Assignment 3: Long-Term Investment Decisions

bus508_student_version-2.doc

Home >English homework help >Assignment 3: Long-Term Investment Decisions

BUS 508 – Contemporary Business

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines the functions and processes within a business enterprise and key factors affecting productivity. Reviews the dynamics of the business operating environment both internal and external, factors affecting competition, and considerations for global operations. Provides a conceptual base for managers to assess and enhance strategic performance in a business organization through the integration of the core business functions, effective resource management, and sound leadership.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Required Resources

Boone, L. E., & Kurtz, D. L. (2013). Contemporary business (15th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

WileyPLUS access code. (Note: Students are emailed a registration code for this product when they purchase new course materials from MBS Direct Bookstore, located at http://www.strayerbookstore.com . Students access WileyPLUS through the online learning platform, Blackboard. The Blackboard course shell is integrated with WileyPLUS.)

Supplemental Resources

Boudreau, K. J., & Lakhani, K. R. (2013). Using the crowd as an innovation partner. Harvard Business Review, 91(4), 60-69.

Cogman, D. (2013). Due diligence in China: Art, science, and self-defense. McKinsey Quarterly, (3), 144-151.

Ghosh, A. K. (2013). Employee empowerment: A strategic tool to obtain sustainable competitive advantage. International Journal of Management, 30(1), 95-107.

Jin, K. G., Drozdenko, R., & DeLoughy, S. (2012). The role of corporate value clusters in ethics, social responsibility and performance: A study of financial professionals and implications for the financial meltdown. Journal of Business Ethics, 112(1), 15-24.

Porter, M. E., & Rivkin, J. W. (2012). The looming challenge to U. S. competitiveness. Harvard Business Review, 90(3), 54-62.

Swoboda, B., & Elsner, S. (2013). Transferring the retail format successfully into foreign countries. Journal of International Marketing, 21(1), 81-109.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today’s business environment.

2. Analyze the factors that drive supply and demand, different types of market structures in a free enterprise system, and factors of stability in a nation’s economy.

3. Formulate competitive market entry strategies based on analysis of global markets.

4. Evaluate the different forms of business ownership to determine the optimal structure in different scenarios and the process for a business start-up.

5. Analyze business plans based on an analysis of domestic and global operating environments, market dynamics, and electronic and internal capabilities.

6. Apply the four (4) functions of management and effective decision making to efficiently utilize resources and achieve organizational goals.

7. Integrate the core human resource management functions and considerations into viable recommendations to meet the organization’s operating requirements.

8. Examine team concepts and effective communication in the workplace.

9. Analyze a firm’s operations management and make recommendations to enhance quality and increase productivity.

10. Apply the core marketing concepts and marketing orientation to develop viable marketing strategies that fit a variety of market environments, domestic and international.

11. Analyze information technology applications and the application of decision support systems to gain a competitive advantage and more effectively control operations.

12. Analyze the components of the basic financial statements, and conduct trend and ratio analysis to assess a firm’s financial performance.

13. Examine the components of the financial system including markets, financial institutions, the Federal Reserve, and laws and regulations.

14. Evaluate the sources of short-term and long-term financing to identify the effective use and associated risks of these sources in managing working capital and in capital budgeting.

15. Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business.

16. Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics.

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.

Certain discussions are tied to scenarios. Please view these scenarios prior to participating in the related discussions.

Week

Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation

Points

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 1: The Changing Face of Business

· Chapter 2: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

· Case Study 1.2: Nordstrom Rides High (Chapter 1)

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Go to Nordstrom’s Website and review the section titled “Nordstrom Cares”, located at http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares?origin=footer . Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 1: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 1 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 3: Economic Challenges Facing Contemporary Business

· Chapter 4: Competing in World Markets

· Scenario

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 2: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 2 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 5: Forms of Business Ownership and Organization

· Chapter 6: Starting Your Own Business: The Entrepreneurial Alternative

· Appendix D: Developing a Business Plan

· Case Study 6.1: Glassybaby Does “One Thing Really Well” (Chapter 6)

· Scenario

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 3: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 3 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

· Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies

240

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Appendix A: Business Law

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Use the Internet to research a company that has been involved in a product liability lawsuit within the last five (5) years. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 4: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 4 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 7: Management, Leadership, and the Internal Organization

· Chapter 8: Human Resource Management: From Recruitment to Labor Relations

· Scenario

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Midterm Exam Part 1: Chapters 1 through 3

· Midterm Exam Part 2: Chapters 4 through 6

100

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 9: Top Performance through Empowerment, Teamwork, and Communication

· Chapter 10: Production and Operations Management

· Case Study: 9.1 Southwest Airlines Thrives on Customer Service (Chapter 9)

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Use the Internet to research airline customer satisfaction ratings. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 5: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 6 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

· Assignment 2: Mergers and Acquisitions

200

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 11: Customer-Driven Marketing

· Chapter 12: Product and Distribution Strategies

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Use the Internet to research the marketing strategy history of the Eastman Kodak Company. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 6: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 7 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 13: Promotion and Pricing Strategies

· Chapter 14: Using Technology to Manage Information

· Case Study: 14.2 Skype Enters a New Era (Chapter 14)

· Scenario

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 7: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 8 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 15: Understanding Accounting and Financial Statements

· Chapter 16: The Financial System

· Case Study: 16.1 Silicon Valley’s Banker (Chapter 16)

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Use the Internet to research Frank Quattrone and Qatalyst Partners. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 8: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 9 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

· Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies

240

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 17: Financial Management

· Appendix C: Personal Finance Planning

· Case Study: 17.2 Hewlett-Packard Still Sailing into Financial Headwinds (Chapter 17)

· Scenario

· e-Activity

· Use the Internet to research Hewlett-Packard’s current and future strategies regarding acquisitions and investment in research and development. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Journal Entry 9: Prepare a one to two (1-2) paragraph journal entry that examines your learning experiences with ORION in Week 10 of this course, that addresses the following:

1. Determine the primary manner in which ORION has increased your business knowledge in the related subject area.

2. Discuss specific challenges that you may have experienced with any of the subject matter presented, and point out the areas for which you would like more information.

3. Suggest at least two (2) possible applications of this week’s material to the company that you currently work for or hope to work for in the future.

Preparation

· Reading(s): None

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Final Exam Part 1: Chapters 7 through 12

· Final Exam Part 2: Chapters 13 through 17

100

GRADING SCALE – GRADUATE

Assignment	Total Points	% of Grade
Journal Entries (9 journal entries worth 10 points apiece)	90	7%
Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies	240	18%
Assignment 2: Mergers and Acquisitions	200	16%
Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies	240	18%
Midterm Exam (open book with a 2-hour time limit for each part) Part 1: Chapters 1-3 (25 questions worth 4 points apiece) Part 2: Chapters 4-6 (25 questions worth 4 points apiece)	200	16%
Final Exam (open book with a 2-hour time limit for each part) Part 1: Chapters 7-12 (25 questions worth 4 points apiece) Part 2: Chapters 13-17 (25 questions worth 4 points apiece)	200	16%
Participation (11 discussions worth 10 points apiece)	110	9%
Totals	1,280	100%

Points	Percentage	Grade
1,152 – 1,280	90% – 100%	A
1,024 – 1,151	80% – 89%	B
896 – 1,023	70% – 79%	C
Below 896	Below 70%	F

Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies

Due Week 3 and worth 240 points

Use the Internet to research the Apple Corporation, its current position and reputation regarding ethical and social responsibility, and the strategies that it currently employs to market its products.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two (2) examples that support your position.

2. Determine the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Support your response with examples of the impact in question.

3. Suggest two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Justify your response.

4. Determine whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Provide a rationale for your position.

5. Analyze Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Recommend two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Support your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results.

6. Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today’s business environment.

· Analyze the factors that drive supply and demand, different types of market structures in a free enterprise system, and factors of stability in a nation’s economy.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business.

· Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 240	Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 70% F	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two (2) examples that support your position. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely examined Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and did not submit or incompletely determined whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Did not submit or incompletely provided two (2) examples that support your position.	Partially examined Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and partially determined whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Partially provided two (2) examples that support your position.	Satisfactorily examined Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and satisfactorily determined whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Satisfactorily provided two (2) examples that support your position.	Thoroughly examined Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and thoroughly determined whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Thoroughly provided two (2) examples that support your position.
2. Determine the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Support your response with examples of the impact in question. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Did not submit or incompletely supported your response with examples of the impact in question.	Partially determined the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Partially supported your response with examples of the impact in question.	Satisfactorily determined the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Satisfactorily supported your response with examples of the impact in question.	Thoroughly determined the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Thoroughly supported your response with examples of the impact in question.
3. Suggest two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Justify your response. Weight: 10%	Did not submit or incompletely suggested two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Did not submit or incompletely justified your response.	Partially suggested two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Partially justified your response.	Satisfactorily suggested two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Satisfactorily justified your response.	Thoroughly suggested two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Thoroughly justified your response.
4. Determine whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Provide a rationale for your position. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your position.	Partially determined whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Partially provided a rationale for your position.	Satisfactorily determined whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your position.	Thoroughly determined whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your position.
5. Analyze Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Recommend two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Support your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Did not submit or incompletely recommended two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Did not submit or incompletely supported your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results.	Partially analyzed Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Partially recommended two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Partially supported your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results.	Satisfactorily analyzed Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Satisfactorily recommended two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Satisfactorily supported your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results.	Thoroughly analyzed Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Thoroughly recommended two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Thoroughly supported your response with examples of instances where your recommendations yielded the desired results.
6. 5 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
7. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
8. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
9. Information Literacy/Integration of Sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
10. Clarity and Coherence of Writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 2: Mergers and Acquisitions

Due Week 6 and worth 200 points

Use the Internet to research a publicly traded company in the United States that has undergone a merger or acquisition within the last three (3) years. Take note of the circumstances surrounding the merger or acquisition.

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

1. Examine the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Speculate on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made.

2. Assess the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Provide at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed.

3. Examine the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Analyze the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations.

4. Determine whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. If no changes were necessary, speculate on the reasons why they were not. Provide a rationale for your response.

5. Use at least four (4) academic quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Evaluate the different forms of business ownership to determine the optimal structure in different scenarios and the process for a business start-up.

· Integrate the core human resource management functions and considerations into viable recommendations to meet the organization’s operating requirements.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business.

· Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 200	Assignment 2: Mergers and Acquisitions
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 70% F	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Examine the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Speculate on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely examined the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Did not submit or incompletely speculated on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made.	Partially examined the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Partially speculated on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made.	Satisfactorily examined the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Satisfactorily speculated on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made.	Thoroughly examined the circumstances that resulted in the merger or acquisition for the selected company. Thoroughly speculated on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made.
2. Assess the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Provide at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely assessed the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Did not submit or incompletely provided at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed.	Partially assessed the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Partially provided at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed.	Satisfactorily assessed the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Satisfactorily provided at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed.	Thoroughly assessed the significant positive (or negative) effects of the merger or acquisition. Thoroughly provided at least two (2) examples of those effects now that the merger or acquisition has been completed.
3. Examine the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Analyze the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely examined the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations.	Partially examined the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Partially analyzed the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations.	Satisfactorily examined the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Satisfactorily analyzed the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations.	Thoroughly examined the organizational structure that has resulted from the merger or acquisition. Thoroughly analyzed the major differences between the resulting company and the original two (2) organizations.
4. Determine whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. If no changes were necessary, speculate on the reasons why they were not. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely determined whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. Did not submit or incompletely speculated on the reasons no changes were necessary, if that was the case. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. Partially speculated on the reasons no changes were necessary, if that was the case. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. Satisfactorily speculated on the reasons no changes were necessary, if that was the case. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined whether or not the human resources management practices of the company were modified to reflect the outcome of the merger or acquisition. Thoroughly speculated on the reasons no changes were necessary, if that was the case. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. 4 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
6. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
7. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
8. Information Literacy/Integration of Sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
9. Clarity and Coherence of Writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies

Due Week 9 and worth 240 points

Select one (1) of the following categories of products to research: sports apparel, automobiles, home furnishings, or televisions. Use the Internet to research at least two (2) companies within the selected product category. Take note of the leading companies in this product group, as well as the types of marketing, pricing, and consumer-oriented promotional strategies that these leading companies within the product group use.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.

2. Recommend two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Provide a rationale to support your recommendations.

3. Propose two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Provide a rationale for your response.

4. Analyze the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Suggest two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Provide a rationale for your response.

5. Determine the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Support your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.

6. Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Apply the core marketing concepts and marketing orientation to develop viable marketing strategies that fit a variety of market environments, domestic and international.

· Analyze information technology applications and the application of decision support systems to gain a competitive advantage and more effectively control operations.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business.

· Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 240	Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 70% F	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected. Weight: 10%	Did not submit or incompletely compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Partially compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Satisfactorily compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Thoroughly compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.
2. Recommend two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Provide a rationale to support your recommendations. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Partially recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Partially provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Satisfactorily recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Satisfactorily provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Thoroughly recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Thoroughly provided a rationale to support your recommendations.
3. Propose two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
4. Analyze the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Suggest two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Did not submit or incompletely suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Partially suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Satisfactorily suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Thoroughly suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. Determine the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Support your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Did not submit or incompletely supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Partially determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Partially supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Satisfactorily determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Satisfactorily supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Thoroughly determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Thoroughly supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.
6. 5 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
7. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
8. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
9. Information Literacy/Integration of Sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
10. Clarity and Coherence of Writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Weekly Course Schedule

The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell.

The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode.

Instructional Materials

In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability.

Review the online course shell or check with your professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course.

Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course materials through our designated bookstore MBS Direct. http://www.strayerbookstore.com If a lab is required for the course, MBS Direct is the only vendor that sells the correct registration code so that Strayer students may access labs successfully.

Discussions

To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students must have one original post and a minimum of one other post per discussion thread.

Please note: Material in the online class will be made available three weeks at a time to allow students to work ahead, however, faculty will be focused on and responding only to the current calendar week. As it is always possible that students could lose their work due to unforeseen circumstances, it is a best practice to routinely save a working draft in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outside of class hours.

Tests

Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests, etc.) are available for student access and completion through the online course shell. Check the online course shell to determine how students are expected to take the tests. Do not change these questions or their point values in any way. This disrupts the automated grade book preset in the online course shell.

· Online students are to complete the test by Monday 9:00 a.m. Details regarding due dates are posted in the Blackboard Calendar tool.

· On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material is covered and before the next class session.

Assignments

A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric.

Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable.

Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format or through the online course shell.

Resources

The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions.

Technical support is available for the following:

· For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under “Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.

· For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under “Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[email protected] .

TurnItIn.com is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions.

The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell contains academic policies. It is important that students be aware of these policies.

© 2014 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.

BUS 508 Student Version 1142 (1219 12-10-13) Final Page 1 of 3