Brinn Fosse_Recommendation Report

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POTENTIAL EMPLOYERRECOMMENDATION

Unit Two: EmployeeRecommendation Report

Brinn Fosse


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3


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Potential EmployerRecommendations

forRoss Melby

Prepared for English 320

by Brinn E. Fosse

DistributedOctober 8, 2010


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures iii

List of Abbreviations iv

Summary 1

Introduction 2

Company Background 4

Bobcat Company 4

Applied Engineering, Inc 4

National Guard

Community Information 7

Fargo, North Dakota 7

San Diego, California10

Position Outlook 13

Application Developer 13

Application Developer/Project Manager 13

Field Artillery Tactical Data System Specialist 14

Conclusions and Recommendation 15

References 16


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List of Figures

Figure 1: Over-the-Year Change in Unemployment Rates for Metropolitan

Areas Monthly Rankings

7, 10

Figure 2: Picture of Downtown Fargo 8

Figure 3: Fargo Stats 9

Figure 4: San Diego view from Shelter Island 11

Figure 5: San Diego Stats 12


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List of Abbreviations

ABA: American Bar Association

CA: California

FADTS: Field artillery tactical data system specialist

F-M: Fargo-Moorhead

MN: Minnesota

ND: North Dakota

USCD: University of California, San Diego

VA: Veteran Administration


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1

Summary

Ross Melby, a graduate from North Dakota State University with a degree in

Management Information Systems with an emphasis in Computer Science has been offered three

separate positions from various companies. The employment opportunities included are

Application Developer with Bobcat Company, Application Developer/Project Manager with

Applied Engineering, Inc., and Field Artillery Tactical Data System Specialist with the National

Guard.

In this report, I research each company and their background to find information that

helps determine which position is most suitable for Mr. Melby. I discuss the foundations

regarding the organization and briefly summarize what theyre about and how they are regarded.

This will give him an idea of how to perceive each of the companies and what their main focus

in doing business entails.

Unemployment rate and statistical data are covered throughout the different communities.

Ross will also find information regarding sub communities and things such as estimated

commute time in this report. Knowing about the communities and those that surround it will

help give him a sense of the city and shows what he may expect from living there.

Each position is briefly described at the end of this report. I give the general

responsibilities of each position, along with data showing the projected/estimated growth and

employment numbers. The number employed is included of the occupation, along with the

average annual/hourly wage for each. After extensive research I will give my conclusion as to

which position will be in Rosss best interest to pursue.

Introduction


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In this report, I introduce information that regards your alternatives of your occupational

interests to determine which path is best to follow. The research of each company allows me to

find different aspects of each position that appeal to you. I also investigate the communities in

which they are held, along with the surrounding areas, and will discuss how each compare and

contrast in accordance with one another. The information presented will show which company is

best to be a part of, and which is the most relevant in accordance with your ideal wants and

needs.

In regards to the company or organization itself, I give insight to their public image,

involvement with other businesses or corporations, and information from other sources that

pertain to them. The corporate and social responsibility of the company shows characteristics

that help determine how the business is run. In doing so, the moral and ethical obligations of the

company and the type of business practices they convey are identified. By going to outside

sources such as the public and news broadcasts, I have gathered facts about the company that

you would not find in researching the company itself.

The cities in which each job is located have many different aspects to consider. Even the

cities themselves have different reputations; so learning about the community will help decide

where it would be best to live and start a prosperous career. The cost of living is also distinct in

each area, and by configuring the individual amounts along with possible communal costs, it will

help you decide which one you find to be the most financially attractive. Discussed also is

material that many find essential, including crime and employment rates, and the statistical data

regarding each.

Keeping in mind your experience and education, along with the information I have

gathered through various questionnaires and interviews, the information given in this report


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directs which company and position has the best qualities that adhere to your preferences. The

results conclude my recommendation of the job found most suitable for you.

Company Background

In this section of the report, I will give you information regarding each of the individual

organizations. I will discuss the foundations pertaining to each, and briefly summarize what


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theyre about and how theyre regarded. This will help show what their main focus is as a

company and how theyre perceived. With your education and experience in the management

information systems and computer science areas, these companies will help grow and expand

your potential in the technological field.

Bobcat Company

Bobcat Company is a manufacturing industry that has been in business for more than 50

years. They continue to grow and provide unmatched products and services in the construction

equipment industry. Established in 1947 in Gwinner, North Dakota as a division of Melroe

Manufacturing Company, the company continues gain popularity across the world. According to

Bobcat (2010), they have nearly 1000 Bobcat dealers in 90 different countries, and continue to

seek expansion.

As part of Doosan Infracore International, Bobcats experience, with the employee base

of over 35,000, standards for success encompass gaining and retaining secure relationships

between customers, partners and employees. Every product or service the company provides

accommodates the individual needs of diverse clientele.

Applied Engineering, Inc.

Applied Engineering was founded in Fargo, ND, in 1986 as an engineering consulting

company. Initially offering only engineering consults, they have expanded to include software

and hardware products, along with information technology, printing and inventor assistance

services. Due to the companys increasing progress, their services have even grown to become

individual businesses known as Edgepath Technology and Widget Works. (Applied Engineering,

Inc., 2009).


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The growth of Applied Engineering has allowed it to expand its offices, with them

currently having six offices in five states. Despite expansion, this local company has stayed 100

percent employee-owned since 2006. Not only have they been recognized and presented with

countless awards, but continue to become affiliated with numerous associations across the region

and nations organizations.

Setting itself apart from the competitors, Applied Engineering strives to create and

deliver value to its customers, gain long-term relationships based on trust and integrity, explore

advancements in technology, and include exceptional benefits and services to accompany

customer needs throughout every division.

National Guard

The National Guard was officially created in 1916, however is claimed to be directly

descended from Massachusetts Bay Colony regiments formed over 370 years ago. It is a joint

reserve component of the U.S. Army, and Air Force, and maintains the Army and Air National

Guard. The National Guard serves as part of the first-line defense for the United States. They

have been called upon to help respond to domestic emergencies and disasters, during times of

war, and state and national emergencies.

The National Guard has over 465,000 personnel with individual headquarters in every

state. They continue to provide to the states units trained and equipped to protect life and

property, while providing the nation units trained, equipped and ready to defend the United

States and its interest, all over the globe (National Guard, 2010).

In our interview, you stated that you chose this position due to the excitement of the job,

and the experience you would gain. Another important factor contributing to your decision are

benefits, which are plentiful in the National Guard. Some of the benefits included are free room


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and board (or housing allowance), free medical/dental care, 30 days paid vacation a year, travel

opportunities, help with college tuition, and travel opportunities. Others include VA and

retirement benefits after completion of service.

Community Information

Here I will discuss population, unemployment rates, and statistical data throughout the

different communities. You will also find information regarding the metropolitan communities,

concluding with a table showing different variables such as financial and housing statistics. This

will help give you a sense of the city and what to expect if you decide to hold a career there.


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Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo was founded in 1871 with a beginning population of 600 after its first five years,

and is now has grown to be the largest city in ND. Connected with its twin city of Moorhead,

MN the metropolitan population of the Fargo-Moorhead area is about 200,102 (U.S. Census

Bureau, 2009). Fargo has seen growth in recent years in both population and economic activity,

with strong influence from its healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail businesses.

For the past decade, the F-M area has had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the

United States. Referring to the table below, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010) shows that in

August of 2010 the Fargo unemployment rate was 3.7%, a -0.6% change from August of last

year, and less than half that of the national average of 9.5% .

Figure 1 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)Over-the-Year Change in Unemployment Rates for Metropolitan Areas MonthlyRankingsNot Seasonally Adjusted

Aug.2009

Aug.2010

Rank Metropolitan Area Rate Rate Change

United States 9.6 9.5 -0.191 Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan

Statistical Area4.3 3.7 -0.6

226 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos,CA Metropolitan Statistical Area

10.3 10.6 0.3

226 Los Angeles-Long Beach-SantaAna, CA Metropolitan StatisticalArea

11.8 12.1 0.3

NOTE: Rates shown are a percentage of the labor force. Data refer to place of residence.Estimates for the current month are subject to revision the following month.

Fargo has two public school districts, and many private schools available, along with

numerous colleges and universities. The community promotes neighborhood organization,

which helps neighbors come together and decide on concerns and issues that affect them. Many


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of the neighborhoods also hold block parties, primarily on National Night Out in order to bring

neighborhoods together and get to know one another. They also develop neighborhood action

plans, which encourage communication between the government and citizens.

Recreational areas are also quite popular within the city. There are many parks and golf

courses, a skate park, and ferry rides promoted by Moorhead to stimulate education of the Red

River Valley. Many clubs and sports leagues are also present in the city, including hockey,

lacrosse, baseball, football, and the Fargo Marathon. Fargo is also home to many other

attractions, including museums, theatres, arenas and the Red River Zoo.

Quality of life has a large impact on the community as well, placing Fargo number 86 out

of 100 on the list of Money Magazines best places to live in the U.S. 2007. Below is a table

showing statistics of Fargo attributes compared to the 100 other best ranking places to live

(Cable News Network, 2010). The table also shows statistics comparing financial, housing,

weather, and community information compared to the best places average.

Figure 2 (Downtown Community Partnership)

Figure 3: Fargo StatsCity stat

s

Best places average

FinancialMedian family income

(per year)

$69,142 $90,957


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Family purchasing power

(annual, cost-of-living adjusted)

$74,028 $86,860

State sales tax 5.00% 5.45%

Housing

Median home price $144,802 $239,391Average property taxes $3,491 $3,418

Quality of lifeAir quality index

(% of days AQI ranked as good)

96.0% 77.8%

Personal crime incidents

(per 100,000)

3 2

Property crime incidents

(per 100,000)

30 24

Median commute time

(in minutes)

12.9 21.4

% population with commute

45 mins. or longer

3.7% 13.6%

% population walk or bike to work 5.4% 3.6%

WeatherAnnual rainfall

(inches)

21.03 37.40

% clear days in the area 24 29

Meet the neighbors

Median age 29.8 35.3Completed at least some college

(% of residents)

75.3% 71.5%

Racial diversity index

(100 is national average; higher numbers

indicate greater diversity)

39.7 94.9

San Diego, California

San Diego was established in 1769 as the Fort Presidio of San Diego, and incorporated as

a city in 1850. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2009), the two metropolitan areas of San

Diego and Los Angeles together make up a megalopolis, consisting of a population of about 25

million. Using analysis that measures the middle of the income distribution, Forbes (Clemence,

2005) magazine accredited San Diego as the 5th wealthiest city in the U.S. in 2005.


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Manufacturing, defense, tourism, and agriculture are the main sources of income for the city.

The presence of the University of California, San Diego, with the affiliated UCSD Medical

Center, promotes research in biotechnology as well (Doyle, 2004).

The table below shows the Fargo unemployment rates, along with the rates from the two

California metropolitan areas that make up the megalopolis. In August of 2010, San Diego

shows a rate of 10.6%, with a 0.3% change from August of last year. Although the rate is

slightly lower than that of Los Angeles, it is still above the national average and significantly

higher than the Fargo metropolitan rate.

Figure 1 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Over-the-Year Change in Unemployment Rates for MetropolitanAreas Monthly RankingsNot Seasonally Adjusted

Aug.2009

Aug.2010

Rank

Metropolitan Area Rate Rate Change

United States 9.6 9.5 -0.1

91 Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan StatisticalArea

4.3 3.7 -0.6

226 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CAMetropolitan Statistical Area 10.3 10.6 0.3

226 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana,CA Metropolitan Statistical Area

11.8 12.1 0.3

NOTE: Rates shown are a percentage of the labor force. Data refer to place of residence.Estimates for the current month are subject to revision the following month.

San Diego has multiple school districts both within and outside of city limits, each

serving numerous schools throughout the county. The largest, San Diego Unified School

District, encompasses over 200 different schools. It is also home to many highly-acclaimed

colleges and universities all around the county, including five public, seventeen private, one

medical school, and four law schools; three of them being ABA accredited.


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There are many activities throughout the city to attend, including various art galleries,

well-known museums, and different performances held at the popular Balboa Park, and

downtown district. San Diego is also home to an abundance of sports leagues and associations,

clubs, franchises/events, and several marathons and triathlons. Distinguished neighborhoods and

communities thrive in and around the megalopolis area and along the 70 miles of remarkable

beaches.

Although over 80% of residents in San Diego use vehicles as their initial means of

transportation, there numerous services of public transportation available citywide. These

include the bus system, trolley, Coaster, and Amtrak. Ferries also provide transportation across

the San Diego Bay, and cycling is a popular way of travel for many of the citizens, with 5.3% of

the population biking to and from work (Cable News Network, 2010).

Figure 4 (San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2010)

Figure 5: San Diego StatsCity stat

s

Best places average

FinancialMedian family income

(per year)

$70,718 $90,957

Family purchasing power

(annual, cost-of-living adjusted)

$51,732 $86,860


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State sales tax 8.25% 5.45%

HousingMedian home price $290,000 $239,391

Average property taxes N.A. $3,418

Quality of lifeAir quality index

(% of days AQI ranked as good)

40.0% 77.8%

Personal crime incidents

(per 100,000)

5 2

Property crime incidents

(per 100,000)

31 24

Median commute time

(in minutes)

20.3 21.4

% population with commute

45 mins. or longer

8.9% 13.6%

% population walk or bike to work 5.3% 3.6%

WeatherAnnual rainfall

(inches)

13.68 37.40

% clear days in the area 40 29

Meet the neighborsMedian age 32.9 35.3

Completed at least some college

(% of residents)

67.5% 71.5%

Racial diversity index

(100 is national average; higher numbers

indicate greater diversity)

179.1 94.9

Position Outlook

My final research information briefly describes the position itself. I will give the general

responsibilities of each position, along with data showing the projected/estimated growth and

employment numbers. The number employed is included of the occupation, along with the

average annual/hourly wage for each.


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Application Developer

An application developer is generally someone who is responsible for the development,

implementation, analysis, and documentation of a businesss application programs and systems.

This requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, considering a lot of the business

activity will be based off these programs and systems. While a degree in Management

Information Systems or Computer Science is something many companies require; the best

preparation for this type of career is the hands on training and experience.

There are many advancement opportunities in this field, something I know you are

looking for, including lead developers, system engineers, and project managers. Salaries for any

type of career usually depend on the size and location of the organization, however according to

the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); the national median annual wage is estimated at $90,170.

Employment is also estimated around 495,000 employed nationally.

Project Manager (Application Developer)

Project managers are generally responsible for scheduling, budgeting, and developing the

requirements of business projects, in short, they manage the project. This position is one that

requires experience, something you may need to work your way up to become. Opportunities for

advancement are still available with this position, for example, becoming a Chief Technology

Officer. It is not uncommon to work more than 50 hours per week as a project manager in order

to meet deadlines and repair unexpected problems (BLS, 2010).

With continuing improvements in the technology and computer-related fields,

employment is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, with an estimated 293,000 already

employed in the field in 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010) also estimated the median

annual wages for this position to be around $112,210.


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Field Artillery Tactical Data System Specialist

A few general responsibilities of a field artillery tactical data system specialist (FATDS)

are to help sustain the computer and data systems for operation, control operations of

communications systems, and to input information and target locations to field artillery tactical

data systems. From this position you will gain discipline, teamwork and leadership skills that

will benefit you throughout your entire lifetime. Basic training and other criteria such as

aptitude, physical and character qualifications are required.

Opportunities for advancement are readily available, including warrant or commissioned

officers. Last year, service in the Armed Forces extended over 2.4 million people, the majority

serving the National Guard (U.S. Army). Many retire with a pension after 20 years of service,

something I know you would find very pleasing. Basic monthly pay is determined by rank and

number of years served, in addition to exceptional benefits.

Conclusions and Recommendation

From my research I have concluded the position that accompanies your needs best is with

Bobcat Company. Their global expansion and many years of service show the dedication and

experience you are interested in. Building their company base on the relationships of customers

and partners demonstrates a high moral and social responsibility internally throughout the

company. With their global expansion and many departments within the information systems

field, travel and advancement are promising.


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The city of Fargos low unemployment rates and continued growth over the years display

a growing and industrious community to initiate a promising career. Quality of living standards,

including low crime rates and clean air indicate a city where safety and a healthy environment

are essential. The numerous recreational activities available and high neighborhood values

represent a respectable community to live and be a part of.

Application developers are respected positions in which you are able to create, modify,

and develop computer systems and programs. Value of performance is a large contributor to this

position and its company, which in turn gives gratification to the operations that you will

perform. With the occupation growing and becoming high in demand in industries across the

United States and the globe, you will have a satisfying position, substantial income, and stable

career in years to come.

Bobcat Companys Application Developer position located in Fargo, North Dakota, is the

best choice for you to pursue. It entails a renowned company, a stable position with opportunity

for advancement, and a safe community, all elements that you can greatly benefit from.

References

Applied Engineering Technology. (2009). Company History. Retrieved from

http://www.ae- solutions.com/

Bobcat Company. (2010). Our Story. Retrieved from

http://www.bobcat.com/our_company/50th


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Cable News Network. (2010). Best places to live 2006: Fargo, ND snapshot. Money Magazine.

Retrieved from

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL3825700.html

Clemence, S. (October 28, 2005). Richest cities in the U.S. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from

http://www.forbes.com/2005/10/27/richest-cities-US-cx_sc_1028home_ls.html

Downtown Community Partnership. (n.d.) Downtown Fargo-Moorhead. Retrieved from

http://www.fmdowntown.com/index.php

Doyle, M. (February 25, 2004). UCSD extension awarded a $150,000 grant for

biotechnology collaboration with Israel. UCSD News. Retrieved from

http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/awards/US_Israel.asp

San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. (2010). San Diego. Retrieved from

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

U.S. Army. (n.d.) Go Army. Retrieved from http://www.goarmy.com/content/goarmy.html

U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Annual estimates of the population of metropolitan and

micropolitan statistical areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009. Retrieved from

http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/CBSA-est2009-annual.html

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