Blue Sky Software Assessment

                                                                BLUE SKY SOFTWARE

                   To be successful one must be willing to learn and apply new concepts and not be afraid of change

                                                      -- Craig R. Barnett, CEO, Intel Corporation

                                                            ASSESSMENT

The heart of the assessment exercise process will be the ability to analyze factual data provided within relevant concepts, principles and management tools learned during all core courses in the Management and Leadership Program.  Then, apply the framework to analyze the facts and develop recommendations for action in a case study.

The Blue Sky Software case study will be used by Webster University to assess student learning and overall Management and Leadership Program outcomes.  The assessment will be administered during Week 9.  It is recommended that during Week 7 the Blue Sky Software case study be read for familiarity. 

                    SITUATION

For this written assessment exercise, assume you are a consultant reporting to Willis, who charged you to examine the management and leadership concerns facing Blue Sky Software.  Based on your total core course experience in the Management and Leadership Program, write a critical analysis report (essay).  Focus on what you find to be the critical elements facing the company.  As guidelines, specific questions regarding several key critical elements are provided at the conclusion of the reading. (Reference:  Blue Sky Software case - Page 6). 

                                                               THE CHALLENGE

Identify and analyze the key management and leadership concerns at Blue Sky Software and, in your report (essay) to Willis, include relevant conceptual ideas to provide resolution. The challenge will be to identify and demonstrate understanding, application and integration of learned knowledge rather than voice personal opinions. 

                                                REQUIREMENTS

The assessment exercise will consist of one final report (essay) to be provided to Willis that will utilize a typed double-spaced, 12 point Times NewRoman font and 1” margins format.  The assessment exercise will be “open book,” that is, the use of textbooks, books, periodicals, class notes or handouts, Internet, etc. will be acceptable.

The maximum total length of the report (essay)will not exceed 10 typed pages.

The report (essay) will be completed within a maximum of four hours or a maximum of ten (10) pages, whichever occurs first. Note:  The four hour time requirement may be completed at one time or be the sum of multiple engagements.  Upon completion of the exercise -- pages or time-- the student will submit their report (essay)online to the instructor for evaluation. 

Submission will be anytime during Week 9, from 12:00 P.M. CDT, Monday, May 12, 2014 to not later than 11:59 A.M., CDT, Friday, May 16, 2014. As a MANDATORY assessment, failure to submit the report (essay)to the instructor prior to the due date and time will automatically create a minus 100 point grade penalty. 

Within the report (essay), identify and highlight in BOLDall terminology, techniques, principles, concepts, management tools and theories from the core courses when utilized.  Example:  “The initial action that Willis might implement will be a TOWS Analysis.”

No single solution will be expected or required.

Sufficient information to prepare the report (essay)will be available from the following resources:

·         Webster University Management and Leadership Program

                  Textbooks – Core Courses

                  Class notes and Handouts -- Core Courses

·         General Business Knowledge and Experience

Assuming core course resource information might be difficult to locate, a representative list of  “thought-starter”terms and concepts relating to each of the main concerns being initially addressed by Blue Sky Software follows:  (Note:  This list should not be considered all inclusive or that use will be required)

            Leadership:  Autocratic, Collaborative, Transformational, Transactional, Blake-Mouton    Managerial Grid, Path-Goal Leadership Theory, Level 5 Leadership, Managing Conflict,       Visionary, Charismatic, Succession Planning, Contingency Planning

            Motivation:  Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg Two Factor Theory – Intrinsic v.        Extrinsic, Goal Setting Theory, Empowerment, Expectancy Theory, S.M.A.R.T., Best        Practices, Six Sigma

            Strategic-Planning and Decision-Making::  PEST Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces,            SWOT Matrix,TOWS Analysis,  Porter’s Generic Strategy, Brainstorming, deBono Six     HatThinking, BarneyVRIN, Participative, Abilene Paradox

            Structure, Design, Control:  Centralization, Decentralization, Restructure, Outsource,     Change Agent, Matrix Organization, Lewin Force Field Analysis, Change Management,    Balanced Scorecard, Clan Control, Quality Control, Business Plan Reviews, Training and          Development, Organizational Culture, KotterChange Model

            General:  Helpful online management tool resource sites:  www.mindtools.com and          www.bain.com.

                                                            EVALUATION

The organization, content, conclusions and evidence supporting as well as quality of expression in terms of grammar, punctuation and spelling will be included in the evaluation.

The maximum available grade point value for this assessment exercise will be 100 points.

For point detail, refer to the criteria provided in the MNGT PROGRAM ASSESSMENT CASE GRADING RUBRIC.