Chapter 1

• Why knowledge of systems architecture is important to different roles and job titles (high-level overview from online lecture and in-class discussion)

• Types of implementations for automated computation 
  • Limitations of early mechanical systems; advantages of electronic implementation, optical, quantum computing
• Processor function, types (distinction between general-purpose and special-purpose)
• Function of components (primary storage; bus; secondary storage; I/O)
• CPU components – CU, ALU, Registers
• Computer types and classifications
• Virtualization
• Multicomputer configurations – cluster, blade, grid, cloud
• Types of software classifications – distinction between application programs, utility programs, and system software; layered approach to software design
• Operating System functions

• Data representation – definition
• Reasons for binary representation
• Numbering systems
  • Conversions (bin-hex-decimal); unsigned integers; signed integers (two’s complement method only) – note: be able to do this without a calculator
• Goals/Tradeoffs of data representation/encoding methods – be sure that you know CARES and be able to explain goals and tradeoffs in context of the primitive data types; how are they related;   
• Five primitive data types
• Problems of range limitations (how caused), overflow and underflow; precision and truncation 
• Character data representation (ASCII, EBCDIC, Unicode) – basic differences, impact on range/compactness/standardization
• Data structures (arrays, linked list, doubly-linked list)

Assignment 2: Gene Technology
Due Week 8 and worth 120 points

Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views and discussion.

Select one (1) of the following biotechnology topics to write about: 

• Genetically modified crop plants
• Genetically modified microorganisms
• Genetically modified animals
• Personal genomics and / or personalized medicine for humans
• Gene therapy

Write a four to six (4 to 6) page paper on your chosen topic.  Organize your paper into sections corresponding to the following requirements:

1. Biological basis. Describe the technology. Discuss what it accomplishes. Elaborate on the scientific principles that make this technology possible. Your goal in this section of the paper is to show the instructor that you understand the underlying science behind the technology. Describe how exactly the technology works. Discuss the biological principles that underlie this technology.
2. Social and ethical implications. Without disclosing your personal view about this technology, provide an analysis of its social and ethical implications. State the ethical concerns apparent in the use of this technology. Discuss the benefits and risks. Your goal in this section is to look at all sides of the issue. In the next section, you will give your opinion. 
3. Personal viewpoint. In the previous section, your goal was to be as objective as possible, to look at all sides of the issues. In this section, your goals are to give a personal opinion about the technology and provide a justification of that opinion. 
4. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment, in addition to the course text. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. The body of the paper must have in-text citations that correspond to the references. Integrate all sources into your paper using proper techniques of quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing, along with proper use of in-text citations to credit your sources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

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

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Examine DNA structure, and function, gene expression, and control.
• Discuss the various applications of genomics and biotechnology.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in biology.
• Write clearly and concisely about biology using proper writing mechanics.

RUBRIC

Prof Goodman, work is below based on our discussion.

DUE 11 JULY

Imagine you are the vice president of HR for a real or fictitious organization of more than 500 employees. To support the organization’s growth, you have been asked to create a comprehensive proposal plan to present to the board of directors that addresses staffing, performance appraisal, training and development, total rewards, and organizational behavior and processes.

Create the proposal plan, which has four parts. Each part is developed in a different week. When deciding on an organization, choose one you will stay with for the duration of the project.

Begin by designing the staffing component. In a no more than 1,050-word paper, address the following:

• Provide a brief background on the organization and its objectives.
• Explain how organizational behavior has influenced the organization’s effectiveness over the last 5 years.
• Identify best practices that will support the organization’s effort toward workforce diversity, including effective ways to implement diversity, formal staffing, employee relations, and employee retention plans.
• Consider whether outsourcing must be an option for this organization’s workforce planning. Explain why.
• Explain how these practices and your plan would support and link staffing to key organizational objectives.

DUE 25 JULY

Continue building your proposal plan. Now that you have finished the staffing component, you must determine which performance appraisal and training and development program would best support your organization. In a no more than 1,050-word paper, expand your proposal plan to include the following:

• Select a performance appraisal method that would be most effective to the organization’s structure, and support your selection.
• Provide an overview and vision for a training and development program tailored to support organizational goals and culture.
• Create a rough draft for a career path and succession plan.

DUE 1 AUG

Continue building the proposal plan. Now that you have created proposals for staffing, performance appraisal, and training & development, expand your plan to include a total rewards program that enforces key organizational objectives. In a no more than 1,050-word paper, include the following:

• Create a comprehensive compensation and incentives plan that links and supports key organizational objectives.
• Structure a reward and recognition plan that supports key organizational objectives.

DUE 15 AUG

Continue building your proposal plan. You must present your plan to the board of directors. Because the company is growing, its culture is changing for better and worse. You decide to complete your proposal plan by including a section that talks about the organizational culture. In a no more than 1,050-word paper, include the following:

• Select a change you believe is needed in your organization’s culture.
• Identify obstacles to that change and ways to overcome them.
• Identify how that change must be managed and supported.
• Identify which conflict resolution techniques you would use.
• Explain how changes in your organization’s life cycle would influence the new culture.

Although Part IV must be no more than 1,050 words, you turn in all four parts of the project this week as if it were a complete document. Thus, the entire document must include the following:

• Part I of the proposal plan and any necessary revisions
• Part II of the proposal plan and any necessary revisions
• Part III of the proposal plan and any necessary revisions
• Part IV

Week 06 – Decision Making