Executive Summary (case papers) instructions

one Executive Summary, identical in format, required for this class that you will prepare individually. Before explaining the parameters of this assignment, let me first explain what this assignment is NOT. This assignment does NOT involve summarizing the case you read for the week. In other words, your assignment is NOT to reduce a 20-page case into a 1,200-word summary. Instead, this assignment involves summarizing your analysis of the case you read.

The case will involve decision making—this is the crux of strategy. In these cases, individuals (directors, executives, managers, etc.) will need to make decisions (either a single decision or multiple decisions).

In some case, decisions will be clearer than in other cases. You should understand that there is no “right” answer to this case. As such, I will grade it based on the information that you present to support your recommendations.

Format Executive Summary submitted should include five sections 1. What is the key problem or challenge facing the firm that you will try to resolve 2. Your external analysis (the industry and economic environment, PESTEL/5 Forces) 3. Your internal analysis (the firm’s internal resources and capabilities, VRIO) 4. Two mutually exclusive alternatives that solve the problem, pros and cons of each 5.

Your justification for the alternative you have chosen Upload your paper to Blackboard. The Executive Summary is limited to one page in length, using a standardized format (12-pitch Times New Roman font, single spaced, 1 inch margins, no indentation and a blank line between paragraphs). Use additional headings as appropriate. The assignments must be turned in by 11:59 pm on Wednesday. I will not accept assignments turned in after the deadline. This is enforced since I release discussion questions right after this assignment deadline.

Think of the executive summary as an advance organizer for the reader. Obviously, it must be clear and concise. In business, one of the most common uses of an executive summary is as a part of a business plan. The executive summary in a business plan serves the same purposes as an executive summary in any other document – to summarize and to entice the reader to read the rest of the business plan. For this reason, the executive summary is often called the most important part of any document. If it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, the document will be set aside unread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assignment

 

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Due Date: May 20, 2018 23:59:59       Max Points: 80 Details:

Write a paper (1,500-1,750 words) in which you address the following based on the information provided in the “West Coast Transit Case Study” resource.

1. Define the three criteria for evaluating effective team/group work (as stated in the reading this week) and analyze whether the “team” assembled by Bernie Hollis and Pete Denson is effective or not.

2. Provide a review of each of Tuckman’s five stages of group formation and identify what stage(s) are evident in the case. Explain your answer.

3. Define Schein’s three behavioral profile roles during team entry and identify how the profiles are demonstrated in the case. Explain your answer.

4. Was the communication among the participants in the case effective or not? Justify your answer (this is not just an opinion).

5. The Organizational Behavior textbook describes two main types of conflict. Define them and then describe the type (s) of conflict that are evident in the case.

6. Propose how Denson should manage the conflict in this case using one direct conflict management and one indirect conflict management approach? Explain your response.

7. Identify one specific task leadership activity and one specific maintenance activity that should be encouraged. Identify the most significant disruptive behavior that should be discouraged.

8. Identify the most obvious individual motivational problems experienced by Jing, Mahonney, and Tanney. How should Denson motivate each person? Be sure to provide a specific motivational suggestion for each person based on that person’s motivational needs. Ensure that at you have at least one suggestions from each of the motivational theories/techniques (content theories, process theories, and reinforcement strategies).

Use at least two academic resources as references for this assignment.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

MGT-420-RS-West Coast Transit Case Study.docx

 

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Title	Attached Documents	Citation Report	Similarity Index	Final Submission
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	Top of Form Apply Rubrics West Coast Transit Case   1 Unsatisfactory 0.00% 2 Less than Satisfactory 65.00% 3 Satisfactory 75.00% 4 Good 85.00% 5 Excellent 100.00% 80.0 %Content   10.0 % Evaluating Effective Team/Group Work Definitions of the three criteria for evaluating an effective team and an analysis of whether the team assembled in the West Coast Transit case is effective or not are absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. Definitions of the three criteria for evaluating an effective team and an analysis of whether the team assembled in the West Coast Transit case is effective are vague or incomplete. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. Definitions of the three criteria for evaluating an effective team and an analysis of whether the team assembled in the West Coast Transit case is effective are provided, but at a cursory level. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. Definitions of the three criteria for evaluating an effective team and an analysis of whether the team assembled in the West Coast Transit case is effective are clear and well developed. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. Definitions of the three criteria for evaluating an effective team and an analysis of whether the team assembled in the West Coast Transit case is effective or not are thorough and detailed. The paper provides examples and insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   10.0 % Review of the Five Stages of Group Formation A review of the five stages of group formation is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. An evaluation of what stage is currently evident in the West Coast Transit case is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. A review of the five stages of group formation is vague or incomplete. An evaluation of the stage(s) currently evident in the West Coast Transit case is weak or marginal with gaps in logic. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. A review of the five stages of group formation is provided, but at a cursory level. It includes a rudimentary evaluation of the stage(s) currently evident in the West Coast Transit case. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. A review of the five stages of group formation is clear and well integrated. A clear evaluation of the stage(s) currently evident in the West Coast Transit case is included. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. A review of the five stages of group formation is thorough and well integrated. A detailed evaluation of the stage(s) currently evident in the West Coast Transit case is included. The paper provides examples and insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   6.0 % Three Behavioral Roles Definitions of the three behavioral roles and an identification of how those roles are evident in the West Coast Transit case are absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. Definitions of the three behavioral roles and an identification of how those roles are evident in the West Coast Transit case are weak or marginal with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. Definitions of the three behavioral roles and an identification of how those roles are evident in the West Coast Transit case are provided, but on a cursory level. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. Definitions of the three behavioral roles and an identification of how those roles are evident in the West Coast Transit case are clear and well integrated. Justification for the discussion is clearly articulated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. Definitions of the three behavioral roles and an identification of how those roles are evident in the West Coast Transit case are thorough and well integrated. Justification is clearly developed, with examples that show that meaning and message were conveyed, to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   9.0 % Effectiveness of Communication in the West Coast Transit Case A discussion regarding the effectiveness of communication evident in the West Coast Transit case is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. A discussion regarding the effectiveness of communication evident in the West Coast Transit case is vague or incomplete. Justification for the discussion is weak or marginal with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. A discussion regarding the effectiveness of communication evident in the West Coast Transit case is provided, but on a cursory level. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. A discussion regarding effectiveness of the communication evident in the West Coast Transit case is clear and well integrated. Justification for the discussion is clearly articulated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. A discussion regarding the effectiveness of communication evident in the West Coast Transit case is thorough and well integrated. Justification is clearly developed, with examples that show that meaning and message were conveyed, to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   5.0 % Types of Conflict in the West Coast Transit Case A description of the two main types of conflict as well as an identification of the type of conflict evident in the West Coast Transit case is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. A description of the two main types of conflict in the West Coast Transit case is vague, incomplete. An identification of the type of conflict evident in the West Coast Transit case is weak or marginal with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. A description of the two main types of conflict in the West Coast Transit case is provided, but on a cursory level. An identification of the type of conflict evident in the West Coast Transit case is rudimentary. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. A description of the two main types of conflict in the West Coast Transit case is clear and well integrated. An identification of the type of conflict evident in the West Coast Transit case is clearly articulated and justified. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. A description of the two main types of conflict in West Coast Transit case is thorough and well integrated. An identification of the type of conflict is thorough and clearly developed. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   5.0 % Recommendation of Direct Conflict Management Approach A recommendation of a direct conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is absent, irrelevant or inappropriate. A recommendation of a direct conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is vague incomplete, weak or marginal, with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. A recommendation of a direct conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is provided, but is cursory or rudimentary. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. A recommendation of a direct conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is clearly articulated and well integrated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. A recommendation of a direct conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is thorough, clearly developed and well integrated, with examples that aid insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   5.0 % Recommendation of Indirect Conflict Management Approach A recommendation of an indirect conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is absent, irrelevant or inappropriate. A recommendation of an indirect conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is vague incomplete, weak or marginal, with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. A recommendation of an indirect conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is provided, but is cursory or rudimentary. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. A recommendation of an indirect conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is clearly articulated and well integrated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. A recommendation of an indirect conflict management approach that Denson could use to manage the conflict is thorough, clearly developed, and well integrated, with examples that aid insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   10.0 % Tasks, Maintenance, and Dysfunctional Activities Identification of a task and maintenance activity that should be encouraged as well as the most disruptive behavior that should be discouraged in the West Coast Transit case is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. Identification of a task and maintenance activity that should be encouraged as well as the most disruptive behavior that should be discouraged in the West Coast Transit case is weak or marginal, with gaps in presentation. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. Identification of a task and maintenance activity that should be encouraged as well as the most disruptive behavior that should be discouraged in the West Coast Transit case is satisfactory. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. Identification of a task and maintenance activity that should be encouraged as well as the most disruptive behavior that should be discouraged in the West Coast Transit case is clearly articulated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. Identification of a task and maintenance activity that should be encouraged as well as the most disruptive behavior that should be discouraged in the West Coast Transit case is clearly developed, with examples and personal insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   15.0 % Motivational Problems and Motivational Theories An identification of motivational problems evident in the West Coast Transit case, with three suggestions that represent each of the motivational theories to motivating each member, is absent, inappropriate, or irrelevant. An identification of motivational problems evident in the West Coast Transit case, with a relevant suggestion linked to each team member, is vague or incomplete. A motivational theory from each required area is not adequately addressed. Supporting material is often confusing or inappropriate. An identification of motivational problems evident in the West Coast Transit case, with a relevant suggestion linked to each team member, is provided, but on a cursory level. A motivational theory from each required area is included but underdeveloped. Supporting material is of baseline acceptable quality and quantity. An identification of motivational problems evident in the West Coast Transit case, with a relevant suggestion for motivating each team member, is clear and well integrated. A motivational theory from each required area is included and clearly articulated. Supporting material is of above average quality and quantity. An identification of motivational problems evident in the West Coast Transit case, with a relevant suggestion for motivating each team member, is thorough and well integrated. A motivational theory from each required area is included and clearly developed and justified, with examples and personal insight to further understanding. Supporting material is of exceptional quality and quantity.   5.0 % Research Sources (relevancy, quantity, and type specifications) Sources are not used or cited as required in the assignment instructions. Noncredible sources are used. Source relevance is vague or inconsistent. References from appropriate sources are not included: at least two academic resources. Source relevance is mostly applicable and appropriate. References from appropriate sources are included: at least two academic resources. Source relevance is applicable and appropriate in all instances. References from appropriate sources are included: at least two academic resources. Source relevance is applicable and appropriate in all instances and sparks interest in the reader to pursue further investigation. References from appropriate sources are used: more than two academic resources.   14.0 %Organization and Effectiveness   5.0 % Thesis Development and Purpose Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive; contained within the thesis is the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.   5.0 % Argument Logic and Construction Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses non-credible sources. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.   4.0 % Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.   6.0 %Format   3.0 % Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style. All format elements are correct.   3.0 % Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) Sources are not documented. Documentation of sources is inconsistent and/or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.   100 % Total Weightage       Bottom of Form