*** Bill *** Day 4

Jack,

Is there a way that you might be able to get me a "showing" of the new system that you mention here? I am well trained to evaluate such systems and now I even have the experience to evaluate from the user perspective first hand. I may in fact be the only person in the company who can evaluate this system from both the advanced IT/System Analyst perspective and the direct first line user perspective. Another problem that I have noted with the current system is specific problem. Here are details about the problem. Don't misinterpret my comments as complaining of any sort. Again, I am trained to evaluate systems for safety and efficiency and to look for incremental improvements that will make a significant difference in cost savings. But, as with the evaluation of any operation, research is the first step. Again, I may be better qualified, with my combination of advanced education, previous experience in high-level evaluation of complex systems and current experience with this specific system, than anyone else around.

Bill

*** Jack*** Day 2

Bill,

Actually, there is a project in place to replace the System. This new system could enable a lot of cool features like cool feature 1 and cool feature 2. That being said, a new system costs a considerable amount of capital, and we are competing with other areas for $$ right now. Know that your leaders are doing their best to fight for this system, but it may have to wait until funding becomes available.

Jack

P.S. Congrats on the new role!

The Dialogue

*** Bill *** Day 1

Jack,

I haven't emailed you in quite some time. I have finally landed a job at the Company as a concierge at one of the resorts. While the pay is very low, the position affords me the opportunity to learn the operation of a Company resort. One thing is that I have been working extensively with the System. This is a DOS based system that was acquired many years ago from IBM. It is very out dated and difficult to learn and use. I have been trying to find out why the system has not been updated and the best answer that I can come up with is that they fear the expense of retraining people to use a new system. Jack, I am sure that a new Windows based system could be developed from existing systems that would be faster, more efficient, and much much easier to use. In addition, it most likely would take much less time to learn than current system. I am in the position to remember the days when all systems were DOS based. When Windows first came out, many people were reluctant to switch because they feared learning the new system. Jack, Windows was so easy to learn that it quickly became obvious that it was more cost effective to switch.

But perhaps you know of a compelling reason why the System should not be converted to Windows and should remain a DOS based system. Please tell me what you know about it.

I am quite sure a new Windows based system would be cost effective for the Company and in time would be a huge cost saver but I need to understand all arguments against it.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Please don't share this email or subject matter with anyone else.

Bill

Act 1 - Scene 1

The Players:

Bill: a 45-year-old engineer, recently laid off from a technical company.

Jack: a 27-year-old engineer, who works at the Company, a vacation resort. Jack is also an active alumnus of the university, where Bill also attended.

John: a friend of Bill’s, who plays a minor part in the conversation (very minor in fact).


The Situation:

Bill would like to work for the Company, so he contacts Jack via alumni channels. They have lunch (Jack has the Bleu Cheese Burger Wrap but forgets to ask for no mushrooms—Jack hates when that happens). Jack agrees to help Bill find a job with the Company, especially given Jack’s strong technical background. Jack gives Bill some tips on how to make his resume more relevant for the Company. Jack lines up an interview and a few contacts, but no luck for Bill. About a year later, Bill resurfaces via e-mail.