Category: Business and management

SCENARIO: Imagine that your workplace has experienced significant change recently, and your department is expected to respond to change with innovation. Your immediate manager has asked you to determine one specific innovation for your department; you will be responsible for the implementation of this innovation.

Your manager has asked you to first create an informative report in which you explore how this innovation might be implemented. Once they approve or provide feedback on this, they would like you to create a recommendation report for the department manager.

ASSIGNMENT: You must create an informative report in which you identify the innovation that you would like to implement, and then compare and contrast two possible methods of implementation for the innovation. For example, if the innovation is implementing a new inventory database, your essay might compare and contrast two inventory management software products. This report should not include a recommendation, but instead should be strictly informative, offering a detailed comparison.

The purpose of informative writing is to convey information. Informative writing is unbiased, and the goal is to present concepts and research objectively. Specifically, you will research several methods for implementing your chosen innovation, ultimately focusing on two of them. In your report, you will compare and contrast two of these methods based on two or three factors that you choose (e.g., cost, technology requirements, accessibility, etc.). Your audience for this assignment is your supervisor.

Remember that for this report, you are not trying to persuade or convince the audience that one method is better or worse than the other; you are instead informing the reader about the similarities or differences between the two methods in an objective manner.

Helpful Links:

A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Draft double-spaced, 3-4-page (750-1000 words) informative comparison/contract report in which you:

1. Include an introduction that informs readers of the problem to be solved and the innovation that you have proposed.
2. The introduction should end with a thesis statement that conveys the two methods of implementation you will be comparing and contrasting, as well as the 2-3 factors of comparison/contrast that you will be discussing.
3. For example, if the innovation youd like to implement is more rapid communication between teams, you could discuss two different instant messaging tools that the company could implement and compare/contrast them through the lenses of cost, usability, and efficiency.
4. Include 4-6 body paragraphs organized according to either the point-by-point or block method for comparison/contrast writing, which you learned about in this unit.
5. Using APA format, cite and reference 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources that you used to learn about these methods of implementation and the points of comparison/contrast you chose. Referencing more than four sources will result in a delay in grading.
6. Include at least two specific, verifiable quotations (cited with accurate page/paragraph numbers).
7. End with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis in different words and provides a closing thought.
8. Write in the informative mode throughout the composition, using objective language.
9. Minimize mechanical and stylistic errors.
10. Answer the reflection questions listed below.

NOTE: If your sources or direct quotations are not verifiable for authenticity (working link, author/title/publication information match, locatable quotation) by a grader, your Touchstone score will be negatively impacted (see the “Research” component in the rubric).B. Reflection Questions

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

1. Did you use the point-by-point or block method to organize your body paragraphs? What made you decide to organize your essay in this way? (3-4 sentences)
2. Consider the experience of writing in the informative mode. How was this different from other writing assignments you have done? Did you find it difficult to refrain from providing your opinion on the different methods you explored? (2-3 sentences)
3. How did you use technology throughout this process, both in writing your report and finding sources? (2-3 sentences)
4. Remember that the writing process is a recursive process, and your first draft of an essay is rarely your last. Which part of the draft did you struggle with the most, and why? Since you will be revising this Touchstone in the next unit, think about how you can improve the draft once you continue the writing process with revision and editing. (3-4 sentences)

This assignment requires you to research a video game company of your choice and write a report (1-2 pages). Include information about the company’s history, at least one major contribution it has made to the industry, and your analysis of the company’s contributions to the video game industry. Cite your sources using APA or MLA. I’ve attached below the following rubric to score and follow.

SCENARIO: Imagine that your workplace has experienced significant change recently, and your department is expected to respond to change with innovation. Your immediate manager has asked you to determine one specific innovation for your department; you will be responsible for the implementation of this innovation.

Your manager has asked you to first create an informative report in which you explore how this innovation might be implemented. Once they approve or provide feedback on this, they would like you to create a recommendation report for the department manager.

ASSIGNMENT: You must create an informative report in which you identify the innovation that you would like to implement, and then compare and contrast two possible methods of implementation for the innovation. For example, if the innovation is implementing a new inventory database, your essay might compare and contrast two inventory management software products. This report should not include a recommendation, but instead should be strictly informative, offering a detailed comparison.

The purpose of informative writing is to convey information. Informative writing is unbiased, and the goal is to present concepts and research objectively. Specifically, you will research several methods for implementing your chosen innovation, ultimately focusing on two of them. In your report, you will compare and contrast two of these methods based on two or three factors that you choose (e.g., cost, technology requirements, accessibility, etc.). Your audience for this assignment is your supervisor.

Remember that for this report, you are not trying to persuade or convince the audience that one method is better or worse than the other; you are instead informing the reader about the similarities or differences between the two methods in an objective manner.

Helpful Links:

A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Draft double-spaced, 3-4-page (750-1000 words) informative comparison/contract report in which you:

1. Include an introduction that informs readers of the problem to be solved and the innovation that you have proposed.
2. The introduction should end with a thesis statement that conveys the two methods of implementation you will be comparing and contrasting, as well as the 2-3 factors of comparison/contrast that you will be discussing.
3. For example, if the innovation youd like to implement is more rapid communication between teams, you could discuss two different instant messaging tools that the company could implement and compare/contrast them through the lenses of cost, usability, and efficiency.
4. Include 4-6 body paragraphs organized according to either the point-by-point or block method for comparison/contrast writing, which you learned about in this unit.
5. Using APA format, cite and reference 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources that you used to learn about these methods of implementation and the points of comparison/contrast you chose. Referencing more than four sources will result in a delay in grading.
6. Include at least two specific, verifiable quotations (cited with accurate page/paragraph numbers).
7. End with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis in different words and provides a closing thought.
8. Write in the informative mode throughout the composition, using objective language.
9. Minimize mechanical and stylistic errors.
10. Answer the reflection questions listed below.

NOTE: If your sources or direct quotations are not verifiable for authenticity (working link, author/title/publication information match, locatable quotation) by a grader, your Touchstone score will be negatively impacted (see the “Research” component in the rubric).B. Reflection Questions

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

1. Did you use the point-by-point or block method to organize your body paragraphs? What made you decide to organize your essay in this way? (3-4 sentences)
2. Consider the experience of writing in the informative mode. How was this different from other writing assignments you have done? Did you find it difficult to refrain from providing your opinion on the different methods you explored? (2-3 sentences)
3. How did you use technology throughout this process, both in writing your report and finding sources? (2-3 sentences)
4. Remember that the writing process is a recursive process, and your first draft of an essay is rarely your last. Which part of the draft did you struggle with the most, and why? Since you will be revising this Touchstone in the next unit, think about how you can improve the draft once you continue the writing process with revision and editing. (3-4 sentences)

ASSIGNMENT: Write a 3-5 page double-spaced (750-1250 word) essay, using the techniques and elements of informative writing that you have just learned, in which you select a word from this list and define or redefine it:

• Communication
• Technology
• Innovation
• Productivity

Helpful Links:

A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Compose a 3-5 page essay that defines or redefines the word “communication,” “technology,” “innovation,” or “productivity.”

Your essay should include the following components:

1. In your introduction, explain how society, or the dictionary, defines the word you’ve selected.
2. While you can draw from the skills definitions provided in this course, make sure to address other standard definitions, such as those mentioned above, of the word.
3. Also in your introduction, include a thesis statement that explains your unique or extended definition of the word.
4. Your thesis statement must inform your readers of your new definition.
5. In your body paragraphs, provide examples and explanations to support your definition of the word.
6. Outside sources are not required for this assignment, but if you choose to use them, please follow APA format. Refer to the Unit 2 tutorials “Source and Quotation Formatting in APA” and “In-Text Citations and Reference Formatting in APA” for instructions and examples of proper citations.
7. End with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis in different words and provides a concluding thought.
8. Write in the informative mode throughout the composition, using objective language.
9. Minimize mechanical and stylistic errors.

Read the article by Dan Richards titled Digital Ethics found in the tutorial for ideas about how to write an extended definition essay.

B. Reflection Questions

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

1. What is the significance of your essay? Why is it important to reflect on this particular skill as you move through your evolving academic/professional career? (3-4 sentences)
2. Which informative writing tutorials were the most helpful in developing your essay? (3-4 sentences)
3. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses in the future? (3-4 sentences)

Case-Based Short Essay

Redwood Valley Medical Center (RVMC) has responded to financial pressure by reducing staffing and delaying employee development, resulting in increased burnout, turnover, and patient safety concerns.

In your analysis, address all three components below:

1. Management Thinking (Chapter 4)

• Identify whether RVMC leadership is primarily demonstrating finite or infinite management thinking.
• Explain how this mindset is influencing decision-making under uncertainty and complexity.

1. Motivation Analysis (Chapter 3)

• Apply one motivation theory from Chapter 3 (e.g., Herzberg, Maslow, Expectancy, or Equity Theory) to explain staff burnout, turnover, or disengagement at RVMC.

1. Integrated Recommendation

• Propose one realistic management action that addresses both:
• Improved management thinking (Chapter 4), and
• Workforce motivation (Chapter 3).
• Briefly justify how this action supports long-term organizational sustainability.

Word Limit: 300400 words

In this discussion, you will first introduce yourself to your peers. Tell us a little about yourself. You are also asked to share your thoughts on the importance of brands to you as a consumer. What comes to your mind when you hear the word brand? In this discussion you will share your thoughts about a favorite brand of yours and why you chose the brand. Also, you will discuss how the emotional connection with a brand develops.

In your initial post, answer the following:

• Introduce yourself to your peers. Where are you from? What is your educational and/or professional background? What are your hobbies or interests?
• Share your initial thoughts on what brand means to you. How do brands impact your spending decisions?
• Choose one of your favorite brands from an industry such as e-commerce, automobiles, shopping, restaurants, technology, etc., to answer these questions.
• When making a purchasing decision, is the brand important to you? What about the brand resonates with you?
• Determine whether your favorite brand has a stated “brand promise.” If so, what is it? If not, identify one from another company of your choice. Remember the brand promise is usually different than a tagline or slogan.
• Do you have an emotional connection with the brand? If so, can you describe it briefly? Consider factors such as trust, respect, and other strong feelings.
• When considering a purchase, do you look first for your favorite brand? This may be considered top-of-mind awareness or the first brand to come to mind. Provide an example of a brand that is on top of your mind.

In response to at least two of your peers, address the following:

• Compare your views on how important a brand is to you when making purchasing decisions with the views of your peers. In what ways do your views differ from those of your peers? How might they be aligned?
• Share your thoughts on the importance of an emotional connection with the brand.
• Share your thoughts on how companies should handle customer concerns related to the brand.

Rubric:

Comprehension: Develops an initial post with an organized, clear point of view or idea using rich and significant detail (100%)

Engagement; Provides relevant and meaningful response posts with clarifying explanation and detail (100%)

Critical Thinking; Draws insightful conclusions that are thoroughly defended with evidence and examples (100%

Clear Communication: Exceeds expectations with an intentional use of language that promotes a thorough understanding (100%)

Citations and AttributionsUses: citations for ideas requiring attribution, with few or no minor errors (100%)

Touchstone 1.1: Find Credible Research

Overview

What You Will Learn: In this Touchstone, you will use the critical thinking skills that you learned in this unit by finding a credible source. You will practice those skills by determining why the source you chose should be considered credible evidence and then reflecting on your process. The goal of this Touchstone is to help you get comfortable with locating and evaluating research.

Why It Matters: Learning how to find credible sources and evaluate information is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Whether you’re making a case at work, deciding how to vote, or researching a big personal decision, being able to spot reliable information and understand different perspectives gives you the power to think clearly and make informed choices.

What You Will Hand In: A 12-page paper that describes your research process, reflects on your experience as a researcher, and includes a reference page with an APA-formatted citation for the credible source you found.

Keys to Success:

• Use research strategies that demonstrate critical thinking.
• Choose a source that is credible, trustworthy, and reliable.
• Answer the reflection questions.
• Develop and submit your own original work. While AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming or organizing ideas, this assignment is meant to strengthen your own skills in research, reading, and critical thinking. Using AI to write your reflection or find and summarize sources takes away your opportunity to grow in these areas and can also lead to plagiarism flags. To stay within academic guidelines and get the most from this assignment, be sure all of your writing and analysis is your own.

Helpful Links:

Instructions

Step 1: Select and Evaluate One Credible Source

Review the tutorial for more help on how to find a topic. Locate one credible source that provides reliable, relevant information about your topic. Choose either:

• A scholarly source such as a peer-reviewed journal article, a book published by a university press, or research from a reputable organization.
• A credible popular source such as a feature article from a major newspaper, a report from a respected magazine, or a publication by a professional organization.

Consider what kind of source fits best for the early stage of your research. You’ll need to use the same topic for Touchstones 1.1 and 1.2, but you can change your topic for your final paper.

Step 2: Write a Reflection (150250 words)

Your reflection should include 3-4 paragraphs:

• Topic Selection: How or why did you select this topic to research?
• Research Process & Decision Making: What search terms did you use? What platform did you use to find the article or source? Why did you select the article you did? What is the journal or other source where the article was published? How did you determine that this source is credible?
• Critical Thinking: What made this source stand out as credible or useful? How did reading this source challenge or reinforce what you already believed? What is one thing from the source you didnt fully understand at first, and how did you clarify it?
• Personal Learning & Application: What goals do you want to achieve in your writing and research? What did you learn from this experience about your own research habits? How has this process changed the way you think about finding credible information? What is one skill you used or developed in this assignment that you can apply in other courses or at work?

Step 3: Create an APA Citation for Your Reference

• Create an APA-formatted reference for the article you read.

Step 4: Submit Your Source, Reflection, and Citation

• Review the rubric to confirm that you have met all the requirements of the touchstone. Once you are happy with it, you can submit it as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) file. Your submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your assignment.

Kellers big-picture thinking relative to work in Gods world (Chapters 14) can be interpreted as follows: Design God designed humans to work; Dignity work gives humans dignity; Cultivation God continues to create through the work of humans; Service humans love God and neighbor through work. What is your response to Kellers big-picture thinking? How does this resonate with Hardys introductory thoughts? What are 3 related implications for the role of human resources (HR) as a strategic function in any business (Valentine Chapters 12) Thread: Instructions The student will complete 4 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of 400-700 words. Additionally, each thread must be in current APA Format and double-spaced. Thread: Specific Reference Requirements For Discussion Thread: Introducing HR and Christian Worldview and Discussion Thread: Shaping the Future of HR, include a references section, and be sure to have in-text citations for the following sources: At least 2 citations from Valentine: Human Resource Management. At least 1 citation from Hardy: The Fabric of this World: Inquiries into Calling, Career Choice, and the Design of Human Work. At least 1 citation from Keller: Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to Gods Work. At least 2 citations from related scholarly journals (e.g. Human Resource Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Strategic Human Resource Management, Journal of Biblical Integration in Business, Christian Scholars Review).

SCENARIO: You are a consulting firm recruiter for the industry related to the career position you would like to have. O*NET can assist human resource professionals and leaders with job analysis and the recruiting process. Visit O*NET at to gather information about the career position you would like to have. Conduct a job analysis for the position that you selected and researched. Your job analysis should include duties, responsibilities, education and prior experience, work environment, and growth opportunity. Explain how the information in the job analysis will be a useful tool for the employer as the employer prepares for the recruitment and interview process. Describe how you will address employment applications and resumes. Explain how you will schedule interviews and plan for an appropriate interview environment. Create three guidelines for interviewers as they prepare the interview questions. Rubrics: Conducts a job analysis, including the duties, responsibilities, education and prior experience, work environment, and growth opportunity and meets all of the following criteria: Explains how the information in the job analysis will be a useful tool for the employer. Describes how to address employment applications and resumes. Explains how to schedule interviews. Explains how to plan for an appropriate interview environment. Writes three guidelines for interviewers to prepare interview questions.

answers for each upcoming assignment (discussions exempted) must have at least one of the following options: circled, highlighted, or underlined. Your submissions must be visually well-defined due to the complexity of all data entry. No exceptions.

Furthermore, the IBM SPSS learning software automatically comes with Preloaded and Preformatted numerical content data-entry already installed. If you do not clearly distinguish your own answers as required by the instructor’s grading methods, you will lose grade points.

This requirement is necessary as most or all the tables already have some form of pre-loaded format within the assignment, including pre-loaded Graphs, Questions, and/or instructions