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JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite

Assignment 2

© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.

JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1212) Page 1 of 3

Assignment 2: Case Study Using Data to Build a Stronger Workforce Due: Week Sunday, midnight of Week 5 (Weight: 25%)

Overview

C-Suite leaders rely on data to drive decisions. However, many HR professionals come from “non-quant”

backgrounds that leave them feeling less than confident when it comes to understanding the numbers and

using data to evaluate and communicate critical HR initiatives. Like it or not, having a seat at the table

requires that you can speak with data. The good news is that you don’t need to be a financial or data-

analytics expert. You do, however, need to be able to ask the right questions when the numbers are put in

front of you and you need to be able to identify the trends and patterns to successfully manage talent. If

you can’t do this, there is a strong possibility you will not be a part of “real” business conversations.

This assignment presents you with an opportunity to explore how data can be used to make more effective

talent-management decisions. By developing these skills, you will be better equipped to challenge

assumptions, create hiring and compensation models, and to defend the value that HR brings to the

organization. Since we can never have complete data, our decision-making process must acknowledge

what we know and what we don't know. Even with incomplete data, however, our actions must be

reasonable, given the time frame and resources we have. Additionally, any actions we recommend must

include a clear understanding of how success will be measured (ROI).

Instructions

For this assignment, you will write a paper based on the case study, Agoda: People Analytics and

Business Culture. In your paper, you are to analyze the data and provide a recommendation for action.

Your paper must address the following topics: the challenges and opportunity; the data that is known and

unknown; the culture of the organization; and how data can be leveraged to support a plan of action.

Use the outline below to organize your paper:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is a brief synopsis of a paper or report. It is a helpful tool that allows readers to get a snapshot of what will be discussed in the paper. Your Executive Summary should not include detailed information, but simply present an overview of your position.

2. Data and Culture

a. What are the data collection/analysis tools being considered in the case?

i. How might they improve the way talent is managed?

ii. What drawbacks or dangers are presented?

JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite

Assignment 2

© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.

JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1212) Page 2 of 3

b. How might the need for transparency and actionable data create a negative environment? What are some unintended consequences the data might lead to? Think in particular about the need for privacy.

3. Data Analysis

a. What does the data in Exhibit 2 tell us? Which team has the highest correlation between performance and compensation? Explain.

b. What does the data in Exhibit 3 tell us about where we may want to focus our personnel development efforts? Explain.

c. What other insights could be helpful to Agoda that are not addressed in the case?

i. What data would you need to identify these insights?

ii. How could this data be collected in an accurate and cost-effective way?

4. Recommendation

a. What are Allen’s key issues going forward?

i. What role does Agoda’s culture play in each of these issues?

ii. What previous findings or experiences related to these issues are conveyed in the case?

b. What advice would you offer him?

c. How will the success of the recommendations be assessed? Be specific about:

i. What cost assumptions need to be included?

ii. How should ROI be measured?

d. Summarize the main steps of your action plan to support your recommendation to Allen.

Formatting Requirements

• Total length 4 – 6 pages (cover page and references page are not included in the required length)

• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the course title and date

• Include a references page with your sources

• Double-spaced, professional font (Times New Roman or Ariel), 10-12 font size; headings are used to identify main topics and subtopics

JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite

Assignment 2

© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.

JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1212) Page 3 of 3

Rubric: Assignment 2

Criteria

Unsatisfactory Low Pass Pass High Pass Honors

1. Executive Summary Weight: 10%

Executive summary was missing or off- topic.

Executive summary covered main points, but was disorganized or overly detailed.

Executive summary provided basic synopsis of the paper.

Executive summary provided excellent synopsis of the paper.

Met HP criteria plus displayed an engaging style that hooks the reader.

2. Data and Culture Weight:15%

Response was missing, inaccurate or off- topic.

Response adequately addressed only one of the two main questions.

Provided basic response to both questions, but lacked sufficient exploration of key themes.

Response provided complete and well-reasoned treatment of both questions using data from the case.

Met HP criteria plus added significant relevant insight from outside sources.

3. Data Analysis Weight: 40%

Did not submit an adequate response for any of the data analysis questions.

Submitted a complete and accurate response for one of the questions.

Submitted a complete and accurate response for two questions, but lacked sufficient exploration of main themes.

Submitted a complete and well-reasoned treatment of three questions using data from the case.

Met HP criteria plus added significant relevant insight from outside sources.

4. Make a Sound Recommendati on Weight: 20%

Recommendation was missing or did not connect to data, and the objectives of stakeholders.

Recommendation was basic and lacked sufficient detail on ROI and action steps.

Recommendation was well- reasoned and grounded in data, but lacked sufficient detail on ROI or action steps.

Recommendation was well- reasoned and grounded in data and included accurate detail on ROI or action steps.

Recommendation demonstrated exceptional insight and included detailed calculations of ROI considerations and action plan.

5. Organization and Writing Conventions Weight: 15%

Paper displayed significant grammatical errors; logic and flow were inconsistent and difficult to follow.

Paper displayed minor grammatical errors, logic and flow were good, but basic.

Paper contained minor grammatical errors or only minor organizational shortcomings.

Paper was error- free, well- organized and easy to follow.

Met all HP criteria plus demonstrated a particularly engaging style and structure that elevates the paper to an exemplary level.