Business

ow to Write a Project Proposal Research proposals are a way to ground your early research on your project and a way to share that information with your professor. For this class, your proposal will consist of the sections outlined below, with each section addressing the specific question.  Think of this as a conversation starter with your professor as a way to hold yourself accountable to the process of conducting significant, academic research on a topic. You will not be held word for word to your ideas in your proposal, but you also don’t want to change your topic completely without first contacting me.  Also, look at the student sample proposal to get an idea of the tone and content.  Tentative Thesis:  As you begin your research, it is important that you start with your own argument or opinion on the topic. The research you eventually use will support your opinion and not replace your ideas. In high school you might have just regurgitated other people’s ideas, but now you are using existing research to see if you can prove or support your own argument on a topic. What is your position, why do you think that way, and who disagrees with you?  Follow the example of the Seven Step Thesis Formula to come up with this.  My Credentials: In academic (or really any argumentative writing) your audience always begins with the simple question: Why should I listen to you? In this section, provide your connection or relationship to the problem. A student writing about capital punishment is not going to have much credibilty, but a student who’s uncle was on death row and later released becasue of a mistrial will have a lot more credibility. The audience is more likely to listen to the second student over the first. The logic and strenght of argument has to be strong no matter your connection, but you do a lot to help your case by letting your reader know why you are (becoming) an expert on this topic.  My Audience: Since most research is done to rectify a problem, to whom are you writing? Who is already involved that would benefit from your argument, or whom can  you enlist to help eventually come up with a solution? In this way, a “general” audience of say everyone in St. Louis, is too broad. The more focused your audience, the more clear will be the choices you have to make as a writer to appeal to your reader. For example, the facts, stats, and expert opinions you include in your argument about the legalization of marijuana won’t change necessarily depending on your audience, but the way you present them will be different between an audience of senior citizens vs. an audience of young recreational users.  Research Question: What is the specific question you are trying to prove? This is the controlling question, or at least the starting question that you take with you into the databases. Simply searching on “What is segregation in St. Louis” is going to give you way too many results. The more focused you can be with your initial database search, the better (and quicker) your results. A better question here might be, “What is the effect of segregated busing having on poverty rates in predominantly white suburbs in St. Louis?” You can check the Purdue OWL or Meramec’s College Writing Center for more information on writing research questions.   Research Plan/Sources:  What is your initial plan to answer your research question? Not only what sources will you go to, but to whom will you seek assistance? A friend who works in the industry you are researching? A research librarian? Books? Journal articles? Your sociology professor? Etc.

Write an essay with at least 250 words as prompted in the question. The essay should contain the following elements (250 word count begins here): Your conclusion (thesis) in summary form as clearly and succinctly as possible at the beginning of the essay Fully answer the question(s) and explain yourself Be sure to cite and reference the materials you use to support your response You must use a consistent citation format throughout the essay (e.g., APA). Question: Concept of iatrogenic harm. Apply the idea to what we see in ever-efficient cars in terms of fuel consumption. Describe the iatrogenic harm in the ever-improving fuel efficiency in cars. What policies would you recommend to reduce the harm?

These are three short essay questions. Answers can be found in the text and lectures.  Please use bullet points if appropriate so your responses are easy to read.  Do not just copy and paste from the text. I want to know whether you understand the material. ___________________________________________________________________ Question #1 (5 points): Review each environmental law in Ch. 25. You are the development manager for a developer of commercial distribution centers. You are surveying a new development site in Butler County near (but not on) Gregory Creek,  which is considered a federal navigable waterway. You step into a swampy field and get your boots muddied. You also find ten rusted barrels of an unknown liquid substance in the corner of the site – two of which appear to have a leak. While accessing the contents of the barrels, you notice a small reptile that you’ve never seen before wading in a puddle. You are concerned with getting the site cleaned up and ready for development. 1. Based on these facts, what four specific federal environmental laws will you primarily need to investigate in order to develop the site? Note, do NOT worry about how the site is going to be used after it is developed and do NOT worry about NEPA. 2. For each statute, give your reason why. Point back to the relevant facts that would bring that statute into consideration. Question #2 (5 points):  Review the section on Natural Resources in Ch. 25. 1. When must an environmental impact statement be prepared? 2. What are the specific items that it must discuss? 3. Why would these items enable the EPA and other agencies to determine whether the project should move forward? Should cost and time needed to get the permit be a factor? Give some thought to this question. Go beyond, “It’ll help the EPA to protect the environment.” What kind of information does the EIS give the EPA that is important to their decision making? Question #3 (5 points): Review the section on Sarbanes-Oxley (26-1a) and the whistle blower requirements in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 1. Under Sarbanes-Oxley, list the three events that an auditor would need to report to the audit committee of the client’s board of directors. Why is it important for these events to be reported? What is the reporting designed to prevent?  2. List the three actions involved if an auditor suspects a client has committed an illegal act. Why are these actions considered necessary? What are the actions designed to prevent?

1. DISCUSS the components of negotiation you need to know before entering a negotiation with each manufacturer? [5 Points] 2. When meeting with the manufacturers, DESCRIBE the negotiation style (chose the one you are most comfortable with) you will use? Give an EXAMPLE how you will use it. [5 Points] 3. EXPLAIN the main negotiating temperament you will use in the negotiations. EXPLAIN why you chose that particular temperament and not the others. [5 Points] 4. The environment in which you negotiate can lead to different outcomes. If the meetings are in person as scheduled, EXPLAIN: [5 Points] a. the benefits of negotiating in person? b. the negatives of negotiating in person? 5. A last minute emergency will not permit you to meet with each of the manufacturers in person. Instead you notify each that you will negotiate by email. EXPLAIN: [5 Points] a. the benefits of negotiating in writing? b. the negatives of negotiating in writing? 6. You are preparing for your meetings with the manufacturers. a. DISCUSS what is your GRIP for the manufacturers? [5 Points] b. DISCUSS what the manufacturer’s GRIP for you (the retailer) could be? [5 Points] 7. As you psych yourself up for the meetings with each of the manufacturers, you review your perceptions of the manufacturers. a. EXPLAIN how perception affects our attitudes, beliefs, goals and decisions. [5 Points] b. EXPLAIN what is a common assumption we make regarding perceptions and why it can be harmful in negotiations. [5 Points] 8. a. What powers can you draw upon in your negotiations with the manufacturers? DESCRIBE 3 of them. [5 Points] b. DISCUSS how you can use power as a psychological advantage in these negotiations. [5 Points] 9. As you think about your perceptions of the manufacturers, you remember that perceptions work both ways – the manufacturers have perceptions of you too as you assert your positions in each of the negotiations! DISCUSS EACH way people assert themselves: passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive. [5 Points] 10. Apply ACES to the following situation to assist you in your persuasive argument: Manufacturer B shows you several lines of smartwatches, including an exclusive style made available to only select retailers that have been doing business with the manufacturer for over 10 years. You know that the manufacturer has allowed a retailer in Chicago that has only been in business for 5 years the opportunity to sell the exclusive style. DISCUSS how you will persuade the manufacturer to allow you to purchase and sell the exclusive style of their product in your store. [5 Points] 11. Because choosing the right 3 from the 5 top smartwatch manufacturers is very important to your success, you review your checklist of the Rules and Common Mistakes made in negotiation. Choose one (1) Rule and one (1) Mistake of negotiation and EXPLAIN how you will use the Rule and prepare yourself to avoid the Mistake in the upcoming negotiations. [5 Points] 12. Choose one (1) of the following and DISCUSS – PLEASE CIRCLE CHOICE : [5 Points] a. Your research of the different manufacturers finds that manufacturer A wants you to make the first offer. DISCUSS why they are using this tactic. b. Your research of the different manufacturers finds that manufacturer B uses a bullying tactic when they negotiate. DISCUSS HOW you should negotiate with a bully? WHY? c. Your research of the different manufacturers finds that manufacturer C will make threats as a tactic when they negotiate. DISCUSS HOW you should negotiate with a party that makes threats? WHY? d. Your research of the different manufacturers finds that manufacturer D will make an ultimatum as a tactic when they negotiate. DISCUSS HOW you should negotiate with a party that makes threats? WHY? 13. Being new to the smartwatch business you are considering bringing 3 people with you: your business mentor that is conservative in the way they do business, a cousin that sells jewelry but can be cocky and arrogant, and a friend that repairs clocks that is not sure this is a good business venture. a. If you bring them with you, DESCRIBE HOW or WHEN group dynamics can benefit your negotiation goal to contract with 3 of the manufacturers. [5 Points] b. If you bring them with you, DESCRIBE HOW or WHEN group dynamics can be a detriment to your negotiation goal to contract with a manufacturer. [5 Points] 14. Your mentor has met with you to review your strategy for the meetings. For your preparation with each manufacturer, is it possible to predict your negotiation counterpart’s (the manufacturer) future behavior? EXPLAIN. [5 Points] 15. You have decided that manufacturer B produces one of the lines of smartwatches that you want in your store. Their terms for you to carry their line in your store is the following: your store must purchase all 5 of the styles of smartwatches with a total purchase of 50 smartwatches (10 of each style) for a total of $10,000. Knowing your budget and the styles most likely to sell in your store, you want to purchase 3 of the 5 styles and a total of 36 smartwatches (12 of each style). DISCUSS what each of the following is and EXPLAIN by applying the information. For some of the terms you can create what you believe should be the proper response. [10 Points] a. What is BATNA and what is the BATNA for you and what is the BATNA for manufacturer B? b. What is a reservation price and what do you think the reservation price should be for your store and what do you think the reservation price should be for manufacturer B? c. What is ZOPA and what do you think should be the ZOPA for your store and what do you think should be the ZOPA for manufacturer B? d. What is value creation and what do you think could be a value creation by your store and what do you think could be a value creation by manufacturer B?

Read the attached Wall Street Journal article and then answer a specific question to write a 1-page double spaced paper in 12-point Ariel font.   The question that needs to be addressed in the paper is: Why would a giant company such as Exxon launch a $230 billion fossil fuel investment campaign without detailed analytics supporting it despite its industry competitors heading in another direction?

Please analyze Southwest Airlines, identify the reasons why the company has been successful in the unattractive industry, and predict its future. You need to research the company, using a variety of reliable sources such as books, journal articles, library database, trustworthy news media, credible Web sources, etc. After collecting relevant information, you need to evaluate and draw conclusions based on deductive reasoning. Your response should include the following segments:   Operational overview of Southwest Airlines. Why is the company so successful? Current economic condition of the airline industry. How would this affect Southwest Airlines? Current operational issues or challenges within Southwest Airlines. How can Southwest Airlines take on the issues or challenges? Trends for the future within the operational segment. How can Southwest Airlines remain competitive in the future?   To effectively address the above questions, you are expected to write an evaluation essay (with the headings preferred) using deductive reasoning. Here are a few tips: The purpose of an evaluation essay is to present an opinion or viewpoint on a subject or body of work. The writer should firstly provide a summary of the article in question, then present a point-of-view supported with clear examples and evidence, using a thorough, well-structured argument so that the evaluation seems reasoned and unbiased. Deductive reasoning starts with a general principle and deduces that it applies to a specific case. Deductive reasoning moves with exacting precision from the assumed truth of a set of premises to a conclusion which cannot be false if those premises are true. Explain the deductive reasoning process applied to analyze the firm’s performance.   Note: Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with deduction and evaluation by watching the YouTube videos listed below: Inductive & Deductive Reasoning at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmxZTtn5tII  (Links to an external site.) (4:02) Critical thinking – Evaluating logic at Critical Thinking – Evaluating Logic – Part 1 of 3  (Links to an external site.) (Part 1, 4:48), Critical Thinking – Evaluating Logic – Part 2 of 3  (Links to an external site.) (Part 2, 5:53), and Critical Thinking – Evaluating Logic – Part 3 of 3  (Links to an external site.) (Part 3, 3:47). NOTE:  Please double space and use Word format How long should it be??????     I would expect you will need at least one double-spaced page per each of the four questions….

Go to OandA.com (Links to an external site.) and using the Currency Converter tool look up the exchange rate for the America dollar (USD) compared to five other forms of foreign currency. Take screenshots of your findings and write a brief summary. Were you surprised at the results? To complete the assignment be sure to submit a Word file with the five screenshots and a summary of your experience.

l  Selects one FOREIGN country/region (from American perspective) and its currency (note some countries have dollarized so do not have their own currencies) to work on the project.  (If you have interest to work on two countries and currencies, then ideally you please pick one key currency and one less popular currency. Less developed countries and regions have unique business and investment opportunities. It will be interesting and rewarding to gain knowledge of their currencies, economies, financial markets and business environment). l  Short summary, bulletin points, table and chart together with brief description preferred. Do NOT copy and paste. l  Please indicate information sources for each question of the project.   1.   Economic Overview and Globalization, Currency Regime (30 points) 1)     Please provide a brief introduction of the country/region, its economic development and globalization in particular. Bulletin points and short paragraph preferred, less than one page. (10 points) 2)     What is the currency regime of this country/region, referring to the 4 categories and 10 classifications of IMF? Please indicate the source of information. (5 points). What is the immediate past currency system? (5 points) 3)     Please describe the definition and requirement of this regime, particularly what determines the rate and its change, and the responsibility of the country authorities. (10 points)   2.   Balance of Payment. Table and chart together with brief description preferred. Do NOT copy and paste. (30 points) 1) Find the most recent year BOP statistics: (20 points) a)     Current account: Goods import, export and balance, Service import, export, and balance, Total current account balance. b)     Capital account balance and financial account balance. c)     Official Reserves. 2)     The most recent 10-year BOP situation on: (10 points) Current account and, Combined current, capital account and financial account.   3.   Currency Rate and Change. (40 points) 1)     Basic currency information – official name, abbreviation, symbol, and countries /regions using the currency. (6 points) 2)     Exchange rate to US dollar at two time points – the beginning of last year and this year. Please provide and indicate both the direct quote and indirect rate. (8 points)               3)     The direction and magnitude of change in exchange rate (which currency appreciated/revaluated or depreciated/devaluated from beginning to the end of last year, and by what percentage?) Please show formula and calculation. (20 points) 4)     The exchange rate change in the past 10 years. (6 points)     4.   Relative PPP and Forward/Future Rate (40 points) 1)     Find the inflation rates of US and the foreign country/region last year. (10 points) 2)     Use information above and the information from question 3.3 to test relative purchase power parity – compare the direction and magnitude of the rate change with the inflation rate difference. (20 points) 3)     Find the most recent one-month or three-month forward rate or future rate. Please indicate the source of information. (10 points)

Case Description:  Johns-Manville Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and was deemed a paradigm of success in corporate America by the financial community. However, the company produced a product that was poison—asbestos.  Moreover, Manville knew it was poison and had known it since the 1930s, and it hid the danger (ASBESTOS: THINK AGAIN: INDUSTRY HID DANGERS FOR DECADES  (Links to an external site.) https://www.ewg.org/research/asbestos-think-again By 1982 approximately 16,000 lawsuits were pending against Manville, and it anticipated a further crushing economic burden by the filing of an even more staggering number of suits by those who had been exposed but who will not manifest the asbestos-related diseases until some time during this future period (20-30 years as the disease manifests itself–“the future asbestos claimants”). Approximately 6,000 asbestos health claims were estimated to have arisen in only the first 16 months since the filing date. The burden was compounded by the insurance industry’s general disavowal of liability to Manville on policies written for this very purpose. Procedure: JM petitioned for a preemptive bankruptcy under Chapter 11; attorneys representing some of the people poisoned by JM’s product moved to dismiss the petition. Issue:  Can JM preemptively declare bankruptcy and discharge future cases? Why? or Why Not?              Case Questions: What was the intention of Manville’s Chapter 11 declaration? Why was it important for the company to declare Chapter 11? (Analyze the purpose of the Manville’s BK declaration and the reason behind it.)  Was it ethical for Manville to initiate the BK proceedings? How does this case demonstrate the fundamental purpose of Chapter 11 as opposed to Chapter 7 BK filings?  The historical background here is that Manville knew from at least 1930 that asbestos—used in many industrial applications—was a deadly carcinogen, and for decades, it worked diligently to conceal and obfuscate the fact. What “good faith” argument was raised by the movants in this case?   Case Study Directions: Submit a 3-5 page paper analyzing the Case above. Give background information describing BK, types of bankruptcies, and the purpose of BK filings.  Provide a scholarly argument on the issue: Can JM preemptively declare bankruptcy and discharge future cases? Why? or Why Not? You also need to provide analytical and critical responses to the three (3) Case Questions listed above.    As a college-level course, please ensure that your arguments original, substantive, analytical, interactive, and critical. Make sure to use scholarly writing using APA format, and include appropriate references, proper grammar, and punctuation in all of your interactions.     ============================================================== You can use the following sample outline for your Case Study assignment:  Case Study Assignment Sample Outline: Give a summary of the Case, may be an Abstract  if you like Describe what the Issue/Problem is and the cause and effect of the Problem Provide your conclusion of the Case and your recommendations It may be useful if you breakdown your Paper based on topics like: Abstract   Introduction, Case Analysis Conclusion References   You can follow the outline to answer the Case questions within the framework above. Hope this helps, Dr. Abraham ============================================================   Please refer to the Rubric for grading criteria for the Case Study.  Rubric Case Study Rubric Case Study Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Analysis of Case Identification and understanding of the case study 20.0 pts Exemplary: Thorough and insightful analysis of the issues using the laws and precedents and addressed the issue analytically. 15.0 pts Good: Reasonably thorough analysis of the issues using the facts presented, laws and case precedents and handled the issues with less analysis. 10.0 pts Fair: Less thorough analysis of the issues presented using the facts presented, laws and case precedents and handled each of the issues 5.0 pts Poor: Marginal analysis of the issues using relevant facts, laws and case precedents; did not present through analysis of the issue. 0.0 pts Unacceptable: Missing assignment submission or utterly unacceptable analysis. 20.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Argument, Reasoning and Decision Presenting opinion and reasoning to support decision making 20.0 pts Exemplary: Effective decision making based on the issues and precedent demonstrating good understanding of the process 15.0 pts Good Good decision making based on moderate analysis and understanding of the issues and precedent on a basic level. 10.0 pts Fair: Decision was not clear, or the decision was made without adequate thoughtful analysis or legal basis. 5.0 pts Poor: Did not make decision on the issues presented based on legal analysis. 0.0 pts Unacceptable: Missing assignment or unacceptable reasoning, argument or decision. 20.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Understanding of Laws and Precedents Identification and understanding of the laws and precedents pertaining to legal issue 20.0 pts Exemplary: Identifies, demonstrates and understands the laws and legal precedents for the case study 15.0 pts Good Identifies and/or understands most of laws and legal precedents for the case study 10.0 pts Fair Identifies and/or understands minimal laws and legal precedents for the case study 5.0 pts Poor: Minimally identifies, demonstrates and/or understands the laws and legal precedents for the case study 0.0 pts Unacceptable: Missing assignment or unacceptable understanding of the case study. 20.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Writing, formatting and Presentation Skills Effective writing including appropriate formatting, grammar, spelling and organization 20.0 pts Exemplary: Excellent writing with minimal, if any, errors in formatting, composition, grammar or spelling, and substantive and qualitative writing. 15.0 pts Good: Minimal or occasional errors in formatting, composition, grammar and spelling, and less substantive in size. 10.0 pts Fair: Significant errors in formatting, spelling, grammar and composition. 5.0 pts Poor: Significant writing issues with high level of errors in formatting, composition, grammar and spelling. 0.0 pts No Marks Missing assignment or unacceptable level of academic writing. 20.0 pts Total Points: 80.0 Previous Next

Resource: Turnover Evaluation Grading Guide Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you evaluate the various types of turnover outlined in the following scenarios: A sales associate, who is slightly above average in the number of sales, has decided to leave the company for a competitor. As the HR Manager, what are your concerns about this person’s exit from the company? In what ways might this be positive turnover? In what ways might it be negative? After training a new inspector for a year, a city decides to terminate his employment. Although the inspector is technically competent, local contractors have made many complaints about his lack of customer service and his approach to enforcement. In what ways might this be positive turnover? In what ways might it be negative? Discuss, in general, the benefits of turnover to the organization, and compare it to turnover that is unhealthy for the organization. APA