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BUS 100 Course Guide
NOTE: This course will use Teaching Assistants (TAs) in order to assist the instructor with the student’s
learning experience. TAs play active roles in working with the instructor to provide student support,
grading and grading feedback, and posting content in the course (e.g. discussion posts). This course also
may utilize a live chat feature, email, and phone/texting that are tied to the instructor and the TA support
team when supporting students or addressing student questions or concerns.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Business is all around you. You participate in business as both a consumer and professional each and
every day. A strong foundation in core business concepts will prepare you to navigate and grow your
career in any field that you choose. In this course, you will learn through inspiring stories and real-world
activities that reveal what “business” really is, how it works, and how you can participate. You will explore
the main functional areas of businessoperations, finance, marketing, human resources, and leadership
and management. The business leaders will provide you with an inside look and unique insights. Get
ready to learn the fundamentals of business and turn understanding into real-world skills that can be
applied to your career today.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
None All materials are included within the course.
Supplemental Resources
Alexandra Black. 2015. How Business Works: The Facts Visually Explained.
http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=
956779&site=eds-live&scope=site
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Discuss how a product could be improved or replaced relative to its life cycle stage.
2. Identify a financing option, next step in the accounting cycle, and which financial statement to provide
to an investor.
3. Recommend a marketing approach for a given product.
4. Examine an organization’s structure, human resources cycle, and leadership style.
BUS 100 Course Guide
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode.
Week
Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation
Points
1
What is Business?
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): Real Business. Real People.
Reading: Introduction to Business
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): What is business?
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Understanding Business Leaders” (initial post and
response - grade)
Prepare
Reading: Introduction to Assignments
15
22
30
2
Business is Products.
Focus: Product Development
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): Alikay Naturals
Reading: Introduction to Product Development
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Product Development with
Alikay Naturals
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Understanding the Product Life Cycle and Innovation”
Prepare
Assignment 1: Product Development and Operations Category
Manager Analysis (Due in Week 3, but students can get started
early)
15
22
30
3
Business is Products.
Focus: Operations
BUS 100 Course Guide
Explore
Reading: Introduction to Operations
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Operations with Alikay
Naturals
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Innovative Product Development”
Assignment
Assignment 1: Product Development and Operations Category
Manager Analysis (Due this week)
22
30
90
4
Business is Money.
Focus: Finance
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): SunsTruck Sunglasses
Reading: Introduction to Finance
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Finance with SunsTruck
Sunglasses
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Financial Decision Making”
Prepare
Assignment 2: Finance and Accounting Senior Accountant
Analysis (Due in Week 5, but students can get started early)
15
22
30
5
Business is Money.
Focus: Accounting
Explore
Reading: Introduction to Accounting
Learn
BUS 100 Course Guide
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Accounting with
SunsTruck Sunglasses
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Financing a Business”
Assignment
Assignment 2: Finance and Accounting Senior Accountant
Analysis (Due this week)
22
30
90
6
Business is Selling.
Focus: Intro to Marketing
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): The Brooklyn Nets
Reading: Introduction to Marketing (The Marketing Mix)
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Intro to Marketing with the
Brooklyn Nets
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Marketing and Celebrity Endorsements”
Prepare
Assignment 3: Marketing Marketing Manager Analysis (Due in
Week 7, but students can get started early)
15
22
30
7
Business is Selling
Focus: Marketing and Sales
Explore
Reading: Marketing (continued) and Sales
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Marketing and Sales with
the Brooklyn Nets
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Marketing Strategy”
Assignment
22
30
BUS 100 Course Guide
Assignment 3: Marketing Marketing Manager Analysis (Due this
week)
90
8
Business is People.
Focus: Management
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): Zingerman’s Deli
Reading: Introduction to Management
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Management with
Zingerman’s Deli
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Characteristics of Effective Managers”
Prepare
Assignment 4: Leadership and Management Leadership
Consultant Analysis (Due in Week 9, but students can get started
early)
15
22
30
9
Business is People.
Focus: Leadership
Explore
Reading: Introduction to Leadership
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Leadership with
Zingerman’s Deli
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “Human Resources Understanding the Hiring
Process”
Assignment
Assignment 4: Leadership and Management Leadership
Consultant Analysis (Due this week)
22
30
90
10
Business is Competition.
Explore
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentary): Netflix vs. Amazon
Reading: Introduction to Competition
15
BUS 100 Course Guide
Learn
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture video): Competition with Netflix
and Amazon
Reading: Deep Dive
Discuss
Discussion: “SWOT Analysis”
22
30
11
Wrap-up
Discuss
Discussion: Reflection
30
BUS 100 Course Guide
GRADING SCALE
Course Component
Points
Percentage
Strayer Stories (Mini-documentaries)
(6 videos, 15 points each)
90
9%
Explore Activities (Discussion questions)
(11 activities, 30 points each)
330
33%
Strayer Talks (Interactive lecture videos)
(10 videos, 22 points each)
220
22%
Assignment 1 (Product Development & Operations)
90
9%
Assignment 2 (Finance & Accounting):
90
9%
Assignment 3 (Marketing & Sales):
90
9%
Assignment 4 (Management & Leadership):
90
9%
Totals
1,000
100%
Percentage
Grade
90% 100%
A
80% 89%
B
70% 79%
C
60% 69%
D
Below 60%
F
NOTE: This course uses PlayPosit to host interactive videos. Graded activities in PlayPosit will count for
attendance.
Lab Participation and Attendance Policy
NOTE: This course uses Yellowdig to support your learning in this course. Graded activities in Yellowdig
will count for attendance.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
ASSIGNMENT 1 Weeks 2 & 3
Product Development & Operations: Category Manager Analysis
Due Date: Week 3
Note: While representative of possible situations faced by Alikay Naturals, all scenarios in this assignment
are fictional.
Your Role
For this assignment, you’ll assume the role of a Category Manager for the Beauty Products category at a
national discount retail store; and answer the five questions presented below. Your responses to these
questions should be typed into the template provided OR typed directly into the assignment submission
box below.
As a Category Manager, part of your role is to analyze data and information about how well a product is
selling to help the maker of that product improve the product and consider introducing new products.
Rochelle and her team at Alikay Naturals have asked you, the Beauty Products Category Manager, to
review one of their products and determine where it lies in the product life cycle. Additionally, they have
asked you to recommend ways to improve the product in order to increase sales.
Instructions
Question 1: Product Life Cycle
Read the Product Report for Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo. The Product Report
contains important information that will help you to identify where the product stands in the Product Life
Cycle and give you clues about what changes customers might like to see. Respond to Rochelle and her
team at Alikay Naturals based on the information in the Product Report.
Identify where Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo is currently positioned in the product life cycle.
Describe the rationale for your position.
Question 2: Product Changes
Based on what you’ve learned:
What recommendation(s) do you have for Alikay Naturals to improve or replace Moisturizing
Black Soap Shampoo? Support your recommendation(s).
Question 3: New Product Development
Read the New Product Proposal, which contains three examples of possible products that could be
developed to replace Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo. Based on the information in this proposal and
the customer feedback in the Product Report:
If you had to recommend one product, which product would you recommend they create? Explain
your decision. Provide examples of the customer feedback that informed your choice.
Question 4: Innovation
Based on the product you chose in Question 3:
What Is a Category Manager?
Category Managers are responsible for related groups of products (for example, baseball equipment or
laundry detergents) for a retail business. They use research, information and insights about the
category to change shopper behavior and increase sales of the products in the category. They also
work with the suppliers of the products in their category to ensure that good products and services are
available to customers.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
Determine which type of innovation this represents from among the four main types discussed
this week. Briefly explain why you chose that type of innovation.
Question 5: Production Methods
Based on the product you chose in Question 3:
Determine which production method is most appropriate for the production of this product.
Explain your decision.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to
the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions.
Points: 90
Assignment: Product Development and Operations - Category Manager
Analysis
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Identify Alikay
product position
in product life
cycle. Explain
with supporting
information.
Weight: 20%
Does not
accurately identify
the product life
cycle stage.
Does not explain
rationale logically;
does not cite
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
stages of product
life cycle.
Accurately
identifies the
product life cycle
stage.
Does not explain
rationale logically
or at all; does not
cite supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
stages of product
life cycle.
Accurately
identifies the
product life cycle
stage.
Explains rationale
logically but not
completely; does
not cite sufficient
supporting
information.
OR
Does not
accurately identify
the product life
cycle stage.
Explains rationale
logically; cites
adequate
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
the stages of
product life cycle.
Accurately
identifies the
product life cycle
stage.
Explains rationale
logically; cites
adequate
supporting
information from
the course.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
stages of product
life cycle.
Accurately
identifies the
current product life
cycle stage.
Explains rationale
thoughtfully and
thoroughly; cites
complete
supporting
information from
the course and
may supplement
with outside
research.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
stages of product
life cycle.
2. Describe how
Alikay can
improve their
product or why
they should
consider
replacing it.
Support your
answer.
Weight: 18%
Does not describe
improvements;
does not support
recommendation.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
product report and
its uses.
Minimally
describes
improvements or
reasons to replace
product; does not
meaningfully
support answer.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
product report and
its uses.
Partially describes
improvements or
reasons to
replace product;
partially supports
answer with
information from
product report.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
product report
and its uses.
Satisfactorily
describes
improvements or
reasons to
replace product;
fully supports
answer with
information from
product report.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
product report
and its uses.
Thoroughly
describes
improvements or
reasons to replace
product; clearly
and fully supports
answer with
information from
product report and
course material
and may
supplement with
outside research
or ideas.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
product report and
its uses.
3. Recommend
one of the three
replacement
options. Explain
your choice
supported by
course
information and
product report.
Weight: 18%
Does not make
recommendation;
does not support
choice.
Makes
recommendation;
does not support
choice with
information from
course and
product report.
Makes
recommendation;
minimally
supports choice
with information
from course and
product report.
Makes
recommendation;
adequately
supports choice
with information
from course and
product report.
Makes
recommendation;
fully supports
choice with
information from
course and
product report and
may supplement
with outside
research or ideas.
4. Identify which
type of
innovation you
have
recommended.
Briefly explain
why you chose
that type of
innovation.
Weight: 17%
Does not
accurately identify
innovation type.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
innovation.
Does not
accurately identify
innovation type.
Explanation
demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
innovation.
Accurately
identifies
innovation type.
Explanation
demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
innovation.
Accurately
identifies
innovation type.
Explanation
demonstrates
good
understanding of
innovation.
Accurately
identifies
innovation type.
Explanation
demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
innovation.
5. Explain what
production
method would
be appropriate
for the
replacement
product. Support
your answer.
Weight: 17%
Does not identify
production method;
does not support
answer.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
production
methods.
Identifies
production
method; does not
support answer
with information
from the product
report and course
material, or
identifies a
production method
that does not
match
requirements.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
production
methods.
Identifies
production
method; minimally
supports answer
with information
from the product
report and course
material.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
production
methods.
Identifies
production
method;
adequately
supports answer
with information
from the product
report and course
material.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
production
methods.
Identifies
production
method; fully
supports answer
with information
from the product
report and course
materials and may
supplement with
outside research
or ideas.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
production
methods.
6. Write in a
professional
manner using
proper grammar
and spelling.
Weight: 10%
Writing does not
meet minimal
standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Wholly lacking in
logic, clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
Contains many
spelling and/or
grammatical errors.
Writing meets
minimal standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Lacking one or
more of logic,
clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 8 spelling
and/or
Writing is
satisfactory.
Professional tone
is developing.
Shows moderate
logic, clarity,
and/or consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 2-4 spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is mostly
good.
Tone is
professional.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
May contain few
or no spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
excellent.
Tone is
professional and
sophisticated.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
Contains no
spelling or
grammatical
errors.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
grammatical
errors.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
ASSIGNMENT 2 Weeks 4 & 5
Finance & Accounting: Senior Accountant Analysis
Due Date: Week 5
Note: While representative of possible situations faced by SunsTruck Sunglasses, all scenarios in this
assignment are fictional.
Your Role
For this assignment, you’ll assume the role of Senior Accountant with SunsTruck Sunglasses, and answer
the three questions presented below. Your responses to these questions should be typed into the
template provided OR typed directly into the assignment submission box below.
For the last six months, SunsTruck has partnered with the discount retail store to run a pop-up
sunglasses stand in their stores for a big summer promotion. Due to the high customer purchase rate, the
store has requested stock for five additional stores. SunsTruck needs to increase its capacity to meet the
additional demand. In order to do so, SunsTruck needs additional money.
In this assignment, you will need to help determine which type of financing option is best for your
company and train your junior accountants on the accounting cycle and financial statements.
Instructions
Question 1: Financing
The junior accounting team has assembled a Financing Report that (a) offers three options for securing
the additional funds required to meet the new order; and (b) details the criteria Shaun, the owner of
SunsTruck, would like you to consider when choosing one of the three options. Based on this report:
Identify which financing option you think is the best option for SunsTruck to pursue given Shaun’s
constraints. Please explain the rationale for your decision.
Question 2: Accounting Cycle
A junior accountant is working to get everything in order for the new financing and has come to you with a
question about what to do next in the accounting cycle.
Read the email the junior accountant sent you and identify the best next step to take in the
accounting cycle. Explain your reasoning.
Question 3: Financial Statements
A potential investor has been identified, but before it is willing to commit, it has requested information
about SunsTruck’s current debt from the junior accountants.
Identify the correct financial statement for your junior accountants that will provide the investor
with the information it has requested. Explain to your junior accountants why you are giving them
this financial statement and where the debt information is located.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to
the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions.
What is a Senior Accountant?
Senior accountants take ownership of reporting costs, profitability, margins and expenditures for a
given business. They use the principles of accounting to analyze sales information, create financial
reports, make recommendations about the financial health of the company, and more. They are also
responsible for training junior accounting staff.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
90 points
Assignment: Finance & Accounting Senior Accountant Analysis
Task &
Weight
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Identify the
best financing
option and
explain your
reasoning.
Weight: 30%
Does not accurately
identify financing
option; explanation
lacks logic and
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
finance.
Accurately
identifies financing
option;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
finance.
Accurately
identifies financing
option; minimally
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
information from
the Financing
Report and/or
course material;
OR
Does not
accurately identify
financing option;
adequately
supports answers
with information
from the Financing
Report and/or
course material.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
finance.
Accurately
identifies financing
option; adequately
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
information from
the Financing
Report and/or
course material.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
finance.
Accurately
identifies financing
option; thoroughly
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
specific
information from
the Financing
Report and course
material.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
finance.
2. Identify the
next step in the
accounting
cycle for the
junior
accountant to
complete and
explain your
reasoning.
Weight: 30%
Does not accurately
identify accounting
cycle step;
explanation is
missing or lacks
logic and supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
accounting.
Accurately
identifies
accounting cycle
step; explanation
lacks logic and/or
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
accounting.
Accurately
identifies
accounting cycle
step; minimally
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
information from
course material;
OR
Does not
accurately identify
financing option;
adequately
supports answers
with information
from course
material.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
accounting.
Accurately
identifies
accounting cycle
step; adequately
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
information from
course material.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
accounting.
Accurately
identifies
accounting cycle
step; thoroughly
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
specific
information from
course material.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
accounting.
3. Identify the
best financial
statement to
provide to the
potential
investor and
Does not accurately
identify financial
statement;
explanation is
missing or lacks
logic and supporting
information.
Accurately
identifies financial
statement;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Accurately
identifies financial
statement;
minimally supports
answer with logical
explanation and
information from
financial
Accurately
identifies the
financial
statement;
adequately
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
Accurately
identifies financial
statement;
thoroughly
supports answer
with logical
explanation and
specific
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
explain your
reasoning.
Weight: 30%
Demonstrates no
understanding of
financial
statements.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
financial
statements.
statements and/or
course material;
OR
Does not
accurately identify
financial
statement;
adequately
supports answers
with information
from financial
statements and/or
course material.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
financial
statements.
information from
financial
statements and
course material.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
financial
statements.
information from
financial
statements and
course material.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
financial
statements.
4. Write in a
professional
manner using
proper
grammar and
spelling.
Weight: 10%
Writing does not
meet minimal
standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Wholly lacking in
logic, clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting. Contains
many spelling
and/or grammatical
errors.
Writing meets
minimal
standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Lacking one or
more of logic,
clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 8 spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
satisfactory.
Professional tone
is developing.
Shows moderate
logic, clarity,
and/or consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 2-4 spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is mostly
good.
Tone is
professional.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
May contain few or
no spelling and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
excellent.
Tone is
professional and
sophisticated.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
Contains no
spelling or
grammatical
errors.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
ASSIGNMENT 3 Weeks 6 & 7
Marketing: Marketing Manager Analysis
Due Date: Week 7
Note: While representative of possible situations faced by car dealerships, all scenarios in this
assignment are fictional.
Real Business
It can be difficult to get the marketing mix just right for a given product. There are so many products
fighting for the attention of customers. With so many things to consider, working in marketing can be a
challenge.
Your Role
This week, you’ll be acting as a Marketing Manager in a car dealership.
As a marketing manager for a car dealership in your city, you have been asked to evaluate a marketing
plan for vehicles to ensure that the 4 P’s of marketing are being applied well. Using your knowledge of the
4 P’s and the best approach to generating sales, you’ll take a look at a number of marketing
recommendations and choose the approach that you believe will sell the most products.
Instructions
Question 1: Product
In the Marketing Analysis Presentation provided by your marketing team, you’ll see three different
vehicles. Each vehicle has unique features.
Based on the Customer Profile information about the customers that shop at the dealership,
choose the vehicle that you think will sell the most. Please explain the rationale for your decision.
Question 2: Finacial Options
Based on the information contained in the vehicle descriptions in question #1, what is the best financial
option to purchase the vehicle you selected in question #1.
Question 3: Promotions
Your assignment instructions show three recommended advertisements for the vehicle options in
question #1, including a special deal promotion, for the vehicle that is expected to sell the best. Review
and based on the vehicle descriptions, determine which promotional activity will sell the most vehicles.
Please explain the rationale for your decision.
Question 4: Pricing
Review the pricing options available for each of the vehicles. Also review the Manufacturer Suggested
Retail Price of the vehicle. Then recommend the best pricing strategy for all three vehicles.
Question 5: Branding
What is a Marketing Manager?
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing, implementing and executing marketing plans,
either for an entire organization or for particular categories or products within the organization, in order
to attract potential customers and keep existing ones.
Their day-to-day tasks include managing and coordinating marketing and creative staff, leading market
research to improve existing products and services, working with advertising agencies, and determining
the best way to get products in front of customers.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
The company that makes the vehicle you selected is looking to rebrand the vehicle. They have asked for
your input on possible brands ideas. First, read the Brand Vision statement which summarizes the goal
for the new brand. Then, look at the image, name, and tagline recommendations. Second, select the
Brand Direction that you think will be most successful and explain your choice.
Question 6: Sales Pitch
Review the 5 components of a successful sales pitch from your assignment instructions. Then write a
sales pitch that you would use to try and convince someone to purchase the vehicle you selected.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to
the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions.
Points: 90
Assignment: Marketing Marketing Manager Analysis
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1.
Recommend
the vehicle
that will sell
the most and
explain your
reasoning.
Weight: 15%
Makes no
recommendation.
Provides no
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
market analysis.
Makes a
recommendation.
Provides minimal
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
market analysis.
Makes an
adequate
recommendation.
Provides partial
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
market analysis.
Makes a good
recommendation.
Provides adequate
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates good
understanding of
market analysis.
Makes an excellent
recommendation.
Provides thorough
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation and
may also cite
outside research or
ideas.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
market analysis.
2. Identify the
financial
option most
buyers would
use for the
selected
vehicle and
explain your
rationale.
Does not
accurately identify
the financial
option;
explanation is
missing or lacks
logic and
supporting
information.
Accurately
identifies the
financial option;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Accurately
identifies the
financial option;
minimally supports
answer with logical
explanation and
information from
Marketing Analysis
presentation and/or
course material.
Accurately identifies
the financial option;
adequately supports
answer with logical
explanation and
information from
Market Analysis
presentation and
course material.
Accurately identifies
the financial option;
thoroughly supports
answer with logical
explanation and
specific information
from Market
Analysis
presentation and
course material.
Weight: 15%
3.
Recommend
a promotion
and explain
your
reasoning.
Weight: 15%
Makes no
recommendation.
Provides no
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
promotions and
pricing.
Makes a
recommendation.
Provides minimal
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
Makes an
adequate
recommendation.
Provides partial
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
Makes a good
recommendation.
Provides adequate
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates good
understanding of
promotions and
pricing.
Makes an excellent
recommendation.
Provides thorough
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation and
may also cite
outside research or
ideas.
Demonstrates
excellent
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
promotions and
pricing.
promotions and
pricing.
understanding of
promotions and
pricing.
4.
Recommend
a pricing mix
and explain
your
reasoning.
Weight: 15%
Makes no
recommendation.
Provides no
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
pricing.
Makes a
recommendation.
Provides minimal
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
pricing.
Makes an
adequate
recommendation.
Provides partial
support from
course materials
and Marketing
Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
pricing.
Makes a good
recommendation.
Provides adequate
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation.
Demonstrates good
understanding of
pricing.
Makes an excellent
recommendation.
Provides thorough
support from course
materials and
Marketing Analysis
presentation and
may also cite
outside research or
ideas.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
pricing.
5. Choose
the brand
direction that
best meets
the goals of
the brand
vision and
explain your
reasoning.
Does not choose
the brand direction
that best meets
the goals of the
brand vision and
does not explain
their reasoning
effectively.
Does not choose
the brand direction
that best meets the
goals of the brand
vision but shows a
basic
understanding of
the concept of
brand in their
explanation.
Chooses the brand
direction that best
meets the goals of
the brand vision
but does not
support their
decision well.
Chooses the brand
direction that best
meets the goals of
the brand vision and
provides good
support for their
answer, but does
not use key terms in
their answer.
Chooses the brand
direction that best
meets the goals of
the brand vision and
provides excellent
support for their
choice, citing key
concepts and terms
from the course
materials.
Weight: 15%
6. Write a
simple sales
pitch for your
chosen
vehicle.
Sales pitch is
confusing and
does not sale the
product well.
Sales pitch is not
compelling, but
shows basic
understanding of
the sales pitch.
Writes an
appropriate sales
pitch.
Writes an
appropriate and
creative sales pitch.
Writes and effective
and compelling
sales pitch.
Weight: 15%
7. Write in a
professional
manner using
proper
grammar and
spelling.
Weight: 10%
Writing does not
meet minimal
standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Wholly lacking in
logic, clarity,
and/or consistent
formatting.
Contains many
spelling and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing meets
minimal standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Lacking one or
more of logic,
clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 8 spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
satisfactory.
Professional tone
is developing.
Shows moderate
logic, clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 2-4 spelling
and/or grammatical
errors.
Writing is mostly
good.
Tone is
professional.
Shows logic, clarity,
and consistent
formatting.
May contain few or
no spelling and/or
grammatical errors.
Writing is excellent.
Tone is professional
and sophisticated.
Shows logic, clarity,
and consistent
formatting.
Contains no spelling
or grammatical
errors.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
ASSIGNMENT 4 Weeks 8 & 9
Leadership & Management: Leadership Consultant Analysis
Due Date: Week 9
Note: All scenarios in this assignment are fictional.
Your Role
For this assignment, you’ll assume the role as a Leadership Consultant. You’ve been hired by a large
discount retail company to help the company improve its leadership structure and approach to
management. You are tasked with answering the three questions presented below. Your responses to
these questions should be typed into the template provided OR typed directly into the assignment
submission box below.
Instructions
Question 1: Organizational Structure
Take a look at the Organization Chart provided by the company.
Based on your knowledge of hierarchies, would you say that this team has tall structure or flat
structure? Explain your answer.
Question 2: Human Resources
The company would like to improve the culture of its team and the quality of its work. Its leadership has
provided you with a Process Chart detailing how it currently applies Human Resources best practices.
What step of the Human Resources Cycle is missing? Explain why it is important to include this
part of the process.
Question 3: Leadership Style
You have been asked to help improve the leadership style of the team leader in order to meet the team’s
performance goals. The team leader has given you a description of what is most comfortable in terms of
leading others.
Identify this leader’s style of leadership, and list two benefits and two drawbacks to that style as it
relates to the performance of the team.
What is a Leadership Consultant?
A leadership consultant is a person called in to a company, be it a large corporation or a small
business, to evaluate how it operates and make recommendations for improvement. Leadership
consultants are typically hired when a business is struggling and needs to make changes in order to
remain profitable. Such consultants are often highly educated in the field of business and have
experience in managerial roles.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to
the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions.
Points: 90
Assignment: Leadership & Management Leadership Consultant Analysis
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Identify the
type of
organizational
structure and
explain your
reasoning.
Weight: 30%
Does not accurately
identify type of
organizational
structure; does not
explain rationale
logically or use
supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
organizational
structure.
Accurately
identifies type of
organizational
structure;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
organizational
structure.
Accurately
identifies type of
organizational
structure;
explanation lacks
some logic or
supporting
information;
OR
Does not
accurately
identify type of
organizational
structure;
explanation is
mostly logical
and supported
with information
from the course
material and/or
Organization
Chart.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
organizational
structure.
Accurately
identifies type of
organizational
structure;
explanation is
logical and
supported with
some information
from the course
material and/or
Organization
Chart.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
organizational
structure.
Accurately
identifies type of
organizational
structure;
explanation is
logical and
thorough and fully
supported with
specific information
from the course
material and
Organization Chart.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
organizational
structure.
2. Identify which
step of the
Human
Resources
Cycle is missing
and explain its
importance.
Weight: 30%
Does not accurately
identify missing
step; provides no or
minimal explanation
and no supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
human resources
cycle.
Accurately
identifies missing
step;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
human resources
cycle.
Accurately
identifies missing
step;
explanation lacks
some logic or
supporting
information;
OR
Does not
accurately
identify missing
step; explanation
is mostly logical
and cites some
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
human
resources cycle.
Accurately
identifies missing
step; explanation
is mostly clear and
logical and cites
supporting
information from
course material
and/or Process
Chart.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
human resources
cycle.
Accurately
identifies missing
step; explanation is
clear, thorough and
logical and cites
specific information
from the course
material and
Process Chart.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
human resources
cycle.
BUS 100 Assignments and Rubrics
3. Identify the
team leader’s
leadership style
and its benefits
and drawbacks
to their team.
Weight: 30%
Does not accurately
identify leadership
style; provides no or
minimal explanation
and no supporting
information.
Demonstrates no
understanding of
leadership styles.
Accurately
identifies
leadership style;
explanation lacks
logic and/or
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
leadership styles.
Accurately
identifies
leadership style;
explanation lacks
some logic or
supporting
information;
OR
Does not
accurately
identify
leadership style;
explanation is
mostly logical
and cites some
supporting
information.
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
leadership
styles.
Accurately
identifies
leadership style;
explanation is
mostly clear and
logical and cites
supporting
information from
course material
and/or Leadership
Report.
Demonstrates
good
understanding of
leadership styles.
Accurately
identifies
leadership style;
explanation is
clear, thorough and
logical and cites
specific information
from the course
material and
Leadership Report.
Demonstrates
excellent
understanding of
leadership styles.
4. Write in a
professional
manner using
proper grammar
and spelling.
Weight: 10%
Writing does not
meet minimal
standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Wholly lacking in
logic, clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting. Contains
many spelling
and/or grammatical
errors.
Writing meets
minimal standards.
Tone is not
professional.
Lacking one or
more of logic,
clarity, and/or
consistent
formatting.
May contain more
than 8 spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
satisfactory.
Professional
tone is
developing.
Shows moderate
logic, clarity,
and/or consistent
formatting.
May contain
more than 2-4
spelling and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is mostly
good.
Tone is
professional.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
May contain few or
no spelling and/or
grammatical
errors.
Writing is excellent.
Tone is
professional and
sophisticated.
Shows logic,
clarity, and
consistent
formatting.
Contains no
spelling or
grammatical errors.
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