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Systems Thinking

Assignment

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Assignment

Section 1

Systems Thinking

System thinking is defined as the analytical skills that allow one to dissect an issue, discover its internal and external variables, determine its relationships to one another and the situation at hand, and decide which aspects various fields of study focus on (Repko et al., 2019). Systems thinking are essential to interdisciplinary studies since it allows students to see the relationship between the disciplinary aspects of the issue and the problem as a whole. Through systems thinking, students can identify and evaluate ideas about when and where to interfere in the system after comprehending its dynamics.

Integrative Thinking

Integrative thinking is among the distinguishing characteristics of interdisciplinary learning. It is the ability to weave together knowledge from various sources to arrive at a more holistic understanding or formulate a novel interpretation (Repko et al., 2019). Integrative thinking is crucial to interdisciplinary studies because it removes our natural tendency to lose sight of the broader picture by adopting entrenched views or opting for substandard compromises. Integrative thinking does not adopt one answer while making a few concessions to the other point.

Tunnel Vision

When referring to natural eyesight, tunnel vision refers to the condition in which the eye can only concentrate on a limited portion of the surrounding field of view, with the remainder of the field of view far beyond the lens appearing unfocused or fuzzy. The concept of tunnel vision is essential to interdisciplinary studies since it enables specialists to pay attention solely to the problem known to them rather than focusing on another part of the problem that lies outside the specialist’s area of competence (Repko et al., 2019).

Section 2

Disciplinary Reductionism

Disciplinary reductionism is the method of dividing phenomena into their component elements and studying them independently. The idea is that information acquired by particular specializations may be merged into comprehending the phenomenon as a whole (Repko et al., 2019). Besides, disciplinary reductionism reduces or simplifies complex things to more essential ones. The theory of disciplinary reductionism is vital to interdisciplinary studies because it enables students to understand that if one breaks down a complicated issue, behavior, or object into its parts and studies each of those parts independently, then the information gained from the various specialized fields can be easily integrated into a comprehensive comprehension of the phenomenon being studied.

Multidisciplinarity

Multidisciplinarity is defined as the practice of juxtaposing the findings of two or more academic fields without making any effort to unify them. (Repko et al., 2019). When it comes to interdisciplinary studies, taking a multidisciplinary approach is beneficial for several reasons, one of which is that it assists students in developing a more comprehensive view of the world. In place of taking individual departments and the topics they study into consideration in isolation, a multidisciplinary approach brings aspects of each department’s study programs into conversation with those of the other departments.

Personal Bias

Personal bias occurs when one allows one’s perspective, such as politics, spiritual tradition, or cultural identification, to color their analysis or decision-making. Selecting resources that support your position while ignoring or dismissing those that oppose it is an example of personal bias (Repko et al., 2019). Besides, any personal bias, regardless of how generous it may be, cannot coexist with high-quality work that draws on several disciplines.

Section 3

Disciplinary Inadequacy

The concept of disciplinary inadequacy refers to the idea that individual academic fields do not have the resources necessary to tackle complex issues in a way that is both comprehensive and holistic, i.e., in a manner that is inclusive of the viewpoints and ideas offered by the many other relevant fields of study (Repko et al., 2019). The concept of disciplinary inadequacy is vital to interdisciplinary studies because it enables learners to understand that disciplines, taken on their own, cannot adequately comprehensively handle complicated issues. Thus, there is a need to incorporate other disciplines to address complex problems comprehensively.

Complexity Theory

According to the interdisciplinary complexity theory, interdisciplinary research is required whenever a topic or issue consists of several aspects and operates as a system. (Repko et al., 2019).The characteristics of complex systems give a justification for the study of interdisciplinary problems. An investigation into complex systems provides fresh perspectives on the process of interdisciplinary research and lends credence to the fundamental ideas that underpin the most successful multidisciplinary investigations. The unique situation of the arts and humanities is taken into consideration by the interdisciplinary complexity theory. These academic fields focus on analyzing behavior characterized as being distinctive, unique, and individual.

Perspective Taking Theory

The perspective-taking theory includes making inferences about the states of mind of other people, such as their goals, wants, knowledge, and beliefs. This kind of reasoning is required in practically every facet of human interaction. Taking on other people’s perspectives is a critical talent that enables us to grasp other people’s ideas, emotions, and perceptions. The perspective-taking theory is essential to interdisciplinary studies as it allows people to view a problem from other peoples’ points of view hence developing a more comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Section 4

Depth and Breadth

Depth and breadth are essential guidelines for critically analyzing a disciplinary work. These two concepts capture the conflict that exists between interdisciplinary and disciplinarily (Repko et al., 2019). The whole scope of knowledge on a topic is meant to be included by one’s breadth of learning. The level to which certain subjects are honed, expanded, and investigated is what the term depth of understanding means. There will always be a more excellent range and depth of learning available to pupils as they enhance their knowledge and expertise in any field of study. The concept of depth and breadth is vital to interdisciplinary studies since it enables learners to address broad issues, answer complex questions, solve problems beyond the scope of a single discipline, and explore the relationship between different disciplines.

Logic

Logical integrity is the most apparent criterion when critically analyzing a piece of disciplinary work. Arranging an argument’s stages in a list and checking to see whether they all follow logically from one another is a beneficial exercise. A statement may seem more convincing than it is by leaving out supporting evidence or other details. For instance, it is easy to jump from a laundry list of welfare system abuses to conclude that the whole system should be destroyed without first attempting to quantify its advantages and weigh them against its costs (Repko et al., 2019).

Clarity in Research

The clarity in research involves avoiding uncommon references, abbreviations, and jargon. If an author’s statements are unclear, the critical analysis task is difficult, if not impossible. If we want the content to be wholly understood, clarity in research is one of the most critical factors. Therefore, it is best to avoid using dense and abundant language that obscures the author’s primary thoughts in favor of transparent and straightforward, ideally written in the active person, and organized in a manner that makes sense.

Section 5

Contextualization

Contextualization is a method used by humanists and those working in the fine and performing arts to interweave the subject of their research with the history of culture and their own experiences. The contextualization technique does not standardize the integration process; hence, how it is carried out differs depending on the circumstance (Repko et al., 2019). Approaches to interdisciplinary integration that use contextualization enable humanists to facilitate viewers’ and readers’ ability to draw connections between discipline ideas that are both incredibly creative and far-reaching. This encompasses the sciences when the objective is to embed science into the historical and cultural fabric of time and to bring forth its social responsibility.

Disciplinary Jargon

Disciplinary jargon is among the three affinities that run counter to interdisciplinary processes. It refers to using specialized terminology and notions not often understood by those outside the discipline. If a technical phrase has to be utilized, then the ideal approach is to redefine the term or concept more broadly or generically so that it may be relevant to each field.

Comprehensive Understanding

Comprehensive understanding is defined as cognitive progress that occurs as a consequence of integrating discoveries. This leads to producing a brand-new whole that would not be conceivable using the tools of a single discipline (Repko et al., 2019). Comprehensive understanding entails a wide mental range or a firm grip on anything, whether of a specific topic or several issues. Suppose one discipline and its point of view, together with that field’s preferred research methodology, are allowed to dictate the terms of the study. In that case, the understanding will never be comprehensive.

Part 11: Short Essay Questions

Question One

Interdisciplinary studies involve at least two scientific, academic, or artistic disciplines. Besides, it permits the synthesis of concepts as well as the synthesis of features drawn from a wide range of fields. While doing so, it takes into account each student’s unique characteristics and contributes to developing essential, marketable talents. Degree programs in interdisciplinary studies integrate two or more traditional academic disciplines into a single, more individualized concentration of study. In contrast to a liberal arts degree, which requires students to study a broad range of topics, an interdisciplinary degree enables students to concentrate their studies on a single topic relevant to more than one academic discipline. The vast majority of interdisciplinarians do not advocate for eliminating specialized disciplines; instead, they recognize and value the significant role that specialization has played in the development of knowledge. They feel that a strictly specialized approach to learning and knowledge creation comes at a very high price, even though the disciplines are valuable for creating, structuring, and applying information. The two criticisms about specialization with the disciplines are that specialization can blind us to the broader context and specialization tends to create tunnel vision (Repko et al., 2019).

To avoid the parochial perspective, which will attach an intensely rigid and limited way of thinking, we must employ the interdisciplinary approach when discussing globalization. This is especially important when considering topics relating to the intensification and expansion of social relations and the concept of space and time. Besides, through an interdisciplinary approach, students will approach global challenges from various viewpoints, allowing them to think about and experience the concepts of a global world from an authentic point of view. As a step toward becoming citizens of the world who are also capable of global thinking, they will investigate and learn about its variety and sustainability. Since I always tend to place side by side the findings of two or more academic fields without making any effort to unify them, I see myself as a multidisciplinarian. Besides, I like working with people from different disciplines, with each participant relying on the expertise of their field. I could make a good multidisciplinarian.

Question Two

Compared to traditional methods, an interdisciplinary method broadens the scope of what students can learn by enabling them to address issues that cannot be neatly categorized under a single discipline. In addition, it alters how students learn by requiring them to synthesize multiple points of view rather than simply accepting what is presented to them by a teacher at face value. On the contrary, the traditional disciplinary approach involves early establishing rules and guidelines for appropriate conduct. Students get consequences for breaking such standards whenever they do so. It is anticipated that in the future, kids will not engage in inappropriate behavior since they will want to avoid being disciplined once again. The essential components to interrogating perspectives of relevant disciplines include; phenomena which are the elements of human life that have stood the test of time and may be described and explained in academic detail; epistemology which is the philosophical study of justification and knowledge of the truth; assumptions which are the foundational concepts and worldview of the field as a whole. As the name suggests, these principles are generally considered as being at the very heart of what it means to be an academic in that field; a concept that is a linguistic sign that stands for an event or a notion that can be generalized from specific cases; a theory which includes both scientific theory and philosophical theory; methods which cover how one does research, examines data or evidence, evaluates hypotheses, and develops new information (Repko et al., 2019).

A good research question clearly specifies the topic, issue, or behavior pattern to be investigated. In most cases, it is posed as a question; however, declarative statements may also be used to explain the issue that needs to be looked into. A good research question needs a synthesis of various resources, original data, and an interpretation to provide a solution. The solution to the question should not simply be a concise description of the facts; instead, there should be room for you to debate and analyze the results of your investigation. The two qualities of a good research question are; the research question must be complex to solve, and the research question must be researchable from several disciplinary perspectives (Repko et al., 2019). When critically reviewing sources, the following steps should be taken: read the introduction or the abstract and examine the work for images, inflammatory language, or graphic styles likely to provoke anger. Lastly, research related topics by looking for articles, books, and websites.

References

Repko, A. F., Szostak, R., & Buchberger, M. P. (2019). Introduction to interdisciplinary studies. Sage Publications.

Response to Assignment Two

Assignment Two

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Response to Assignment Two

This article talks about a DSGE model to elucidate aggregate labor bazaar shift in supply and demand curve. The model comprises capital adjustment charges, habit development predilections, and new shocks. According to the article, habit formation might shift the aggregate labor supply curve at the time of news shock. When demand surpasses supply, prices seem to increase. There is a converse connection between the prices and supply of goods and services when demand is not changed (Zhao et al., 2020). On the other hand, when demand upsurges and supply remain constant, the higher demand outcomes to a greater symmetry price and vice versa. Capital adjustment price assists amplify the change of the aggregate labor supply curve.

The article talks about the universal demand for food rising and the solemn inquiries about whether supply can rise sustainability. Land-founded development is likely but could worsen biodiversity loss and climate change. The article scrutinizes the leading food manufacturing sectors in the ocean to approximate maintainable supply curves (Zhao et al., 2020). It is a basic financial belief that when supply is greater than demand for a service or good, prices fall.

The aggregate labor supply curve is changed; as a result of the affluence, impact instigated by the variation of ingesting under a news shock (Zhao et al., 2020). Furthermore, capital change charges aid increases the difference of ingesting, and therefore the shift of the aggregate labor supply curve under the news shock. In addition, the aggregate demand curve will be moved, as it functions in the typical RBC model after the comprehension of the news shock.

The link to the article is https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2019.12.018

Reference

Zhao, N., Shi, Y., Sun, Y., & Miao, J. (2020). Aggregate labor market fluctuations under news shocks. Economic Modelling.

Should it be harder to get a divorce

Assignment 4

Name:

Institutional Affiliation:

Date:

Chapter 12

Question 1: Should it be harder to get a divorce?

Many people would agree that the number of divorces has risen notably in the past few years. However, the argument remains whether the number is higher or the methods of reporting have changed. Couples choose to divorce when they find that they cannot amicably resolve many conflicts within their marriage. Interestingly, a majority of couples who decided to stay married were found to be happier than before when researchers checked on them after five years. For this reason, it appears that the choice to stay married and avoid divorce would be a good one. However, many married people face serious challenges, and sometimes, these challenges cannot be resolved, especially when one or both partners are unwilling or unable to work towards this. The process of getting a divorce should not be made harder for several reasons. Couples who have filed for divorce in most cases have explored other options such as counseling and temporary separation; thus, divorce often comes as a last resort. For this reason, couples should be allowed to get a divorce as quickly as possible and iron out their new arrangement to avoid the painful process of getting a divorce that may drag on for years.

Question 2: Why is it that most couples do not have a good divorce?

Divorce means breaking up a family, and the process is rarely easy. There are several reasons why many couples do not have an amicable and friendly split, referred to as a good divorce. First, money matters are often the thorniest and couples fight over who should take what, with each wanting to take the most. The second reason as to why divorce is so difficult is when children are involved, and parents have to fight over custody, child support, and alimony payments. From the book and in real life situations, custody and child support are usually stipulated at the time of divorce. However, the noncustodial parent fails to pay mainly to cause difficulties for the parent with custody. Another common argument during divorce is who should pay spousal support, and each party fights to be paid. At the end of the divorce proceedings, one party feels wounded and walks away with bitter feelings; thus, it is very difficult to have a good divorce.

Chapter 13

Question 2: Why is divorce such an emotional process for people? Why does it often generate so much anger and rage?

Divorce is an emotional process because it entails beginning a new life apart from the old one which the family members were so used to. One of the significant causes of anger and rage is the reason for the divorce. For example, if divorce is due to neglect, infidelity or such factors blamed on one partner, then the other party is sure to be very angry. The divorce becomes a way to get back at their partner, and they end up demanding custody and more money if they feel this will cause the offender distress. Financial issues are also a major cause of negative emotions during a divorce when one of the partners stands to suffer significant losses as a result of the divorce. Other causes of anger and rage are the disappointment that comes with the divorce, especially if the couple had hoped to be together forever but finds that one of them has had a change of heart.

Question 6: Why does the “evil stepmother” stereotype persist?

The stereotype of the evil stepmother dates back hundreds of years, with many people having learned of it from fairy tales such as Cinderella. Stepfamilies are still associated with a lot of negativity, especially stepmothers. Many people think that stepmothers are likely to favor their biological children over their adopted ones, and can even act cruelly by denying them fundamental rights. The reason why this stereotype against stepmothers exists to this day is connected with the negative view of stepfamilies in general. Most people find it hard to believe that a stepparent can treat their adopted children with the same love and care that their biological parents would. Such negative expectations lead to the smallest acts of discipline or reproach by a step parent being viewed as acts of cruelty.

Chapter 14

Question 1: Given the large number of people over the age of 65 in our society, why does ageism persist?

The main reason why ageism is rampant in our society is that people prize youth more than anything. Young people have more vitality, energy, and many years to do many things that they like. Older people are assumed to be old and frail, and people mock old age as something negative and that no one should look forward to. Old age is viewed as a dreaded time, and people take many steps to avoid looking old such as getting plastic surgery. Another reason as to why ageism persists is that very few people know any old people outside their grandparents. Statistics show that the number of old people is growing and projected to grow even more in the future. Many assume that old age is associated with poverty, suffering, and illness such as arthritis, dementia, and constipation, among many others. However, statistics dispel these stereotypes and show that old people can be quite healthy and fit depending on their lifestyles, especially when they are younger.

Question 5: Should families be expected to care for elderly family members? If so, why? If not, why not?

As people grow older, they need more care. The level of care depends on age, physical, and mental state. For example, an older adult with arthritis is unable to move much, and hence, they will need a helper to help them around the house with most of the chores. Old people also need extra medical care, especially if they have chronic medical conditions. The primary responsibility to care for the elderly falls on family members, and this often presents high financial and emotional costs. It comes as a significant advantage when the elderly person has some income or property, which can cover the financial costs associated with their care. However, when they have to rely on their children, the situation is more complicated. Most people caring for the elderly are their grown children, and these children often have kids of their own too; hence, they are referred to as the sandwich generation. Caring for elderly parents and relatives can bring a financial and emotional strain on a family, especially where there are young children. Most families prefer to put the elderly in care homes where they have caregivers around the clock. While this comes at a cost, it presents less train as the younger adults have more time to work while at the same time ensuring that the old people have constant care which may not be available at home due to work and other family constraints.

teamwork-and-motivation

Assignment 3: Teamwork and Motivation

BUS 520 – Leadership and Organization Behavior

One of the key ways to keep employees engaged and satisfied at their place of employment is through motivation. Money does not keep employees happy or motivated while at work. Being the owner of Woo Woo manufacturing company there are many different salary ranges as well as a variety of ways to motivate employees at work. Being able to motivate a team is very important in the manufacturing industry this day in time. The plan for motivation within this company is to determine a way to maintain the high levels of productivity, job satisfaction within each department and, how to keep the department change of people at a low rate.

In order to keep the turnover rate low, high levels of productivity as well as high work quality satisfaction on the job is the key. “An individual’s reaction to the job experience” (Berry, 1991) is job satisfaction. There are many contributing factors in order to have satisfaction on the job. Some of them are as follows:

Is the work fulfilling?

Is supervision good?

Worker types and relationships

Opportunities for promotions and acknowledgement

Salary of each employee

When reviewing each of these factors of satisfaction on the job it is very important to examine each department separately because each department has needs of their own.

The job of sales can be a job that is very tedious therefore someone that can handle rejection well would have to be placed in this position. Because this is a job that is hard there are special rules put in place in order to make this sales team satisfied. Since the job in sales is not consistently fulfilling this part of job satisfaction has to come from within other departments. Supervision in this area is not tight or micro-managed however if there is a need for the sales

team they are available. With a managing style such as this for this team they have the ability to do their job with freedom but also still have support if it is needed. One of the key things that is needed in the sales area is relationships since this is a job that is and can get lonely at times. They need to be able to get along with each other which is also important to on the job satisfaction. By having contests within the sales team this helps to bring them together instead of putting them against each other. This is a way for them to communicate effectively and efficiently which also helps to keep numbers flowing in a positive direction. This team is paid a salary which is set along with a commission that is based on sales percentage. The entire sales department is paid a rate that is the same however performance is used to determine who makes the most money.

The line of assembly can very repetitious so to carry out this type of work can be very challenging. Job enrichment and rotating the job are a few things that can make the job fulfilling. By rotating the job, individuals will not be able to become bored or uninterested in their jobs and by using a reward system will help as a way to provide feedback on any work that has been done. Supervisors in this area of work are strict in order to maintain a high productivity rate which helps to keep quality high. Relationships are very critical in this assembly area because of job rotation, they have to be able to train each other. A way to provide recognition to individuals on the assembly team is to have employee of the month and employee of the year. In order to keep them satisfied on the job, the employees have to see that there is a way for them to be recognized as well as promoted. The opportunities for promotion is to have a way for the individuals on the assembly line to advance into roles of supervisors which allows employees to feel a sense of attachment and this to contributes to job satisfaction. These employees are paid on a merit system and are encouraged to be as productive as they can in order to earn more and better wages.

In the department of technology the work is very interesting as well as fulfilling. Supervision in this department is not stifling or suffocating however it is present which allows for innovation. Employees are encouraged to work together as a team which helps relationships to build and grow. The quality of work in this department is high which influences the pay and the promotions. By maintaining a share of the market and keeping these employees happy in the technology department is very essential.

The job of administration within a company is very stressful and it is not a fulfilling job to have. By paying well and offering rewards is a way to compensate employees for the stresses of the job. Because everyone has the ability to work independently and stay on task supervision in this department is very light. The administration department has a common purpose therefore relationships are very important amongst this team. In this department the opportunity for growth is pretty limited because many individuals within this team are at the highest level position available and their salary is also high because of the roles they are in. This is the highest paid department within the organization. Recognizing and rewarding individuals in this department is very important in contributing to job satisfaction. When quarterly meetings take place in administration department, employees have come up with ways to recognize individuals for their hard work by giving away gift cards, have team outings, as well as bonuses.

The rate at which a company reorganizes individuals in the workplace is very expensive and the turnover rate ties into satisfaction on the job. Employees that are late consistently and that call in regularly will be observed and monitored. Their situations will be reviewed by management to find out if they need any assistance from the company to better improve their issues.

Maintaining productivity that is high is very important when in competition with other companies that make widgets. Supervisors are placed along the assembly line to make sure all quotas are met which ensures all widget orders have been fulfilled. The department of technology has an environment that is relaxed and they are provided with refreshments regularly. This helps to make sure that work is completed with minimal breaks. Through the different rewards that are distributed within the administration department the employees of this department are inspired to keep productivity high.

There has been some defects with the product so there has to be a focus on work quality. This starts with the line of assembly however this affects all of the departments. If the technology department can work on a widget that is easily assembled then there will be a chance that less defects will happen. Any problems or defects with the widget will need to be handled by the sales department by being honest and advising the customers that any problems will be resolved. Making sure that quality parts are used and the assembly being done is the responsibility of the assembly line. The funds are then allocated by the administration department to the technology department and assembly department’s main objective is to keep any problems or major issues restrained and controlled.

Working conditions and reward systems are two methods that are used to help motivate employees within the organization. The reward system is the most important factor of motivation because this system allows individuals to be recognized and rewarded for the hard work they do. Each department will nominate the best worker every quarter is how the reward system will work. The employee of the year is also selected within each department and these individuals will receive a plaque as well as a paid vacation. This is huge reward and this will encourage employees within each department to work hard towards winning the accomplishments on a daily basis. The next factor used for motivation will be the conditions of work within each department. The employees within the sales department will be provided with a laptop as well as a company vehicle to make sure they are prepared for all sales meetings. The department of assembly will be able to take breaks because they will be provided a break room with drinks and foods that are healthy. All these things will help with satisfaction on the job along with productivity. The technology department will have an environment that is relaxed while the department of administration will have time off which will help relieve stress and reduce the amount of employees that are burned out.

Workers that make minimum wage have to feel valued and their feelings have to be observed in comparison to the other employees within the organization. The theory of Equity then becomes a motivation factor. This will show these individuals that they are being paid the same salary as the other individuals within the organization and they will not feel as if they are a unequal part of the company. They will be treated with dignity and respect even though they are making minimum wage. They should know that they have a chance for a raise in pay and the ability to advance to a different position within the company. These things gives employees the sense of accomplishment and that they have a future within the organization along with their hard work and dedication.

The individual worker is very critical within today’s organizations. Within the environment of work it only takes one employee to be negative and this can influence the entire organization. Now contrary to the negative employee, a worker that works hard for the company can also encourage and motivate others to work hard and this will help the organization to operate effectively and efficiently. In some organizations individuals can be made to feel as though they are just a number or part of the equipment and that they can be replaced easily. It is very critical for the organization to make their employees feel like they can run the organization and that they are valued and important.

To sum it all up, motivation is something that is very critical in order for a company to be productive. Each and every employee should be satisfied with their job and they should have pride in the job that they do on a daily basis. Motivation factors should be used by each organization because they have access to many and each factor should be used in a way that is fair and equal to all employees of the organization. When all employees of a company know and feel that they are being paid and treated fairly this helps to improve motivation, the turnover rate and improve productivity.

Individual Work to Teamwork

Individual Worker Team Member (change in behavior from individual team member)

Talks Ideas are exchanged

Me oriented Team oriented

Department focused Focused on the organization

Competitive Works as/within the team

Logical Ideas are good

Written messages Coordination; face to face communication

Image Team/corporate images

Secrecy Open and communicates

Short-term sighted Long term oriented/sighted

Immediate results Goal specification/Long term goal oriented

Critical Creative/part of the team

Tenure Equality

References:

Berry, Lilly M. (1997). Psychology at Work. San Francisco: McGraw Hill Companies Inc.

Job Satisfaction Retrieved May 25, 2014 from http://www.u.arizona.edu/~ctaylor/chapter9/jobsat.htmlSchermerhorn, J/Osborn, R/Uhl-Bien, M/Hunt, J (2012). Organizational Behavior 12th edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Importance of Motivation Retrieved May 25, 2014 from http://www.managementstudyguide.com/importance_of_motivation.htm

Eight Tactics to Motivate Minimum Wage Employees Retrieved May 25, 2014 from http://train2gainus.wordpress.com/training/eight-tactics-to-motivate-minimum-wage-employees/

What is the purpose of the model

Assignment 3: Reflection and Personal Branding Plan

What is the purpose of the model?

PESTEL Analysis model will help me better understand the macro-environmental factors shaping the process of market planning.

The market segmentation model will help me better understand existing and prospective customers in a given market segment to make informed decisions on marketing activities that are focused on them.

Where in the plan it was used? How did each model contribute to your insight?

PESTEL Analysis model was used during the formulation of marketing strategies. The model helped to understand better how macro-environmental factors contribute and shape marketing strategies/plans.

The market segmentation model was used during the process of developing marketing activities or programs. The model helped me better understand how to target those customers that are most likely to be satisfied by my market offerings.

Why this concept/tool appeals to you, moving into a marketing career?

PESTEL Analysis tool will significantly help me make better marketing strategies or plans.

The market segmentation appeals to me since it will substantially assist me in making better marketing programs or activities for a given market segment.

Strategy is one of the most important elements in the organization.

Assignment 1

Question 1

Strategy is one of the most important elements in the organization. Used at both the corporate, business, and functional level, strategy is important for the business for various reasons (Chapter 1 p10).For instance, the growth and diversification strategies enable expansion of firms which in turn results in the sale of goods and services over a huge customer base resulting to increased profitability in the firm. In addition, the use of E-business strategies enables firms to focus on using the internet for business transactions creating faster and easier ways to conduct business operation with customers and as a result increasing the profitability of the firm.

Question 2

In any organization, it is important for top management to assess the SWOT analysis for various reasons. For instance, through SWOT analysis, business organizations are able to identify the various strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats of the firm (Chapter 1 p22). It helps organizations build on what they do well, address on what they are lacking, minimize associated risks, and take some of the greatest advantages for success chances in the market. For instance, through SWOT analysis, organizations are able to identify their core competency, a strength that provides organizations with competitive advantage over their rivals in the market. It is vital in ensuring organizational growth and survival.

Question 3

Marketing involves a process through which groups and individuals obtain what they want through creation and exchange of goods and service (Chapter 1 p2).When organizations involve in marketing, they are able to provide goods and services to buyers in the market and as a result receive money and information in return for the products and services (Chapter 1 p3). In so doing, organizations are able to utilize the information and money received to create better quality goods and services that focus on the customer needs and wants. With this, organizations are able to satisfy customer needs, defeat competition in the market leading to their overall growth and survival in the market.

Question 4

Obtaining a competitive advantage is the aim and mission of most organization. Bearing this in mind, it is therefore clear that having a competitive advantage in sale profitability is beneficial for the organization. For instance, by having a sales profitability competitive advantage, organization are able to engage in the production of more quality goods and services that are uniquely different from the competitors’ thereby establishing continued dominance in the market (chapter 1 pg11). In addition, by having a competitive advantage in sale profitability an organization can lower its operating costs than its competitors with a view of attracting more customers and attain a more competitive advantage.

Question 5

Despite having numerous advantages to the organization, Market segmentation, positioning, and targeting are also beneficial to customers (Chapter 1 p35). For instance, through market segmentation, organizations are able to better understand their ideal customers and in so doing, this allows them to identify and provide the right market for customer’s products. Apart from market segmentation, product positioning is also important to customers due to the fact it creates the image of the firm’s products and services in the mind of the customer. In addition, targeting is also important to customers as it build product awareness among clients.

Activity 1

Question 1

Strategy is an important factor for many organizations. It is considered an important element in the organization due to the fact that it provides room for environmental scanning (Chapter 3 p9). By engaging in environmental scanning, organizations are able to identify their strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats. In addition, the use of strategy also enables organizations achieve competitive advantages over their rivals in the market. By implementing a good strategy, organizations are able to make wise decisions on business activities that adequately satisfy customer wants allowing organizations to operate in successful ways which are difficult for others to duplicate.

Question 2

There are various types of strategies which play a vital within business organizations. For instance, the growth and diversification strategy is of great benefit to the organization as it provides business expansion in various areas such as in existing and new markets. Apart from this, the retrenchment and restructuring strategies both provide changes in operations to correct various weaknesses and reduce the scale involving mix of operations respectively (Chapter 1 p10). On the other hand, the global strategies provide focus global business initiatives allowing business to expand their scope of operations. While the global strategy provides international initiatives, the E-business strategy as well focuses on the use of the internet by the organization to improve on business transactions.

Question 3

The use of strategy contributes largely to organizational improvement which is important for various reasons. For instance, by improving the organization, organizations are able to attain a competitive advantage which is vital for business survival in the market (Chapter 1 p10).In addition, through organizational improvements, business entities are able to acquire various strategies that assist in SWOT analysis thereby enabling businesses to identify their strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (Chapter 3 p9). In addition, organization improvements allow business entities to provide goods and services that satisfy customer needs which in one way or another result to increased gains in terms of profitability and business growth.

Question 4

Despite numerous advantages associated with using strategy in business, there are also various downsides for not using it. For instance, buy not adopting any strategy, organizations are exposing themselves to a verge of not attaining some of the common operating objectives such as profitability and market share. In addition, by not adopting any strategy, organizations will not be able to engage effective environmental scanning making it difficult to identify their strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (Chapter 3 p9). Besides this, organizations without a strategy plan are exposed to the risk of resource wastage due to lack of an effective plan to allocate resources to achieve long term goals.

Reference

Dr. Ericson Z. Matias ; chapter 1: Introduction Strategy Development and Implementation

Dr. Ericson Z. Matias; chapter 3: Environmental scanning

swot_analysis

Assignment 1: Discussion—Opportunities, Risks, and Challenges of Emerging Markets

Name:

Number:

Course:

Lecturer:

From my university experience a SWOT analysis can be carried out on two opportunities and threats concerning the completion of my degree. The two opportunities include high market of employment for students taking my course in many communications companies. Another opportunity is that there is chance given for further external scholarship for students who gets first class in the particular course I pursued. The threats include low chance of employment in the same communication companies for graduates who have not gone through internship with any of the communication companies. The next threat is that the communication companies give employment based of best performance, meaning that getting lower grade will imply low chances of employment while at the same time missing external scholarship.

My vision statement

My vision is to become a senior professor in my area of academic.

Core values

My core values include commitment, handwork and good morals in everything I undertake and high respect for others.

Core purpose for attending college

The core purpose is to acquire high level skills that will enable me be self dependent and a mentor to others too.

Description of thought process in performing SWOT analysis

The assessment of Strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities and Threats is the most known and extensive mediator in strategic marketing and planning in management issues (Ayub et al., 2013). In the opportunities above, the success of achieving them, whether, getting a job with the communication company or getting external scholarship will depend on my performance which on the other hand depends on how I manage my time of study for better performance. Time management in this case will involve planning on how to spend my time in the university as away of overcoming future challenge/threat of missing the job or scholarship. But better performance will also require me to evaluate my areas of weaknesses in terms of study so that I can give more time to those areas for balanced result.

This will imply that failure to perform well to the required standard, and then I will have the challenge of facing all the two threats mentioned above. This is because all the threats and opportunities are dependent on the final outcome of academic result. As a result I will have to fall either in the category of either facing the threats or choosing between the two opportunities in terms of comparison depending on how I plan and manage my time. The same opportunities and threats that are dependent on final results will thus affect other student’s thought processes who are taking the same course owing to the fact that this is a competition process which is an academic oriented.

References

Ayub, A., Razzaq, A., Aslam, M. S., & Iftekhar, H. (2013). A conceptual framework on evaluating SWOT analysis as the mediator in strategic marketing planning through marketing intelligence. European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 2(1), 91-98.

Who should be the default owner of the IPRs in relation to the invention and why

Assignment 1 – Case Study

Who should be the default owner of the IPRs in relation to the invention and why?

Achieving an equal distribution of intellectual property ownership and protecting intellectual property are the pillars of a rules-based society and market economy, and the importance of these principles can’t be stressed. When it comes to developing new ideas and products, businesses and entrepreneurs must have a clear knowledge of how intellectual property rights should be allocated (Gürkaynak et al., 2018). The use of common law precedent can be utilized to identify who owns certain intellectual property rights even if no agreement or contract has been entered into. One-person ownership of intellectual property describes the ownership of any or a part of intellectual property through a singular entity, most commonly referred to as the inventor, who is responsible for the creation of the intellectual property. Joint Ownership is a legal framework that allows one or more creators to possess intellectual property in their collective names.

In the case study above, the university is the default owner of the IPRs in relation to the invention. This is because the intellectual property was made by a section of the university employees and research body in the course of study and employment. Additionally, the individuals involved in the creation include students, research fellows, and employees who use substantial resources from the institution, including its name, financial capabilities, network, physical assets, and so on.

Please comment on the IP portfolio mix that you will deploy.

A strategy that combines research and development, in-licensing, elements of out-licensing, and, where applicable, mergers and acquisitions is required to manage an IP portfolio. When creating and maintaining an IP portfolio, I would adopt a strategic and holistic approach. Companies are always searching for ways to enhance and grow their operations, and a strong patent portfolio that matches with those initiatives should be deliberately built to help them do so. Smaller businesses must make sure their IP portfolio covers their full pipeline while being lean so money isn’t squandered on unneeded prosecution and litigation. R&D may be a time-consuming, risky process that makes it difficult to pivot or expand a product quickly (Belderbos, Park, & Carree, 2021). Buying a firm and merging its IP and procedures might be significantly more efficient if some other organization does have IP protecting a given technology and all the operational expertise with it. Acquisitions provide a quick approach for mid-sized and big organizations to secure IP for future initiatives while also supplementing existing business operations. To provide long-term patent protection, the portfolio mix for existing and prospective projects should comprise a lengthy average remaining patent lifespan and more outstanding applications than expired papers. 

Elaborate on the patent filing strategy that you would present to the management

There is little question that detailed work is perhaps the most innovative type of work in patents. Conducting an exhaustive search, determining the best method to defending an invention’s creative step, or accurately analyzing a probable infringement by equivalent demands expertise, information, and, of course, creativity. The proper patent filing approach is also critical for patent holders. The vast majority of nations have ratified the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Mandrinos, Lim, & Liew, 2022). This enables an individual to file an initial provisional patent inside one participatory nation (or area) to receive a filing date and afterwards spend 12 months to submit further filings for much the same innovation anywhere in any member nations. This would entail asserting precedence to the initial date of filing (the effective submission entry and priority date). These nations will consider the application as if it were filed simultaneously with the first request.

Discuss the countries that you would file patent protection, raking them in the order of priority. Explain the competitive advantages of the proposed strategies.

Companies can use IPRs and registration to secure their fundamental managerial and R&D, technology transfer, and other technical processes, and improving their negotiating strategy for counter claims as well as cross-licensing. IPRs and all registrations are meant to enable patenting entities to present a barrier of entry, hinder competitive products or brands, dampen new entrants, as well as preparing the way for all future dominance of the market via technical development. The main role of a patent is to register an invention. This, according to Mashdurohatun, Haq, and Zulhuda (2018), includes original innovations and rarely known processes and technologies. The rule is that these inventions be novel and not obvious. In order to get a patent, the technical aspects of the discovery should be publicly disclosed through the filing of a patent application with the appropriate government agency. In order to be created or amended as needed, intellectual property rights (IPRs) should be recorded in a clear and understandable manner.

I would file patent protection in the following countries:

The United States

China

Japan

The United Kingdom

The use of the above nations in the order presented is crucial in creating an advantage because it would mean protection in other countries that are a part of the region. For example, protection in the US means that Canada and the larger American continent would be represented, similar for China, and Japan. Patent protection in the United Kingdom would allow the larger European zones to be a part of the application process and thus create an advantage.

References

Belderbos, R., Park, J., & Carree, M. (2021). Do R&D investments in weak IPR countries destroy market value? The role of internal linkages. Strategic Management Journal, 42(8), 1401-1431.

Gürkaynak, G., Yılmaz, I., Yeşilaltay, B., & Bengi, B. (2018). Intellectual property law and practice in the blockchain realm. Computer law & security review, 34(4), 847-862.

Mandrinos, S., Lim, W. M., & Liew, C. S. L. (2022). De‐internationalization through the lens of intellectual property rights. Thunderbird International Business Review, 64(1), 13-24.

Mashdurohatun, A., Haq, H. U., & Zulhuda, S. (2018). Social Function Reconstruction of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Based On Justice Values. International Journal of Law Reconstruction, 1(1), 141-160.

Part 1 Bottle feeding Vs Breastfeeding

Assignment

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Course Name and Code

Professor’s Name

Date

Assignment

Part 1: Bottle feeding Vs Breastfeeding

Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding is the substitute method for the breastfeeding method. Most moms who are not able to breastfeed or would want to provide formula milk together with breastfeeding choose the bottle feeding method for their babies. Some of them even feed their babies using bottles (Arora, 2019). This method has some its pros and cons. One of the pros of bottle feeding is that either of the parents can be able to feed the baby. Feeding is known to be an essential bonding moment and breastfeeding does not provide the father to the baby the opportunity of bonding with the baby. Bottle feeding thus provides the father, siblings, or even other family members to spend time with the newborns (Arora, 2019). Secondly, bottle feeding provides an easy way of tracking the intake of the newborn. It is never an easy task to know how much milk the baby should drink while breastfeeding. Bottle feeding, however, makes it possible to find out the quantity of milk the newborn takes daily (Arora, 2019). Furthermore, when using bottle feeding, the mother does not have to worry about a low supply of breast milk. Notably, most moms worry that the baby would be underfed due to insufficient milk supply. This results in most women resorting to bottle feeding. This makes sure that the newborn gets enough milk that is required I growth and development (Arora, 2019).

Despite the pros of bottle feeding, this method of feeding also has its disadvantages. Firstly, formula milk is less nutritious compared to breast milk. Breast milk contains all the nutrients required by a newborn to develop and grow. It is also light for their stomach. Bottle feeding, therefore, increases the risk of obesity in newborns (Arora, 2019). Secondly, bottle feeding equipment is an additional expense. It requires the purchase of feeding bottles, sterilizers, and cleaning brushes if a bottle-feeding formula is chosen. These are forms of added expenses (Arora, 2019). Furthermore, bottle-feeding affects the bond between the mother and the baby. The skin-to-skin contact lacks in bottle feeding therefore the bonding between the newborn and the mother is hampered (Arora, 2019).

Breastfeeding

This is the act of feeding a newborn with milk directly from the breast (Murray, 2020). This method has its pro and cons. One of the pros of breastfeeding is that the method is convenient. Breastfeeding is the perfect way of supplying the newborn with optimal nutrition at perfect temperatures. There are no worries about the bottle cleaning up before and after feedings or heating formula or even preparing (Murray, 2020). Secondly, breastfeeding is economical. The method saves a lot of money as self-nursing the newborn eradicates the need of buying bottles or milk supplies. It keeps the children healthier thus reducing medical costs for the sick infant (Murray, 2020). Furthermore, breastfeeding is benefits breastfeeding mothers, where breastfeeding women recover faster from childbirth compared to those who bottle feed. This method also reduces breast and ovarian cancer risks (Murray, 2020).

One disadvantage of breastfeeding is that it can be painful. Breastfeeding mothers sometimes encounter painful and uncomfortable problems associated with breastfeeding. These include blisters, mastitis, or sore nipples (Murray, 2020). Secondly, breastfeeding requires healthy lifestyle choices. Breastfeeding mothers have to think about their lifestyle or diet while breastfeeding. Babies have different reactions to different foods in the mother’s diet. Breastfeeding moms would therefore stop consuming dairy foods or other items that they enjoy (Murray, 2020). The third con of breastfeeding is that not everyone can feed the baby. The rest of the family, siblings, or the father cannot be involved in feeding the newborn. This may make more so the partner feels like missing out on the breastfeeding connection (Murray, 2020).

PART 2

a.

The brand costs of each ounce lie between 54 cents for cheer brands and $1.15 for higher-end brands (Simpn, 2022).

If I chose higher-end brands, the total cost would be

1.15*30= $34.5 per day

34.5*30=$1035

b.

Diapers cost between $0.20 and $0.30 (Harris, 2022).

For a 12 months child, the average diapers used per day is 8

So in one month, there are 240 diapers used.

Total cost if the cost of diapers is $0.30= 0.30*240

= $72

References

Arora, M. (2019). 14 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bottle Feeding. FirstCry Parenting. Retrieved 5 October 2022, from https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/bottle-feeding-advantages-and-disadvantages/.

Harris, N. (2022). A New Parent’s Guide to Estimating How Many Diapers You Need and What They’ll Cost. Parents. Retrieved 5 October 2022, from https://www.parents.com/parenting/money/saving/save-money-and-build-a-diaper-stockpile/.

Murray, D. (2020). The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding. Verywell Family. Retrieved 5 October 2022, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-breastfeeding-431895#:~:text=Women%20who%20breastfeed%20tend%20to,cardiovascular%20disease%20as%20you%20age.

Simpn, J. (2022). The Cost of Baby Formula – SmartAsset. SmartAsset. Retrieved 5 October 2022, from https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/the-cost-of-baby-formula.

Use the following facts to answer the questions below

Assignment #3

Case Study

Freedom of Expression for Teachers/Termination

Fall 2017

Use the scenario presented to answer the questions.  Create a Word (.doc or .docx) file for submission to the Canvas drop box.

Use the following facts to answer the questions below:

The year is 2017.   Dorothy is a teacher in a school district in the state of Nevada.  

One of her duties is to administer standardized exams to her students in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).   Although she has done everything possible to improve her classes test scores, she is disappointed to see a decrease in achievement from the previous year.  However, in the course of her regular duties, she discovers that the scores, that have been reported to the federal government for her class, show a marked improvement.  It appears that administrators in the district are falsifying and altering test scores.  Concerned about what appears to her to be corruption, she has a discussion with her principal.  Dorothy’s principal informs her that the district officials is pressuring him to increase test scores.  He tells her that she may lose her job or be placed in a sub-standard school if she do not ignore the inconsistences.  He also tells her that the district is offering a $2000.00 bonus to all teachers whose students show improvement in tests scores.  His advice to her is to ignore her concerns. After all, it is her job to administer the exam, not oversee the results.  

Despite her principal’s advice, the promise of a bonus, the threat of losing her job, and fear of retaliation, Dorothy reports her concerns to the Nevada State Attorney General, who immediately begins an investigation.  When the local school board discovers Dorothy’s involvement in the case, it fires her for insubordination.  Dorothy initiates a lawsuit based on her First Amendment right to freedom of speech (expression).  

Answer the following:

Imagine that you are Dorothy’s attorney.  With your understanding of teachers’ rights to freedom of expression:

Write an argument supporting the teacher’s claim to a free speech violation. 

Include at least three (3) justifications in law for your argument and explain each.  These might include Constitutional Amendments and/or previous U.S. Supreme Court decisions.  

Now, imagine that you are an attorney for the local school board, who fired Dorothy.  With your understanding of the school administration’s right to limit freedom of expression and operate the schools:

Write an argument supporting the administration’s right to limit expression.

Include at least three (3) justifications in law for your argument and explain each.  These might include Constitutional Amendments and/or previous U.S. Supreme Court decisions. 

Imagine that this case goes before the U.S. Supreme Court and you are a Supreme Court Justice.  Discuss the following:

Whose claim would you support – Dorothy’s or the school board’s?

Why?  Explain your rationale for your support of either claim.

Submitting the case study:

Review the rubric on page 3 to be sure that you have answered all questions and successfully completed the assignment.

After you complete your Word document, save it and send it to your 

instructor by submitting it to the Canvas drop box for this class.  

To access the drop box:

Click on “Assignment”

      Find the assignment name and  click on it

Click on “Submit Assignment”

From the “File upload”  tab, click on the “Choose File” button

Select the file from where you saved it by clicking on the file  and click the “open” button

If you have several files to add, click on “Add another file” and use the “Browse” button to find and upload the file

When you have added the file(s), click on the “Submit Assignment” button

After you have submitted your assignment, you should be able to view a confirmation that you submitted your assignment

This assignment is due on: Monday,  12/4 by 5:00 PM.

EDU 210

Rubric

Assignment #2

Name _____________________________________________

Criteria Explanation Available

Points Student Points

Format Essay is properly formatted:

      The essay is word processed and                                     formatted in APA style;  that is, double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman, with margins not greater than 1 inch all around. 

       In sequence: Question re-stated and discussion

        At least 2 typed pages 1 Grammar Student uses appropriate grammar, punctuation, complete sentences, and clear explanations.  1

Teacher’s Argument Argument supporting the teacher’s claim to free speech violation given (2)

Three (3) justifications in law given for supporting teacher’s argument (6).

8 School Board’s Argument Argument supporting the administration’s right to limit expression given (2)

Three (3) justifications in law for supporting the school board’s argument (6)

8 Supreme Court Decision Discussion of reasons for Court’s holding (2)

Explanation of Court’s rationale (2) 4 Total 22