MGT 420

Discussion Question#1:  What are the six planning tools and techniques? Using an example from your experience (as a student or at work), describe how you could use one of the techniques or tools to improve planning in your future. You may choose to apply your response to a specific goal in answering this question. 

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#2:  
Max Points: 7.0

The two segments of the organization's environment are general and specific. Using an organization for which you are familiar, identify the factors that operate in each. Why is it important to understand an organization's environment?

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#3:   

Compare how the United States differs from another country of your choice on Hofstede's dimensions of culture. Explain how your knowledge of these differences would influence you as a global manager if you were doing business internationally.

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#4:  

Motivational theory applications argue for recognizing individual differences. They also suggest paying attention to members of diverse groups. Is this a contradiction? Why or why not? Compare and contrast two motivational theories (one content and one process theory) regarding how they can support diversity within teams.

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#5:  
Max Points: 7.0

Visit the following websites and complete the self-assessments:

1. Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html
2. Wiley Schermerhorn: Management: http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/schermerhorn/0471454761/assessments/main.html. Take the "Emotional Intelligence," "Terminal Values," and "Instrumental Values" assessments.
3. Jung Typology Test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

Name one significant lesson that you discovered about your learning style, emotional intelligence, and personality by taking these assessments. Using this information, what step(s) do you plan to take to become a more effective manager?

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#6:  
Max Points: 7.0

Why are ethical behavior, social responsibility, and sustainability an important focus of corporate governance? Why do you believe some managers embrace this while others resist? What is the virtuous circle of corporate social responsibility? Identify an organization that has successfully embodied this platform.

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#7:  
Max Points: 7.0

What are team norms, and what role do they play in behavior and cohesiveness of the group? How does the diversity of a group affect its performance?

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#8:  
Max Points: 7.0

As a team goes through Tuckman's five stages of team development, what impact does this have on the three characteristics of effective teams? Provide examples to support your response.

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#9:  
Max Points: 7.0

What are examples of effective techniques for team decision making? What are examples of strategies for avoiding potential liabilities in team decision making (e.g., groupthink)?

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#10:  
Max Points: 7.0

What role does effective interpersonal communication play within organizations?

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#11:  
Max Points: 7.0

Using a practical example, what are the benefits and potential problems associated with conflict? What are examples of strategies that can be applied for resolving conflict?

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#12: 

What is negotiation? What are the common negotiation pitfalls? What are the strategies to overcome them? 

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#13:  
Max Points: 7.0

Explain power bases. How does one build power within an organization? How are power and politics related within an organization?

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#14:  

Discuss a time when you have been a good follower. What did it entail? What theory most applied to the dynamic of your role as a good follower?

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#15:  
Max Points: 7.0

It has long been a dictum of management theory that leaders must adapt their behavior to fit the specifics of a situation. Discuss whether transformational leadership is appropriate for all occasions. In which situations might it not be effective? Which theories might be effective instead?

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#16:  In what ways does human resource management process align human capital with organizational strategies?  

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#17:  
Max Points: 7.0

In what ways are the HR function and governmental legislation designed to protect against employee discrimination? Provide specific examples of U.S laws in place to protect against employee discrimination.

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#18:  
Max Points: 7.0

How does an individual's faith or worldview inform personal management practices?

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#19:  
Max Points: 7.0

Identify the formal structure of an organization. Using an organization of your choice as an example, how is the organization's structure and design a reflection of its environment, goals, and competencies?

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#20:  
Max Points: 7.0

Identify the formal structure of an organization. Using an organization of your choice as an example, how is the organization's structure and design a reflection of its environment, goals, and competencies?

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#21 

Using an organization with which you are familiar, identify ways through which feedforward, concurrent, and feedback controls can be used to assure the high quality of a final outcome. How do these controls lead to effective management?