Research & Summaries Question

Introduction

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SelectedMeets ExpectationsThe introduction presents the topic and purpose clearly, showing a good start to engaging the reader.

10 to >7.5 pts

Needs Some ImprovementThe introduction presents the topic but needs more clarity or detail to fully engage the reader.

7.5 to >5 pts

Needs ImprovementThe introduction is vague or unclear, needing significant development.

5 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe introduction is missing or incomplete.

0 pts

9.5/10 pts

CommentYour introduction effectively sets up the problem at Starbucks and explains why it matters for both employees and customers. The opening paragraphs draw the reader in by showing how communication breakdowns affect the entire organization. To strengthen this further, consider adding a brief statement of your proposed solution or the specific change model you will use. This would give readers a clearer roadmap of what to expect in your paper.

Conclusion

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SelectedMeets ExpectationsThe conclusion summarizes the main points effectively and provides a preliminary closing statement.

10 to >7.5 pts

Needs Some ImprovementThe conclusion summarizes the main points but lacks strength or clarity in the closing statement.

7.5 to >5 pts

Needs ImprovementThe conclusion does not effectively summarize the main points or provide a clear closing statement.

5 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe conclusion is missing or incomplete.

0 pts

9/10 pts

CommentYour conclusion brings the paper to a strong close by restating the core solution and emphasizing why it matters. The final sentence about Starbucks’ future is memorable and ties back to your opening. Consider adding one sentence that briefly acknowledges the expected outcomes or impact of implementing these changes. This would make your closing statement even more complete.

Analysis

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Meets ExpectationsThe analysis shows a good start, demonstrating an understanding of the change initiative, relevant theories, and includes initial observations based on personal experience.

20 to >15 pts

SelectedNeeds Some ImprovementThe analysis is clear but needs more depth or insight, showing a basic understanding of the change initiative and relevant theories, with some personal observations.

15 to >10 pts

Needs ImprovementThe analysis is superficial, needing more development to demonstrate a clear understanding of the change initiative or relevant theories, with few personal observations.

10 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe analysis is missing or incomplete, with little to no understanding of the change initiative, relevant theories, or personal observations.

0 pts

15/20 pts

CommentYour analysis shows solid understanding of Kotter’s model and you apply it thoughtfully to Starbucks’ situation. Your observations about the stress of peak times and communication breakdowns feel grounded in real experience. To deepen your analysis, consider explaining more fully how each step of Kotter’s model specifically addresses the communication problems you identified, or discuss potential obstacles to implementing these changes and how leaders might overcome them. Additionally, you should be using the most updated version of Kotter’s framework instead of the current one used here. His model has significantly changed in the past 30 years. Please use our textbook for a more viable reference point.

Support

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Meets ExpectationsThe paper uses relevant evidence and examples to support arguments, showing a good start in integrating data, quotes, and references to class materials.

20 to >15 pts

Needs Some ImprovementThe paper uses evidence and examples, but they need to be more relevant or better integrated into the arguments.

15 to >10 pts

SelectedNeeds ImprovementThe paper uses minimal evidence and examples, needing clearer connections to the arguments.

10 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe paper lacks evidence and examples to support its arguments.

0 pts

5/20 pts

CommentYour paper presents reasonable ideas about improving communication at Starbucks, but it needs much stronger support from course materials and external research. You cite Kotter once, although it is not his current work, but the assignment requires you to cite the course textbook, other course readings, and at least three peer-reviewed sources. Add citations throughout your paper. For example, when you discuss staff feedback, scheduling, or manager training, cite relevant research or course materials that support these recommendations. Meeting with Professor Jon Bull, the embedded librarian, could help you locate peer-reviewed articles on employee communication and organizational change.

Structure

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SelectedMeets ExpectationsThe paper is organized with a clear, logical flow, showing a good start in transitioning between sections.

5 to >4 pts

Needs Some ImprovementThe paper is organized, but some sections need clearer transitions or a more logical flow.

4 to >2 pts

Needs ImprovementThe paper is somewhat disorganized, needing better flow and transitions between sections.

2 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe paper lacks organization and logical structure, making it difficult to follow.

0 pts

4.5/5 pts

CommentYour paper flows well and readers can easily follow your argument from problem to solution. The way you move from identifying communication breakdowns to proposing Kotter’s model and then to specific actions is logical and clear. One small improvement: consider adding a brief transition sentence before the ‘References’ section to signal that you are concluding and moving to your sources. This would make the ending feel even more polished.

APA Format

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Meets ExpectationsThe paper follows APA guidelines accurately for a first draft, including in-text citations, references, title page, and formatting.

5 to >4 pts

SelectedNeeds Some ImprovementThe paper mostly follows APA guidelines, but there are minor errors in citations, references, or formatting.

4 to >2 pts

Needs ImprovementThe paper has several errors in APA formatting, citations, or references.

2 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe paper does not follow APA guidelines or lacks proper citations and references.

0 pts

2.5/5 pts

CommentYour paper makes a good start with APA formatting. Your Kotter citation is correct (although outdated). However, your reference list needs work. The Starbucks reference is too vague and does not follow APA format; if you are citing company reports, include a specific URL or DOI. More importantly, you need to add at least three peer-reviewed journal articles to your references and cite them in your paper. Check the Purdue Online Writing Lab, visit the Writing Center, or ask Professor Bull for help formatting corporate and journal sources correctly in APA style.

Writing Quality

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Meets ExpectationsThe writing is clear and concise for a first draft, with few grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. The style is appropriate for an academic paper.

5 to >4 pts

SelectedNeeds Some ImprovementThe writing is generally clear but contains a few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. The style is mostly appropriate for an academic paper.

4 to >2 pts

Needs ImprovementThe writing is unclear or contains several grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. The style may not be appropriate for an academic paper.

2 to >0 pts

Missing/IncompleteThe writing is difficult to understand due to numerous grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. The style is not appropriate for an academic paper.

0 pts

3.5/5 pts

CommentYour writing is clear and your ideas come through well. The conversational tone works for engaging readers on this topic. Watch for a few grammatical issues: for example, “staff frustration isn’t just a personnel headache it threatens both customer loyalty” needs a semicolon or period between the two independent clauses, also please remove contractions per APA guidelines. Also, review sentences like “Bad moods behind the counter spill over, and customers notice,” While effective, make sure each statement is a complete sentence. Overall, your style is appropriate for an academic paper; these small corrections will polish it further