Module 2 - SLP COMPUTER HARDWARE The assignment for SLP 2 incorporates Initial Purchase Costs (A part of Life Cycle Costs) decision making and hardware selection. The SLP requires that you prepare a comparison report with three hardware vendors to determine which option is more economical. Your task is to obtain pricing information for purchasing 10 desktops for a brand new unit in your division. You will get prices for these units from at least three reputable PC suppliers on the Internet. Note that the PC, Monitor, and Printer Vendors do not have to be from the same companies as some computer manufacturers do not make printers. The specifications for the basic desktop configuration are listed below. You need to investigate the basic unit price for each and recommend an upgrade for each feature, calculating the new price. Your division will also need to install MS Office software and gmail accounts for email. This is in addition to free software such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Adobe Reader. Prepare the cost table identifying the three vendor options and providing the unit cost from each supplier. Use the following table to evaluate hardware options. Write an additional 1-page report explaining your choice and decision justification for the selection. Desktop and Printer Specifications Each desktop system must satisfy the minimum specifications shown in the following table, although the actual specifications may be greater. MS office will require individual licenses. Minimum Desktop Specifications Processor speed 3 GHz Hard drive 500 GB RAM 4 GB DVD-ROM drive DVD-RW Monitor (diagonal measurement) 18 inches Each desktop printer must satisfy the minimum specifications shown in the following. Minimum Monochrome Printer Specifications Print speed (black and white) 20 pages per minute Print resolution 600 × 600 Network ready? Yes Maximum price/unit $700 Hardware List Vendor 1/Unit cost Vendor 2/Unit cost Vendor 3/Unit cost Monitor Desktop Speakers Mouse Printer MS OS MS Office Suite Total cost SLP Assignment Expectations Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria: Complete the decision analysis in a Word table. The accompanying explanation must be written in 2-3pages and be double spaced. Include a cover page with the assignment and two outside references. The essay will be graded on these requirements Precision: the question asked is answered. Clarity: Your answer is clear and shows your good understanding of the topic. Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your answer is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module. Critical thinking: Incorporate your reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. Your short essay is well written and the references are properly cited and listed. Assignment Overview Today's computers are built in a variety of shapes, sizes, and computer capabilities. The continuous push for hardware and software inventions are changing the user preferences and driving the development of new computer models, hand held devices, personal assistants, etc. Laudon and Laudon's (2012) learning tracks illustrate the evolution of computers, the inner works of a computer, and the technology drivers that are part of a lifecycle of emerging computer technologies. Additionally, Gallaugher's (2011) chapter 5 gives a perspective on technology advances, limitations, and the magnitude of environmental issues caused by rapidly obsolete, faster, and cheaper computing. Required Reading Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 1: How computer hardware and software works. Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT1_How_Computer_Hardware_and_Software_Work.pdf Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 5: The evolution of IT infrastructure. Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT5_Evolution_of_IT_Infrastructure.pdf Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 6: Technology drivers of IT infrastructure evolution. Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT6_Technology_Drivers_of_IT_Infrastructure_Evolution.pdf Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. FlatWorld Knowledge. Gallaugher Chapter 5 - E-textbook Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. Gallaugher - Chapter 5 PPT [PowerPoint slides]. Case Assignment Based on the course materials presented, write a paper answering the following questions. What has been the impact of faster and cheaper computers for personal and company use? What technological advances and benefits are driving the expansion in the use of personal computers? What are the limitations of faster and cheaper computers? If you cannot think of a strategy for answering this question, you may want to consider weaving all or some of the Case Learning Outcomes into your response by addressing the following: What are the main components of personal computers used in an office environment? How has the cost of computers used in an office changed over the past 30 – 40 years? Which main component of the computer is driving this change? What has been the result of this cost change in the last 20 years? What limits the price from changing drastically in the future? What is e-waste and why is it a problem? What new technology or change in IT concepts is evolving to reduce e-waste? Assignment Expectations Your paper should be short (3-4 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner. You are expected to: Begin this paper by stating your position on these questions clearly and concisely Cite appropriate sources and answer questions directly. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Then present the best evidence you can, again citing three appropriate outside sources. You will be particularly assessed on: Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly. Your informed commentary and analysis -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper. Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately. Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see optional readings for Module 1) for the proper formats