The year 2000 computer issue is defined by Zetlin (1998) as "the result of a universal programming standard that records dates as six digits rather than eight, using only two digits for the year. Software that uses two-digit year fields (that is, almost all of it) will understand the year 2000 as "00- if the problem is not corrected in time- (pg. 1).
The medical industry as a whole will approach year 2000 with months of new system implementations and developing contingency plans to deal with problems associated with Y2K. Medical manufacturers must pay close attention to the way medical facilities plan for Y2K. The variances in facilities ordering patterns due to Y2K could affect the medical manufacturers forecasts and inventory levels leading to a shortage of supplies. Also computer system compliance issues could result in loss of medical records or critical medical equipment failure. Manufacturers typically use historical usage to forecast for the coming year. However, with potential changes in ordering patterns, some adjustments may be necessary to meet customers' needs. In addition, computer systems must be Y2K compliant to ensure Electronic Data Interface (EDI) which is used to exchanges computer data will function properly and patients health will not be at risk. For the purpose of this study, I have created a ficticious medical supply manufacturer, Equiptek Industries, which will be located in the eastern part of the United States. .
Background.
Medical facilities across the United States are concerned with critical date sensitive medical devices and products availability as January 1, 2000 approaches. Hospital concerns include issues such as the scheduling of elective procedures and supply issues with manufactures. Elective procedures are medical procedures that are non-emergency and can, if necessary, be postponed. Laura Bruce (1999) states "Have extra staff on hand and don't schedule elective surgeries.
No matter what you believed it was true that if you were living on this planet Y2K crossed your mind a few times before that night. Most people now think that Y2K was a big lie that the media formulated to use for advertising, but is that the truth. ...
This believed crisis became known as Y2K. ... While the majority of the people were stressing over Y2K the economy was actually beginning to broaden itself. ... So, with that being said while Americans were worrying about Y2K the exact opposite process was coming into effect. ... After getting past the believed crisis Y2K the United States began to see a rapid growth in the economy. ...
A situation brought upon by the Y2K scare, which had everyone thinking that the world was coming to an "inevitable end" as soon as the clock strikes 12:00. ... However, this poem, and especially that last line, goes beyond that situation with the Y2K. ...
Competitive Analysis Industry competitors by product: Gateway, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM are Dell's top competitors. Dell sells directly to consumers via the Internet and telephone. Dell's product is build to order computers including desktops, workstations, network servers, and laptops. Dell offers a wide range of optional peripherals such as monitors, cable, video, modems, and data storage. Dell also includes several vendor options such as Kingston Technology, Microsoft, 3COM, Cisco Systems. ...
One example of mans irrational behavior when felt threatened, occurred during the weeks prior to the new year of 2000(Y2K). ... The truth is computer specialists were prepared for Y2K and in fact had been working on preventing this disaster for years. ... This example of Y2K and the threat of harm to man, supports the idea of mans irrational behavior when felt threatened. ...
McKee zones in on "the need to prepare for the problem of 6 billion people on Earth -- Y6B as an alternative of preparing for some world outrage over a computer glitch -- Y2K- (22). The irony of Y6B and Y2K is that while the world waited in agony in light o a computer meltdown at the turn of the new millennium, the genuine problem was and is nonetheless everyone - the multiplying population. ...
The effects of the full switchover to digital television broadcasts are likely to be as catastrophic as the Y2K phenomenon proved to be - it's a lot of hoopla over a bang that will likely be less than a fizzle. ...
In the late 1990's Indian firms focused on fixing the problem of Y2K in USA and Europe, since then they have branched out into handling call centers and maintaining powerful corporate software.India is relying on its supply of university educated people to develop its economy. ...