Author: chris

Capacity management in businesses is a function of their operations and environment. In today’s business world, evaluating and managing capacities is becoming significantly more difficult. Therefore, managers need to do a balancing act to reduce costs and effectively utilize available capacities.

Write your initial response in 200 to 300 words. Give examples in support of your responses, be sure to include numerical examples where required. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Then respond to the following:

• Which type of operation has a more difficult time managing capacities: an environment supporting standardized products or one supporting customized products? Why? State your reason(s) and provide examples.

 

Assignment 2: Evaluation of Business Operations

Scenario

You are the human resources (HR) manager for a public organization and you are conducting a New Hire Orientation session for all new employees. Last week, you analyzed the organization, including its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its mission, vision, goals, and objectives. This week, you have been asked to give a presentation on the business operations of the organization.

Instructions

Refer to the report you prepared on the organization for M1: Assignment 3.

Develop a PowerPoint presentation that accomplishes the following:

1. Create a diagram of the organizational structure showing the hierarchy and chain of command.
2. Develop a flowchart that analyzes the steps of the organization’s business processes.
3. Conduct a capacity analysis of the location(s) and logistics. Your capacity analysis should address both short- and long-term implications regarding all aspects of the business process, including storage, production, processes, costs, and accessibility.

Develop a PowerPoint presentation. In addition to the slides, include a detailed outline in the speaker notes section explaining the content on each slide. Be sure to support your responses using at least two scholarly sources from the Argosy University online library resources or the Internet. Cite the sources for your information.

Make sure your presentation adheres to the following Presentation Guidelines:

• Create a presentation that is professional and visually appealing.
• Include a combination of text and graphics.
• Do not write out your entire presentation on the slides. Use bullet points of keywords and short phrases instead of long sentences and paragraphs.
• Create your presentation (slides and speaker notes) using language that can be easily understood by the intended audience.
• Use APA formatting for your slides and Speaker Notes (outline).

Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Your response should demonstrate ethical scholarship in appropriate and accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Develop a 8 slide presentation (including the title slide and reference slide) in PowerPoint format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.ppt.

Grading Criteria

Assignment Components	Proficient	Max Points
Create a diagram of the organizational structure showing the hierarchy and chain of command.	Diagram presents a clear, accurate, and logical illustration of the organization’s hierarchy and chain of command.	28
Develop a flowchart that analyzes the steps of the organization’s business processes.	Flowchart presents a clear, detailed, accurate, and logical analysis of the steps of the organization’s business processes.	32
Conduct a capacity analysis of the location(s) and logistics.	Capacity analysis includes a thorough assessment of both short- and long-term implications of issues regarding location and logistics.	20
Academic Writing
Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in appropriate and accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use of scholarly sources aligns with specified assignment requirements.

A government official is seen taking a bribe on videotape. A director of a nonprofit steals, for his/her own personal use, donations given by the public. These are just two examples of leaders making unethical choices. While these cases appear clear cut, ethical choices facing leaders are rarely that simple. To be an ethical leader, you must understand your personal values and the guidelines used to make ethical choices prior to being faced with a dilemma.

 

Think of a government organization (e.g., Department of Agriculture, Social Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, etc.) or nonprofit organization (e.g., American Red Cross, United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, etc.) in which you currently work or are interested in working.

 

Identify an ethical dilemma that you might encounter as a leader in the area.

 

Think about how you would address the ethical dilemma, using ethical guidelines.

 

Submit 150 – 500 word response: Due by Wednesday 11/18/15 a brief description of the government or nonprofit area you identified. Then explain one specific ethical dilemma you might encounter as a leader in the area. Finally, explain how you would address the ethical dilemma. Be sure to reference specific ethical guidelines from the ASPA Code of Ethics.

 

American Society of Public Administration. (2006). ASPA’s Code of Ethics. Retrieved from

http://www.aspanet.org/public/ASPA/Resources/Code_of_Ethics/ASPA/Resources/Code%20of%20Ethics1.aspx?hkey=acd40318-a945-4ffc-ba7b-18e037b1a858

 

Support your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources. You are allowed to draw from additional sources to support your explanation, but you must cite using APA standards. All quoted material must be identified, cited, and referenced per APA standards.

 

Assignment 2: LASA 1: Organisms in Your Biome

In this assignment, you will create a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that exhibits the different organisms in your current biome.

Include the following in your presentation:

• Describe Your Own Environment

  Consider the natural environment or biome found in the geographic area where you currently live. For example, if you live in the Midwest, the natural biome for this area is the grassland. If you live in Alaska you are likely to live in either the tundra or the boreal forest. Describe the main features of the biome found in your geographic area. Include features such as the environment (moisture, temperature) and any topographic features that would influence the climate (mountains, large bodies of water, etc.).

• Identify Ten Organisms

  Make a list identifying at least ten organisms—at least five plants and five animals—that live in your biome, and describe how these organisms interact with one another. For example, is the relationship competitive or symbiotic?

• Describe Each Organism and its Environmental Needs

  In the speaker notes section in your presentation, briefly describe these ten organisms and the type of conditions—that is, moisture, warm temperatures, or a type of plant—they need in order to survive. Be sure to include the interactions between these organisms and the resources they need to survive. You may wish to use various tools available in Microsoft PowerPoint to visually depict these relationships.

• Hypothesis of a New Environment

  Consider a situation where the temperature of the climate was to increase by an average of ten degrees Celsius. Address the following:

  • How would these organisms survive if the temperature warmed up this much?
  • Would they stay or move to a more suitable environment?
  • Would a new species move in?
  • How would migratory species be impacted?
  • What would happen to your biome?

  Now, consider if your biome changes with the temperature shift. Address the following:

  • What types of plants and animals do you think would live there?
  • What will happen to the rarer species? Will they cease to exist?
  • Identify five plants and five animals that you feel would inhabit this warmer area.
  • Describe this new ecosystem and the new interactions that will most likely exist.
• Additional Topics to Include
  • How would environmental management practices change in your area?
  • Would this drastic shift in temperature impact culture and society in your area?
  • Would you still choose to live in this area after a drastic shift in temperature? Give reasons to support your answer.

Use pictures from the Internet to represent your chosen species, and give credit to these Web sites. Support your statements with 3–5 credible sources. Use the last slide of your presentation as a reference slide.

Develop a 10–15-slide presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M3_A2.ppt.

By Wednesday, November 11, 2015, deliver your assignment to the M3: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Describe the environment where you live in terms of its biome.	12
Identify five plants and five animals within your biome, and describe how they interact with one another.	40
Consider the ten organisms you picked and describe what each one needs to survive (including interactions between the organisms).	28
Identify five plants and five animals that you feel would inhabit your area if the climate were to increase by an average of ten degrees Celsius, and describe the hypothetical new ecosystem along with the new interactions that would likely exist.	40
Summarize how environmental management practices would change in your city with this drastic shift in temperature and how these new conditions would impact the culture and society. Explain if you would still choose to live in this area and justify your answer.	36
Presentation Components: Organization (12) Style (4) Usage and Mechanics (12) APA Elements (16)

During the following weeks you will begin writing the sections of a marketing plan, which will be combined at the end of the course into your final paper.  This week you will write the section on Situation Analysis.
To begin this process, please choose one of the following case studies to use throughout the course as you complete your Marketing Plan. They can be found in the Appendix of your textbook.

You may choose one of the following case studies:
Case 19: Trouble Brews at Starbucks
Once you have selected your case study you will need to start writing the second section of your Marketing Plan.  The second section of your Marketing Plan is the Situation Analysis.

Note:  While the case studies provided for the Marketing Plan requirement of the course provide a wealth of information –  it will be necessary to find additional information from other sources when completing the individual components of the Marketing Plan.
Write an analysis paper on your chosen case study (see above).  Within your paper be sure to address the following:
The requirements below must be met for your paper to be accepted and graded:

Write between 500 – 750 words (approximately 2 – 3 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA style, see example below.
Use font size 12 and 1” margins.
Include cover page and reference page.
At least 80% of your paper must be original content/writing.
No more than 20% of your content/information may come from references.
Use at least three references from outside the course material, one reference must be from EBSCOhost. Text book, lectures, and other materials in the course may be used, but are not counted toward the three reference requirement.
Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, values, etc.) in the paper and list on a reference page in APA style.
References must come from sources such as, scholarly journals found in EBSCOhost, CNN, online newspapers such as, The Wall Street Journal, government websites, etc. Sources such as, Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc. are not acceptable for academic writing.

Objective: To recommend a new product strategy for a clearly identified target market that addresses the organizations root problem.

 

Expectations:

 

Begin by reading the “Mattel Confronts Its Marketing Challenges” Case in the text.

 

Prepare a case analysis and proposal with a comprehensive new product strategy for a clearly identified target market.

 

Your proposal must include:

 

1. Situation analysis
2. Assumptions and missing information
3. Identify root problem & problem definition
4. Identify target market and segmentation strategies
5. Development of alternatives for New Product
6. Evaluation of alternatives and recommendation of new product development and or course of action to management

 

 

New Product Strategy – comprehensive description of tangible and intangible attributes of the product, “type” of product, form of strategy option used for this new product development, differentiation and positioning strategy.  Be sure to include your rationale supported by data.

 

Be sure your case analysis and proposal is comprehensive and includes the appropriate marketing concepts that will convince the Mattel Management of your expertise and validity of ideas.

 

Format:

 

APA format

3 references

4 pages (not including reference and title pages)

 

Case study is at page 371.

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

School Leaders – Engage!

 

Action research has long been the research method used in education and in many organizations for the purpose improving the art of teaching and leading. However, there are those that strongly criticize this research method. Proponents of traditional research methods argue that the data that is collected in action research is not reliable and does not yield valid results in part, because of possible research bias (Mckay & Marshall, 2001).

Initial Post: Read the articles from Fitchman-Dana (n.d) and Eikeland (2003) and explain in your post how action research will benefit your setting/organization by granting teachers and other leaders the ability to identify and solve their own problems. Consider, too, the arguments opposing the use of action research as a validated research methodology. The second article is a controversial narrative where the author responds to a previous writing which has highlighted the reasons that action research is not a viable research method. Post your summary of the importance of action research as depicted in these articles and what points resonate during the implementation of your research.

 

• Eikeland, O. (2003). Unmet challenges and unfulfilled promises in action research. Concepts & Transformation, 8(3), 265-273. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.
• Fitchman-Dana, N. (n.d.). Top 5 reasons for school leaders to engage in action research. Retrieved from http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=12826

 

Guided Response: Respond to at least two peers. In your responses, consider asking questions of your peers about their responses to encourage further conversation. Responses will be most effective if they ask a question about your peer’s experiences and the benefits of your action research project. Your responses may offer additional resource for consideration that supports an alternative viewpoint and critical thinking skills. Again, though two responses is the basic expectation, for deeper engagement and learning, you are encouraged to provide responses to any comments or questions others have given to you including the instructor to further the conversation while also giving you opportunities to demonstrate your content expertise, critical thinking, and real world experiences with this topic.

 

Week 5 – Discussion 2

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Data Analysis and Early Feedback

 

School leaders have found many benefits from the implementation of action research methodology to initiate the change process (Buczynski & Hansen, 2014; Mills, 2014). It has been stated that action research “has been and continues to be a process of practical and grounded inquiry that reflects in its origins the empowerment of teacher to identify and solve their own problems” (Stringer, 2007, p. 32). Further, Buczynski and Hansen (2014 p. 365) explain that action research provides a clear path to understanding change because it is a “powerful tool” that guides our decisions and practices. As you have now finished implementing your intervention/innovation directly, this discussion provides the opportunity to prepare your data analysis as is expected for the final project, and to share it in the discussion forum for the purpose of providing and receiving feedback from your peers. This collaboration and preparation will further inform your analysis and revisions in preparation for the final project in Week Six.

Initial Post: Post your data analysis as an attachment following the format outlined below:

 

• Data Collection Strategies: In one-to-two pages, describe the data obtained through the observations. Charts, diagrams, or other visual depictions of your data may be included.
• Outcome Analysis: In one-to-two pages, present your conclusions of your data analysis. Explain the specific strategies that were successful, which strategies did not work as well as was anticipated? Additionally, explain how the strategies support the research questions.

 

Guided Response: You are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible on or even before Day 3, as the information you provide and receive from others will help refine the analysis in Week Six. In responses to two of your peers, comment on the data analysis presented in the initial post. Ask questions for clarification from your peers to encourage continued conversation and provide feedback about their data analysis, themes, trends that will assist them in developing their final analysis and action plan. Again, though two replies is the basic expectation, for deeper engagement and learning, you are encouraged to provide responses to any comments or questions others have given to you including the instructor to further the conversation while giving you opportunities to demonstrate your content expertise, critical thinking, and real world experiences with this topic.

 

References

 

Taylor, C., Wilkie, M., & Baser, J. (2006). Doing action research: A guide for school support staff. London: Paul Chapman.

7-10 sentences- persuasive and focused {analysis, argument or interpretation about the text}

 

Four parts:

a) Argumentative topic statemen

b) Evidence in the form of quote or paraphrase

c) Interpretation of your evidence in relation to argument

d) Strong concluding statement

 

* MLA Format

 

Stories:  *Story of an Hour

*The Yellow Wallpaper

Search available literature and media (magazines, journals, web, textbooks etc.) for an interesting (to you) article on a contemporary hydraulic issue in sanitary or storm sewers. Write a 1-2 page memo (in your words) describing this contemporary issue and attach 1-2 pages of reference material about the issue. Explain why this issue is “new” or contemporary andwhataspectoffluidmechanicsorappliedhydraulicsiscentraltothisissue. Keepyour search within the area of open-channel or partially full flow hydraulics.

You are required to answer all five (5) of the questions. Although there is no set word limit for these essay questions,you will be graded on your knowledge of the material and the detail with which you write your answers. You should take care to cite your sources in APA format and provide full references in a Works Cited list.

 

1.  Modern astronomy basically begins with the re-emergence of the

heliocentric view of the universe by Copernicus.   Who were the four other

major contributors to the development of modern astronomy after Copernicus?

Explain what those contributions were.  Finally, why did it take so long for

the geocentric view of the universe to be overthrown and what does that tell

us about scientific research and our society, even today?

 

2.  Explain the relationship of geography to other scientific disciplines.

What is a good definition for geography or the geosciences in general?  What

are the strengths and weaknesses of geography as a discipline and how do you

think that has influenced its development, or lack thereof?

 

3.  Weather and climate are separate, but related, terms.  Provide a

definition of each and then give an example of a concept related to both

weather and climate.  Additionally, since they are important issues when

dealing with the subject of climate today, what is the greenhouse effect and

global warming?  Are they the same thing?  If not, how are they different?

What influence would global warming have on “nature” and our lives?

 

4.  Explain the pressure gradient force, the Coriolis Effect and the

frictional force and their effects on the direction and speed of air at the

surface and aloft in the atmosphere.  Describe the wind and pressure systems

(surface and aloft) that exist in the zone from the Equator to the North

Pole in the Northern Hemisphere.  There is a close relationship between

atmospheric pressure patterns, wind zones and precipitation patterns.  The

global map of total annual rainfall shows great differences in precipitation

received from place to place.  Using at least 3 reasons, explain why this is

so

 

.

5.  Compare/contrast the Mediterranean (Csa) climate found along the coast of

southern California and the humid subtropical (Cfa) climate found in South

Carolina.  Considering that comparison, also explain why the western United

States has dramatically different climates from the eastern United States.

An important consideration when considering climate and climatic change

today is the role of El Nino.  Explain the ocean/atmosphere changes that

take during an El Nino/ENSO cycle and the effects these changes have on our

lives and societies.

The new service or product for example: Healthcare system or transportation system like underground metro or any new product thats ready to go to market.

 

INTRODUCTION

This assignment entails development of a comprehensive strategic marketing plan for a new product or service that is ready to “go to market”. A Project Template is provided that allows you to organize your work in increments and see how the sections come together to produce a comprehensive plan.

PRODUCT/SERVICE

This assignment requires application of concepts learned to build a strategic marketing plan for a new product or service that is ready to “go to market”. You will not be allowed to mimic plans or ideas from larger or already “in-place” campaigns. You must develop the business concept in its entirety.

• Describe the new product or service.
• Discuss the qualities that make this product/service new to the marketplace and the rationale for your decision to pursue the concept. Be sure to pick a product or service that is ready to market. If you are developing a new product, assume that the development phase is over and you are ready to launch the product into the marketplace.

OBJECTIVES/MISSION STATEMENT

Create a Mission Statement. State your short-term MARKETING objectives (one year). Assume that the product/service is ready to launch at the beginning of the year (planning and testing have been completed).

• Marketing objectives include goals for sales, profits, market share (as examples)
• Objectives need to be quantifiable. Use the SMART acronym—simple, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific—in formulating your objectives. An objective with a 100% goal is not acceptable

TARGET MARKET

Identify your target market. Provide a specific demographic profile and rationale for this decision. Another source that may help you: The US Census Bureau’s American Fact Finder. Consider the size of the market and its purchasing power. Research is required to back-up your selection and to provide statistics to show that it is a viable market.

COMPETITION

Analyze your competition. Who are they? Who are the biggest players? How large is the market? What are the trends/forecasts in the industry? How does your product/service fit in? Hoover’s Pro in the Library is a good tool for this section; it may be accessed under Find Web Resources.

PRODUCT/SERVICE FEATURES

Provide a brief overview of the product or service.

• State the features of your product/service. Show how it’s innovative and different. It may be unique because of the area in which you plan to market it.
• Discuss legal and ethical implications that could affect the marketing process. This will require research.

CORE STRATEGY

Discuss your Core Strategy and make sure to connect it to your Mission & Objectives. Include a discussion on Product/Service Positioning.

MARKETING MIX: COMMUNICATIONS & PROMOTION

The Marketing Mix is the set of decisions about communications and promotion, price, channels of distribution, and customer relationship management. An integrated marketing communications (IMC) approach delivers a clear and consistent message to your consumers and is connected to your Core Strategy.

1. Discuss the aspects of the IMC. (The elements of the communication mix include: advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, publicity/public relations and personal selling.) Define each and discuss the pros and cons of the individual elements.
2. Provide a detailed description of your IMC approach. Explain your rationale for choosing or rejecting the specific elements (include applications to the earlier research section). What changes do you expect to make as the product/service matures?
3. Describe the message you wish to communicate based on your core strategy. Explain your rationale for the message. Formulate how you will communicate with your target market? Be specific. How will the internet be used in your IMC approach?
4. Select and explain the most suitable method for measuring advertising effectiveness. Your decision must include research to back up the selected method. Be sure to explain why this is the most effective method to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaign.

MARKETING MIX: PRICE

Discuss what pricing objectives you would consider for your product/service. The Objectives should be based on the various theories presented in marketing literature and take in to account competitor pricing. Including background on value proposition, positioning, and target market is necessary. All of these components provide rationale for the chosen pricing scheme.

MARKETING MIX: CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION

Channels of Distribution: Specify the type of distribution channel you will use and include rationale.

MARKETING MIX; CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Customer Relationship Management -Detail how you will incorporate CRM into your plan. Be sure to include a discussion on the role of technology that will be used to support your CRM.

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES