Author: admin

  • Title: Analyzing Business Units and Synergies within a Firm

    Exam prompt: Questions
    1. Identify and describe the main business units (BU) of the firm.
    2. Identify two or more business units that engage in a transaction within the firm. That is, from the
    business units identified in 1. argue that at least one of them supplies (supplier BU) another one
    (buyer BU) with productive inputs (goods or services). Describe the products or services supplied.
    3. Does the transaction described in 2. add more value than the alternative spot market
    transaction? For this question, you are asked to elaborate a counterfactual situation describing how
    a fictional spot market transaction between the supplier BU and buyer BU would affect the
    willingness to pay for the product the buyer BU produces and the opportunity cost of the supplier
    BU(s). Compare that counterfactual with the value created within the firm—where the supplier
    BU(s) and the buyer BU are part of the same corporation.
    4. Given your answer in 3., list a set of synergies between supplier BU(s) and the buyer BU? Are
    those synergies positive or negative overall? For this question, you must check the extent to which
    each negative (culture, commitment to bad relationships and conformism) and positive (asset
    specificity, frequency and future relationships) synergies play a role in creating or destroying value
    created within the firm.
    5. How does the buyer BU identified in questions 2-4. differentiate from its rivals in the industry that
    buyer BU participates as a competitor?

  • Exploring Scranton’s Architectural History: A Study of [Building Name(s)] “Historical Influences and Design Elements of the Albright Memorial Library: A Comparative Analysis” Title: “The French Gothic Style of the Albright Memorial Library: A Historical and Architectural Analysis” “Blending the Old and the New: Incorporating a Modern Steel and Glass Structure into a Historic Gothic Church”

    For this assignment, you will visit
    and research a historic building in the Scranton area. You can refer to the
    following two resources on Brightspace which discuss landmarks in Scranton to
    help you select the building(s) for your paper:
    1.    
    Downtown
    Scranton Landmark Buildings and Districts (Scranton Historical and
    Architectural Review Board, 2015)
    2.    
    History
    Set in Stone: A Guide to Downtown Scranton Architecture (Lackawanna Heritage
    Valley and Lackawanna Historical Society)
    Parameters
    1.    
    Select
    1-2 buildings in the Scranton area to research for your paper. If you select
    more than one building, you are permitted to compare and contrast their
    architectural styles. You will visit the building(s) and take photos for
    reference as you research and write your paper. You should include photos in
    the narrative of your paper to illustrate your observations.
    2.    
    Your
    paper must be between 2,000-3,000 words (approximately 5-7 pages)
    a.    
    I
    do not have a preference on font size or spacing. The word count will be used
    to assess whether or not the your paper meets the length requirement.
    3.    
    Bibliography
    – You must have at least four scholarly sources for your research.
    a.    
    How
    do I find and cite my sources?
    i.     Weinberg Memorial Library: www.scranton.edu/library
    ii.     Review the library’s Student
    Resources Guide here: https://www.scranton.edu/academics/wml/infolit/student-resources.shtml
    b.    
    Citation
    Styles: I accept MLA, APA or Chicago Manual Style.
    i.     Citation Help: https://www.scranton.edu/academics/wml/citation-help.shtml
    c.    
    Acceptable
    Web Resources:
    i.     Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art
    History: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/
    ii.     Smart History: https://smarthistory.org/
    iii.     All other web-based resources that
    are NOT found via the Library’s catalog must be approved by me in advance.
    4.    
    Please
    make sure you include your name, the course number, and title of your paper.
    Elements of the Paper
    Introduction
    ·      
    Identify
    the building(s) that are the subject of your paper.
    ·      
    Provide
    general information: name, location, date of opening, architect (when known).
    ·      
    Identify
    the style(s) of architecture that correspond to the building (i.e. Gothic,
    Neoclassical, Victorian, Industrial Era, Art Deco, etc.)
    ·      
    Describe
    why you selected the building(s).
    ·      
    Provide
    a thesis of your paper. (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a
    LibGuide with tips on writing a thesis statement: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/). The University of
    Wisconsin-Madison also has helpful descriptions of thesis statements: https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/process/thesis_or_purpose/
    Information
    ·      
    Provide
    historical information about the building(s) and architect(s), when available.
    ·      
    Discuss,
    when knowable, the commission of the building. Who commissioned its
    construction?
    ·      
    Describe
    the building’s original function and purpose.
    ·      
    If
    the function and purpose have changed over time, please explain those changes.
    How has the building been adapted or modernized? The Smurfit Arts Center on
    campus, for example, is a former church that was renovated by the University
    for both administrative offices as well as an art studio.
    ·      
    Do
    you notice any modern additions to the building(s) because of the changes in
    its use?
    Synthesis
    ·      
    Identify
    and describe of the style(s) of the building(s). Describe the architectural characteristics
    of the style based on your research.
    ·      
    Provide
    some historical background on style(s). Keep in mind that many buildings are a
    combination of two or more styles.
    ·      
    Where
    (region, country, and/or culture) and when did the style originate?
    o  
    Examples:
    If the building is considered Neoclassical, that style refers to architecture
    that borrows from Greek and Roman Classical architecture, its elements, and
    appearance. And, Neo-Gothic Architecture borrows from the conventions of
    medieval Gothic design.
    ·      
    Identify
    and describe earlier examples of the style(s) with which your building(s) align.
    o  
    Example:
    Many important governmental buildings, like those at the U.S. Capital, follow
    the layout classical Roman structures, like the domed ceiling of the Roman
    Pantheon. You should describe the connections between earlier examples and your
    chosen building.
    ·      
    Discuss
    materials and construction methods to the extent that the information is
    available. You may be able to determine, for example, if the building has
    masonry, wood, or steel structural elements just by looking. Other structural
    elements may not be visible. If you are able to enter the building, you may
    discover exposed structural elements (beams, vaults, columns, etc.). Identify
    and discuss how these relate to the construction methods we’ve learned about in
    the course textbook and videos.
    ·      
    Discuss
    the building(s) location and describe why its site or positioning within the
    city might be important.
    Analysis
    ·      
    Describe
    the building through visual analysis. Discuss its appearance and aesthetic
    characteristics. If helpful, watch my Visual Analysis video on Brightspace.
    ·      
    Analyze
    how the building(s) visually compare to historical styles. Provide your own
    observations about the building and connect/compare those observations to other
    historical examples from your textbook.
    ·      
    Analyze
    how the architectural style has been adapted over time. For example, Roman
    architectural principles have been reused and remixed across time and location.
    How does your building adhere to, adapt, transform or mimic an earlier style?
    Assessment
    ·      
    Describe
    and discuss, from your own perspective, the importance of the building to its
    occupants and its community.
    ·      
    Describe
    how it contributes to the architectural character of the city.
    ·      
    Discuss,
    based on what you’ve learned in the course, why the architects might have
    selected the materials, design, layout, and style of the building. Discuss
    whether you agree with their choices. (For example: discussing your opinions about
    the addition of a modern steel and glass structure to a historic Gothic church.)
    Things to keep in
    mind
    ·      
    Identify,
    Discuss, Analyze
    ·      
    Use
    appropriate terminology and define the terms you use, if helpful for
    readability.
    ·      
    Include
    images that illustrate your narrative and description of the building(s).
    ·      
    Some
    buildings will have more historical information available than others. When not
    much is known on the history of the Scranton building, your paper may focus
    more heavily on an exploration of its style and historic buildings of that
    style and how they compare to each other.
    ·      
    Visit
    as many times as needed.
    ·      
    You
    may or may not be able to enter the building. It might be helpful to call/email
    ahead of your visit to ask if the public are allowed to enter and if there are
    any restrictions. For example, you will likely not be permitted to enter the
    Scranton Cultural Center or private office building, but buildings like the
    Everhart Museum and structures are campus can most likely be entered. It is not
    absolutely essential to enter the building, since you can perform a visual
    analysis of the exterior, but it is something to consider in advance.
    ·      
    Take
    lots of photos and include some in your paper. Include captions that either identify
    you as the photographer or cite the source of the photo. Use the photos to
    illustrate your discussion of the building and its style(s).
    ·      
    Always
    capitalize the names of architects, styles, and buildings.
    https://www-jstor-org.ezp.scranton.edu/stable/988301?seq=1
    https://www-jstor-org.ezp.scranton.edu/stable/988429?seq=11
    https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=o0D8DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA303&dq=french+gothic+architecture+Musee+de+Cluny&ots=7DwLHEY7um&sig=FrwDCAoRJZQfmNfiPWe8Otxxch0#v=onepage&q&f=false
    Outline So Far
    Architecture Analysis: The Albright Memorial Library
    Introduction
    The Albright Memorial Library, a government-owned landmark
    building, encompasses the French Gothic style. The Albright Memorial Library is
    at 500 Vine Street, which marks the intersection of Vine Street and North Washington
    Avenue. This building was originally constructed from 1891 until its opening in
    June 1893. Green and Wicks of Buffalo, NY are the architects of this library
    and the landscaping on the exterior was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. I
    selected this building because I was interested in the comparison of this structure
    to the medieval Cluny Museum in Paris. The Albright Memorial Library is
    designed after and shares French Gothic style and elements with the Musee de Cluny
    in Paris.
    Background Information
     Provide historical
    information about the building(s) and architect(s), when available.
    ·      Architects: Green & Wicks of Buffalo
    ·      Landscape architect: Frederick Law Olmstead-
    the father of American landscape architecture. He is known for his famous projects such as the Central Park, Prospect Park in
    Brooklyn, the Emerald Necklace in Boston, and the grounds of the United States
    Capitol in Washington, D.C. Olmsted’s vision of landscape architecture
    emphasized the creation of open spaces that were accessible to all people,
    regardless of social class. Olmsted’s legacy continues to influence urban
    planning and landscape architecture today, with his principles of design and
    stewardship of public spaces.
     Discuss, when knowable, the commission of the building.
    Who commissioned its construction?
    ·      John Joseph Albright, a resident of Scranton,
    gifted this public library in honor of his parents
    Joseph and Elizabeth Albright.

    Describe the building’s original function and purpose.
    ·     
    The
    original and current function of this building is a public library to provide the
    community with access to books, computers.

    If the function and purpose have changed over time, please explain those
    changes. How has the building been adapted or modernized?
    ·     

    Do you notice any modern additions to the building(s) because of the changes in
    its use?
    ·     
    A
    modern Addition to this structure was an elevator
    Synthesis
     Identify and describe of
    the style(s) of the building(s). Describe the architectural characteristics of the
    style based on your research.
    ·      French gothic

    Where (region, country, and/or culture) and when did the style originate?
    ·      French gothic style originated from Europe 
     Identify and describe
    earlier examples of the style(s) with which your building(s) align.
    ·      Musee de Cluny
     Discuss materials and
    construction methods to the extent that the information is available. You may
    be able to determine, for example, if the building has masonry, wood, or steel
    structural elements just by looking. Other structural elements may not be
    visible. If you are able to enter the building, you may discover exposed
    structural elements (beams, vaults, columns, etc.). Identify and discuss how
    these relate to the construction methods we’ve learned about in the course textbook
    and videos.
     Discuss the building(s)
    location and describe why its site or positioning within the city might be important.
    Analysis
     Describe the building
    through visual analysis. Discuss its appearance and aesthetic
    characteristics. If
    helpful, watch my Visual Analysis video on Brightspace.
     Analyze how the
    building(s) visually compare to historical styles. Provide your own
    observations about the building and connect/compare those
    observations to other historical examples from your textbook.
    Assessment
     Describe and discuss,
    from your own perspective, the importance of the building to its occupants and
    its community.
     Describe how it
    contributes to the architectural character of the city.
     Discuss, based on what
    you’ve learned in the course, why the architects might have selected the materials,
    design, layout, and style of the building. Discuss whether you agree with their
    choices.
    (For example: discussing
    your opinions about the addition of a modern steel and glass structure to a
    historic Gothic church.)

  • “The Changing Landscape of Tech Work and Tech Workers: From Aristocracy to Activism”

    As you know, the Bay Area and Silicon Valley hosts one of the planet’s main concentrations of tech workers and the tech industry (along with other tech hubs, such as Seattle, New York City, Austin, Texas, and Washington, DC). Normally, we assume that tech workers are fabulously well paid with wonderful working conditions in organizations that have egalitarian work cultures, etc. We often think of tech workers as part of the “aristocracy of labor” in terms of pay, benefits and working conditions. But this image has been changing in recent year, so is that still true today (or was it ever true)? What about the “shadow workforces” of big tech companies such as Google and Amazon (often called TVCs—temporary, vendors, contractors)? And why have so many tech workers tried to form unions and engaged in other labor protests in recent years? We’ve seen the first union in big tech in the form of the Alphabet Workers Union (Google’s parent company), as well as unionization campaigns at several smaller tech companies and among video game designers, tech workers in the media (including at the New York Times) and many others. So, why are more tech workers now thinking of themselves as workers who collective representation, rather than as a potential future CEO of the next billion-dollar start up? how are tech work and tech workers changing? Why have we seen walkouts by workers at Amazon, open letters from tech/corporate workers at Starbucks and elsewhere, Google workers and video game designers organizing unions and so on? What kinds of issues are they protesting – both “traditional issues,” such as job security and toxic management cultures, and “non-traditional issues,” such as the companies’ environmental commitments and cooperation with homeland security/immigration services, etc.. And how have companies like Google and others reacted to this upsurge in labor activism among workers in the tech industry? In short, how are both tech work and tech workers changing?
    Readings:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/28/technology/google-temp-workers.html
    https://www.seattletimes.com/business/inside-googles-shadow-workforce/
    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-experiences-working-googles shadowworkforce-karl-le/
    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-25/inside-google-s-shadow workforce#xj4y7vzkg
    https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/unions-tech-industry-labor-youtube-sega
    https://www.axios.com/2022/12/12/tech-labor-movement-unions-2022
    https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-layoffs-allow-workers-learn-how-tounionize-2023-3

  • “The Dual Perspectives of an Animal: A Personal Tale”

    pick an animal and your personal story, Write two different essays on your single subject, but each one will prove the idea from a different perspective and a different tone.
    example essay: Sabrina Imbler’s Memoir, How Far the Light Reaches

  • “Mastering Advanced Search Techniques and Boolean Operators for Effective Research”

    In this assignment, you need to go to each of the links listed below. You need to read each in their entirety and take the quiz in the final link.  Finally, you will (1) submit a two page (double spaced) paper explaining everything you learned from these links as well as indicating what score you got on the quiz. (2) For each answer missed on this quiz, identify why your answer was incorrect. (3) Finally, give 5 specific examples of how you will use what you learned in this assignment in your own researching. Be specific. What are the specific search terms and websites you will use?
    Link:
    http://www.slideshare.net/genealogymedia/jones-f309b 
    http://libguides.tru.ca/advancedsearch 
    Quiz Link:
    Before taking the quiz, click on and read each tab listed across the top of the page (Introduction, And, Or, Not, Parenthesis). After doing so, then take the quiz. 
    https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/boolean/Introduction
    Please ask me if you don’t understand, thank you.

  • “The Importance of Critical Thinking in Decision Making”

    Please read and follow instructions carefully. Use readings provided along with outside sources to answer questions

  • “Marketing Research Analysis and Recommendations” Slide 1: Marketing Research Analysis – This slide will present an analysis of questions 18-19 from the survey conducted, using concepts from Chapters 10, 11, and 13. – The

    No introduction slide needed.
    Marketing Research ANALYSIS (2 slides)
    Analyze Questions 18-19 from Survey & apply concepts from Chapters attached. (1 slide for each question of survey)
    Present
    your Microsoft Forms results in tables with relevant visuals. Analyze and
    interpret your data, turn data into information, illustrate, support your
    findings, and highlight key points.
    Apply
    concepts related to Ch. 10, 11 & 13. Present your data in an accurate
    manner while keeping a focus on key
    findings, presenting/organizing data with appropriate tabulations,
    interpretations and illustrations.
    Ch. 10,11,& 13 attached below. 
    Section A: MR Implementation:
    (2 slides)
    • Describe
    your data collection process, sampling approach and survey response rate. Refer
    to ch. 5 Descriptive studies to apply MR theory, such as reducing survey errors with
    proper execution/administration.
    • Refer
    to ch. 6 on
    sampling describe and justify the sampling method used, you should aim to
    achieve a sample size of 40 respondents.
    Full Survey, Ch.5 & Ch. 6 attached below. 
    Section D. Recommendations:
    1 slide
    • What are the marketing implications for your study?
    • What suggestions for potential success can you make to a marketer?

  • Empathy and Verbal Communication Empathy and Verbal Communication Part A: Being Empathetic Towards Others a. Watch this short video: “Brene’ Brown on Empathy” b. After watching the video, answer the following

    Part A: Being Empathetic Towards Othersa. Watch this short video: “Brene’ Brown on Empathy”Link
    b. After watching the video, answer the following questions: 1. In the video, the speaker gives an example of a type of “You statement” that would drives disconnection with others. What was the phrase? Provide an example of when someone used that phrase on you (or you used it when talking to someone else) and describe how it made you (or them) feel. 2. In the video, the speaker gives an example of an empathic “I statement” that would drive connection. What was the phrase? Provide an example of when someone used that phrase on you (or you used it when talking to someone else) and describe how it made you (or them) feel. 3. How might you start to incorporate more empathetic responses in your face-to-face AND online interpersonal communications with others.
    Part B: Verbal “Flames”1. Read: then write out the definition of a verbal “flame” from the My First Flame.pdf reading.
    2. How would you feel if you received the flaming email that the author of the “My First Flame” received and why (reference core values, individual or cultural context)?
    3. Define “Destructive Language” from the Verbal Communication.PDF reading (you have to read the text boxes and the entirety of that section of the reading to get the definition) and then provide and examples of “destructive language” from the email the author received in the My First Flame.pdf
    4. Define “Verbal Aggression” from the Verbal Communication.PDF reading and then provide and examples of “verbal aggression” from the email the author received in the My First Flame.pdf
    5. Using gratitude (from the discussion forum this week) AND the tips in the short blog post on How to Deal With a Difficult (or Angry) Customer: 16 Tips how might you respond to flaming email that the author of the “My First Flame” received?
    6. Page 119 of the textbook chapter (Experiencing & Expressing Emotions.PDF talks about online communication empathy deficits (including online verbal flaming). Share a specific example of when you (or someone in your life) has received a negative comment online? After reading the materials this week, how might you respond now, if someone posted something negatively about you in a comment on social media (i.e. Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
    Formatting criteria:
    Name. Have your first and last name, CMST101, Professor Voso, and the date in the top left corner.
    Page Number. Your last name and page number in the top right corner.
    College-level writing! Free of typos and grammatical errors, and try to avoid contractions (better if these are not written using a cell phone…)
    Separate Paragraphs. Create a separate paragraph for each part of the assignment.
    Page length. This assignment is about 2 pages. Spacing/Font type/size. Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font
    Concepts. Incorporate concepts learned in class during the week.
    Template: Here is a template you can use: APA Assignment Format.docx

  • Discussion on Legislation and Government Websites “Improving Access to Care for Veterans: The Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act”

    NO AI-GENERATED WORK PLEASE
    REPLY ONCE PER DISCUSSION POSTS TWO POSTS TOREPLY TO
    DISCUSSION TOPIC
    Go to the Library of Congress website ( https://www.loc.gov ). Find a piece of legislation on a topic of interest to you. In your own words, report what you found. Identify a bill by name and number. Who is the sponsor of this bill? When and what was the last action taken on this bill? If this bill has already passed both houses and signed by the President, when did it become law? Is there a public law number? Briefly, tell us, in your own words, what this proposed legislation is about. Provide a direct link to this bill/law. Then, see if you can find this same bill on the govtrack.us ( https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/ ) website. Is there any additional useful information that you can find on this site?
    DISCUSSION POST RUBRIC
    Interacts substantively with 2 or more peers in a discussion forum. 100 WORD MINIMUM PER REPLY. Posts are well-articulated and understandable.  No noticeable spelling or grammatical errors. YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS OR OTHER OPINIONS TO FURTHER THE CONVERSATIONS.
    Contains an APA style citation.
    RESOURCES
    E TEXT SLIDES CHAPTER 3 & 4 UOLOADED
    Segal, E. A. (2015). Empowerment Series: Social Welfare Policy and Social Programs, Enhanced (4th ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9798214342382

    DISCUSSION POST 1
    When going to the site, a topic that interested me was the Medicare Mental Health Access Act. I felt this act was important to be aware of due to my career path in Human Services and my strong advocation for mental health services access. The bill that I found was H.R.1173 – Medicate Mental Health Access Act which was introduced in 2017 to provide specifications in Medicare.
    A representative from South Dakota, Kristi Noem is the sponsor of this bill as part of the Republican party. She was the sponsor for several bills that seemed to help people like the Pregnant Women in Custody Act, Family Savings Act, and the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act (Congress.gov, 2017).
    The last action taken on this bill was in March of 2017. This bill was only introduced to the House in February of 2017 but was referred elsewhere to the Subcommittees on Health and did not make its way to being a signed bill passed by the president. This referral concluded as the last action taken on the bill. I was not able to find a public law number due to the bill not being passed.
    The Medicare Mental Health Access Act was created with the intention of allowing clinical psychologist to be treated the same as a physician, allowing them to both be covered under Medicare as necessary medical treatments (Congress.gov, 2017). The following link provides a summary of this bill, including the full text.
    HR1173 | US Congress 2017-2018 | Medicare Mental Health Access Act | TrackBill
    I was able to find the same bill on govetrack.us. There was not a lot of information on the bill in general as it did not make it very far, but this site also provides the full text, unlike the Library of Congress website. This site did suggest that the bill could have been passed as a law if it were to be a part of another bill in the future.
    References
    GovTrack.us. (2024). H.R. 1173 — 115th Congress: Medicare Mental Health Access Act. Retrieved from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr1173
    H.R.1173 – 115th Congress (2017-2018): Medicare Mental Health Access Act. (2017, March 2). https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1173
    Segal, E. A. (2015-05-05). Empowerment Series: Social Welfare Policy and Social Programs, Enhanced, 4th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9798214342382
    DISCUSSION POST 2
    The bill that I chose to do my discussion on is H.R.241 – Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. It was passed by the 11th Congress between 2013 and 2014. This bill was put into effect to provide appropriate care to our military veterans, and to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. It limited the delay in appointment times to a maximum of 30 days. It puts the responsibility to continue to reevaluate this treatment on the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. The sponsor of the bill was Representative Dennis A. Ross. The last action taken on this bill was on May 21st, 2013, and it was introduced in the House on January 14th, 2013. According to the govtrack website, the bill died in a previous session of Congress, and it did not receive a vote. It never became a law, but the website states that “it could have become law in another bill.” 
    https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/241/text?s=1&r=88
    GovTrack.us. (2024). H.R. 241 — 113th Congress: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. Retrieved from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr241

  • Title: “Informing Policy through Infographics: A Visual Approach to Annotated Bibliographies and Policy Briefs”

    powerpoint is infograph style. example is attached. 
    annotated bibliography needed is attached as well as the policy brief of information need for PP