I need 2 assignments done by tomorrow evening
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This paper was prepared for [INSERT COURSE NAME], [INSERT COURSE ASSIGNMENT] taught by [INSERT INSTRUCTOR’S NAME].
Directions: Read the cases below and answer the questions using complete sentences. Your completed submission should be at least five pages in length in APA format. Be sure to use and cite at least two outside, scholarly sources. Visit the Academic Resource Center for helpful APA formatting techniques.
Case Study I: Gazelle...or Turtle?
Summit Software, Inc., recently celebrated its fifth year of business. Jim Mueller, the proprietor, started the software manufacturing and distribution company when he was still working as a professor at the local college, but now he enjoys being in the fast-paced technology industry. Growth and expansion were easy for Jim, thanks to his knowledge, his contacts, and the pool of readily available workers from which to choose. The company that originated in his den now occupies a nice space close to downtown.
Going into the sixth year, Jim continues to serve the same target market with customer support and lengthy projects. He acknowledges that technological advancements and new clientele are in the immediate future. All of the current and forecasted work leaves Jim and his three employees with little time to spend on administrative duties, let alone new accounts. Jim also realizes that the company needs its own upgrades to continue its rate of success and to stay competitive. Looking at Summit's financials and the amount of work necessary to maintain the business, he's not sure where to go from here. Following is a snapshot of Jim's annual sales since inception:
Year 1 $112,000
Year 2 $195,000
Year 3 $250,000
Year 4 $335,000
Year 5 $487,000
1. Is Summit Software a gazelle? Support your answer and explain how you arrived at the conclusion.
2. What problems may Jim face owning such a fast-growing business? Explain your answer and provide at least two other examples. These examples can be businesses with which you are familiar or companies that you research.
3. Are gazelles more important to the economy than traditional growth businesses? Why or why not? Support your answer.
Case Study II: To Stay or To Go?
Mary Gunther has been a sales representative for a large computer firm for seven years. She took the job following her graduation from a large university, where she majored in computer science. Recently, Mary has been thinking about leaving the company and starting her own business. Her knowledge of the computer field would put her in an ideal position to be a computer consultant.
Mary understands computer hardware and software, is knowledgeable about the strong and weak points of all the latest market offerings, and has a solid understanding of how to implement a computer system throughout an organization. Mary believes that many medium-sized firms around the country would like to introduce computer technology but do not know how to do so. The large manufacturers, such as the one for which she works, are more interested in selling hardware than in helping their clients develop a fully integrated, company-wide computer system. Small consulting firms have to be brought in to do this. Mary feels that, as a consultant, she not only would be able to evaluate a computer's effectiveness, she also would know how to set up the machines to provide maximum benefit to the company.
Mary estimates that if she were to leave the computer firm tomorrow, she could line up ten clients immediately. This would provide her with sufficient income for six months. During this period, she is sure that she would have little difficulty getting more clients. Six of these ten firms are located on the East Coast, two of them are in the Midwest, and the remaining two are in California. Mary would estimate that it would take about two weeks to install a system and have it working and it would probably take another two days to correct any problems that occur later. The problems would be handled during a follow-up visit, usually 10 to 14 days after the initial installation and setup.
The idea of starting her own venture appeals to Mary. However, she is not sure she wants to leave her job and assume all of the responsibilities associated with running her own operation. Before going any further, she has decided to evaluate her own abilities and desires to determine whether this is the right career move for her.
1. Identify three major characteristics that Mary should have if she hopes to succeed in this new venture. Explain and defend your choices. Compare and contrast your choices to those that other business owners make.
