Category: Business and Management

***PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENTS FOR DETAILED RUBRIC & INSTRUCTIONS, AS WELL AS SOURCES TO USE***
A.  Provide a PDF copy of your “Signature Themes” report after completing the CliftonStrengths assessment. (ATTACHED)
1.  Reflect on the results of the five categorical strengths from your CliftonStrengths assessment, including what those results might indicate about your leadership.
B.  Evaluate your leadership, using one of the scholarly leadership theories below, by doing the following:
•   transformational leadership
•   transactional leadership
•   situational leadership
•   participative leadership
•   servant leadership
•   behavioral leadership
•   trait theory of leadership
1.  Evaluate three strengths of your leadership, using the chosen scholarly leadership theory, including how each strength relates to the theory. Support the evaluation of your strengths with at least one scholarly source.
2.  Evaluate three weaknesses of your leadership, using the chosen scholarly leadership theory, including how each weakness relates to the theory. Support the evaluation of your weaknesses with at least one scholarly source.
3.  Recommend three actionable items to improve the effectiveness of your leadership, including how each actionable item relates to the chosen scholarly leadership theory. Support the recommendations of actionable items with at least one scholarly source.
Note: A scholarly source could be a reputable journal, a published book, or any source from a university faculty member or business leader. Scholarly sources also include any article or book in the online WGU library.
C.  Discuss two short-term goals that will help improve your leadership. Adhere to the SMART criteria for each goal: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
1.  Discuss at least two specific actions you will take to reach each of the SMART goals discussed in part C.
D.  Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.
E.  Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.

Your presentation should be engaging and easy to follow.
It should take your audience to the next step of understanding beyond your executive summary, but it does not need to cover your plan in the depth of your written business plan. Your slides should introduce your topics and subtopics, but they should not be so wordy that the slides become the presentation.
If possible and appropriate, include graphics that will engage the viewers and add to their understanding.
Examples might be pictures of your product, graphs illustrating your timelines, and charts of your financial figures.
The presentation should be about 10-15 minutes in length.
To ensure that you meet this requirement, you should practice making your presentation out loud and, preferably, in front of at least one other person.
Your presentation should include your speaking notes.
The best way to accomplish this is to add your narrative to the slides, assuming you are using a package like PowerPoint that permits this. If you choose this option, be certain that the audio is incorporated into slides. If it is not, the audio will not accompany the presentation file when you submit it.
Another way is to make a video of you doing your presentation live. If you choose either of these options, practice your presentation several times so that it sounds lively and is engaging.
Alternatively, you may add your speaking notes to the notes section of your presentation package or submit a text file with your notes for each slide.
Review the rubric for this assignment.
Evaluation and Feedback

RACHEL
Col 1: 
Problem: Some biotech companies lack successful mentoring strategies tailored to mid- and senior-level professionals’ career advancement needs, hindering their career progression within the biotech industry.
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry is to explore and promote effective implementation mentoring strategies for enhancing career development opportunities and talent management practices for mid and senior-level scientific professionals within the industry.
Framework: The conceptual framework that will be used is Kram’s Mentoring Theory and Ragins’ Diversity and Inclusion Theory.
Col 2: 
RQ: What strategies does the biotech industry need in order to implement mentorship programs to support career advancement for mid- and senior-level professionals?
Method: Qualitative   
Design: Pragmatic inquiry 
Col 3: 
For my planned research design, I will need data collection tools and sources consisting of (a) semi-structured interviews and surveys with scientific professionals who have had success in mentoring programs, (b) company mentoring data, and (c) public records/archival reviews of mentoring programs.
Col 4:  N/A
Col 5 :  
I will use the six-phased thematic analysis approach described by (Kiger & Varpio, 2020). This process aligns with my purpose of exploring and promoting effective implementation mentoring strategies for enhancing career development opportunities and talent management practices for the industry’s mid- and senior-level scientific professionals.
Reference
Kiger, M. E., & Varpio, L. (2020). Thematic analysis of qualitative data: Amee guide no. 131. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 846–854. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1755030Links to an external site.
LATOYA
Column 1
Problem:  The specific business problem is the need for informal human resource practices, necessitating strategies to boost employee motivation, reduce turnover, and mitigate labor costs to enhance overall profitability.
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study is to delve into the distinct human resources hurdles that significantly affect the profitability of small businesses, thereby contributing to positive social changes.
Framework: The conceptual framework for this research draws upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory.
Column 2
RQ1: How do informal Human Resources practices affect employee morale and organizational effectiveness in small businesses, and what strategies can be developed to enhance overall profitability?
RQ2: What are the effects of informal human resource practices on organizational effectiveness, including productivity, employee engagement, and turnover rates, within small businesses?
Method: Qualitative            
Design: Pragmatic Inquiry
Column 3
For my planned research design, I will use various qualitative data to capture participant’s nuanced experiences and perspectives. The primary data collection methods include in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. In-depth interviews will be the primary tool for eliciting detailed insights from small business owners or managers regarding their experiences with human resources challenges.
Column 4
N/A
Column 5
Data will be collected through narrative analysis and semi-structured interviews with SME owners, HR managers, and employees to gather insights into SMEs’ challenges and barriers in managing human capital (Sevilla-Liu, 2023). These interviews will include open-ended questions to allow for detailed responses. The data will then be coded thematically to identify key themes and sub-themes related to challenges such as financial constraints, limited access to skilled labor, employee turnover, and regulatory compliance. Themes that encapsulate these various challenges will be developed, grouping similar issues to provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to effective human capital management.
Reference
Sevilla-Liu, A. (2023). The theoretical basis of a functional-descriptive approach to qualitative research in CBS: With a focus on narrative analysis and practice. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 30, 210–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.11.001Links to an external site. 
SAMUEL
Col 1:
Problem:   Retention of skilled employees in the workplace has been one the most significant problems affecting small businesses long-term health and success because of the high frequency of better job opportunities within organizations.  
Purpose:  The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry is to explore the determinants that contribute to the elevated levels of employee retention and to ascertain approaches for maintaining a corporate workforce in the information technology sector. 
Framework:   Vroom’s (1964) preemptive ideas, which identify the elements that influence employee loyalty, serve as the theoretical foundation for achieving the objectives of this research study. Expectancy theory mainly deals with techniques that showcase dedication as well as performance by determining the anticipated remuneration that employees should receive as a reward for their performance (Eccles & Wigfield, 2020). Various commission-based remuneration structures and frameworks evidently implement the expectant theory, ensuring that employees’ compensation is contingent upon their performance and dedication to their jobs. Furthermore, the expectancy theory closely aligns with an individual’s belief in achieving a specific objective. Small business leaders and managers can improve employee retention by providing employees with regular and adequate training, increasing their expectancy. In addition, instrumentality is closely associated with expectancy theory. The investigation will also incorporate Maslow’s (1943) motivational philosophy of requirements. The concept categorizes employees into five categories, ranging from physical desires to career aspirations and growth categories (Eccles & Wigfield, 2020). Meeting the specific requirements of each category satisfactorily is essential to improve employee retention. Consequently, the expectancy and hierarchy need theories are in alignment with the study’s objective, as they both aim to create strategies that can improve employee retention and motivation.
Col 2:
RQ1:   To what extent the lack of hygiene and motivating factors results in low retention of skilled employees for a successful long-term business growth? 
Method: Qualitative           
Design:   Pragmatic Inquiry. 
Col 3:
For my planned research design, I will need   data collection tools and sources; consisting of (a)semi-structured interviews with employees in the information Technology sector: (b) public records/archival reviews: (c) publications: (d) social media monitoring: (e) Focus group.
Col 4:
N/A
Col 5:
The five-phased thematic analysis approaches described by Yin (2018) will be used: a) compile data, b) disassemble data, c) reassemble data, d) interpret data, and e) conclude data. 
Reference
Kiger, M. E., & Varpio, L. (2020). Thematic analysis of qualitative data: Amee guide no. 131. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 846–854. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1755030
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa   

For Leader Analysis Paper #2, please submit a 4-5 page (minimum) double-spaced paper that details the following:
Specifically, how did your leader display (or not display) aspects of Communication and Leadership (Unit 4), Recognizing and Leveraging Organizational Culture and Climate (Unit 5), and Developing High Performing Teams  (Unit 6). Please include citations and references to Units 4, 5, and 6 reading materials that support your answers.
How can you apply the conclusions of your assessment and analysis to leadership roles and responsibilities in your organization?
My Leader is Steve Jobs. Please see attached my first paper & the template for Paper 2. 
Project leadership. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Watch online film: “Is Wal-mart Good for America?” from this link :
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/Links to an external site. and answer the following questions:
What did you know about Wal-Mart before viewing the documentary?
What most surprised you about the film?
Do you think the strategies that Wal-Mart is using are fair? Why or why not?
What new kinds of jobs might be created as a result of outsourcing? What jobs might be eliminated?
Who gains the most from Wal-Mart’s price policies? Why?
Has the documentary influenced how or where you will shop? Explain.
Who has benefited from Wal-Mart? In what ways? Who has not benefited from Wal-Mart? In what ways?
How should Wal-Mart balance the needs for worker benefits, low prices for consumers and high profits for shareholders?
Under international business and economic (this course) perspective, what else does Wal-Mart should do to satisfy its stakeholders?
Your answers have to be 4 FULL pages, double spaces with supports from facts, your own analysis, and at least 4 defined concepts or theories (from any chapters, underline them), and APA format.
Chapter 5 terms: rules of origin, re-exports, tariffs, quantitative restrictions or quotas, mercantilism, trade barriers, free trade agreements, transshipment, trade diversion, customs union, common external tariff, comparative advantage

I have to bring the Ethiopia case study up to date. You will have to use Note #4 along with the case study questions that will be uploaded. Please include cover page and any APA references that will be useful for this case study. I also attached the Ethiopia Emerging Market pdf for your reading and to used to answer the questions.

Lean Systems
The main principles of a lean system include identifying value from the customer’s perspective, creating flow by ensuring a smooth and continuous process, and mapping out the value stream to eliminate waste. The operations manager is required to understand the basic principles of lean to operate in a lean environment. This means doing more with less as the organization becomes as “lean” as possible (no fat). 
To answer the discussion topics, you are required to conduct research using the course textbook, Library, and/or the Internet.
Please answer the following questions:
What are three elements of lean system that can enhance organizational efficiency?
What are the various kanban systems that can be found in an operations environment?
How can kaizen and JIT help improve efficiency in an operations environment?
Make sure you are supporting your answers fully with research, including citations and references.

Prepare a typed essay of 3 page in length (1-inch margins, double line
spacing), briefly summarizing discussing your views on how the use
of Government Surveillance Systems may have both positive and
negative consequences.
the government surveillance system i picked was the Stingray systems cops use

Week 7
This week, you will pull all of your knowledge together from each week and compile new ideas or parallel ideas that can help improve the decision-making process. So far, you have covered the process of making a decision and the many complexities associated with the process, as well as advantages to an effective process. You have explored decision-making to problem-solving in a unique and strategic way to ensure the correct problem is being identified and investigated. You have given problem solving a process as well. You explored the application of strategic decision-making to support the organizational mission, vision, and values and pass them on to the employees and consumers. You also learned the importance of redesigning a department/process in order to enhance the outcome, which will increase motivation.
Finally, you moved into the last section of the course to utilize technology and the vast amount of data that can be generated and applied to increase decision-making and advance the organization. Through this class, you will expand your knowledge and understanding of the importance of making a decision and developing and implementing an effective process for a successful outcome. Thinking back on each week of the class and the organization(s) you have studied, begin the final assignment.
For the final assignment, you will become familiar with quantitative analytical methods and technology tools that will aid managers in effective decision-making. Quantitative analytical methods involve inputs, algorithms, and outputs. The inputs take the form of numerical data, algorithms take the form of mathematical formulas, and outputs typically take the form of numerical data such as optimal solutions and forecasts, but they can also take the form of new or modified formulas.
Since many quantitative analytical methods are quite complex, and because they may be applied to a tremendous amount of data, computer technology is often needed to utilize them. For example, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is an analytical method used in factories to help production planners determine which work orders to release to a factory each day. This analytical method can be performed by an individual with a pencil and paper for a single product with only a few parts on its bill of material. But the reality in most cases is that MRP needs to be applied to a great number of products with complex bills of material. As a result, the term MRP is also used to refer to the computer technology that executes the MRP analytical method.  In addition to MRP, there are some other options, including Decision Support System (DSS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Sensitivity Analysis.
Creating a process for decision-making is essential for any organizational and managerial function. The ability to oversee, intervene and make changes for organizational success is dependent on decision-making. An understanding of the complex mental thought process merged with strategic actions is imperative to the application of successful decision-making. 
Effective decision-making is a well-designed process that organizations employ to maximize the use of technology in evaluating and interpreting the data that have been collected. Because there is so much data, managers need to be able to assess, analyze, and determine what data is relevant.
For this assignment, you will prepare a narrated presentation using PowerPoint presentation software. You will create your audio presentation by using an audio/video capturing tool located in NCUOne. To access the capture tool, follow the tutorial found in this week’s resources. Prepare an analysis of the decision-making process currently being used in a selected organization and the changes that need to be made for organizational efficiency and success. Include research on one technological method and one analytical method that will help the organization and influence approaches to decision-making.
Length: 5 to 7-minute video accompanied by 12-15 slides to include 200-250 words per slide, not including title and reference slides. 

There are many types of leadership.  For your research paper, you will focus on transformational and servant leadership
The leader that is the focus of the research paper is  Wangari Maathai – renowned founder/leader of the Greenbelt Movement and first African Woman Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.  
To help get started, please view videos that I have provided here about Wangari.  Click on items links highlighted in blue:   Maathai Links to an external site.  and  videoLinks to an external site.
Please read the attached document Short Research Paper and PPT for instructions.
Links:
Maathai – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koMunNH1J3Y
videolinks – https://www.pbs.org/video/independent-lens-wangari-maathai-sees-the-forest-for-the-trees