Use STROBE to compare and contrast Snowden Evans’ and Ketcham’s offices. What sort of conclusion about each person’s use of information technology can you draw from your observations? How compatible do Evans and Ketcham seem in terms of the systems they use? What other clues to their storage, use, and sharing of information can you discover based on your observations of their offices?

What will be an ideal response?

A. Observations about the office of Snowden Evans:

(1) Wide space behind the desk, not in front.
(2) Clean, uncluttered desk.
(3) Cool lighting.
(4) Two computers:
a. Shiroma computer containing a partially completed memo with confused fonts. This indicates unfamiliarity with the use of the Shiroma.
b. Comtex containing the Global Engineering Management System with the main menu displayed. Indicates a comfortable level of familiarity with a Comtex computer.
(5) A data-flow diagram on the blackboard, indicating an understanding of system design. However, it does not conform to M R E standards, implying a person that does not learn a new style nor is a nonconformist.
(6) A degree from M I T hanging on the wall, implying a sense of pride and a degree of high achievement.
(7) Humor on the bulletin board, implying that Snowden is somewhat relaxed and not overly formal.
(8) The bookcase contains textbooks and Project Final Reports.
(9) A file cabinet and a box on the desk filled with printouts. This implies that Snowden actively uses information.

B. Observations about the office of Thomas Ketcham:

(1) The office is a mess, with paper all over the place and a bundle of gym socks on the bookcase.
(2) The desk is covered with unopened mail, some marked “urgent.” The implication is that Thomas is a busy person or is extremely disorganized.
(3) There are many textbooks, reports, and report prototypes, indicating a person who values paper output.
(4) The computer is off, with no mouse and the printer is disconnected. The coffee maker is in front of the keyboard. This (combined with point number 3) implies that he is an active user of paper information but not computer technology.
(5) The amount of reports lying all over the place might also imply that he collects information but does not share it.