Beginning Oracle Database 11g Administration From Novice to Professional

CHAPTER 15 THE BIG PICTURE AND THE TEN DELIVERABLES 347
to eliminate or mitigate the impact.
prior to shutting down the database.
comes to shut down the database.
Another example of a “simple task” that can quickly become complicated is resetting
a password. Metalink note 270516.1 explains the lengthy sequence of tasks that must be
performed to change the password.
Structure of an SOP
In the following sections, I describe an SOP template that can be customized to each site’s
specific requirements and standards. Each SOP may be divided into the following sections.
Overview
The overview section is provided not so much for the benefit of those executing the SOP
but for all those who are peripherally involved, such as customers who need the work
done and managers or teams responsible for scheduling, approving, or supervising the
work. A minimum of technical jargon should be used, and technical details should be
suppressed if appropriate. The following points should be addressed:
Purpose: This is the key section for nontechnical reviewers or managers.
Risks: A clear description of risks helps in getting approvals to perform the task—it
also helps educate the performer. There can even be risks if the task is not performed.
Labor and billing: This section specifies the “standard fee schedule” which is the
standard number of labor hours required to complete the work. In cases where
a standard fee schedule cannot easily be constructed because of the variability
of the work, guidelines are provided for estimating the work. In some cases, it is
appropriate to specify billing details (for example, interdepartmental billing).