Category: Business and Management

n the templated assignments for Topics 1-3, you completed a majority of what will comprise the “Individual Development Plan” for your mentee. At this point, you will select two activities to implement with your mentee based on the list of proposed activities identified in the Topic 3 “Proposed Activities and Techniques” assignment submission.
The purpose of this assignment is to select and implement two activities to use with your mentee, document your use of them with your mentee, and then reflect on the mentee’s progress. For this assignment, review the “IDP – Implementation of the Individual Development Plan” template, complete it, and submit it as directed.  This template covers the following sections:
Selection of Activities
The two activities can be related to the same discipline or you can try and introduce separate activities that work on separate areas of growth. For example, if your mentee is working on listening skills, you can have the mentee create a written description of personal experiences with listening over the past few weeks. This would allow you to use techniques to redirect the mentee’s listening behavior during certain experiences. In addition, you could task the mentee with the opportunity to engage in a listening activity with another coworker or friend. This scenario could utilize some of the techniques you provided based on results from the first activity.
Documentation of Applied Activities
You need to evaluate your current mentoring experience and apply activities that will benefit your learning experience and your mentee’s mentoring experience. Include an evaluation of strategic activities they can employ in their current climate of learning and development within their organization.
You will have the next 2 weeks to complete this portion of your assignment. The activity can be a written requirement, physical requirement, or an activity that initiates a behavioral change over a predetermined timeframe. As your mentee is working through the activity, monitor the progress and utilize any coaching or mentoring techniques necessary to guide your mentee to be successful.
You must spend a minimum of 3 hours monitoring and working with your mentee for each activity. If you are in a location that prevents conducting the activity face-to-face, please use technology or additional resources to ensure you are providing a positive coaching and mentoring experience for your mentee.
Reflection on Progress and Meeting Long-Term Goals
Complete a 250–500-word reflection on the information you have obtained through the monitoring process. Be sure to identify your selected activities and include your rationale for selecting them based on the mentee’s behavioral and/or skill goals. Address any circumstances that required flexibility or adaptability. Determine how the activities will also meet the mentee’s long-term goals. This could consist of a performance indicator chart along with a brief explanation of the current status in the coaching/mentoring process.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

1. Audience Understanding
Recognize that your audience consists of internal stakeholders at BECO Capital.
Your objective is to enhance their understanding of the consumer space to make informed investment decisions.
2. Introduction
High-Level Primer on Consumer Market
Define the consumer market broadly, including its various segments and categories.
Introduce key business models within the consumer sector:
Direct-to-Consumer (D2C): Explain how companies sell directly to consumers without intermediaries.
Omnichannel: Discuss the integration of various sales channels (online and offline) to provide a seamless consumer experience.
Mention other prevalent business models briefly, ensuring the audience grasps the diversity within the consumer space.
3. Educational Context
Success Stories in the Global Consumer Market
Highlight well-known successful consumer companies globally.
Provide examples without deep diving into case studies, such as:
Warby Parker: A model of D2C in the eyewear industry.
Glossier: A beauty brand leveraging social media and community-driven marketing.
Summarize the key metrics and dynamics that these companies exhibit, such as:
Customer acquisition costs
Lifetime value of customers
Growth rates
Revenue models
Emphasize what makes these companies stand out in their respective markets.
4. Regional Analysis
Consumer Investments in the MENA Region
Review the current state of consumer investments in the MENA region.
Discuss what has worked and what hasn’t by providing examples of successful and failed ventures.
Identify Gaps and Opportunities
Highlight areas where there is little to no competition.
Discuss emerging trends and unmet needs in the MENA consumer sector.
Tie into Regional Trends
Connect the identified gaps to specific trends and dynamics of the MENA consumer market.
Example: The rising middle class and increasing internet penetration rates.
5. Actionable Insights
Investment Opportunities
Outline specific consumer verticals with high potential for investment.
Ensure the audience can identify target companies or sectors for future investments.
Examples of Regional Adaptation
Explain how companies have successfully adapted global models to the MENA market:
Warby Parker Model: Describe a company that adapted this model to the MENA market, targeting traditional retailers with innovative approaches.
Local Innovations: Mention companies that created unique models suitable for the local market dynamics.
6. Market Specifics
Understanding Local Market Dynamics
Highlight high-potential markets within the region:
Makeup, Perfume, and Cosmetics:
Discuss the high margins but competitive nature of these sectors.
Emphasize the importance of influencer-driven marketing.
Note the typical trends following the Western market and the potential for the MENA consumer to be a trendsetter.
Challenges:
Low barriers to entry
Need for strong distribution networks and celebrity endorsements.
Segmenting Opportunities
Break down consumer market opportunities by:
Margin Potential: Highest profit margins.
ROI: Best return on investment.
Market Competitiveness: Least crowded and easiest to enter.
Provide insights into why some models, despite looking good on paper, might be challenging due to factors like market saturation or operational complexities.
7. Key Metrics for Successful Consumer Companies in the MENA Region
Retention Rate: Greater than 40%
Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): Greater than 5x (some companies achieve up to 8-9x)
LTV/CAC Ratio: If high ROAS and high retention, LTV/CAC ratio greater than 8x
Gross Margin: Between 60-70%
Net Promoter Score (NPS): Greater than 80, if applicable
Inventory Turnover: Greater than 5x
Year 1 Expectations:
Having a strong ROAS is realistic.
Inventory churn and gross margins may lag due to the lack of scale, which is acceptable and expected.
8. Strategic Recommendations
Optimal Entry Points
Recommend the best entry points into identified market segments.
Highlight models that combine high potential with manageable risk levels.
Example: Suggest investing in niche markets within the broader high-margin sectors.
9. Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
Reiterate the main takeaways: understanding the consumer market, identifying gaps, and actionable investment insights.
Call to Action
Encourage BECO Capital to use the presented insights to refine their investment strategy.
Aim to leave the audience with a clear understanding of the next steps in identifying and capitalizing on consumer market opportunities.

Your task is to conduct an in-depth analysis of this case, integrating content from the textbook, videos, articles, and discussions per syllabus.  I am attaching the case, directions and textbook information.

You are to create a PMBOK 7.6 Control Costs document for your Capstone Project.  The content for 7.5 and 7.6 deliverables will look very similar, as one is Control Schedule, and the other is Control Costs.   The main technique used for each is Earned Value Management (EVM), so you will likely have some overlap (and copy and paste between the two). 
As a reminder, in PMGT 651, you were to create multiple schedules– one of which was your baseline, and one of which was your “current schedule.”  Since those were both at the start of the project, they looked identical, and your budget was based off of your baseline.  Now, you are hypothetically in the middle of your project.  You MUST create at least two change orders that impact scope, cost, and schedule.  If done correctly, the same change orders can impact all three variables.  You should be creative for these.  You must then update your costs to the new date that you defined when creating your new PMBOK 6.6 deliverables based on the changes necessary.  Your EVM calculations will be done from your original baseline and your updated schedule and costs after the changes.   
You should include the change orders in your deliverables. 

Please post your draft narrative report summary so that others may learn from your work and provide feedback. Please begin this post with a one or two sentence overview of what your project is in order that others can more easily make a connection.

Unit 1 and 2 Discussion Forum
Background
Evolution in marketing practice has been a constant theme in the world of business for the past 150 years, with organisations adopting a variety of different orientations. In recent times, marketing orientated approaches have been in vogue, but that is not to say that every company currently pursues this direction.
Discussion Question
What considerations must be taken into account when a company decides upon its business orientation?
Think about how different products and/or services can be marketing and sold to consumers (B2C) or to business customers (B2B).
Aim to research and report on examples of different orientations adopted by companies, in a variety of business environments.
The learning outcomes for this discussion are:
Classify and analyse different sales functions.
Formulate appropriate strategies for the marketing and selling of products and services in diverse business settings.
Must end the post with a relevant question.

Let’s hear from Reddit. 
Yes, you heard right…Reddit. We’ll get a chance to read about outrageous or petty scenarios that most of us will not experience.
Malicious Compliance
Reddit’s Malicious Compliance captures stories of individuals following orders or rules in a way that underscores the asker’s oversight, often leading to unintended consequences. It highlights interpreting directives to the letter, showcasing the power of literal compliance.
Module 2 Discussion Part 1 Resources
https://www.reddit.com/r/MaliciousCompliance/

[deleted by user]
by inMaliciousCompliance

No scheduled raise? I’ll only do entry level duties.
byu/not_j17 inMaliciousCompliance

Part 1 Discussion Post
Describe a post from Reddit’s Malicious Compliance. Explain how you feel professionally and personally about the scenario described. (Include the link).
This post should be 1-2 paragraphs (at least 75 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. 
Part 2 Discussion Post
Hating the Job
Reddit’s Hate My Job discussions offer a venting space where individuals share frustrations and challenges they face at work. This platform allows for solidarity and sometimes advice on workplace dissatisfaction.
Module 2 Discussion Part 2 Resources

Does anyone else feel like companies aren’t even trying to make RTO attractive anymore?
byu/Inquisitive-Carrot inhatemyjob

Why do useless people keep their jobs?
byu/facevalue83 inhatemyjob

[deleted by user]
by inhatemyjob

I Want to Cry Thinking About Going to Work Tomorrow…
byu/LookyLooLeo inhatemyjob

Part 2 Discussion Post
Describe a post from Reddit’s Hate My Job. Explain how you feel personally and professionally about the scenario described. (Include the link).
This post should be 1-2 paragraphs (at least 75 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. 

Introduction
HR professionals are often asked to consider software platforms that provide an effective approach to support different aspects of the employee life cycle. In this assignment, you are being asked to evaluate a platform you search for, identify, and recommend for purchase by CapraTek. The platform should have some or most of the following capabilities: capable of performing recruiting, onboarding, tracking training and education requirements, and identifying internal career pathways.
In this assignment, you select criteria from one of the two articles provided to determine the effectiveness of an HR platform. The intent is for the platform is to be able to meet as many of the demands for managing the employee life cycle as possible. Keep in mind that the thrust of this assignment is not about the actual tool but the content—or better said: Can the software you recommend help an organization effectively manage Gallup’s employee life cycle in the organization? Also, keep in mind that you may have to recommend more than one platform for all the functions that are included, and it is also possible some capabilities may simply not be available.
Scenario
Dr. Thompson has asked your HR team at CapraTek an essential question: How do we attract and keep scientists instead of losing good people to our competitors? The organization has been losing junior and senior scientists at a steady rate, and no one really understands why this is happening. The HR team has been engaged in learning the employee life cycle and collecting information about employee needs via engagement research. Now it is time to select a technology platform that will meet those needs from onboarding to helpful recognition processes that continue to make employees feel successful in their work throughout their tenure at the company.
Purchasing the Gallup suite of tools is not on the table due to the huge cost of implementation for a medium-sized regional company like CapraTek.
Your Challenge
As an HR team member, you have been assigned this task that has come at Dr. Thompson’s request. Research HR platforms so that you can help to select the best tool to adopt for the employees’ needs at CapraTek.
Instructions
1. Refer to the following reading list and select the 4–6 appropriate criteria to evaluate the HR platforms you will research.
Week 9: HR Challenge: Evaluate and Recommend an HR PlatformLinks to an external site..
2. Select and research as many HR platforms/tools that are capable of performing recruiting, onboarding, tracking training and education requirements, and identifying internal career pathways as you can.
Options for HR platforms of this type are available in industry literature and the marketplace.
3. Write a 3–4 page internal memo about your recommended platform and evaluate it against the criteria from the provided articles. Does it meet the needs of employees at each stage of the employee life cycle and meet the organization’s needs for all of the capabilities? Include the following in your internal memo:
To, From, Internal Memo: Select HR Platform, Date.
Follow a format similar to a normal paper, including an introduction, conclusion, and the following elements:
Explain the 4–6 criteria you selected to evaluate the tools from one or both articles listed in this assignment.
Evaluate platforms for their capability to meet each employee at their respective stage of the life cycle and level of expertise.
Evaluate platforms for their capability to meet the organization’s needs for recruiting, onboarding, tracking training and education requirements, and identifying internal career pathways.
Select the most appropriate tool(s) to recommend for adoption by leadership.
Explain your rationale for HR platform selection based on the criteria you selected and how the selected tool meets all of the needs of the individual employees and the organization at CapraTek, especially the scientists.
Submission Requirements
The deliverable for this assignment applies professional skills in Human Resources Management (HRM) to workplace situations that you will likely encounter in your day-to-day work in HRM. As part of your learning, we focus on the development of effective professional communication skills for the workplace.
Length of paper: Your memorandum should be 3–4 double-spaced pages, including the resources page.
Organization: Make sure that your assignment writing is well organized, using headings and subheadings to organize content for the reader.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Number of resources: A minimum of four resources, not including course readings.
Evidence: Support your assertions with data and/or in-text citations. Use current APA format for in-text citations and create a reference list at the end of your documents.
APA formatting: Resources and in-text citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting.
Written communication:
Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
Write for a specific audience, using the vernacular of the profession.
Use spell-check and other tools to ensure correct spelling and grammar.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and grading criteria:
Competency 1: Apply models of employee motivation, growth, and engagement in the workplace to create the employee experience.
Explain the criteria you selected to evaluate the HR platforms from the provided articles.
Competency 3: Assess the influence of technology on engagement and retention outcomes.
Evaluate HR platforms for their capability to meet each employee at their respective stage of life cycle and level of expertise.
Evaluate HR platforms for their capability to meet each of the organizations’ needs for recruiting, onboarding, tracking training and education requirements, and identifying internal career pathways.
Competency 4: Design practices that impact the employee lifecycle and generate positive employee and organizational outcomes.
Explain the rationale for your selection of the most appropriate platform based on the criteria you selected and how the selected tool meets all of the needs of the individual employees and the organization.
Competency 5: Communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally in the Human Resource Management field.
Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
View Rubric

Overview
Knowing the expectations involved with maintaining operational sustainability and who is responsible for meeting these expectations is an important part of being an effective practitioner. In this assignment, you will create a guide that can be used throughout this course and in the future to help you better understand the roles, influences, and responsibilities of internal and external stakeholders involved in maintaining ethical business practices related to the triple bottom line (TBL). This assignment will also support you in completing your course project, which is due in Module Seven.
Scenario
You are working on a collaborative project regarding sustainability initiatives. During recent meetings, the group has realized there is a lot of confusion surrounding who is responsible for what regarding regulations, governance, and responsibilities surrounding the new initiatives that are being planned. To help everyone understand the roles and responsibilities of both internal and external stakeholders, you have volunteered to create a brief guide.
Prompt
Use course and external resources to complete the Module Three Assignment Template Word Document, making sure to clearly and concisely identify key stakeholders and their roles, responsibilities, and level of influence in upholding sustainable business operations regarding each aspect of the TBL.
For the purposes of this assignment, you can select one of the following industries to help contextualize your response:
Food service
Office supply
Accounting and finance
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Identification: Identify key internal and external stakeholders, groups, and organizations involved in enforcing and maintaining operational sustainability regarding each aspect of the TBL.
Roles: Briefly describe the role of identified internal and external stakeholders, groups, and organizations involved in enforcing and maintaining operational sustainability.
Responsibilities: Briefly describe the responsibilities of identified internal and external stakeholders, groups, and organizations involved in enforcing and maintaining operational sustainability regarding each aspect of the TBL, specifically in regard to their level of responsibility and accountability in the following:
Evaluating or enforcing sustainable operations
Determining which aspects of the TBL framework they support most strongly
Explaining how their responsibilities can help justify prioritizing the TBL
Influence: Briefly describe the level of influence of the identified internal and external stakeholders, groups, and organizations involved in enforcing and maintaining operational sustainability regarding each aspect of the TBL. Make sure to note their ability to make decisions, enforce requirements, and justify prioritizing the TBL for an organization.
What to Submit
Submit the Module Three Assignment Template to complete this assignment. Use bullet points as appropriate when completing the template. Sources should be cited according to APA style.

Often, when the topic of nationalism is discussed, the focus is on hyper-nationalism or extremism. While nationalism can certainly result in extreme views, nationalism in its most basic sense is not necessarily problematic. Nationalism is grounded in a sense of loyalty to one’s nation or nation-state and identification with and attachment to other members of that nation and its culture. In this assignment, you will consider the role of national loyalties in a globalized society. 
REQUIRED RESOURCES
Please read and view the following:
Nationalism Rising: When and Why Nationalism Beats Globalism, Jonathan Haidt, The American Interest, volume 12, number 1, July 2016                                                                                     https://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/07/10/when-and-why-nationalism-beats-globalism/
The world’s most influential values, in one graphic, Dorothy Neufeld, World Economic Forum, 2020                                                                                                                                                        https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/values-graphic-care-behaviour-family-love-tradition-free-speech/
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
The Pros And Cons Of Globalization, Mike Collins, Forbes, 2015                                                      https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikecollins/2015/05/06/the-pros-and-cons-of-globalization/?sh=3453db18ccce
Globalization I – The Upside: Crash Course World History #41, CrashCourse, 2012 (11:51)         https://youtu.be/5SnR-e0S6Ic?si=-c_G4QhyvNzdBGch
The following video requires you to sign-in through Google.
Globalization II – Good or Bad?: Crash Course World History #42, CrashCourse, 2012 (13:54)https://youtu.be/s_iwrt7D5OA?si=CaEd60sfjzREdcET
ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Citing course materials or outside research, respond to the following:
Explain the difference between nationalism (state sovereignty) and globalism. Do you believe that these two perspectives can coexist in a harmonious society? Explain your reasoning and describe how these two concepts might work together.
Use the critical thinking model to discuss the pros and cons of both nationalism and globalism. Weigh the pros and cons of both concepts. 
After reviewing “The World’s Most Influential Values” article, do you feel the values listed for your region of the world properly reflect your society’s values and your perspective on these values?