Research, Analysis & Outline For Final Paper

Individual Assignment 2: Research, Analysis & Outline for Final Paper

CLO #3 Analyze the need for increasing creative thought in a complex global environment including designing strategies to increase cash, profit and growth through understanding competitive dynamics.

CLO#5 Analyze and apply decision matrices for creative opportunities, or to mitigate risk and/or legal considerations in the global marketplace including compliance with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Due: Wednesday Week 6

Value: 150

Length: 5 – 7 page informal outline.

The purpose of this assignment is for students to write an outline that presents their research for the final paper (the Signature Assignment) for this class. Students are not writing the final paper (yet). For this assignment, and thus for the final paper students are to identify a business that corresponds to the assigned business sectors (each student is to identify a separate business). In this outline, students will bring options and opportunities, creative problem solving to either solve a problem or create an opportunity. Remember we do not tell companies what they “must or should do.” We present options and opportunities. Students will apply creative innovative thought to the analysis. You can use bullet points for this outline. Students should apply any feedback received from this assignment to the final assignment.

Some important items to note before writing Assignment 2:

Please go to Week 8 and read the Handout and Rubric for Assignment 3.
The research is very detailed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, APA Headings, Title Page, References and APA citations. This is an example of an APA sample paper.
Long quotes are not to be used in short papers of this nature; thus, all quotes should be from seven to 12 words and of course must use APA citations.
The outline is to detail key points supported with corresponding citations.
The outline must use at least three levels of Use APA headings. Sources (must be current – one year) other than the textbook can include: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Wired Magazine, (all can be found in the our University Library). You can also use any government website (usually “.gov”). You can use academic research but it must be recent (five years or newer).

Directions

After reading assigned chapters in your textbook and other course materials, continue your research to gain additional knowledge on industries and business sectors. This following link, located here, has access to a breakdown of all industries. The links after each industry provides additional data.

For the outline, briefly describe the business that you have chosen and the global footprint of their broader industry [e.g. number of subsidiaries in other countries, information on profit and growth strategies, key suppliers and customers. List three (3) major competitors (supported by data), and explain the percentage of the market share the business occupies].

The traditional industries include:

Construction
Education and Health Services
Financial Activities
Information
Leisure and Hospitality
Manufacturing
Natural Resources and Mining
Other services (except public administration)
Professional and business services
Trade, transportation and utilities

Note: You may not cut and paste information about the industry from the team assignment, however this paper is specifically on a business chosen within that industry. Each student must choose a separate business within that industry (so check with each member of your team to be sure that you are NOT using the same company within the industry – this is the student’s responsibility to confirm that they are not using the same company as any other team member). ALSO – remember that each industry must be covered by one of the team members. AND – you may not use your own company, since it would be impossible to have totally objective research without some amount of experience, emotion, and personal opinion or bias. You may, however, use your own company as one of the three competitors, and let the research become useful to you in making recommendations to your own organization.

Introduction

The introduction is usually about a half of page long and contains information that will explain the value that the paper/analysis/research will bring. It does not contain long quotes. It will give specifics of company, industry and details of the value the business brings to the marketplace. The introduction is written last (as you can’t introduce what you have not written yet). The introduction will tie closely with the three analysis sections below and the conclusion.

Analysis

An analysis normally has three parts (triangulation of the data). Students do not need to use the exact three major headings below, but they are recommended. Each of the three sections below will occupy about a page to a page and a half of the outline. Remember outlines do not have long quotations. However each heading will normally have four to five sub points, and sources cited using APA.

Risk

The risk that the student identifies for this paper will be clearly explained using data analysis (not opinion). The risks will generally include a risk that can be solved using the material from this course (creativity, innovation collaboration between stakeholders). So risk factors for having “old machinery” or for something general like “bad management” would not qualify for this paper.

Competition

Research and analyze what the competition within the same industry is doing that may be better than the business that the student chose. Opportunities often come from an honest analysis of the competition. The competition chosen does not need to be the largest competitors, but need to be a company that is competing for roughly the same customers. Identify ways that the competition is more collaborative, creative and or innovative. Most students will choose three competitors to analyze. It will be easier if students choose competitors who are publicly held as financial information is readily available. This portion of the assignment lends itself to a graph or chart that is followed by analysis (the variables on the left may vary with each business.)

Connection between Personal History of Creativity and What is Being Learned in the Class

We are best at what we like to do. Think about your own proclivity toward creativity and as you perform your analysis consider incorporating your creativity strengths into your work. Remember we are all creative as there are a variety of ways you have learned about applying creative thought to problem solving. For the final paper, you will be building an Action Plan which will connect to your personal creativity.

History and position of the business within the industry

This section normally has three parts and each part has a short five to seven different word quote from the text, research and course materials. Remember outlines do not have long quotations. You may use information and research from the team project but additional research will need to be included that specifically ties to the business you have chosen within that industry.

History of innovation (successful and unsuccessful) within the industry and the company specifically

This section should have three parts – each part should a short five-to-seven word quote from the text or research and course materials. Remember outlines do not have long quotations. Give examples of innovation, understanding the milieu of the business within the global marketplace.

Risk Analysis

Analyze the potential risks for this specific business and opportunities for innovation. This will be based upon your research on competitors. The risk that the student would identify would have something to do with either creativity and/or innovation as that is the focus of this class. These risks can include, but are not limited to (failed innovations, a lack of innovation compared to the business’s competitors, lack of creative problem solving or even a lack of collaboration between stakeholders (e.g.customers, suppliers). Risk is always based upon analysis (not opinion). Include FCPA in your analysis. For a quick reference to FCPA read this very short article, located here and more information on risk, located here.

Recommendations/Conclusions

This section is normally about half of a page to a full page long. It contains at least two quotes from the text and/or other sources. It has specific recommendations based upon research (not opinion). The recommendations section ties closely with the introduction and a recommendation and conclusion section never brings in any new data. The recommendations need to be clear and precise. Remember from the limited viewpoint and research students will not be bringing the “final answer” to a problem. The recommendations are to be written with humility and never use “must or should.” Students are to bring options and opportunities not edicts that companies “must” follow.

Remember, this assignment is an OUTLINE of research and selected quotes for the final paper. The final paper will also require additional research on Competition and Collaboration, as well as a specific reference to and use of the S.M.A.R.T. Goals template, Action Plan for the Company you chose, and a visual of your Action Plan. Assignment #2 is heavily focused on research and analysis and is full of short quotations that show a graduate level depth of analysis and thought. Concepts are applied from what has been learned in this class

You may use bullets or paragraphs in your Outline, whichever is most useful to you. This is not a “rough draft” of your Signature Assignment Paper (Assignment #3) and you may not copy and paste paragraphs from the Outline directly into your final paper.

OLCU 632 Individual Assignment 2 Rubric

	Exemplary	Proficient	Emerging	Needs Improvement
Criteria	5	4	3	1	0
Outline 20%	At least one page long and creatively and interestingly shows depth of research. The outline ties directly to the Final Assignment. All key concepts from the class readings have been applied at the graduate level.	At least one page long and shows depth of research. The outline ties directly to the Final Assignment. All key concepts from the class readings have been applied at the graduate level.	One page long and shows depth of research. The outline ties directly to the Final Assignment. Two to three of key concepts from the class readings have been applied.	Is shorter than one page or longer than one page and the outline is unclear as to how it connects to the Final assignment. Key concepts from the class are unclear or not applied at the graduate level.	No submission
Introduction and Thesis 10%	Engaging opening introduces the general topic and inspires thinking about the topic. Writer explains that they will bring options and opportunities that bring value. The Introduction is easily identifiable, well phrased, and lets the reader know that major supporting points; the idea offered in the thesis reflects sound critical, analytical thinking.	Opening introduces the general topic but may not stimulate thinking about the topic. Writer states his or her position on the current topic in a thesis statement.	Opening is logically organized, but may lack development; topic is clear, but needs to be developed to engage the reader. Thesis statement lacks development.	Opening is poorly organized and/or lacks development. Thesis statement is weak or missing.	No submission
Analysis 30%	A comprehensive analysis of research, demographic data, competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that the goal of analysis to bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA is included at the graduate level. Michael Porter’s work is creatively applied.	An analysis of research, demographic data, competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that the goal of analysis to bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA is included. Michael Porter’s work is applied.	A somewhat brief analysis of research, demographic data, competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that the goal of analysis to bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA and Michael Porter is somewhat applied.	A weak attempt at analysis and research, demographic data, competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that the goal of analysis to bring value. The analysis of Michael Porter and FCPA is included but does not demonstrate graduate level applications.	No submission
Creative and Innovative thinking 10%	Students apply their own creative and innovative deep thinking to the outline. The textbook and course materials are applied in an interesting and creative manner.	Students show some of their creative and innovative thinking to the outline. Course materials are applied.	Students somewhat show creative thinking to the outline. Course materials are somewhat applied.	Students do not demonstrate a deep understanding of their own creative and innovative techniques or strategies that have been learned in this class.	No submission
Business and Scholarly Sources 5%	Effectively integrates credible academic or business sources into the outline; in-text citations are presented in accurate APA style; paper includes APA style “References” page, listing authoritative sources; utilizes an appropriate balance of quoted material and the writer’s analysis; all source material is accurately quoted, paraphrased or summarized to give authors credit for ideas. Block and direct quotes are used sparingly and effectively.	Generally incorporates credible academic or business sources into the outline; most in-text source citations reflect accurate APA style. “References” page lists authoritative primary and/or secondary sources but may contain minor errors in APA style; there may be a minor imbalance between quoted material and the writer’s analysis. Block and direct quotes are generally used sparingly and appropriately	Occasionally incorporates credible academic sources into the outline; adherence to APA style guidelines may be inconsistent but does not compromise the integrity of the paper; “References” page lists several authoritative secondary sources and generally follows APA style guidelines. Occasionally block and direct quotes are over utilized and/or not used appropriately.	Does not integrate credible academic sources into the outline inconsistent adherence to APA guidelines for in-text citations, which may compromise integrity of the paper; inaccurate or missing “References” page. Block and direct quotes are over utilized and/or not used appropriately.	No submission
Recommendation/ Conclusion 10%	Succinctly and clearly describes the topic and ways to bring value, restating the major supporting points and findings/analysis from each section of the paper, with the purpose of supporting the thesis; states conclusion(s) based on research; ways to take action or to be open to another way of thinking.	Provides a clear description of topic and ways to bring value, restating the supporting points and findings/analysis from each section of the paper, states conclusion(s) based on the research.	Vaguely summarizes the topic and opinion or argument.	Does not summarize the topic and opinion or argument. Brings in new data	No submission
Grammar 5%	Effective syntax and grammar demonstrate a mastery of writing conventions and serves the author’s purpose; writing is free of misspellings and punctuation errors.	Syntax and grammar demonstrate mastery of writing conventions but may be awkward; a few misspellings or punctuation errors are present.	Awkward syntax and grammar may impair clarity; misspellings, run-on sentences, sentence fragments, or other errors are present throughout the paper.	Frequent syntax, grammar, and/or spelling errors impair clarity; numerous run-on sentences, sentence fragments, or other errors impair meaning throughout the paper.	No submission
Formatting 5%	Proposes a clear and creative title reflecting content of paper. The title and other document formatting demonstrate. APA headings are carefully adhered to.	Proposes a clear title reflecting the content of paper. The title and other document formatting demonstrate general adherence to APA style guidelines. APA headings are carefully adhered to.	Title of the outline vaguely reflects its content. The title and other document formatting only occasionally demonstrate adherence to APA style guidelines. APA headings are adhered to.	Title of the does not reflect its content. The title and other document formatting does not demonstrate adherence to APA style guidelines. More than three errors in APA headings.	No submission