Running Head: GROUP DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 1 1
Group Discussion Board Forum 1
Group 3
Olanrewaju Elujoba, Olivia Smith, William Thomas, Adeelah Townes and Marcus Walker
Liberty University
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Discussion Question 1.2: What is the difference between applied research and basic or pure
research? Use a decision about how a salesperson is to be paid, by commission or salary,
and describe the question that would guide applied research versus the question that would
guide pure research.
Applied research focuses on enlightening “answers to specific questions related to action,
performance, or policy needs” (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p.15). While basic or pure research
has the same element of focusing on problem-solving as applied research, basic research “aims
to solve perplexing questions or obtain new knowledge of an experimental or theoretical nature
that has little direct or immediate impact on action, performance, or policy decisions” (Cooper &
Schindler, 2014, p.15). Essentially, applied research focuses on the decisions that need to be
made immediately on a specific question while basic research focuses on the broader, long term
questions that need answers in the future. “Basic research, or research undertaken with a primary
purpose of the advancement of knowledge for its own sake” (Bentley, Gulbrandsen & Kyvik,
2015).
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings”
(Prov. 25:2, New International Version). To set forth and seek out the truth with steadfastness and
courage is what has been instilled in God’s followers. Business research, whether it be basic or
applied, should be done with faith, dedication and true meaning in every situation. In an instance
where a manger needs a question to be answered on how a salesperson should be paid, by salary
or commission there are many factors to consider. There are going to be long term questions that
need to be addressed as well as the ones that may have an immediate effect on not only the
company but the employee as well.
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In the basic research method, a question around the commission versus salary issue
would be, what type of long term effects on sales productivity are there when an employer is
paying an employee on commission versus when they are paid on salary? Do sales increase
because the employee’s ambitions and drive are different? Using the basic research method is
extremely important in finding out this question as the effects would not be seen for some time.
There are arguments that commission based salary can cause unsavory habits in employees and
“these incentives propel unnecessary and sometimes illegal risk taking and help create a “bad”
corporate culture. They increase sales of financial products that are inappropriate or unsuitable
for the buyer” (Pearson, 2017). “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you
speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Eph. 4:25, English
Standard Version). This view propels commission pay as selling dishonestly or without the
customer’s best interest in mind again, just to “make a sell.” There are also arguments that
support commission pay as a benefit to consumers, allowing for an array of providers, products
not considered before and lower costs (Pearson, 2017).
The applied research method will be used in a situation where an employer uses goals to
establish if an employee is paid using commission or salary. A question that would guide
management into making that immediate decision would be if the employee performed at the
required level for the required amount of time to continue making commission off of sales. If the
employee is still performing poorly and thus, not making the required per hour off of pure
commission, management’s decision may be to move the employee to salary until sales improve.
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Discussion Question 1.6: Toyota has a major problem with unexplained acceleration in
several of its top models in 2010. It closed down production and stopped sales of multiple
models. What type of research might Toyota have conducted to make these decisions?
In this situation with unexplained acceleration in Toyota vehicles, before making a
decision to stop sales of multiple models and close production, Toyota would have done research
to make sure this was the right decision. Stopping sales and closing production is a huge decision
which affects multiple areas of the business and would be extremely costly. This safety issue
would cause Toyota to lose customers not only immediately, but in the long run if this problem
was not addressed correctly. There are many methods of research that Toyota could have done
before reaching this decision but most likely they used the scientific method, a “systematic,
empirically based procedures for generating replicable research” (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p.
15). Using this method will ensure that the data collected and analyzed is accurate and reliable.
Good business research methods are “essential to be aware about in order to either conduct
research or to make sense of any research findings within an organization” (Mann, 2013).
Initially Toyota would need to find out the number of incidents and how or what actually
occurred to see if this could be a valid problem. This would be a descriptive study which would
attempt to “discover answers to the questions who, what, when, where, and, sometimes, how”
(Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 21). This would include doing statistical analysis to identify how
many incidents occurred compared to the years prior in the same model of cars. They would also
benefit from analyzing the vehicles involved and doing pointed product research to compare the
vehicles which had the issues. Ruling out false claims is also important to ensure these were
valid complaints. Consumer market research is also extremely important because this would
pinpoint what would be the best move to correct the issue from the public’s perspective.
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Once Toyota has potentially found out the issue of what and when the problems occurred,
they can then move on to the explanatory study which “attempts to explain the reason for the
phenomenon that the descriptive study only observed” (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 22). Toyota
would not be able to correct the problem of the unexplained acceleration without attempting to
use theories to test and confirm the problem. It is a crucial research step in problem solving and
would allow the company to possibly come to a clear conclusion of why the issue occurred and
how to prevent it going forward.
While doing the research and correcting the issue was a good business move for Toyota,
it was also the right thing to do. Working in concordance the National Highway Traffic
Administration (NHTSA), the company had attempted to fix the problem both by recalling of
affected models and encouraging Toyota owners to remove improperly fitted floor mats, which
were thought to be the cause of the issue. (Nichols, 2010). The Holy Bible states, “All Scripture
is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so
that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17, New
International Version). The research and decision to close down production and stopping sales
apparently was the correct decision as Toyota seems to have come back from this issue stronger
than ever. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you” (Matt. 7:7, English Standard Version).
Discussion Question 1.8: As area sales manager for a company manufacturing and
marketing outboard engines, you have been assigned the responsibility of conducting a
research study to estimate the sales potential of your products in the domestic (U.S. or
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Canadian) market. Discuss key issues and concerns arising from the fact that you, the
manager, are also the researcher.
As a sales manager, it is critical to have updated information such as, demographics or
possible sale leads, when handling sales. Adequate research is also a crucial aspect of making
important decisions while running a successful business with an "organized inquiry carried out to
provide information for solving problems" (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 23).
In the position of sales manager for a manufacturing and marketing company who
produces and sells outboard engines, I have been tasked to be the researcher to estimate the
potential sales of the outbound engines in the United States and Canada. My role is undeniably
an awkward and challenging position as to playing both researcher and managerial roles because
based on my research results, the upper management will be making decisions and implementing
strategies that can either boost or destroy potential sales. One glaring issue with this task is my
inability as the manager to analyze the information I have researched in a rigorously unbiased
manner due to my daily involvement with the sales. This bias is referred to as Cognitive bias. “A
cognitive bias is a type of error in thinking that occurs when people are processing and
interpreting information in the world around them” (Cherry, 2018). As the manager, I am unable
to overlook cognitive bias because the company manufactures and markets its product, it is my
job to show that our products are the best all-around when it comes to quality, price, etc.
Another specific issue regarding my dual role is information overload. Information
overload during research occurs when “search engines present extensive amount of information"
(Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p.6). This requires evaluation and in turn, may become a risk,
making the manager drown in data overload. “The concept of "lean" indicates that the proverbial
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"fat," typically referred to as waste, has been trimmed from the process. Activities in a lean
process have the potential to add value” (Brennan, 2011).
While there is a need for information overload, managers should not risk downing in the
research data as it can make the manager complacent. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will
sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22, English Standard
Version). Being a manager and naturally wanting quick results, it will be imperative to focus on
the quality of the information. I believe as managers; we should be aware of the circumstances
that the company is under in respect to its competitors. Being the sales manager and researcher
who is selling the outboard engines, in addition to gathering and evaluating the information,
impairs the ability to be objective.
Finally, because of how important this decision is for my company, I believe it is better to
hire external researchers who have "New perspectives on established research methodologies"
(Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p.7). In order to help upper-level management recognize high risk
business decisions, it is important to be able to "...identify quality information and recognize
reliable research" (Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 7). These researchers would be qualified and
well experienced with good research reputation. Cooper & Schindler (2014) identified that there
is “greater confidence in the research …if the researcher is experienced” (p.18). These
researchers could form a team who collect, collaborate, and evaluate pieces of information and
come up with innovative ideas for management to make business-based decisions that are more
effective, efficient and most importantly, profitable to the company. Romans 8:18 (NIV) says “I
consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed
in us.” In business, it’s all about upfront sacrifice for long-term gain. Hiring researchers is the
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upfront sacrifice because they are resources that cost money to the company and when the
research is completed, it will be justified and reflected in the company’s bottom line.
Discussion Question 2.2: Free Waters in Miro Beach: Boaters Inc. versus City Government.
a. What are the most prudent decisions the city can make about its
responsibilities to itself and others?
b. What are the implications of those decisions even if there is no violation of
law or regulation?
In this week’s case study analysis, I’ll be depicting the controversies behind Miro Beach
city leaders and Boaters Inc. This began when Miro Beach residents started submitting
complaints to city leaders about pollution caused by boaters who would anchor along the river,
which adjoined the city. With complaints increasing, the city decided to complete research
internally to find the cause of the increased pollution. Once the study was completed, the city’s
outcome negatively affected the boaters throughout the area and the city blamed the group for
causing the pollution. This decision created a whirlwind of problems for the City Council as their
intentions on performing appropriate research was essentially unethical. As constituents, we
heavily rely on elected officials to make decisions based upon facts. In this example, elected city
officials neglected their responsibility of and ultimately to save money. The lawsuit initiated by
Boaters Inc cost the city much more than would have been spent had the issue been handled
appropriately.
There are many reasons why it’s necessary to adhere to ethical norms when it comes to
research. “Norms promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of
error. For example, prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data
promote the truth and minimize error” (Resnick, 2015). In today’s landscape, no problem is too
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big or small to fight for and when it’s discovered, especially when restrictions are placed unfairly
on a single group, that group will fight as Boaters Inc did in this case study. It is necessary to
adhere to ethical norms, especially in the role of an elected official, due to the public impact,
opinions, and scrutiny received when ethics are not followed. A City Council is essentially an
advocate for citizens of the town. A council must hold honor within a city as they require the
support from citizens on making decisions and properly allocating tax payer money. This one
instance can cause a ripple effect, causing distrust in the public lowering satisfaction rates with
the council. Many times this can lead to resignation of council members or lack of support
during re-election. Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but
when the wicked rule, the people groan.” This can be specifically seen in this city where city
officials are not making decisions in the best interest of the public, they are moving forward with
their own agenda, causing backlash from citizens. In research conducted by Berner, Amos and
Morse (2011), citizens ranked communication and cooperation highly in regards to the City
Council.
Lastly, when it comes to the kind of damage control attempted by city officials, instead of
admitting they were wrong and unethical, they finagled out of the lawsuit by slandering the
Boaters Inc. group and hiring a private investigator to work undercover to collect information.
These actions caused more mistrust and placed more scrutiny on public officials. Instead of being
there for the public, they were trying to suppress public interests in favor of their own. The most
important part of this case is that the City Council did not take into account the effects of
decisions made in their position. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up
anger” (Prov. 15:1, English Standard Version). Perhaps if the City Council would have
communicated with the Boaters Inc group, a compromise could have been found.
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They were correct to address the concerns of the original complaints, but the actions taken to
correct the issue were not considered in respect to the whole community.
Discussion Question 2.3: The High Cost of Organizational Change.
a. What are the most prudent decisions Avionics Inc. can make about its
responsibilities to itself and others?
b. What are the implications of those decisions even if there is no violation of
law or regulation?
In this case study question regarding the company Avionics, Inc, it’s very clear to see that
ethics is not the foundation of the company’s values. It may have been at one time, but not for a
long while. A lack of corporate social responsibility and countless acts of unethical behavior by
senior leadership which even includes falsifying documents to members of the company are
driving a lack of employee trust which in turn will create a volatile landscape within the
Avionics, Inc. Research conducted by McWilliams, Siegel and Wright (2006), suggests managers
are aware of the importance and experience the pressure to increase involvement in corporate
social responsibility. The social responsibility of companies is becoming more apparent as many
firms are participating in social responsibility more often. “And let us not grow weary of doing
good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, English Standard
Version). In the role of senior leadership, they must accept they are held to higher ethical
standards than others. If they’re leading with a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude, leadership
should expect staff to have resent towards them as leadership is creating a double standard
(Carucci, 2016). This double standard is what creates rot within an organization and if it’s not
remedied, the organization will lose top talent, lose customers, and ultimately cease to exist.
For Avionics, Inc to pull themselves out of this scandal, they need to first admit of the
wrong doing(s) that occurred. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility
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count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, English Standard Version).
Secondly, senior leadership which enabled such an environment should be removed from their
positions which can even include the CEO. Next, a culture of adhering to a strict set of rules and
bi-laws need to be implemented within the organization. These laws need to be in place to help
create an ethical environment. Lastly, new leadership needs to be put in place to create and
enforce the desired environment. This is not something that’s going to occur overnight, but it’s
something that needs to be done before the company can improve.
Discussion Question 19.5: Use Exhibit 19-2 and plan the structure of your course project or
of a research study you have read about in one of the Snapshots in this text.
Letter of Transmittal
This report contains research completed by McMahon Group commissioned by NCRCC. The
McMahon Group specializes in providing research and strategic consulting to golf clubs and full-
service golfing facilities (Cooper & Schindler, 2014).
Title Page
NCRCC: Teeing Up a New Strategic Direction
Authorization Statement
This research report is public and part of a short technical report.
Executive Summary
NCRCC is experiencing a reduction in their Golf memberships due to some dissatisfactory
experience with the golf course, and its amenities in the facility. The decline showed that 72
percent of NCRCC members was satisfied, compared to 79 percent satisfactory rating of its
competitors.
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Introduction
The research study on NCRCC- National Cash Register Country Club - club membership
subscription was conducted by McMahon Group, a research company, to identify why NCRCC
was not attracting new members such as young families to the club and to provide strategic
directions to grow the company’s membership.
Problem Statement
This research study is to discover why there is a lack of new memberships enrollment,
and also examine the cause for the stagnant subscription registrations in young families.
Research Objectives
The primary objective is to understand why the memberships for young families is low
and identify if it is because the cost is higher than the benefit?
Background
Substantial survey questions were administered between subscribed members to discover
the reasons for the decrease in the memberships.
Methodology
sampling design.
McMahon administered six focus groups at NCRCC involving 43 members, seven
nonmembers, and 12 employees especially among young members under 46 and nonmembers.
research design.
The McMahon group mailed surveys to 1,650 members and their spouses. A return rate of
57 percent and 48 percent, respectively, netted 886 usable surveys.
data collection.
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During the Data collection process, Data was interpreted at a 95 percent confidence level.
Due to McMahon’s extensive consulting and research experience with golf facilities nationwide,
McMahon Group was able to compare the survey results to 80 other country clubs. 72 percent of
NCRCC members were either satisfied or very satisfied which was slightly less than the 79
percent satisfaction level for different golf clubs. Over half believed that their golf membership
gave good value for the cost or price they pay. But the Dining experience suggested an issue with
members of the NCRCC menu and meal consistency.
data analysis.
A basic questionnaire surveys was mailed out to the NCRCC members. This survey
provides descriptive and detailed information allowing the members to fill out the survey easily.
McMahon Group was able to use their vast consulting and research expertise to analyze and
interpret the result of the study which allowed them to provide detailed information on why there
is a decrease in memberships.
Limitations.
Due to the number of surveys returned, the McMahon Group was only able to evaluate
less than half of the NCRCC members. Research and survey results could probably have another
outcome if more members participated.
Findings
During the McMahon group research, the survey result offered good and bad news. It was
also identified that additional facilities to the NCRCC golf club would not be attractive to current
members. Also based on the survey conducted, it was identified that the current members would
like the existing facilities to be improved. 59 percent of the members were unwilling to pay more
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for the club. Most of those members were under the age of 46. Below shows how some of the
questions in the survey were answered
74% golf (single or family) and 24% social, with 2% corporate memberships.
• 65% are (23%) or had been (42%) employed at NCR.
• 55% male, 45% female.
• In each of four age groups:
• Under 46 (19%)
• 46–55 (23%)
• 56–65 (26%)
• 66 or older (33%)
Conclusions
summary and conclusions.
In summing-up the result of the survey, most of the members were unwilling to pay any increase
in dues to allow the NCRCC golf club to make some of the changes requested to the facilities.
recommendations.
The Bible says “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are
from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, English Standard
Version). Once the testing is complete, McMahon group created a plan to communicate their
findings to NCRCC. My primary recommendation is that NCRCC updates the current facilities
either by hiring more maintenance crew to keep the club properly maintained or employ
contractors. Another suggestion is for the NCRCC to improve the Dining experience which could
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involve updating and providing more and better varieties on the menu, employing professional
chefs qualified staff to boost the dining experience.
Appendices
survey results.
· 74% golf (single or family) and 24% social, with 2% corporate memberships
· 65% are (23%) or had been (43%) employed at NCR.
· 65% male, 45% female.
· In each of four age groups:
· Under 46 (19%)
· 46-55 (23%)
· 56-65 (26%)
· 66 or older (33%)
· 74% lived within seven miles of NCRCC.
· 42% had been members for 20 or more years.
· 78% did not have children (under age 21) living at home.
· 41% belonged to a swimming/tennis club (15%) or fitness facility (26%).
· 81% reside in the Kettering-Dayton area year-round.
Discussion Question 19.7: Ellen DeGeneres versus Oprah Winfrey.
a. What other questions should the report address?
b. How would you advise the networks to “franchise” DeGeneres based on your
study’s results?
The findings do not have to include everything that has been collected, however it should
include finds that are both favorable and unfavorable to your hypothesis (Cooper & Schindler,
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2014). The report should ask questions that are not as favorable towards one subject, to get more
unbiased findings. The report should address the “population being studied and the sampling
methods used” (Cooper & Schindler, p. 510). We should know where the information came from
and how it was sampled. What company conducted the research and what level of qualification
and trustworthiness does the researcher have? According to one of the characteristics of proper
research, “Greater confidence in the research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a
good reputation in research, and is a person of integrity” (Cooper and Schindler, 2014, p. 18). We
do not know that the rest of the findings only came from individuals who watch the Ellen
DeGeneres Show and not the Oprah Winfrey Show. “A poorly selected sample may yield biased
results that cannot be applied to individuals outside of the sample (i.e., the results do not apply to
the entire target population)” (Panacek & Thompson, 2007). We do not know the sample size or
the region of the participants. All of these methodologies must be taken into account when
reviewing the research findings. It is important for the report to answer the question of
limitations. Not doing so is unprofessional and possibly unethical (Cooper & Schindler, 2014).
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight” (Prov. 11:1,
English Standard Version). There are a number of potential limitations in research including, the
construction of questions within a survey, the layout and type of questions in a survey, level of
understanding of the respondents, low response rates and many more (Greener, 2018).
There are a few things to consider when franchising the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Since
DeGeneres was found to be relaxed, relatable, upbeat, inspirational and appealing to daytime’s
female audience, especially on emotional issues, the ability to franchise her all over the world is
ideal with regard to cultural factors (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). Many females across the world,
not just in America, would relate to this type of television personality, and would tune into this
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type of program. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them"
(Matt. 18:20, English Standard Version). Many people across the world will gather for a common
purpose. Whether it be something they like, or something they need help with. We can all share a
mutual interest or have a mutual problem. Things such as television shows can connect people in
this way. “Contemporary international television offers a rich site for the investigation of matters
concerning cultural adaptation” (Moran, 2009). In similar terms this means when we franchise
this TV show to different areas of the world we must be fully coherent to their cultural values
and attitudes. So, in order to be successful on this end we must be conscious to these specific
factors.
Discussion Question 19.8: From the Headlines.
● What other factors affect small-business confidence and how would you
integrate them into the report?
There are several factors when we consider doing business is there a need for the
business is the market for the business on its side, and are there enough resources, and employees
to satisfy the business. These factors can, and will make or break the success in a business. A few
years back Business optimism was on a serious decline, and it continued on and off for about a
year. “The Index of Small Business Optimism fell 2.3 points to 103.0 in September, a significant
decline from August. Three of the ten index components posted a gain, six declined and one was
unchanged. Two of our largest states, Florida and Texas, were devastated by hurricanes in the
survey period; however, the response rate in those states was unchanged from prior months”
(Wade, 2017). As previously stated there can be numerous reasons as to why a business fails. The
particular reason behind these facts pertained straight to economic reasons.
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The destruction from the weather caused several of the natural resources to be limited in
abundance due to the supply being scarce during this time. When supply goes down prices tend
to go up which can cause another major issue with our purchasing power. “He who supplies seed
to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the
harvest of your righteousness” (2Cor. 9:10, English Standard Version). Businesses have to spend
more money on products to satisfy a business in this situation which again limit their purchasing
power. In this case businesses may see a decline in their profits because they are spending more
on resources then selling to their consumers. Along with that when prices go up depending on the
demand for the product or service that a business is providing this may cause a decline in
businesses, which again may make or break a business success.
More on the small business optimism index some other major factors for the decline deal
directly with taxes. “Small businesses in the U.S. were the most optimistic in more than three
decades as recent tax cuts and economic growth spurred expectations for sales gains, according
to a National Federation of Independent Business survey released Tuesday. Almost all of the 10
index components, including inventory plans and sales expectations, increased or held steady in
February, propelling the gauge to its second-highest level since the survey began in 1973”
(Dimitrevia, 2018). Taxes can be a major issue when we concern ourselves with owning a
business depending on the state taxes can take half of what a business makes depending how
high selective state taxes are. This can also drive many business owners away, many businesses
do not agree with taxes taking half of what they make so they rather cut their losses, and just not
continue to run a certain business.
Another issue businesses face with taxes is the selling, and profiting of their business,
some businesses end up paying more in taxes, than they are selling. With that being said a lot of
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times these companies become so wrapped up in taxes they begin losing all their money to taxes,
and they are just staying in business to pay off their taxes from the resources they have
consumed. There are several factors that are involved in the optimism business index, businesses
must take the time, and research before they launch the business so this decline in this subject
can no longer be in existence.
Discussion Question 20.9: In your presentation to a venture capital company, you are
pitching your research plan for a smartphone application that does short-term cash flow
forecasts. Describe how you would use each type of supporting material to create interest,
clarify your point, provide emphasis to a point, and offer proof that results in belief.
When pitching a research plan for a smartphone application, that does short-term cash
flow forecasts, to a venture capital company, I would use each supporting material to my
advantage to ensure the oral presentation is “…more than a series of claims without evidence”
(Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 552). The pitch would begin with facts that are relevant and
appropriate to the audience. For example, keeping it simple and relaying information about the
product at hand, a smartphone application. I would present to the audience as if they knew
nothing about either a smartphone application or short-term cash flow forecasts.
Everywhere, you can see people with smartphones in their hand or, on their hip. Society
has adapted to this norm even so, that laws have been put into place to make us safer while using
smartphones. Sparking interest in the audience, the simplicity of this information will keep the
audience engaged. “The number of mobile applications has increased rapidly over the last half
decade, with more than a million applications available on Android phones and iPhones” (Frith,
2015, p. 7). Hard hitting facts quickly lead into statistics which are always attention grabbing.
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“Most people spend between one and four hours on their phone each day, and many far longer”
(Alter, 2017, p. 15). A visual of this statistical evidence would be appealing to visual learners,
since, according to Cooper & Schindler (2014) about forty percent of us are visual learners. With
believable and timely supporting materials such as these, the audience can safely conclude that
smartphones and their applications are not going away any time soon.
To include variety in the research plan, I will use specific instance to clarify the point of
short-term cash flow forecasting. With specific instance, I have the opportunity to debunk or
justify claims made by respondents. In responses, I must be careful with my language to not
“clutter…with fillers such as ah, um, you know, like, basically, or exactly” (Cooper & Schindler,
2014, p. 564). If a respondent were to excuse short-term cash flow forecasting as an unneeded
practice, I can then refer to specific instances where short-term cash flow forecasting practice
would have benefited a company and the company would largely profit from having a
convenient application at their fingertips. A construction company would be an ideal fit as cash
flow must be managed in the short-term since it is both coming in but being spent quickly on
projects. Offering to the audience, what will happen to a company and a project if short-term
cash flow forecasting is not done, would be a perfect way to make use of an example in a
hypothetical situation. To further convince the audience of the success of short-term cash flow
forecasting and the ease it will make on companies, a testimonial should be given or an expert be
present to speak. Having a person present to give a testimony or, an expert speak about the ease
of financial applications on smartphones would be influential on the audience due to the
willingness of others to give their support. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do” (1Thess. 5:11 King James Version). Opinions and
encouragement of others can be very persuasive and can offer proof that results in belief.
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An analogy and a metaphor would be the final part of the pitch to drive the point home
and provide emphasis. It would create something lasting on the audience that would stick once
the research plan pitch is finished. A model of this would be to show the similarity between the
lack of planning without a short-term cash flow forecasting application and not making a packing
list for a month of vacation. They both should be planned ahead of time to anticipate what you
may need in the short-term ahead. “To not have a short-term cash flow forecasting application on
your smartphone is like not making a packing list for a month of vacation, you can expect
mistakes.” A metaphor to compare this procedure with something unlike it would be to say, “My
new short-term cash flow forecasting application is a best friend forever.”
In the conclusion of the pitch, I would tie back in the point of this application. “He
becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Prov.
10:4 King James Version). Those who neglect their businesses or, the need for convenience,
often feel the pressure and eventually the demise of their efforts. A steadfast work ethic with the
right resources is what it takes for survival. This short-term cash flow forecasting application is
what can provide the means for survival for companies in dire situations, those just starting out,
or those that are long standing.
Discussion Question 20.12: You are preparing to give a research presentation about the
effectiveness of Toyota’s advertising to restore public confidence in the wake of their delays
in solving the accelerator pedal malfunction and antilock braking problems for high-tech
hybrid vehicles. Which of the patterns of organization would be appropriate for your
purpose? Why?
GROUP DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 1 22
When reviewing the traditional patterns of organization and relating it to the research
presentation about Toyota’s accelerator pedal malfunction and antilock braking problems for
high-tech hybrid vehicles, the best pattern choice would be cause/effect/solution.
According to Cooper and Schindler (2014), the first part of the cause/effect/solution
organization pattern would be to describe the problem. The problem Toyota is having is delays in
solving the accelerator pedal malfunctions and antilock braking problems for high-tech hybrid
vehicles. The second part of this pattern of organization, according to Cooper and Schindler
(2014), is to describe its effect. The malfunctions are clearly causing disturbance in owners of
high-tech hybrid vehicles and there is concern that Toyota may lose public confidence. Toyota is
having delays in solving these malfunctions as well, which is not resonating well with
consumers. “Nevertheless, we cannot escape a need to rely on the skill of the driver and the need
to rely on the overall system design” (Raush & Liechty, 2008). In many vehicle accidents, it is
driver skill that plays the major part of the cause. Not often is vehicle system design thought of
as a reason for failures or accidents. It is usually human error during operation. “So God created
man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them”
(Gen. 1:27, English Standard Version). Human error can also be made when creating a vehicle.
These are man-made machines. While the process is perfected, it is not perfect. God created all
man in his image, but we are humans, not capable of perfection.
A vehicle is a large purchase for most people and potential deadly malfunctions such as
these can come with huge stigma for Toyota. It can cause disappointment in those who purchased
on promises made by Toyota branding and individuals may not use these vehicles until the
problem is remedied, causing hardships (Topaloglu & Gokalp, 2018). Therefore, malfunctions in
this degree do create backlash from the public and without proper recourse, it becomes difficult
GROUP DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 1 23
to gain trust back. Not only can it affect sales, it can have long lasting effects on customer
loyalty, and brand image (Cooper & Schindler, 2004).
The last part of this pattern of organization is solution (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). The
solution will present research on what was found to cause the problem at hand, the malfunctions
(Cooper & Schindler, 2014). This can provide insight on why the issue happened and Toyota can
change practices and put safety procedures into place to prevent this from happening in the
future.
In order to research Toyota’s effectiveness of their advertising following these events,
one must take all of the prior events into consideration to determine if a proper solution was
found to satisfy the public. According to Piotrowski and Gray (2010), many saw the advertising
as “damage-control.” Perhaps the immediate outflow of advertising following the recalls
represented to the public that Toyota was interested in preserving their corporate structure
(Piotrowski & Gray, 2010). “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience,
desiring to act honorably in all things” (Heb. 13:18, English Standard Version). It is not clear the
intents of the advertising by Toyota, however, the measurement of their effects were not
favorable on the public.
The cause/effect/solution is the most logical pattern of organization to research the
effectiveness of Toyota’s advertising campaign because all aspects of the issue have to be taken
into consideration. It has to be known why Toyota is advertising in the specific way they are and
if it resonates with the public. These are all important factors that will contribute to or take from
the effectiveness of the advertising.
GROUP DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 1 25
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