disk should be sent to you in next 3-5 business days. If you would like, we can make arrangements for one of our trained technicians to visit and install the disk.
On the behalf of CompUSA we would like to offer you a free 2 year warranty on your new computer because of the situation. We know that we can not do anything about the set back that this may have caused you, but we hope that this gift does some justification.
I hope that this incident does not ruin the relationship that you have established with our company. You are a faithful customer and I hope that you continue to do business with us.
Sincerely,
Accommodation
Ricky Sherfield Jr., Sales Manager
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-657-8394
www.CompUSA.com
February 21, 2007
Mr. Buck Wheat:
I was very upset after reading your letter sent on February 1, 2007 about your problems with our computer system. I am truly sorry for this unfortunate incident.
As soon as your letter was received, I immediately requested that a program disk be made with the appropriate software that you need to perform your task. The disk should be sent to you in next 3-5 business days. If you would like, we can make arrangements for one of our trained technicians to visit and install the disk.
On the behalf of CompUSA we would like to offer you a free 2 year warranty on your new computer because of the situation. We know that we can not do anything about the set back that this may have caused you, but we hope that this gift does some justification.
I hope that this incident does not ruin the relationship that you have established with our company. You are a faithful customer and I hope that you continue to do business with us.
Sincerely,
Accommodation
Ricky Sherfield Jr., Sales Manager
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Reflection #2
I approached the scenario as a professional, successful man. I wanted to make sure that my tone stuck with this attitude. In the first scenario, which was the business letter, I put myself in the shoes of a real sales manager and thought of how a sales manager would handle this situation. I decided on an acceptance letter, because I felt it really was the company’s fault.
In the second scenario, my task was a whole lot harder. It was a memo and it required that I come up with a plan to fix one of the problems in the company. The reason it was so difficult was because the plan had to be something that would actually fix the problem, which was all ready complicated. I felt that my plan was one that would actually fix this problem if it was a real one. In both genres I was able to convince my ideas.
The goals I encountered in completing this assignment were designing convincing and usable documents. In both of these assignments, I had to make sure that the ideas and suggestions that I was mentioning were things that could really happen. I also had to make sure that it was something that would be put into place in that situation. Another one I come across was solving problems and improving situations through communication. This goal was accomplished in the second scenario. Not only did I have to solve the problem but I also had to improve the situation. The other goal that arose was analyzing communication context. Analyzing was a key factor in this assignment. I had to analyze the audience, the purpose and the situation. This involved me making the right decisions on the company’s behalf. Whatever I choose had an affect on everything.
In the second scenario, my task was a whole lot harder. It was a memo and it required that I come up with a plan to fix one of the problems in the company. The reason it was so difficult was because the plan had to be something that would actually fix the problem, which was all ready complicated. I felt that my plan was one that would actually fix this problem if it was a real one. In both genres I was able to convince my ideas.
The goals I encountered in completing this assignment were designing convincing and usable documents. In both of these assignments, I had to make sure that the ideas and suggestions that I was mentioning were things that could really happen. I also had to make sure that it was something that would be put into place in that situation. Another one I come across was solving problems and improving situations through communication. This goal was accomplished in the second scenario. Not only did I have to solve the problem but I also had to improve the situation. The other goal that arose was analyzing communication context. Analyzing was a key factor in this assignment. I had to analyze the audience, the purpose and the situation. This involved me making the right decisions on the company’s behalf. Whatever I choose had an affect on everything.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My Opinion on Writing for International Readers by Houp
From my reading of “Writing for International Readers” by Houp, the aspect that most appealed to me was the Individualism versus Collectivism: Valuing Either Individuals or Groups article. I feel that it appealed to me the most because it was so accurate and true. It really hit close to home because I feel that there are times when I even get caught up in individualism. However, I’m not the only one who gets tangled in this web; the United States as a whole is guilty of this deed. We all at some point in our lives have been guilty of seeking or providing some type of individual achievements.
Response
In response to the article, “Business E-mail: Gudidance for Users” there happened to be a lot of useful information in it. The opening of the article began with how the full potential of e-mails are not used. This articles purpose is to inform people how to do it right. The guidelines help to make e-mails more efficient and effective.
E-mails are more interacting than your traditional letters. An e-mail can have multiple uses. When ever your drafting up an e-mail, you should always have the reader in mind. I also learned that there are many advantages to using e-mail but there are also many disadvantages to using e-mails. The structure of a e-mail is somewhat similar to the structure of a letter. In e-mailing there are several different styles. The styles just depend on the person.
The most useful thing that I got from this article that I will keep in mind whenever I am writing my own business e-mails in the future is to edit all my e-mails before I send them out. The other thing I plan to improve on is responding to e-mails in a timely manner.
E-mails are more interacting than your traditional letters. An e-mail can have multiple uses. When ever your drafting up an e-mail, you should always have the reader in mind. I also learned that there are many advantages to using e-mail but there are also many disadvantages to using e-mails. The structure of a e-mail is somewhat similar to the structure of a letter. In e-mailing there are several different styles. The styles just depend on the person.
The most useful thing that I got from this article that I will keep in mind whenever I am writing my own business e-mails in the future is to edit all my e-mails before I send them out. The other thing I plan to improve on is responding to e-mails in a timely manner.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Cover Letter
218 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-316-2739
Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
February 3, 2007
Mr. Chris Hudson
AIA, President
Morris Architects – Downtown
1001 Fannin - Suite 300
Houston, TX 77002
Dear Mr. Hudson:
I recently came across an online job search that your company is looking for new architects to intern for Morris Architects. In May 2009, I plan to receive my Bachelors of Science in Architecture and I believe that Morris Architects would provide the best place for me to complete an internship with. I have all of the necessary credentials and background to where I will become an asset to the company in a very short time.
The Morris Architects projects are exceedingly familiar to me, and my ambition is to work for a company of your caliber. Having the chance to work for a distinguished company, which does high profile projects such as the Toyota Center would be an honor. If given the opportunity, my computer skills and architectural education will reap huge benefits for the company. As you can see from my resume, I have held several leadership positions and have an in depth knowledge of architecture.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you in person, so that I may answer any questions you may have for me. In the next seven to ten days I will be in contact with your office to inquire on the status of my application. I look forward to talking to you soon. Thank you for your consideration.
Cordially,
Ricky D. Sherfield Jr.
Enclosure (1)
Tyler, TX 75702
(903)-316-2739
Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
February 3, 2007
Mr. Chris Hudson
AIA, President
Morris Architects – Downtown
1001 Fannin - Suite 300
Houston, TX 77002
Dear Mr. Hudson:
I recently came across an online job search that your company is looking for new architects to intern for Morris Architects. In May 2009, I plan to receive my Bachelors of Science in Architecture and I believe that Morris Architects would provide the best place for me to complete an internship with. I have all of the necessary credentials and background to where I will become an asset to the company in a very short time.
The Morris Architects projects are exceedingly familiar to me, and my ambition is to work for a company of your caliber. Having the chance to work for a distinguished company, which does high profile projects such as the Toyota Center would be an honor. If given the opportunity, my computer skills and architectural education will reap huge benefits for the company. As you can see from my resume, I have held several leadership positions and have an in depth knowledge of architecture.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you in person, so that I may answer any questions you may have for me. In the next seven to ten days I will be in contact with your office to inquire on the status of my application. I look forward to talking to you soon. Thank you for your consideration.
Cordially,
Ricky D. Sherfield Jr.
Enclosure (1)
Reflection
Reflection
The overall process of researching for a job was a good one. It was an excellent experience because it provided me with the chance to practice searching for a job that I some day plan to have. I now know the process and what it is like. I have a feel of what it is going to really be like when I actually have to search for a job in a few years. During this process I didn’t have many surprises but I did run into a few difficulties. One of the difficulties was that it was hard to find an internship for a career related to my field which I was actually qualified for. Because of the fact that I couldn’t find many internships for me I was forced to choose the only one in my possession. This meant that I didn’t get to choose the location or company or anything. Even though I didn’t see a variety of job offers, I was satisfied with the one I had. I liked what the company had done so far and the location.
The work that I constructed for this assignment was to obtain a job or position by which I appealed to my target. I made all of my information presentable and I also made myself look desirable. This way I could leave a long lasting impression on the target and then possibly receive a job.
For this assignment I believe that I accomplished many of the goals for this class. For example, one of the many goals that I completed was designing convincible and usable documents. Both my cover letter and my resume were both documents which could have created the opportunity for me to be hired. Another goal that I meet was problem solving and improving situations through communication. With some of my peers in my class we worked together to determine the best and correct way to do the assignment. The big one would be the cover letter. This was rather tricky to discuss with my peers, however we got it worked out.
The overall process of researching for a job was a good one. It was an excellent experience because it provided me with the chance to practice searching for a job that I some day plan to have. I now know the process and what it is like. I have a feel of what it is going to really be like when I actually have to search for a job in a few years. During this process I didn’t have many surprises but I did run into a few difficulties. One of the difficulties was that it was hard to find an internship for a career related to my field which I was actually qualified for. Because of the fact that I couldn’t find many internships for me I was forced to choose the only one in my possession. This meant that I didn’t get to choose the location or company or anything. Even though I didn’t see a variety of job offers, I was satisfied with the one I had. I liked what the company had done so far and the location.
The work that I constructed for this assignment was to obtain a job or position by which I appealed to my target. I made all of my information presentable and I also made myself look desirable. This way I could leave a long lasting impression on the target and then possibly receive a job.
For this assignment I believe that I accomplished many of the goals for this class. For example, one of the many goals that I completed was designing convincible and usable documents. Both my cover letter and my resume were both documents which could have created the opportunity for me to be hired. Another goal that I meet was problem solving and improving situations through communication. With some of my peers in my class we worked together to determine the best and correct way to do the assignment. The big one would be the cover letter. This was rather tricky to discuss with my peers, however we got it worked out.
Resume
Ricky Sherfield
218 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903)-316-2739
Home Phone: 903-593-3081E-mail: Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
Objective
To obtain an internship position with Morris Architects while designing and constructing drawing for architectural projects
Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas
Bachelors of Science in Architecture
Current G.P.A: 2.8 Expected Graduation date: May 2009
Work Experience
Residence Halls Association, Vice President of Programming October 2006-Present
Coordinated campus wide programs for 30,000 students.
Good’s Pharmacy, Delivery Driver May 2006-August 2006
Entrusted with the responsibility of delivering medicine to patients.
Alpha & Omega Catering Service, Host and Waiter Summer 2004 and 2005
Organized, setting up, breaking down and waiting tables.
Dale Chapel Baptist Church, Administrative Assistant, Sound Crew Jan 2003-Jan-2004
Managed the sound system and produced tapes of services.
Volunteer Work
Take a Kid to the Game Program Adopt-A-Highway
Mentor Tech P.A.C. Leader (protégé advisory committee) Mentor Tech Ambassador
Mentor Tech Intramural Coordinator NAACP, Treasurer
Hulen/ Clement Complex Council Committee Hulen First Floor Representative
Memberships
Residence Halls Association Oct. 2006-Present Mentor Tech Aug. 2005-Present
Architecture Learning Community Aug. 2005-Present NAACP Aug. 2000-Present
Awards
Fitzgerald-Patrick Architecture Scholarship 2005
Dale Chapel Baptist Church Scholarship 2005
Pleasant Hill Scholarship 2005
Job Related Skills
Presiding over meetings Putting on and coordinating programs
Portfolio skills Model making and constructing skills
Drawing, painting and sketching
Computer Skills
CAD, Photoshop, Image Ready, Microsoft Works
References
Cory Powell, Associate Director, Mentor Tech Program, 806-786-7735
Claudia Cleneay, High School Educator, Robert E. Lee High School, 903-360-2932
218 Tournament Rd.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903)-316-2739
Home Phone: 903-593-3081E-mail: Ricky.Sherfield@ttu.edu
Objective
To obtain an internship position with Morris Architects while designing and constructing drawing for architectural projects
Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas
Bachelors of Science in Architecture
Current G.P.A: 2.8 Expected Graduation date: May 2009
Work Experience
Residence Halls Association, Vice President of Programming October 2006-Present
Coordinated campus wide programs for 30,000 students.
Good’s Pharmacy, Delivery Driver May 2006-August 2006
Entrusted with the responsibility of delivering medicine to patients.
Alpha & Omega Catering Service, Host and Waiter Summer 2004 and 2005
Organized, setting up, breaking down and waiting tables.
Dale Chapel Baptist Church, Administrative Assistant, Sound Crew Jan 2003-Jan-2004
Managed the sound system and produced tapes of services.
Volunteer Work
Take a Kid to the Game Program Adopt-A-Highway
Mentor Tech P.A.C. Leader (protégé advisory committee) Mentor Tech Ambassador
Mentor Tech Intramural Coordinator NAACP, Treasurer
Hulen/ Clement Complex Council Committee Hulen First Floor Representative
Memberships
Residence Halls Association Oct. 2006-Present Mentor Tech Aug. 2005-Present
Architecture Learning Community Aug. 2005-Present NAACP Aug. 2000-Present
Awards
Fitzgerald-Patrick Architecture Scholarship 2005
Dale Chapel Baptist Church Scholarship 2005
Pleasant Hill Scholarship 2005
Job Related Skills
Presiding over meetings Putting on and coordinating programs
Portfolio skills Model making and constructing skills
Drawing, painting and sketching
Computer Skills
CAD, Photoshop, Image Ready, Microsoft Works
References
Cory Powell, Associate Director, Mentor Tech Program, 806-786-7735
Claudia Cleneay, High School Educator, Robert E. Lee High School, 903-360-2932
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Resume Resources
The advice from Monster about Common Issues and Difficulties in writing a Resume were very helpful. Each section had something that was very beneficial to me that I could use.
The lesson that I learned from the first section was that your resume is not all about what you did during school. A resume is about convincing employers that the skills you learned and used during school can be transferred to the company. The resume should show that you can help the company with your hiring. Some other pointers that were helpful were about generalization and emphasizing. Generalization is something that you don’t want to do but emphasizing is something you should do a lot of. After reading this I realized that careless writing can hurt a person’s chances of employment. Bad habits are usually how the careless writing starts. Writing is extremely important when it comes to job employers. In fact, the number one form of communication is e-mail.
Something else that was interesting to me was that no matter what the major of an individual was, they still had a chance with an interviewer. More importantly than the major is the skills that come from the major that can be used.
The lesson that I learned from the first section was that your resume is not all about what you did during school. A resume is about convincing employers that the skills you learned and used during school can be transferred to the company. The resume should show that you can help the company with your hiring. Some other pointers that were helpful were about generalization and emphasizing. Generalization is something that you don’t want to do but emphasizing is something you should do a lot of. After reading this I realized that careless writing can hurt a person’s chances of employment. Bad habits are usually how the careless writing starts. Writing is extremely important when it comes to job employers. In fact, the number one form of communication is e-mail.
Something else that was interesting to me was that no matter what the major of an individual was, they still had a chance with an interviewer. More importantly than the major is the skills that come from the major that can be used.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Audience Analysis
Ricky Sherfield
1/25/2007
1. My reader’s job responsibility is to supervise the acts of the team at the architect firm.
My reader’s education is at least a Bachelors but probably a Masters in Architecture. My reader may have a double major in Architecture and Business Administration.
My reader’s professional experience includes at least 10 years of actual architecture experience. He or she has experience in commercial and residential projects. Is proficient in AutoCAD and is licensed.
My reader has probably been living in Texas for many years and has also lived in the Houston area for some years now too. He or she has too much older than me and they probably have a family.
My reader’s expectations of me is to come in ready to learn, use the skills that I’ve learned in school and to grow, while becoming a better architect.
The reason my reader will read my document is because it will stand out. My document will be designed in a way in which it draws attention and demands to be read. It also will be very impressive.
2. The reader values that I got my Bachelors from a big university that is known for graduating good architects. I am coming in with fresh, new ideas but still wanting to learn more. Being familiar with programs such as AutoCAD and other computer programs is also impressive.
3. I have a done summer internship at an architect firm. I know computer programs like AutoCAD. I reside in the area of the firm.
1/25/2007
1. My reader’s job responsibility is to supervise the acts of the team at the architect firm.
My reader’s education is at least a Bachelors but probably a Masters in Architecture. My reader may have a double major in Architecture and Business Administration.
My reader’s professional experience includes at least 10 years of actual architecture experience. He or she has experience in commercial and residential projects. Is proficient in AutoCAD and is licensed.
My reader has probably been living in Texas for many years and has also lived in the Houston area for some years now too. He or she has too much older than me and they probably have a family.
My reader’s expectations of me is to come in ready to learn, use the skills that I’ve learned in school and to grow, while becoming a better architect.
The reason my reader will read my document is because it will stand out. My document will be designed in a way in which it draws attention and demands to be read. It also will be very impressive.
2. The reader values that I got my Bachelors from a big university that is known for graduating good architects. I am coming in with fresh, new ideas but still wanting to learn more. Being familiar with programs such as AutoCAD and other computer programs is also impressive.
3. I have a done summer internship at an architect firm. I know computer programs like AutoCAD. I reside in the area of the firm.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What is Technical Writing?
The purpose of this reading assignment is to inform the readers about what Technical Writing really is. Technical writing is creating something that the audience can understand. You want to have something that not only can everybody read it but they can also understand it. For this to always work, you may have to break the piece down into simpler terms for certain audiences. In this passage there is also a great metaphor that links technical writing and cake. To be truthful it is actually unusual because I don’t know if cake would be the item I would compare it to.
The other part of the document went into detail of how to approach the technical writing. It is stated that language is important. It enables the reader to understand because you do not want the reader to be lost. The info should be presented clearly and consistent to be effective. Credibility and professionalism are what is sought after.
The other part of the document went into detail of how to approach the technical writing. It is stated that language is important. It enables the reader to understand because you do not want the reader to be lost. The info should be presented clearly and consistent to be effective. Credibility and professionalism are what is sought after.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Initial Writing Assessment
Ricky Sherfield
1. I am a second year Architecture major at Texas Tech. After I graduate from Texas Tech with my Bachelors Art Degree in Architecture I plan to continue to use all of the skills that I picked up along my journey throughout school. What I think will help me with my transition is to keep the habits that I have been using for so long. I feel that if I do this then it will be easier to use my acquired skills. My writing will differ with my audiences depending on what group it is. My writing with a client would be different than with a colleague.
2. The types of writing that I will most likely be doing in my future occupation are proposals, references, presentations, portfolios and reports. In architecture, there are a lot of different documents that an individual or group must do to either submit for a task or do after a task is completed. The most common writing would probably be proposals. An architect has to come up with a plan that meets the clients needs and wants, so a proposal is very critical.
Architecture is not just in America, it’s all over the world. It also is a field that will never die because people need buildings and such. Architects come across people of all kinds of different races and backgrounds. An architect may also have to travel across the world to complete a project.
1. I am a second year Architecture major at Texas Tech. After I graduate from Texas Tech with my Bachelors Art Degree in Architecture I plan to continue to use all of the skills that I picked up along my journey throughout school. What I think will help me with my transition is to keep the habits that I have been using for so long. I feel that if I do this then it will be easier to use my acquired skills. My writing will differ with my audiences depending on what group it is. My writing with a client would be different than with a colleague.
2. The types of writing that I will most likely be doing in my future occupation are proposals, references, presentations, portfolios and reports. In architecture, there are a lot of different documents that an individual or group must do to either submit for a task or do after a task is completed. The most common writing would probably be proposals. An architect has to come up with a plan that meets the clients needs and wants, so a proposal is very critical.
Architecture is not just in America, it’s all over the world. It also is a field that will never die because people need buildings and such. Architects come across people of all kinds of different races and backgrounds. An architect may also have to travel across the world to complete a project.
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