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REQUIRED RETAKE INSTRUCTIONS

ENG121: Business and Technical Writing

Name: Number: Exam: 50024 Grade: 35%

Date: February 9, 2015 Evaluator: J.D

Dear Student,

The grade you earned on this assignment was below passing. However, you now have another chance to earn a passing grade for this exam. Whatever score you earn on the retake will be posted as the final score for this exam (up to the highest possible retake grade of 70%).

1. Within the next four weeks, prepare a completely revised assignment. You may not just make a clean copy of your work correcting only grammar and spelling errors. Instead, address the issues indicated by the evaluator, as well as apply the revision and editing strategies taught in your study materials, including

· adding specific details which you make up in order to clarify and support your statements

· deleting unnecessary information

· reorganizing for logical flow

2. Review the study materials for this exam, especially samples in the unit that show the correct format, as well as the information given in the exam instructions. Contact the school with any questions about the requirements.

3. Review your graded exam, including the comments and the corrections. In particular, take note of those areas on the evaluation sheet where you scored Fair or lower. These indicate areas on which to improve.

4. Be sure to enclose or attach this sheet when you submit your retake assignment, so we can properly credit your record. For online submission, copy just this form and paste as the first page of your retake exam. If you do not include this form, up to ten points may be deducted from your exam grade.

Business Technical Writing

Company Address?

Date?

Inside Address?

Salutation?

 

Phoenix Advertising is a company established in North Carolina. According to the information given, it is evident that the branch under the report is facing a number of challenges, which need to be attended to with immediate effect. Recently, two top management employees left the company to a competing firm, there as well are also threatening to leave the company .

Background

From the reports evaluated, there are factors that are leading to reassignment of the employees to rival companies. From the case scenario presented, it is evident that the top management fails to involve the junior employees as make most of the important decisions without consulting them. When the employees feel left out, they hardly perform, as they feel ignored most of the time. Secondly, the company focuses on increasing their levels of profitability. Hence, it is taking a lot of work from all potential clients without necessarily evaluating the accounts and the workload. This causes the employees responsible for working for ling hours with minimal compensation. In my opinion, this could be the reason for low morale and decrease in production.

 

Firstly, there is weak leadership, which fails to involve employees at all levels in the company. This can be seen from the way the management take lots work from all different clients without necessarily evaluating the accounts and workload. Secondly, there is poor communication between all levels. The top management does communicate with junior employees, and it fails to encourage their work and efforts. This is the reason they end up editing their work without consulting them. Further, the company is contracting more clients than it can handle with the current personnel.

 

The top management of the company should embrace real leadership and administration. To be precise, the management should and must effectively communicate with employees on all their levels. This could be achieved best by outlining their roles and responsibilities. It should also provide better means of evaluation and reporting of every employee. The heads of various departments should also work closely with their employees at make any changes in their works with their consultations in order to value their efforts at different levels (Schein, 1985).

Further, due to the increased volumes of workload, the management should also offer enough compensation to all employees by paying them for any overtime work from them. This could be achieved by improving the terms of the contract. Additionally, the company should provide an excellent working environment where the employees are comfortable. The management should also aim at improving human capital through ore training and development. This is because in the world of advertising, technology is changing the dynamics day by day. A specific timeline should be set in order to ensure that all these goals and objectives are achieved on time. The company also has to take considerations of the competitive environment where it is operating on. Hence, losing their clients to their competitors can be a threat, and the company should look into this in time.

Proposal

In order to accomplish my plan at Roanoke, I will need a team of people who will work with different divisions in order to bring the best output. All the employees will be from the company. Sales and marketing representatives of the enterprise, customer relation’s officers, editors, ICT persons, and the technical personnel have the right skills to carry out the tasks. Most of them are in the middle stage of career development. For this reason, they are aware of all their roles and responsibilities.

Every employee will be assigned a particular a role that he or is supposed to achieve within the set timeline. Department’s heads are expected to oversee the implementation of each phase of the project. Progress reports should also be done and evaluated on a timely basis before the project is complete. My role in this task is to supervise all operations and ensure that all the responsible parties play their part well by ensuring that they perform different functions and responsibilities in the right way.

Schedule

A schedule of how the project will be conducted and the specific timelines will also be set in order to ensure that the project is completed on time. Depending on the role and input of different employees and departments, all the work will be divided, and a deadline set in very case. Reports should be availed in time in order to assess the level of progress of the project and improve the evaluation process.

Staffing

All the employees involved in the project will come from the company from different departments. However, in case there will be a need for additional employees, the budget will take care of their costs.

Budget

Item	Cost
Employees in concerned departments	– $4000
New and loss of employees	– $1500
Travelling expenses	– $2200
Advertising	– $5000
Labor and Equipment	– $7000
Miscellaneous expenses	– $2500

Request for Authorization

After the project has been completed, all the reports will be assessed and evaluated before being handed over to the top management. Later, the top management will authorize my department to give the final project to the client.

Closing line?

Signature block?

Evaluation of 050024: “Final Examination”

	Skill Realized	Skill Developing	Skill Emerging	Skill Not Evident
Introduction (Did you identify one problem, qualifications-purpose?):	5	4.5	4	3.5	2	1	0
Background (Did you provide detailed proof cause-effect, bulleted objectives?):	15	14	13	12	11	4	0
Proposal (How complete and clear did you develop each objective?):	20	19	18	17	16	5	0
Schedule (Is there a specific date/time period indicated for each objective?):	5	4.5	4	3.5	3	1	0
Staffing (Are specific in-house personnel matched to each task-objective and their qualifications described?):	10	9	8.5	8	7.5	4	0
Budget (Is budget in columns, readable, cover all costs?):	5	4.5	4	3.5	2	1	0
Request for authorization (How well did you persuade team to adopt plan within specific time frame?):	5	4.5	4	3.5	3	1	0
Audience, coherence, tone (Did you maintain a professional tone as part of company team and develop information logically?):	10	9	8.5	8	7.5	4	0
Grammar, sentence structure, and mechanics (How well did you edit and proofread to ensure correct application of standard written conventions for American English?):	15	14	13	12	11	8	0
Format (Did you correctly include/format the letter, headings, font, justification, header info?):	10	9	8.5	8	7.5	2	0

EXAM GRADE, DATE, EVALUATOR: 35%, February 9, 2015, J.D.

NOTE: The numbers on this scoring grid do not show points awarded or deducted but reflect how well you met the criteria. The numbers merely guide the instructor in calculating a final score that fits appropriately within the Penn Foster grading scale (which is given in your online Student Handbook).

· Skill Realized scores indicate grades in the A to high-B range.

· Skill Developing scores reflect grades in the mid-B to C range.

· Skill Emerging scores designate grades in the D to F range.

�Awkward wording.

�Incorrect wording.

�This section should contain your qualifications to prepare this proposal, and summarize the benefits of your plan.

�The Background section must persuade the executive team that a dire need exists. Summarize the field investigation of your chosen problem. Include specific numbers and percentages (facts and figures) with explanations to show how you determined each cause contributed to the problem. End this section with a bulleted list of the key phases (stages) you’ll develop in the proposal section to solve the causes. Phrase each stage as a key action goal.

�Develop the steps needed to solve the problem. Use a phrase or word for each goal and italicize it. (You’ll have to use the same phrases or words in the Schedule and Budget sections.) Then write at least one paragraph for each goal, outlining what actions are involved in that phase. Develop detailed, clear-cut solutions to the underlying issues and causes you identified in the Background section. Describe how each phase will address the issue.

�Using a column format, you need to mention the schedule/deadline for each phase.

�Mention the people who would be held responsible for the implementation of EACH phase of your proposal along with their qualifications.

�You need to mention the cost phase-wise.

�The Authorization section must suggest a time frame for the approval of your plan. Provide assurance that your proposal will achieve your goal. Summarize the problems at the Roanoke Branch and describe the benefits of your plan for Roanoke branch, their clients, and Phoenix Advertising as a whole.

 

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World Measurement is the global leader in product testing for safety.  The recent problem with Chinese-made toy products (for example, Mattel recalled 19 million toys with evidence of lead paint) combined with the global recession has caused a 7% decline in sales and 12% in net profits.  The president of the company, Lewis Jacobs, is convinced that he must get concessions from the workers if World Measurement is to compete effectively with increasing foreign competition.  In particular, Jacobs is displeased with the cost of employee benefits.  He doesn’t mind conceding a competitive wage increase (maximum 3%), but he wants the total compensation package to cost 3% less.  

 

The current costs are shown in Exhibit 1 (attached).  Your assistant has surveyed other companies that are obtaining concessions from employees.  You also have data from a consulting firm that indicates employee preferences for different forms of benefits (see Exhibit 2 attached).  Based on all this information, you have two possible concession packages that you can propose, labeled “Option 1” and “Option 2” (see Exhibit 3 attached).

 

Please analyze and answer each of the questions below.  It is not necessary for you to type the question itself.  Your assignment should be 3-4 pages long, double-spaced, using 12-point font, excluding cover page, attachments, etc.

 

1.  Cost out these packages given the data in Exhibit 1 and the information obtained from various insurance carriers and other information sources (see Exhibit 4 attached).

2.  Which package should you recommend to Jacobs?  Why?

3.  Which of these strategies do you think will require less input from employees in terms of their reactions?  Why?

 

Keep in mind that, while there no “absolutely correct” answers to these questions, this is not an opportunity for opinion alone.  Grading will reflect your reasoning and critical thinking skills, your ability to integrate what you have assimilated from course material, the clarity of your response and its appearance.  Please see the rubric posted under the “Resources” tab in the main menu of the course for additional guidelines on grading.

 

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Accounting:

Accounting for Managers:

Case Study Part 1, Due March 19^th, 2017

Comprehensive Project, Part I

A. Research and then describe your company’s primary business activities. Include:

1.      A brief historical summary,

2.      A list of competitors,

3.      The company’s position within the industry,

4.      Recent developments within the company or industry,

5.      Future direction, and

6. Other items of significance to your corporation.

B. Include information from a variety of resources. For example:

1. Consult the Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

2.      Review the Annual Report and especially the Letter to Shareholders

3. Explore the corporate website.

4.      Select at least two significant news items from recent business periodicals

C. Submit a written report that is 2-4 pages long. The report should be well written with introductory and concluding paragraphs. References must be appropriately cited. Be sure to address all of the points in Section A above, using all of the resources listed in Section B. Format: Double-spaced, one-inch margins, using a 12-point Times New Roman font. Include a complete bibliography.

 

Prior to beginning this activity, you should review:

1. Schoenebeck and Holtzman (2013). Interpreting and Analyzing Financial Statements (6th ed.)

Chapter 5: Statement of Cash Flow’s

2. Fraser and Ormiston (2013). Understanding Financial Statements (10th ed.)

Chapter 4: Statement of Cash Flows

3.      Module 5 Powerpoint [PDF File Size 3.91 Mb]

 

Case Study Part 2, Due March 26^th, 2017

Comprehensive Project, Part II:

The purpose of the second part of the comprehensive project is to compute financial statement ratios.

A.    Based on formulas given in Appendix B, compute the following ratios in Excel for two years.

1.      Debt ratio

2.      Gross profit margin

3.      Free cash flow

4.      Times interest earned

5.      Accounts receivable turnover

6.      Inventory turnover

B.     Prepare a DuPont Analysis of ROE for two years, including computations of

1.      Return on Sales

2.      Asset Turnover

3.      Return on Assets

4.      Financial Leverage

5.      Return on Equity

C.     Briefly evaluate the ratio trends. Indicate on your worksheet whether each ratio is:

1.      stronger / weaker

2.      quicker /slower

3.      more / less liquid

4.      more / less risk

D.    Submit a report. Write a 2-4 page report evaluating trends in all of the above ratios. Discuss whether your company’s profitability, efficiency, liquidity, and solvency are improving or deteriorating.

Format: Double-spaced, one-inch margins, using a 12-point Times New Roman font.

Prior to beginning this activity, you should review:

1.      Schoenebeck and Holtzman (2013). Interpreting and Analyzing Financial Statements (6th ed.)

o    Chapter 6: Specific Accounts

 

Case Study Part 3, Due April 2^nd, 2017

Comprehensive Project Part III:

The purpose of the third part of the comprehensive project is to use resources available to obtain industry averages for commonly used ratios. Additionally you will compare company ratio results to industry averages.

A.    Obtain the four-digit primary SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Code and industry title for your company. Record the primary SIC code and industry title at the top of the Ratio Analysis Worksheet.

B.     Obtain industry averages for commonly used ratios in the current period. Industry average information is reported by industry title or SIC code.

C.     Look up the following industry-average ratios:

1.      Current ratio

2.      Debt ratio

3.      Gross profit margin

4.      Times interest earned

5.      Accounts receivable turnover

6.      Inventory turnover

7.      Return on Sales

8.      Asset Turnover

9.      Return on Assets

10.  Financial Leverage

11.  Return on Equity

Note that some industry averages may not apply to your company.

D.    Submit a report. Write a 2-4 page report comparing the above ratios to industry averages. Discuss whether your company’s profitability, efficiency, liquidity, and solvency are better than, or worse then, its peers. Format: Double-spaced, one-inch margins, using a 12-point Times New Roman font.

Prior to beginning this activity, be sure you review:

·         Schoenebeck and Holtzman (2013). Interpreting and Analyzing Financial Statements (6th ed.)

o    Chapter 7: The Accounting Cycle

 

 

Case Study Part 4, Due April 9^th, 2017

Final Written Paper

The final written paper requires you to prepare a well-written titled “Would You Advise a Friend to Invest in This Company?” based upon your research and analysis of this company’s financial information. You should identify 3-5 significant points that justify your conclusion. Support your points with a comprehensive explanation incorporating sound reasoning.

Your final written paper should be 4-5 pages long. The report should be well written with introductory and concluding paragraphs. References must be appropriately cited. Format: Double-spaced, one-inch margins, using a 12-point Times New Roman font.

Prior to beginning this activity be sure you review:

·         Schoenebeck and Holtzman (2013). Interpreting and Analyzing Financial Statements (6th ed.)

 

o    Chapter 8: Comprehensive Review

Change Management

Case Study: Green Mountain Resort, Due March 5^th, 2017 (*Scan Case Study)

Green Mountain Resort was not expected to be in business for very long, not that anyone was making predictions. In this case study, you will review various change images, issues related to turnover, and conclusions that can be drawn from an organization in turmoil. Finally, you will recommend changes that will address these challenges.

Review the following case study from your textbook: Case Study Green Mountain Resort (Dis)solves the Turnover Problem. Then, review the Case Analysis Rubric for assistance on how to write a case. Your case should be of sufficient length to address the issues and at least 3–5 pages, not including the title page and bibliography. Submit a Word document using correct APA formatting (6th edition).

Term Project: Outline, Due March 5^th, 2017

In this module, you will submit an outline of this project.

In your outline, be sure to include the following elements:

•  1–2 paragraphs describing a brief overview of the project
•  Your intended thesis statement
•  An outline of the proposed project (For example, introduction, key points, conclusion, etc.)

In addition, be sure to demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization to be studied, the challenge requiring a change intervention, and the change strategy that will address the challenge as discussed.

Additionally, detail any issues or challenges you foresee related to the term project along with any assistance that your instructor can provide in the coming weeks.

Term Project: Final Submission, Due April 9^th, 2017

You submitted an outline for your term project and got your instructor’s feedback and approval on the subject and direction for your thesis. In Module 7, you completed writing your paper.

In this module, before you submit your term paper, be sure that you have covered all necessary information and have adhered to the outline you submitted in Module 2.

Your research paper should be of 7–10 pages and should include a cover page, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference list. Be sure that your paper adheres to the APA format and writing style (6th edition).

 

Case Study: Problems at Perrier, Due March 12^th, 2017 (*Scan Case Study)

The ability to identify the key elements of employee resistance to change is fundamental to actually reducing the resistance to change. This case study discusses a vicious struggle underway for the soul of the business and is an outstanding example of how the need for change can impact the core nature of nearly every aspect of the organization.

To begin this assignment, from your textbook, review the Case Study: Problems at Perrier. Then, review the Case Analysis Rubric for information on how to write this case study analysis in addition to what points you should include.

Your case study analysis should be of sufficient length to address the issues and at least 3–5 pages, not including the title and bibliography pages. Submit a Word document using correct APA formatting.

Case Study: Tyco, Due April 2^nd, 2017 (*Scan Case Study)

Tyco is a multinational corporation that deals with industries from hospital suppliers to fire sprinklers. To some, Tyco epitomized the excesses that could occur from success. Some executives plundered the company for personal gain, which affected its very survival and the employment of thousands of employees. The organization’s culture required substantive change. In this assignment, you will review and write a case study analysis on how Tyco overcame the frustration of its employees and communicated needed change throughout the organization.

Review the following case study from your textbook: Case Study: Tyco. The case study references the six change images discussed in the course materials and seeks to understand how change management strategies can affect turnover. Subsequently, review the Case Analysis Rubric for information on how to write an analysis of a case study.

Your case should be of sufficient length to address the issues and at least 3–5 pages, not including the title page and bibliography. Submit a Word document using correct APA formatting (6th edition).

 

Human Resources

Short Paper: An Ethical Dilemma, Due March 4^th, 2017

Human resource professionals regularly face ethical decisions, particularly as they balance the interests of the organization with the interests of individual employees. In this case study, you will analyze a situation that requires ethics to be applied in making a decision and provide a recommendation for how the person, Mary Alice, should proceed and why. Making decisions when there are competing interests is something all leaders have to cope with. Use this assignment as an opportunity to reflect on your own decision-making style.

Mary Alice is an HR generalist assigned to the Norwalk plant of FMC Inc. She has worked at the plant for six years and knows many of the employees, both as co-workers and from community activities. For the past several months, Mary Alice has been involved in confidential discussions regarding several of the Norwalk production processes moving to the Huntsville plant, which is operating under capacity. Only a handful of the Norwalk employees will be offered the opportunity to move to Huntsville and about 200 employees will be laid off. The announcement is going to be made in 60 days.

At a school fundraiser last evening, Ralph, a co-worker who is most likely going to be laid off, spent time talking with Mary Alice about the new home he was purchasing. The mortgage is at the limit of what Ralph’s family can afford, but as he explained to Mary Alice, with FMC doing so well and the likelihood of him getting overtime in the coming year, well, they could just about swing it.

Mary Alice was conflicted. She wanted to tell Ralph about the coming layoffs, but she was bound by her pledge of confidentiality regarding the layoff discussions. Also, if she said something to Ralph, it would undoubtedly get out and perhaps cause a panic and eliminate the chance for an orderly transition to the smaller operation in Norwalk, hurting plant productivity in the meantime. Mary Alice can’t seem to find a way to make a decision. What should Mary Alice do and why?

Write a short paper that addresses the following:

·         Describe two ethical philosophies that might help with the decision.

·         Make a recommendation for how you would advise Mary Alice to act.

·         Provide a description of the process you used to arrive at the recommendation.

·         Are there limitations or possilbe unintended consequences associated with your recommendations? Explain and justify your claims.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Short Paper: Challenges New Managers May Face, Due March 5^th, 2017

 

In most organizations, managers address many HR-related issues on a daily basis. While it is prudent to seek advice from HR professionals, many smaller organizations do not have a separate, centralized human resource department. That is the case in this activity, where the HR functions are shared among several operations managers. Further, it is common for people who are new to an organization to spot unusual things that long-serving employees miss because they are simply used to the way things are. In this activity, you will analyze a case where the new manager needs to understand labor law, as well as other employment laws, in order to effectively discuss his concerns with his boss.

Consider the following scenario:

Eli Fares is a departmental manager at a mid-sized manufacturing plant in western Pennsylvania that produces the magnetized sheets used to make refrigerator magnets. Eli has been on the job about six months and he is beginning to worry about several employee relations issues. There are 48 non-production workers who work as managers, supervisors, office staff, production equipment maintenance employees, accounting, or sales staff. All of these are salaried positions. There are about 240 hourly employees who work on the production lines, or in inventory, housekeeping, and shipping. There is no separate HR staff, and HR duties are currently divided among the management and clerical staff.

The manufacturing facility has three distinct sections; an office area and a space for maintenance and shipping comprises about 1/10th of the building on the east end, and the production area takes up the rest on the west end. The east end of the building is separated from the production area. It is clean and has good heating and air conditioning. The production area on the west end is dirty and does not have air conditioning. Generally the heat of the production processes is the only heating provided except in unusually cold weather. There is limited ventilation and the production area gets very hot in the summer, sometimes over 100° F. There seems to always be an undercurrent of grumbling among the production employees and Eli has heard rumors of a union organizing drive.

The other concern that Eli has is the unwritten policy whereby the production supervisors pressure employees not to take time off for any reason and not to file worker’s compensation claims if they have an injury. Paid vacation is required to be taken during the annual two-week shut down for maintenance. Employees receive no other paid time off benefits. It is common for employees who take a sick day or who have worker’s compensation claims to be assigned to the least favorable jobs when they return to work.

Eli has scheduled a meeting with his supervisor, the plant manager, to discuss his observations and he wants to be well prepared.

Write a short paper that summarizes your view of what Eli should tell his boss, and be sure to address the following:

·         Explain the process by which a union can become the sole and exclusive representative for a bargaining unit.

·         If a union drive does get underway, explain how this might limit what management can and cannot do.

·         Discuss any current liabilities that the company faces from a legal perspective and from a risk management perspective.

·         Do you think that the plant is large enough to justify a position that is focused solely on human resources? Explain why or why not. Justify your claims.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Part 1/3, Research Project: Select an Organization, Due March 12^th, 2017

For this course, you will be responsible for completing a research project. The purpose of this project is to study and apply the HR concepts involved in effective performance management systems. You will design a performance management system for an organization. Your research project will be completed in three parts (organization selection, annotated bibliography, and final project). In this module, you will complete the first part of your research project by identifying and describing an appropriate organization to use as your basis for research.

For this activity, complete Part One of your project. Write a short paper that identifies and describes an organization you will use for your research project. Be sure to include and address the following:

·         The mission and strategy of the organization.

·         The products or services of the organization.

·         The organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses.

·         The external environment in which the organization operates (opportunities and threats).

·         Performance management policies and practices.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Part 2/3, Research Project: Key Features & Annotated Bibliography, March 26^th, 2017

For this activity, complete Part Two of your project. Write a short paper that provides an overview of the organization’s existing performance management system. Be sure to include and address the following:

·         An overview of the key features of the organization’s performance management system.

·         A description of how the various processes interrelate.

·         An annotated bibliography with at least five credible resources. Use the following resources to develop your annotated bibliography:

o    Annotated Bibliography: What is it? How do you create one? [PDF File Size 106.16KB]

o    Annotated Bibliographies

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Part 3/3, Research Project: Final Project, Due April 9^th, 2017

For this activity, complete Part Three of your project. Write a research paper that analyzes what you have learned about how particular HR concepts are involved in effective performance management systems. Your goal is to design a performance management system for your selected organization. Be sure to include and address the following:

·         A brief summary of Parts One and Two of your research project, which were completed in previous modules.

·         A detailed discussion of your selected organization’s current performance management system, including its strengths and weaknesses.

·         Recommendations for improving the organization’s performance management system by:

o    Enhancing employee engagement and retention.

o    Aligning the performance management system to organizational goals.

·         At least eight credible resources (not including course materials).

Things to Remember!

·         Write a research paper of 10 to 12 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Short Paper: Buy or Build Talent? Due March 19^th, 2017

 

One of the key components of a staffing plan and related talent management programs is to decide whether to build or buy talent. Building talent involves a commitment to train and develop employees to fill positions, such that the employees have the right skills at the time they are needed. Buying talent refers to the use of independent contractors, vendors, and/or contingent employees to fill the talent demand.

For this assignment you will first need to research both options – to build or buy. Then, write a short paper that addresses the following:

·         A discussion of both staffing strategies, to build talent and to buy talent.

·         Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, including challenges for management and human resources.

·         Provide an example where each strategy works well, and provide an example where each strategy is not likely to work well.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

 

Short Paper: Training and Development, Due April 2^nd, 2017

 

In this assignment, you will apply what you have learned about the use of training to make improvements in employee performance in support of organizational objectives. Select an organization that you are familiar with. Consider an area where performance does not meet expectations or where you see the potential for improvement. Write a short paper that addresses the following:

·         Identify a performance gap that you believe can be closed by a training program.

·         Describe how you would design and deliver an effective training program to address this performance gap.

·         Provide details of the training program and explain how it would close the performance gap.

·         Explain how the results will be measured.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Short Paper: Strengths and Challenges of Pay for Performance, Due April 9^th, 2017

 

In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to express your thoughts on pay for performance, based on your experiences and readings. A key concept is aligning the pay for performance plan with the organization’s goals to ensure a return on the investment in additional compensation. Write a short paper that addresses the following:

·         Using an organization you are familiar with, describe its mission and identify 2 or 3 of its mission-critical goals.

·         Identify and discuss both strengths and challenges of pay for performance plans.

·         Provide a pay for performance plan recommendation for the organization. Or, if you do not support a pay for performance plan for the organization, discuss why. Explain your rationale.

Things to Remember!

·         Write a short paper 2 to 3 pages in length (not including title and reference pages).

 

·         Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, with APA-formatted in-text citations and references for all resources.

 

Leadership

USA Today Case Study: Business Leaders, Due March 4^th, 2017 (See Attachment)

On completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         Apply theoretical material to a real business problem and identify lessons for leadership practices.

A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply concepts to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer in case analysis. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts and your ability to apply them to situations. Download and read the detailed guide to case analysis.

USA Today Case Study: Business Leaders,  http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/educate/college/casestudies/20070821biz_leaders.pdf

Read the USA Today document and answer the following questions at the end of the document.

1.      Critical inquiry questions

2.      Future implications questions

3.      Include at least 2 scholarly sources to support your responses.

You will be divided into groups based on the first letter of your last name but you will complete the assignment individually. The groups will be:

·         A-E: Choose a leader from numbers 1 through 5.

·         F-J: Choose a leader from numbers 6 through 10.

·         K-O: Choose a leader from numbers 11 through 15.

·         P-T: Choose a leader from numbers 16 through 20.

·         U-Z: Choose a leader from numbers 21 through 25

A – E	F – J	K – O	P – T	U – Z
Choose a leader from numbers 1 through 5.	Choose a leader from numbers 6 through 10.	Choose a leader from numbers 11 through 15.	Choose a leader from numbers 16 through 20.	Choose a leader from numbers 21 through 25.

 

Write all your case study analysis in one document. The case analysis should be two to three pages long. Be sure to follow the APA style for writing and editing. Cite any sources you use.

 

Case Study: A Good Team Player, Due March 5^th, 2017 (See Attachment)

 

On completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         Apply theoretical material to a real business problem and identify lessons for leadership practices.

A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply concepts to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer in case analysis. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts and your ability to apply them to situations. Download and read the detailed guide to case analysis.

A Good Team Player, Retrieved from: http://wpweb2.tepper.cmu.edu/ethics/AA/mgmt06-case.pdf

Read the case “A Good Team Player” and answer the following questions:

1.      What are the relevant facts?

2.      What are the ethical issues?

a.       On what grounds are Kristin’s demands of Steven justifiable? How should these influence Steven’s actions?

3.      Who are the primary stakeholders?

4.      What are the possible alternatives?

5.      What are the practical constraints?What is/are the power(s) being displayed by Kristin?

6.      What actions should be taken?

a.       How should Steven respond? Why? What assumptions form the basis for your decision?

Support your responses with at least three scholarly sources.

Write all your case study analysis in one document. The case analysis should be two to three pages long. Be sure to follow the APA style for writing and editing. Cite any sources you use.

Personal Case Study, Due March 12^th, 2017 (See Attachment)

On completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         Evaluate the culture of an organization based on information gathering and analysis.

·         Recommend improvements to the culture of the organization based on information analysis.

In the text, Everything you need to know about emotional intelligence & leadership, complete the practical application of emotionally intelligent behaviors found in section 2.2, pp. 17-18.

Intrapersonal behaviors – managing your own emotions

1.      Identify your negative emotions

a.       How will you lead yourself to not influence others in the workplace with a negative emotion you have?

2.      Control inappropriate impulses

a.       What are the steps you will take to ensure you have control over your own impulses?

3.      Cultivate self-awareness

a.       What steps will you take to recognize when you are allowing your negative emotions to influence your work? A “trigger” for yourself?

b.      What steps will you take to recognize when you are not controlling inappropriate impulses? A “trigger” for yourself?

4.      Remain adaptable

a.       When will it be appropriate for you to remain adaptable and when is it not? Explain.

Interpersonal behaviors – managing others’ emotions

1.

1.      Determine how you can recognize that you need to use empathy. Provide examples.

2.      When and why is it necessary to build strong relationships?

3.      When should you, as a leader, be collaborative and cooperative? Explain.

Use emotional intelligence theory in your responses.

Support your responses with at least three scholarly sources.

Morton, W. (2012). Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Intelligence & Leadership. [Newmarket, Ont.]: BrainMass Inc.

Case Study: Might Makes Right, Due March 19^th, 2017 (See Attachment)

On completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         Apply theoretical material to a real business problem and identify lessons for leadership practices.

A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply concepts to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer in case analysis. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts and your ability to apply them to situations. Download and read the detailed guide to case analysis.

Might Makes Right, retrieved from: http://wpweb2.tepper.cmu.edu/ethics/AA/mgmt10-case.pdf

Read the case “Might Makes Right” and answer the following questions:

i.            What are the relevant facts?

ii.            What are the ethical issues?

1.            Is John being treated justly? Are his rights being protected? Explain.

2.            When, if ever, is it ethical for a manager to take credit for the work of a subordinate? Explain.

iii.            Who are the primary stakeholders?

iv.            What are the possible alternatives?

v.            What are the practical constraints?

vi.            What actions should be taken?

1.            What alternative should Janice choose? Explain.

vii.            Support your responses with at least three scholarly sources.

Write all your case study analysis in one document. The case analysis should be two to three pages long. Be sure to follow the APA style for writing and editing. Cite any sources you use.

·         Questions at the end of the case are accurately answered.

·         Analysis of the case is related to theoretical material and own experience.

·         Conclusions on significant issues are logically derived from the case analysis.

 

Reinforcement Theory, Due March 26^th, 2017

On completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         Apply theoretical material to a real business problem and identify lessons for leadership practices.

Your assignment:

a.       Your company provides diversity training programs to ensure that employees realize the importance of working with a diverse workforce, are aware of the equal employment opportunity legislation, and are capable of addressing the challenges of working in a multicultural workforce. Participation in these programs is mandatory, and employees are required to take the training as many times as needed until they pass. The training program lasts one day and is usually conducted in a nice hotel outside the workplace. Employees are paid for the time they spend in the training program. You realize that employees are not really motivated to perform well in this program. During the training, they put in the minimum level of effort, and most participants fail the exam given at the conclusion of the training program and then have to retake the training.

b.      Using expectancy and reinforcement theories, explain why they may not be motivated to perform well in the training program. Then suggest improvements in the program so that employees are motivated to understand the material, pass the exam, and apply the material in the workplace.

c.       Support your responses with at least three scholarly sources.

The paper should be 5-6 pages in length and follow APA Guidelines

 

Leadership Theory and Motivation Theory Connected, Due April 2^nd, 2017

Using the readings thus far, relate a leadership theory or style to a motivational theory and respond to the following questions:

In what ways does the leadership theory or style embody the motivational theory? Explain and include examples.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership theory or style, together with the motivational theory, on goal theory. What’s the best use of theory for this particular leadership theory or style to motivate employees and achieve goals?

Is the leadership theory or style effective for conflict resolution? Explain and include examples.

Would this leadership style or theory embody emotional intelligence? Explain

Support your responses with at least four scholarly sources.

The paper should be 5-6 pages in length and follow APA Guidelines

 

Leading Strategically, Due April 9^th, 2017

Leading Strategically. Saylor OER: https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_mastering-strategic-management/

a.       Develop arguments that one of the key issues discussed in this chapter (vision, mission, goals; assessing organizational performance; CEO celebrity; entrepreneurial orientation) is the most important within organizations. Provide rationale for your argument.

b.      Based on the chapter discussed Howard Schultz and Starbucks on several occasions. Based on your reading of the chapter, how well has Schultz done in dealing with setting a vision, mission, and goals, assessing organizational performance, CEO celebrity, and entrepreneurial orientation?

c.       Write a vision and mission for an organization or firm that you are currently associated with. How could you use the balanced scorecard to assess how well that organization is fulfilling the mission you wrote?

d.      Support your responses with at least four scholarly sources.

The paper should be 5-6 pages in length and follow APA Guidelines

 

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1. Unions ultimately rely on popular vote in order to legitimize their presence in a workplace, and this is obviously largely determined by the degree of employee dissatisfaction at such a time. However, how do other variables such as organization size, location, industry/occupation, workplace dynamics, etc. affect the likelihood of successful union establishment? Explain your answer. (MINIMUM 300 WORDS)

2. In your opinion, must the relationship between union and employer during the initial phases of union emergence be adversarial? Are there ever situations in which the employer would or should welcome the presence of a union? When and why? (MINIMUM 300 WORDS)

 

NO PLAGIARISM, NO JARGON! MUST USE AT LEAST 2 SCHOLARLY REFERENCES.

 

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