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|[pic] |Syllabus |
| |School of Business |
| |MGT/521 Version 5 |
| |Management | |
| | |

Course Description

This course applies the tools available to University of Phoenix graduate students and the competencies of successful managers to understand the functions of business. Students develop an increased awareness of their own perceptions and values in order to manage and communicate with others more effectively. Other topics include MBA program goals, argument construction, decision making, collaboration, and academic research.

Policies

Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents:

• University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials

Hoch, S. J., Kunreuther, H. C., & Gunther, R. E. (Eds.). (2001). Wharton on making decisions. New York, NY: Wiley.

Nickels, W. G., McHugh, J. M., & McHugh, S. M. (2010). Understanding business (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T. A. (2011). Organizational behavior (14th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Spatt, B. (2011). Writing from Sources (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Bedford/ St. Martin‘s.

Yukl, G. (2010). Leadership in organizations (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

All electronic materials are available on the student website.

|Week One: Constructing and Supporting an Argument |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives |Identify channels for business communications. | | |
| |Evaluate credibility and validity of sources of information. | | |
| |Develop effective arguments. | | |
|Readings |Read Ch. 11 of Organizational Behavior. | | |
| |Read the following sections of Writing From Sources: | | |
| | | | |
| |“Using Evidence and Reasoning” to “Exercise 6: Analyzing an Author’s Logic” in Ch. 1 | | |
| |“Evaluating Print Sources” to “Exercise 28: Evaluating Internet Sources” in Ch. 8 | | |
| |“Accommodating Argument in Your Paragraphs” to “Integrating Your Sources: Recruiting in | | |
| |College Athletics” in Ch. 9 | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Course Overview podcast. | | |
|Preparation |Listen to the Week One podcast. | | |
|Learning Activities | | | |
| |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Valid and Credible Article Search: | | |
| | | | |
| |Locate an article from the University Library that is related to a topic or objective for | | |
| |this week. Write a summary discussing the attributes of a good source—found in your | | |
| |readings—and describe how and why the selected article meets the criteria for selecting a | | |
| |credible and valid source. | | |
| | | | |
| |Self Assessment: How Good Are My Listening Skills? | | |
| | | | |
| |Listening is a part of communication. When making important business decisions, you will work| | |
| |with and listen to others. Take this self assessment located on the student website to see | | |
| |how good your listening skills are. To access this self-assessment, select the Assessment | | |
| |tab, then scroll to the Working with Others section and over to Communication Skills. Select | | |
| |How Good Are My Listening Skills? Summarize your assessment results. What kind of listener | | |
| |are you? How can you use your results to help you work better with others? | | |
| | | | |
| |National Public Radio Debates | | |
| | | | |
| |Argumentation is foundational for your writing in an MBA program and for good persuasive | | |
| |writing in general. Listen to one of the following "Intelligence Squared Debates" provided on| | |
| |the National Public Radio website: | | |
| | | | |
| |A debate on the whether ethics are worse in the art market or the stock market: | | |
| |(http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100557165) | | |
| |A debate on Google and if it violates its motto of "Don't Be Evil": | | |
| |(http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97216369) | | |
| |A debate on who is to blame for the financial crisis: | | |
| |(http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102312504) | | |
| | | | |
| |Determine what argumentation practices you see illustrated in the debates. What made these | | |
| |arguments more effective or less effective? | | |
|Individual |Resources: Communication Channel Scenarios located on the student website. | |3 |
|Communication Channel |Read the scenarios located on the student website. | | |
|Scenarios |Answer the questions after each scenario. Be sure to select the communication channel | | |
| |appropriate for each scenario. | | |
| |Defend your responses. | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |

|Week Two: Values and Managing Others |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Evaluate alignment of personal values and organizational values. | | |
| |Determine strategies to promote collaboration. | | |
| |Explain ethical decision making in a complex environment. | | |
|Readings |Read Ch. 13 of Leadership in Organizations. | | |
| |Read “Values” to “Questions for Review” in Ch. 5 of Organizational Behavior. | | |
| |Read Ch. 7 & 14 of Wharton on Making Decisions. | | |
| |Read Ch. 4 and “Leading: Providing Continuous Vision and Values” in Ch. 7 of Understanding | | |
| |Business. | | |
| |Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Week Two podcast. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Learning Activities |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Personality and Values Self-Assessment | | |
| | | | |
| |Your personality traits and values influence your daily choices and decisions. Your traits | | |
| |and values will even influence the decisions you make as a business manager. Take the | | |
| |Personality and Values Self-Assessment located on the student website. To access the | | |
| |personality self-assessment select the Assessment tab, then scroll to the What About Me | | |
| |section, and then to Personality Insights. Select What’s My Jungian 16-Type Personality? To | | |
| |access your values self-assessment select the Assessment tab, then scroll to the What About | | |
| |Me section, and then to Values and Attitudes. Select What Do I Value? Complete both | | |
| |self-assessments. Write a short summary explaining the details of your results. How can these| | |
| |results assist you in the workplace or selecting future careers? | | |
| | | | |
| |Audio: “Corporate Social Responsibility” | | |
| | | | |
| |Corporate ethics and social responsibility work together. Corporations must show concern for | | |
| |the welfare of both their owners and society. Corporations must commit to maintaining | | |
| |integrity, fairness, and respect. However, even well-intentioned activities of businesses can| | |
| |end up not doing any good at all. Listen to this audio clip located in this week’s Electronic| | |
| |Reserve Readings to see how. Describe the challenges one business faced in the audio clip. | | |
| |Explain in what ways the good intentions of this business turned out to be not so good. | | |
|Learning Team Select a project| Log onto www.Innocentive.com. Register and select a project from Business & | |2 |
| |Entrepreneurship to solve. | | |
| | | | |
| |Prepare a 1- to 2-page paper detailing the problem to solve and why your team chose this | | |
| |problem. | | |
|Individual |Write a paper of 750 to 1,050 words where you are raising and countering objections regarding| |9 |
|Writing an Argument |the decision to get an MBA. | | |
| | | | |
| |Support your point of view as part of countering objections with research. Examples include | | |
| |department of labor statistics, fairly current articles on the impact of education, | | |
| |especially graduate education on earnings. You can also cite a source to support your use of | | |
| |objections as well; for example, show the objection is documented as a valid concern. | | |
| | | | |
| |Identify the criteria you used to evaluate the credibility of sources of information you | | |
| |selected. | | |
| | | | |
| |Discuss how raising and countering objections has helped inform your own decision to get an | | |
| |MBA and the reason(s) you have decided to go back to school. Your paper should cite and | | |
| |reference at least two sources. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |

|Week Three: Introduction to Business Analysis |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain entrepreneurship versus working for others. | | |
| |Identify wants and needs of various stakeholders. | | |
| |Conduct SWOT analyses. | | |
|Readings |Read Ch. 1 & 6 of Understanding Business. | | |
| |Read “Planning and Decision Making” to “Decision Making: Finding the Best Alternative” in Ch.| | |
| |7 of Understanding Business. | | |
| |Read the following sections of Leadership in Organization: | | |
| | | | |
| |“Applications: Procedures for Developing a Vision” to “Implementing Change” in Ch. 10. | | |
| |“Multiple Stakeholders and Competing Values” to “Determinants and Consequences of Ethical | | |
| |Leadership” in Ch. 13 | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Week Three podcast. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Learning Activities |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Self Assessment: Becoming an Entrepreneur | | |
| | | | |
| |Does entrepreneurship interest you? Have you ever thought about starting your own business? | | |
| |Take this entrepreneur assessment to help you determine the skills you possess and the skills| | |
| |to develop for you to become an entrepreneur. The self assessment is located on the student | | |
| |website. Select the Assessment tab, then scroll to the What About Me section, and then to | | |
| |Other. Select Am I Likely to Become an Entrepreneur? Describe what it takes to become an | | |
| |entrepreneur. Do you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? Explain your answer. | | |
| | | | |
| |Kudler Fine Food SWOT Analysis | | |
| | | | |
| |A SWOT analysis provides companies with important information about its internal and external| | |
| |environment. Management can use a SWOT analysis to make informed business decisions. Visit | | |
| |the Virtual Business Portal located on the student website to read about Kudler Fine Foods. | | |
| |Specifically, look at the company’s strategic plan to review Kudler’s SWOT analysis. Describe| | |
| |the information the analysis provides. Explain how management could use the information to | | |
| |make business decisions. | | |
| | | | |
| |Identifying Stakeholders: Riordan Manufacturing | | |
| | | | |
| |As a manager, it is important for you to recognize and respond to the needs of your | | |
| |stakeholders. Visit the Virtual Business Portal located on the student website. First, visit | | |
| |Kudler Fine Foods and review the company’s stakeholders identified in the strategic plan. | | |
| |Then, visit Riordan Manufacturing. Identify the company’s stakeholders. Describe what the | | |
| |company does to meet their needs. | | |
|Learning Team |Discuss in your Learning Team forum each team member’s idea for solving the problem. Debate | |5 |
|Discussion |the pros and cons of each idea. | | |
|Individual |Resources: Williams Institute Ethics Awareness Inventory | |6 |
|Values and Ethical Decision | | | |
|Making |Perform the Williams Institute Ethics Awareness Inventory Assessment. | | |
| | | | |
| |Select an organization to research or use your own organization. | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a paper of 750 to 1050 words evaluating personal values, organizational values, and | | |
| |ethical decision making. | | |
| | | | |
| |Discuss your results from the inventory and how the results align and do not align with the | | |
| |organization you selected. | | |
| | | | |
| |Think of a scenario in which you would make a different ethical decision from the | | |
| |organization and answer the following questions. | | |
| | | | |
| |Based on the outcome of the Ethics Awareness Inventory, what is the most likely | | |
| |decision-making process your selected team member would go through to make the ethical | | |
| |decision based on their values? | | |
| | | | |
| |What is the most likely decision-making process the organization would go through to make the| | |
| |ethical decision based on its values? | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |

|Week Four: The Business Environment |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Conduct benchmarking analyses. | | |
| |Explain the basic tenets of managerial accounting and financial accounting. | | |
| |Identify the effects of technology utilization on business. | | |
| |Identify the effects of globalization on business. | | |
|Readings |Read Ch. 3, 17, 18, & Bonus Ch. B, and “Benchmarking and Core Competencies” to “Restructuring| | |
| |for Empowerment” in Ch. 8 of Understanding Business. | | |
| |Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Week Four podcast. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Learning Activities |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Finance Tutorial: Evaluating A Firm | | |
| | | | |
| |Financial statements can be used as tools for evaluating a firm’s financial performance. | | |
| |Complete the Finance tutorial located on the student website to gather some tips about how to| | |
| |evaluate a firms’ performance. Select Chapter 3: Evaluating a Firm’s Financial Performance. | | |
| |Select the tab on the left titled Lecture Notes. Read through the lecture notes. Complete the| | |
| |“Try It Now” exercises along the way. After completing the tutorial, brainstorm a list of | | |
| |strategies you can use for evaluating a firm’s financial performance. | | |
| | | | |
| |Business Line of Credit: | | |
| | | | |
| |Businesses must seek options to obtain short-term or long-term financing. Visit a local bank | | |
| |or research a bank’s website to identify the types of financing available to businesses. | | |
| |Describe the types of financing available for small and large businesses. | | |
| | | | |
| |Video Case: “The Mouse that Doesn’t Come with a Computer” | | |
| | | | |
| |Companies can benefit from entering the global market. Before entering the global market | | |
| |companies must make some critical decisions, such as where, when, and how they will enter the| | |
| |global market. Read the video case located at the end of Ch. 3 of Understanding Business to | | |
| |see the decisions one company had to make when it entered into the global market. Describe | | |
| |the challenges the company faced entering the global market. Explain the decisions the | | |
| |company made. | | |
|Learning Team |Prepare a 2 to 4 page paper detailing the findings of your discussion and your team’s | |5 |
|Solution |solution. | | |
|Individual |Write a paper of 1050 to 1400 words in which you assume the role of a mutual fund manager | |8 |
|Business Analysis Part I |deciding whether to invest in a specific company. You will conduct a business analysis in the| | |
| |remaining weeks based on the company you select. | | |
| | | | |
| |Select one company from the list below: | | |
| | | | |
| |Motorola Mobility | | |
| |Apple | | |
| |Ford | | |
| |Bank of America | | |
| |Merck | | |
| | | | |
| |Conduct a SWOT analysis for the organization you selected. Based on the information you have | | |
| |gained from this analysis which parts of the SWOT analysis are most relevant to your decision| | |
| |of whether or not to invest in this company? | | |
| | | | |
| |Identify the company’s internal and external stakeholders. | | |
| | | | |
| |Describe their wants and needs. | | |
| | | | |
| |Explain how the company is fulfilling those needs. If the company is not fulfilling those | | |
| |explain why the stakeholders’ needs are not being met and what the company needs to do to | | |
| |ensure they are. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |

|Week Five: Business Overview |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Identify methodologies for adapting different types of businesses to changing markets. | | |
| |Determine the impact of economics on business. | | |
| |Describe the role of human resource management in achieving business goals. | | |
|Readings |Read Ch. 2, 8, & 11 of Understanding Business. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Week Five podcast. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Learning Activities |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Economic Tutorial: “The Relationship of Basic Decision Making Units in the Market” | | |
| | | | |
| |Firms and households play a large role in the economy. Complete the Economic tutorial located| | |
| |on the student website to learn more about the role both play. Select Chapter 1: Demand, | | |
| |Supply, and Market Equilibrium. Select the tab on the left called Lecture Notes. Read through| | |
| |the lecture notes. After completing the tutorial describe the role firms and households play | | |
| |in the economy. Provide an example to illustrate the relationship between these basic units | | |
| |in the economy. | | |
| | | | |
| |Selecting the Right Employees | | |
| | | | |
| |One task of the human resource manager is to hire employees. Different companies seek | | |
| |different types of employees. A human resource manager must find for employees who will help | | |
| |the company achieve its goals. Read the Video Case: “Surf’s Up at Patagonia” at the end of | | |
| |Ch. 11 of Understanding Business. How does a human resource manager select potential | | |
| |candidates at Patagonia to achieve company goals? What tactics does Patagonia use to satisfy | | |
| |its employees? | | |
| | | | |
| |Video: “After the Spill” | | |
| | | | |
| |Listen to this audio clip located in the Week Four Electronic Reserve Readings from The | | |
| |Economist to learn more about how the halt of deep water oil drilling affected Louisiana’s | | |
| |economy. Generate a list of ways in which the economy in Louisiana was affected by the | | |
| |decisions made by the government. | | |
|Learning Team Presentation |Present your team’s problem and solution in a 10 to 15 minute presentation. | |5 |
|Individual |Continue your business analysis using the company you selected in Week Four. | |8 |
|Business Analysis Part II | | | |
| |Write a paper of 1050 to 1400 words in which you research the company’s business environment.| | |
| | | | |
| |Review the company’s income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow to determine the | | |
| |financial health of the company. Be sure to compare your company to at least two other | | |
| |companies in the industry. Be sure to answer the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |What have you learned about the company by reviewing each statement? | | |
| |Is there information in any of these statements that concerns you? If so describe what it is | | |
| |and what it concerns. | | |
| |How can management use this information moving forward? | | |
| | | | |
| |Summarize the company’s financial health. How does it compare to other companies in the | | |
| |industry? | | |
| | | | |
| |Include a summary of the company’s technological advantages, or lack thereof, in comparison | | |
| |to at least two other companies in the same industry. | | |
| | | | |
| |Describe how globalization has affected the company’s business strategies. | | |
| | | | |
| |Conduct a benchmarking analysis. Be sure your analysis includes the following in comparison | | |
| |with other companies in the same industry: | | |
| | | | |
| |Best practices | | |
| |Operational processes and procedures | | |
| |Products or services | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |

|Week Six: Business Analysis |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Perform business analyses. | | |
| |Differentiate between strategy and tactics. | | |
|Readings |Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. | |4 |
|Nongraded Activities and |Listen to the Week Six podcast. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Learning Activities |Learning Activities: | | |
| | | | |
| |Video: “David Bach on "non-market" strategy” | | |
| | | | |
| |Watch this video clip located in this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings from The Economist | | |
| |to learn more about why managers must consider the political and social impact of their | | |
| |strategic decisions. Describe the nonmarket strategy David Bach discusses and how it can be | | |
| |used to make strategic decisions. | | |
| | | | |
| |Strategy and tactics: Kudler Fine Food | | |
| | | | |
| |Strategies and tactics are important for achieving business goals. A strategy is an idea and | | |
| |tactics are the actions taken for executing a strategy. Visit the Virtual Business Portal | | |
| |located on the student website to read about Kudler Fine Foods. Identify one strategy and the| | |
| |tactics Kudler Fine Foods used to execute the strategy. | | |
| | | | |
| |Video: “Evan Williams on Twitter” | | |
| | | | |
| |Providing a service or a product to the entire world is not an easy task. Watch this | | |
| |interview located in this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings with Twitter’s co-founder to | | |
| |discover his plan for serving the entire world. Describe the strategies and tactics the | | |
| |company plans on using to expand and serve the entire world. | | |
|Individual |Finish your business analysis using the company you selected in Week Four. | |10 |
|Business Analysis Part III | | | |
| |Write a paper of 1050 to 1400 words reviewing the strategic initiatives taken by the company | | |
| |relative to organizational and operational adaptation to changing markets. | | |
| | | | |
| |Explain the following in your paper: | | |
| | | | |
| |How recent economic trends are influencing the business | | |
| |Strategies the company has used or could use for adapting to changing markets, such as an | | |
| |economic downturn or recession | | |
| |Tactics the company has implemented or could implement to achieve their strategic goals | | |
| |The role human resource management plays in helping the company achieve its business goals | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a conclusion for your overall business analysis in which you determine if you would be | | |
| |willing to invest in this company as a mutual fund manager. Be sure to support your | | |
| |conclusion with information you have gathered from parts one and two of your business | | |
| |analysis. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Individual |Final Examination | |15 |
|Final Exam | | | |
| |Resources: Understanding Business, Organizational Behavior, and Leadership in Organizations | | |
| | | | |
| |Click the link to the Final Examination on the student website available from the end of Week| | |
| |Five through the end of Week Six. | | |
| | | | |
| |Complete the Final Examination. You are allowed one attempt to complete the exam, which is | | |
| |timed and must be completed in 3 hours. Results are auto graded and sent to your instructor. | | |
| | | | |
| |Note. Final Examination questions are adapted from the Understanding Business, Organizational| | |
| |Behavior, and Leadership in Organizations textbooks. | | |

Optional Discussion Questions

Week One Discussion Questions

• Select a channel used for business communication. What are the advantages and challenges of that form of communication? Provide an example when you have used that form of communication or when someone else has used that form of communication with you. Did it work well for that situation? Why or why not?

• How would you use credentials, impartiality, style and tone, and currency criteria in evaluating the credibility and validity of your sources of information? Be sure to provide specific examples.

• What mistakes should be avoided when presenting an argument and why are these important in developing effective arguments? Be sure to provide specific examples.

• How might presenting effective arguments differ in the classroom, daily life, and your job? Would you use different types of supporting evidence to make your argument? Explain.

Week Two Discussion Questions

• What strategies have been used to promote collaboration at your place of employment or a company you are familiar with? Have these strategies been successful or unsuccessful? Explain. Would you recommend implementing other strategies to promote collaboration? If so, what would those be?

• What are some real world examples of ethical and unethical practices you have read about, seen in the news, or encountered at your place of employment? What were the outcomes of those practices?

• How can values and communication styles impact intercultural collaboration in a diversified organization?

• How would protected values, preferences, and laws affect consistency in making ethical decisions? What strategies would you develop and implement to attain consistent ethical decision making?

Week Three Discussion Questions

• From the results of your Ethics Awareness Inventory, do your personal values align with your organizational values? Explain. If there is a misalignment between your personal values and your organizational values, what would be an appropriate response to this misalignment?

• What attributes do successful entrepreneurs possess? Which attribute do you feel is the most important and why?

• Who are the stakeholders in your place of employment or in a company with which you are familiar? What are their wants and needs? How does management meet their needs? What difficulties arise in balancing the needs of the various stakeholders?

• What are some potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that a business should consider in a SWOT analysis? How can a business benefit from gathering this information?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship? What steps can government take to encourage entrepreneurship?

Week Four Discussion Questions

• How could benchmarking be effectively used to achieve competitive advantage? Provide an example.

• What information is gained through managerial accounting? How can a business use this information? As an investor in a small business, what sorts of things may concern you regarding a firm’s financial statements?

• What are some of the benefits of using technology in managing information and human resources in business? What technology is used at your place of employment to manage information and human resources?

• How has outsourcing to other countries affected U.S. businesses? Have the results been mostly positive, or mostly negative? If you had the authority to stop U.S. businesses from outsourcing, would you do that? Why or why not?

Week Five Discussion Questions

• How can organizational restructuring enable specific types of business attain competitive advantage in a changing market? Provide specific examples.

• What are some of the negative impacts of the U.S. recession on for-profit and non-profit business?

• How does the local, state, or national economy affect your business or place of employment? Provide examples.

• How does training and development improve employee motivation, increase productivity, and increase retention for the benefit of the business?

Week Six Discussion Questions

• In performing a business analysis, what significant accounting and financial information must be considered? Why is this information important? How can management use this information?

• What factors would you consider in determining your business strategy and how would you decide on what tactics to use in order to execute your strategy?

• What specific tactics can be used in implementing Porter’s generic strategies of differentiation and cost leadership?

• Now that you have gone through the process of conducting a business analysis, what are the most important factors you will consider as you make your own investment decisions?

Copyright

University of Phoenix® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.

Final Examinations contain third-party copyrighted materials. Portions are:
Copyright © 2011 University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Prentice Hall. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill/Irwin. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Wiley. All rights reserved.

Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix® editorial standards and practices.

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Mgt 521

...Since the recession began in December 2007, there has been a lack of jobs and job security. According to the Department of Labour (2009), the official unemployment for 2009 was 9.3% of the total labour force. Going to temporary agencies will only get their foot in the door at a prospective employer; however, their qualifications, work ethic, and knowledge might keep them there. Employers are looking to hire employees who have a certain skill set and training that could help improve their business. They also are looking for managers to step in with the knowledge and expertise to be efficient in managing others and their business. The reason for pursuing a Masters in Business Administration degree is to start a new career. “Equipping yourself with an MBA degree during the phase of slow down helps you to position yourself strategically when the upturn begins” (Saxena). The argument will be based on personal and professional goals for getting an MBA, including: family, leadership skills, develop into a marketable asset, better career prospects, job progression, and to gain the skills to adapt to the changing workforce. Furthermore the argument will analyze the personal perception and perception of others regarding the Jungian assessment. Having both personal and professional goals set will help someone accomplish the great opportunity of pursuing an MBA to start a new career. A personal goal for pursuing an MBA could be for the betterment of a family. Pursuing an MBA is not solely...

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...To: Dr Stephen Quick From: Davida Clement, Student Date: October 21, 2014 Subject: Team Leadership MGT 521 Memo As a manager have a substantial role when it comes to motivating the team to produce results. The manager must do this based on a method of leadership as required by the organization and the leaders of the business organization. The ultimate plan is to successfully lead the new team to meet the organization’s goals based on the results of the personality assessment as instructed and outlined in the directions of the new division’s plans. Every member of the team will be involved in this portion of the process. All of the personality assessments have been completed the results will be discussed in the next section of this memo. In addition, an evaluation in terms of urgency, culture and anything else applicable will be discussed and provided. Next, any necessary leadership approaches based on the information provided will be included as well. Finally, there will be a discussion of any principles used when applying leadership theories. As the manager it is important to determine the right strategy to change the culture of the organization. It is equally important for the tone of management to be set; mainly top managers need to be positive role...

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...BUSINESS ANALYSIS PART III MGT/521 December 7, 2011 Lee Hoffman BUSINESS ANALYSIS PART III Today Qualcomm plays a central role in the rapid adoption and growth of 4G and next-generation wireless systems around the world. Qualcomm has an extensive portfolio of the United States and foreign patents, and continue to pursue patent applications around the world. Qualcomm patents portfolio is the most widely and extensively licensed portfolio in the industry with more than 195 licenses (Qualcomm, 2011). The company primary operates in San Diego, California and that is one of the most reasons to choose this company for business analysis. Local companies like Qualcomm give this opportunities for author to interview with real employee and even have chance to talk with neighbors that earn benefit because of this company. This paper will address how recent economic trends are influencing Qualcomm business and strategies the company has used or could use for adapting to changing markets. Tactics, the company has utilized or implemented to achieve strategic goals and the role of human resource management that eventually plays a major role in helping company achieve its business goals. Pursuing the combination of right strategies and tactics in well-selected trends would guarantee long-term goals of the company and would definitely lead to success and prosperity. In the competent telecommunication industries of the world today, head hunting and human resource management have a...

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...Business Analysis Part III MGT 521 August xx, 2011 Abstract In this Business Analysis Part III I will summarize significant facts and conclude the analysis by including conclusions from Business Analysis Part I & II which will help in the decision making to invest or not in Apple Inc. Business Analysis Part III Strategic Initiatives Vision Statement According to Apple Inc “Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1985 with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals, and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software, and Internet offerings.” Mission Statement According to Apple Inc, “Apple Computer is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental, health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer technologically innovative products and services while conserving and enhancing resources for future generations. Apple strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services.” Value According to its new CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s...

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...Apple’s Financial Health MGT 521 Ocotober 31, 2012 Apple Financial Health As stated before in my business analysis paper, Apple is a very rich, prosperous, and innovative company. Its innovations and creativity has enable Apple to keep growing, striving, and propelling itself to the top of the personal computer industry. Apples dominancy and growth is not just known by people around the world it is documented and can be proven by Apple’s financial statements. Financial Statements On apples income statement one can see that their net sales rises each year for the past three years. Starting in 2009 where net sales were just $42,905 million, in 2010 $65,225 million, and then now to 2011 $108,249 million (Apple INC, 2011). This data shows that Apple’s net sales nearly triple from 2009 to 2011. Their gross margin also substantially increases starting at 17,222 million to in 2011 43,818 millions (Apple INC, 2011). This margin represents the percent of total sales revenue that the company retains after the direct costs associated with producing goods sold for a company. This means for the past three years Apple is able to make more profit then the cost that it takes to make its products. Furthermore as with every growing company comes more expenses so their expenses have risen from 2009 to 5,482 million to 10,028 million in 2011 (Apple INC, 2011). Their expenses are counteracted and accounted for by their net income which triples from 2009-2011 from $8,235 to 25,922...

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...Functions of Management Giovannina McGrath University of Phoenix Introduction In order for a business to be successful in the world today, they should possess all four of the functions of management. These four functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. It is important that all of these aspects of management be understood to enable a business to be successful at meeting their goals. Examples of performing these four functions are planning by delivering a set of values that are strategic, organizing by building an organization that is dynamic, leading by being able to mobilize people, and controlling by making changes and learning. All of these can successfully be carried out through communication and decision-making. Management is creative problem solving. This creative problem solving is accomplished through the four functions of management; planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The intended result is the use of an organization's resources in a way that accomplishes its mission and objectives. (From Higgins, Page 7) Bakeman (2004) stated “Information should be added to the 6 management functions. None of the other functions can take place effectively without information. Information is vital to decision making. It is needed in order to be able to forecast, plan, organize, coordinate, command, and control. Technical, commercial, financial, security, and managerial activities cannot happen properly without relevant information...

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...Memorandum James C. Robinson MGT/521 June 25, 2014 James Reding MEMORANDUM TO: Corporate Office FROM: James C. Robinson, New Division Manager DATE: June 26, 2014 SUBJECT: Team Leadership Memo CC: All Team Members, Board Members First, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to play a substantial role in this new division. The personnel assigned to my team are true professionals. Even though two thirds of the team composition mirror almost the same personality traits. They will be combined with the other team members to form a formidable team. Having four of the six members with ENTJ and ESTJ (James, Jim, Tyson and Tony) assessment traits will allow us to operate under a transformational leadership style focusing on task-oriented results. Given that this is a new division it will help expedite operational status much quicker. Having the other third of the team personality traits, ISTP (Julieann) and INFP (Annaliza) who will function under the same transformational leadership style, however they will be highly encouraged to apply their creative and artistic vision to help achieve the new market strategy. My Democratic leadership style will be applied primarily with this chosen group of professionals because these members are versed in delegation, and based on their assessment will respond better in a democratic leadership style which each member possess helping to produce a synergist approach for team results. When breaking into smaller work...

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...Planning and Measuring Performance MGT/521 March 15, 2015 Instructor: Kimberly Roberts Planning and Measuring Performance “The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used extensively in business and industry, government, and nonprofit organizations worldwide to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications and monitor organization” (balancescorecard.org/Resources/About-the-balanced-scorecard). The University of Phoenix website states the balanced scorecard isn’t just a focus on financial measures it uses segments of the organization and takes this into account. The balanced scorecard is made up of four aspects in the company performance that may consist of: customer, financial, internal processes, and people/innovation/growth assets. When a manager views the balanced scorecard they can set goals for these areas and can be used as a guide to measure the organizations process. Balanced Scorecard "The balanced scorecard shows the art department of Sherman Ceramics, a large corporation that manufactures collectible ceramic figurines based on comic book, television, and film characters. The company has an automated assembly line to manufacture the figurines, but most of the work done in the art department is by hand, since the figurines are produced in small runs and are considered to be exclusive collectibles. The employees of the art department hand paint the features...

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...Evaluating and Selecting Communication Channels MGT/521 One of the most important characteristics of successful relationships is the use of effective communication. Effective communications are characterized by achieving both the successful transfer as well as the understanding of meaning of the information being communicated to the greatest degree possible (Robbins & Judge, 2011). Understanding the functions of communication and the elements of the communication process itself will maximize the probability that messages communicated will yield the highest degree of understanding of the intended meaning by the recipients. A critical element of the communication process that influences the degree of understanding of meaning as much as the formulation of the message itself is the communication channel selected for its delivery. The focus of this paper will be on evaluating and selecting a communication channel based on the nature and complexity of the message to be delivered. The selection of communication channels and the reasons for their selections in the following essay are based off the three Communication Channel Scenarios located on the student website. Evaluating and Selecting Communication Channels Scenario 1 As the Marketing Manager for a new beverage product that has done well in the United States, I’ve been directed by the Vice President of Operations to develop a strategy within one week to enter the product into the global market...

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...Syllabus School of Business MGT/521 Version 5 Management Course Description This course applies the tools available to University of Phoenix graduate students and the competencies of successful managers to understand the functions of business. Students develop an increased awareness of their own perceptions and values in order to manage and communicate with others more effectively. Other topics include MBA program goals, argument construction, decision making, collaboration, and academic research. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Hoch, S. J., Kunreuther, H. C., & Gunther, R. E. (Eds.). (2001). Wharton on making decisions. New York, NY: Wiley. Nickels, W. G., McHugh, J. M., & McHugh, S. M. (2010). Understanding business (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T. A. (2011). Organizational behavior (14th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice...

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...MGT 521 WEEK 5 To purchase this visit here: http://www.activitymode.com/product/mgt-521-week-5/ Contact us at: SUPPORT@ACTIVITYMODE.COM MGT 521 WEEK 5 Your manager tells you about a new department the company will be adding that is part of the company’s strategic plan to enter a particular market segment. Your manager would like you to manage one of the teams in this new department. Your manager has put together the team you will be managing. Your new team consists of the members of your current Learning Team. To be successful in the new market segment, your team must efficiently accomplish the goals set by the company. Your manager, therefore, would like you to develop a leadership approach for each team member on your team based on the theories of leadership and each member’s individual personalities. Write a memo to your manager of no more than 1,400 words in which you explain how you plan to successfully lead your team. Include the following:  Evaluate the individuals, including yourself, based on the personality assessment.  Evaluate the situation in terms of urgency, culture, and so forth.  Determine leadership approaches, based on individuals and the situation. Highlight the principles you have applied from various leadership theories. Format your memo consistent with APA guidelines. Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment 2- Your Learning Team is a team of managers of a customer call center for timeshare vacations. Discuss, with...

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