Question 1

Some employers today are using a variety of soft benefits (such as free or low-cost on-site childcare, gyms, massages, and restaurants) to recruit and keep talented employees. For instance, Google employees get free lunch and dinner, among other benefits. What are the advantages and disadvantages to both employers and employees of these types of employee benefits? Would these soft benefits make you more inclined to work at that company? Why or why not? What about gamificationthe use of awarded points, rewards, and other game-type incentives?

Question 2

Many everyday objects (such as amusement park rides, cars, elevators, and ovens) that you might not normally associate with a computer or information system, in fact, are today. There are obvious benefits, but are there risks as well? For instance, would you feel more or less comfortable riding on a roller coaster that was computer controlled? Do the benefits of computerizing an increasing number of everyday objects outweigh the potential risks? Why or why not?