Category: Business and Management

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Instructions
This assignment is a 2-3 page (excluding cover and reference page) essay is required for this course. The source material for this paper can be found in the course reading material. However, students are required to seek additional external source material to bring another perspective to their papers. Students must obtain at least one research source from the APUS Online Library. Wikipedia is not a valid source for this paper!
After reading the required reading content for weeks 1-5 this week, tell me the following:
As a manager, explain the importance of understanding the TWO most interesting aspects of our reading material (Pick two topics that you thought were most interesting). Why did you find these topics interesting and HOW does EACH topic relate to one ethical scenario that you have heard about or read about in the news (Exxon Valdez, Enron, Tyco etc). You can talk about any case that relates to unethical behavior.
Use our reading material and the library to support your positions. Be creative with how you link the content of our reading to the cases that you picked. This might require you to do additional research on the cases in our library or on the internet.
The paper must contain the following format:
Title Page – Include a title page with your name, student number, title of review, course number, course name, session, section, semester and date.
Abstract-brief introduction to the essay
Introductory Paragraph – Include an introductory paragraph.
Font and Spacing – Use Arial or Times New Roman, 12 pitch font with double spaced lines.
Length – Write a 2-3 page review, not including the title page and reference page.
Reference Page – Include all references. Minimum of two (Course text and APUS Online Library)
Formatted and referenced using APA style
Punctuation, essay format (thesis, supporting paragraphs with transitions and topic sentences, and summary) grammar and documentation count toward grade.
Save your review as Last Name – Week #1 Paper.doc and submit via the Assignment tool.

Guidance: 
Your presentation should include a cover title slide
Not more than 14 slides
Please be aware this must be treated like a professional presentation.
Task:
PowerPoint
Select an organisation of your choosing.
This organisation is looking at expanding its strategy, and going into new markets.
As the head of strategy, you are required to present to the board the impact of strategic position on the macro-environment.
As well as recommend if it is a good idea to expand into new markets. 
Include the following headings in your presentation:
Background – An overview of the company and its current situation, with reference, to Implementing Strategies.
Analysis – Clarification of the method of analysis i.e. theoretical frameworks, models applied in the analysis. Detailed analysis of the strategy with reference to Implementing Strategies (referencing the theory used – Harvard).
Initial outcomes/findings – identifying gaps, where issues need strengthening, or where procedures are well established, and an opportunity to build and develop.
Proposed strategy – Utilising the Implementing Strategies theory to link your main findings to recommend new or improved strategies to the board.
Implementation strategy – Put forward an implementation plan of how the above strategy might be implemented etc.
Conclusions -​ Bring in together the main points in your presentation.
References – Harvard style referencing
Appendices
Reflective Statement
To be handed in together with PowerPoint slides as one assignment.
500-word reflective statement on your experience in doing the PowerPoint.
Choose a reflective model of your choice to use for this e.g. Gibbs, Kolb, Driscoll to name just a few.
Students can write in first person.
Grading:
Assignment 1 will contribute 20% towards your final mark. Use the rubric below to see how marks will be allocated.
You can expect feedback within 3 weeks from the date of submission.
Rubric: 
Table of tasks
Assessment Criteria 
Marks Available 
Marks Awarded
1.
Critical analysis of factors involved in strategic position and the micro-environment. Knowledge and Understanding of theories and concepts
5
2.
Evidence of original thinking, creativity and use of credible examples
5
3.
Personal reflective statement, with application of reflective models and evidence of original thinking, creativity and use of credible examples.
5
4.
Accurate use of the author/date Harvard referencing system. This criterion relates to whether you have used the author/date appropriately and accurately, not to whether you have made a good selection of resources
5
Total
20
Master Level Marking Criteria

in general, write about how Organizational Behavior course benefits us:
-Clear demonstration of an understanding of key concepts covered in the course
– In-depth analysis of how the concepts apply to real-world business situations
– Clearly articulate how the learnings from the course can be applied to your current or future professional work
– Demonstrate an understanding of the impact these learnings can have on your career growth and development
– Reflect on how the course has influenced your personal growth and development
– Discuss any personal insights or learnings gained from the course

ntroduction to Business Management by Prof J.A. Badenhorst-Weiss, Prof T. Botha etc. I sent the ebook to help

Please read all lessons before starting the assignment. Include concepts from the lessons and course matrial  to the essay. 
This
assignment requires you to apply what
you have learned to the scenarios given. You are not expected to do research and
find new information from additional sources. Use only your course materials and
the resources provided to you in the assignment question to formulate your
answers.
Grading Criteria
Listed below are the primary criteria that will be used to
evaluate your assignments.
·       
Relevance: Does the submitted assignment
address the assigned topic?
·       
Definition and precision of terms: Have you clearly stated the meaning of the terms
used and used them consistently?
·       
Use of evidence: Have you supported your
arguments with credible evidence?
·       
Accuracy of information: Have you made a
clear distinction between supportable facts and your own opinions?
·       
Logical consistency: Does the evidence
you present support your conclusions?
·       
Writing: Is the writing clear,
comprehensible, and generally free from major writing errors (grammar, usage,
spelling, punctuation, diction, etc.)?
·       
Compliance: Does the submitted assignment
follow the instructions? (It uses assigned sources and proper citations, adheres
to word count indicated, etc.)

Industry Segments
Choose one of the following industry segments for this assessment:
United States name-brand pharmaceutical manufacturers develop prescription and over-the-counter products that are used to prevent or treat illnesses in humans or animals. Name-brand drugs and medication have patent protection. This industry does not include nutritional supplement or cosmetics manufacturers. In 2020 the industry size was $205 billion in revenue (Kennedy, 2021, 32541a).
United States generic pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers develop prescription and over-the-counter drug products that are used to prevent or treat illnesses in humans or animals. Generic drugs are produced and distributed without patent protection, and industry operators are not significantly engaged in the research and development of new drugs. The industry does not include manufacturers of nutritional supplements or cosmetic beauty products. In 2020 the industry size was $58 billion in revenue (Kennedy, 2021, 32541b).
Part 1: Scenario Synthesis
The first portion of your assessment requires you to evaluate the following four scenario frameworks by critically assessing their main ideas or constructs and synthesizing the research findings. You will evaluate the research of Day & Schoemaker (2005), Godet & Roubelat (1996), Hussain et al. (2017), and Ramirez et al. (2017) using the Scenario Synthesis Matrix (Table 1) section of the Scenario and Alternative Futures Template (attached). Remember, as in all of the course assessments, all supplied and researched articles should be entered into your Capstone Literature Matrix.
Day, G. S., & Schoemaker, P. J. H. (2005). Scanning the periphery (attached). Harvard Business Review, 83(18), 135–148. 
Godet, M., & Roubelat, F. (1996). Creating the future: The use and misuse of scenarios. Long Range Planning, 29(2), 164–171. (attached)
Hussain, M., Tapinos, E., & Knight, L. (2017). Scenario-driven road mapping for technology foresight. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 124, 160–177. (attached)
Ramirez, R., Churchhouse, S., Palermo, A., & Hoffmann, J. (2017). Using scenario planning to reshape strategy. MIT Sloan Management Review, 58(4), 31–37. (attached)
The matrix is a synthesis, not a summary. A synthesis requires different main points or arguments presented by the authors from each of the scenario articles on their respective scenario frameworks. Complete the following steps:
Evaluate and identify the main points of each article.
Populate the first column of the synthesis matrix with the main points.
Work down the column from article to article. How does each article relate to the main points identified? Note: some articles may not cover all of the main ideas listed. Leave the field blank if the article does not address that main point.
Complete the final column: your synthesis.
Provide an introduction to the matrix and the process steps you followed. The matrix itself will be followed by a written summation of your findings on scenario constructs and frameworks and their application.
Part 2: Scenario Framework for Pharmaceutical Industry
You are a consultant hired to facilitate a meeting of executives at MiracleDrugs to conduct a decade-futures look. As the consultant, review the industry discovery summary of your research in the IBISWorld industry database that you previously provided to the client. Complete the following for this section:
Identify which scenario framework from Part 1 you will use to facilitate the meeting and explain why you chose this one over the others.
Identify five current state pharmaceutical industry trends or performance indicators essential to begin developing 10-year scenarios.
Based upon the selected framework, create five trigger questions for the executive team to use in creating 10-year pharma scenarios.
Remember to choose the name-brand pharmaceutical industry as discussed in US Industry (NAICS) Report 32541A (attached) or the generic pharmaceutical industry using US Industry (NAICS) Report 32541B (attached).
Trigger questions are provocative prompts for creating innovative solutions to problems. “What if” is a great way of asking trigger questions that would shake up or change the industry.
Justify your selection and include the current industry outlook based on your research. To help you in your analysis, take the time to review the Day and Schoemaker (2005) article Scanning the Periphery (attached), which offers valuable insights on the skill sets needed for futures thinking.
Note: You will need a minimum of three references in addition to the provided readings. Add any new references to the Capstone Literature Matrix and include the Excel document with your assessment submission. 
Your assessment should include the following headings:
Introduction.
Part 1: Scenario Synthesis.
Part 2: Scenario Framework for Pharmaceutical Industry.
Conclusion.
References.
Review the scoring guide to ensure that you meet all criteria before submitting your assessment.
Scholarship: Use a combination of at least three professional and scholarly sources in addition to the supplied readings to support your main points and analysis.

Competitive companies are often measured by how they compete in their industry. Therefore, analyzing gross profits helps substantiate (or refute) managers’ claims of good financial performance. Gross profit signals the health of a company and its closest competitors. A company that creates a superior brand and charges higher prices than its competitors generates higher gross profit. In this discussion question, you will apply theory from your past courses in management and finance: 
Describe two competitive companies with similar gross profit figures that ended up with dramatically different net operating income. Provide details of the two companies and include both qualitative and quantitative results to support your response. 
Provide three factors that financial analysts need to evaluate when determining one of your chosen company’s (from the previous question) ability to repay short-term versus long-term debt. Describe in details to support your response. 

Single space and No Citations  or refernces and No Plagiarism 
Please send the Grammarly report and plagiarism report. Must be 300 words. 
Attached is the reading.

Please respond to the post below regarding the subject. Please poss questions 
1In the field of human resources, the concept of diversity is of utmost importance in organizations around the world. Diversity encompasses differences in race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics that contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. It is widely acknowledged that diverse teams can lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and improved organizational performance.
In the United States, diversity has been a growing issue in the workplace, with organizations focusing on creating inclusive environments and promoting diversity through recruitment and training programs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was established to enforce laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. Companies in the U.S. are encouraged to implement diversity training programs, create diversity committees, and set diversity goals to foster a culture of inclusion.
During my 13 years of Naval service, I witnessed firsthand the emphasis placed on diversity and inclusion within the organization. The Navy is committed to promoting diversity and equality, with policies in place to prevent discrimination and harassment. Diversity training is mandatory for all sailors to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace for all personnel. The Navy values the unique perspectives and backgrounds of its members and recognizes the importance of leveraging diversity to achieve its mission effectively.
In contrast, in countries like Japan, diversity is perceived differently in the workplace. Japan has a more homogeneous society compared to the U.S., with a majority of the population being Japanese. Historically, Japanese companies have prioritized conformity and harmony in the workplace, leading to a lack of diversity in terms of race and ethnicity. The concept of “shudan ishiki” or group consciousness is prevalent in Japanese culture, where individuals are expected to prioritize the group over individual differences.
In Japanese organizations, there is less emphasis on diversity and inclusion compared to the U.S. Companies in Japan tend to have a more homogeneous workforce, with limited representation of women, minorities, and foreign nationals. This lack of diversity can create challenges in terms of innovation, creativity, and adaptability in a globalized economy. However, there is a growing awareness in Japan about the importance of diversity and the benefits it can bring to organizations.
Despite the differences in how diversity is perceived in the U.S. and Japan, both countries are making strides towards creating more inclusive workplaces. Organizations in the U.S. are leading efforts to increase diversity through affirmative action programs, mentoring initiatives, and diversity recruitment strategies. In Japan, there is a growing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion, with some companies starting to implement diversity training and initiatives to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.
In conclusion, the concept of diversity in human resources is essential for organizations to thrive in a globalized and increasingly diverse world. While the perception of diversity may differ between countries like the U.S. and Japan, the underlying goal of creating inclusive workplaces remains the same. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, organizations can benefit from a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can drive innovation and success. As highlighted in ORGB, 6th Edition by Debra L. Nelson and James Campbell Quick, diversity is a key factor in organizational behavior and effectiveness, and organizations must continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their HR practices.

Assignment Deliverable
Create a 12- to 15-slide presentation for Alphabet’s leadership team in which you:
Evaluate the mission, vision, and values of Alphabet by doing the following:
Summarize your evaluation of the alignment between what Alphabet is currently doing and as compared to its mission, vision, or values statement. 
Recommend changes you would make to Alphabet’s mission, vision, or values statements to improve organizational goals. Explain what impact the changes will have on the organization’s performance.
Conduct a competitive analysis in which you:
Explain your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Alphabet’s competitive advantages and disadvantages.
Recommend operational changes to improve Alphabet’s competitive advantages and business performance. Justify how these changes will impact performance. 
Propose a plan to measure and monitor the effectiveness of your recommended operational changes in Alphabet’s competitive advantages to achieve organizational goals. Be sure to explain how you will measure the results and how you will monitor the progress of the operational changes. 
Evaluate Alphabet’s global strategy by doing the following:
Summarize your assessment of Alphabet’s global strategy. Support your assessment with examples. 
Recommend operational changes to improve Alphabet’s global strategy and business performance. Justify how these changes will impact performance.
Propose a plan to measure and monitor the effectiveness of your recommended operational changes to Alphabet’s global strategy to achieve organizational goals. Be sure to explain how you will measure the results and how you will monitor the progress of the operational changes. 
Include your key findings, recommendations, and supporting rationale for your recommendations. Include speaker notes, video, or audio narration (with full transcript) with supporting details that are not present on your slides.
Format your references according to APA guidelines.