TAKE TWO
tretre
first.docxInstructions
This is an exciting time to be in business, and in this course, you will grapple with some of the aspects that make it so exciting. In the twenty-first century, business is no longer for the few, but for the many: the entrepreneurs, intrepreneurs, large organizations, small businesses, and part-time business owners. This course is intended to introduce you to some of the new trends, concepts, and innovations that are occurring and to offer you the opportunity to explore twenty-first century trends such as globalization, corporate social responsibility, the impact of technology, and the changing nature of organizations.
Through the 1960s, we saw hierarchical, top down organizations with autocratic leaders, employees who planned to stay with the company until they retired, few women in the workplace, and a segregated workforce. Very few women worked outside of teaching, nursing, or low paying domestic work; most stayed home and ran the household. The 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s brought change to the American workforce. The American economy was booming, and in 1987, President Reagan urged Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. In 2008, greedy and corrupt CEOs were in the limelight, and economies crumbled in the United States and around the world. Despite the hardships and threats, entrepreneurs continue to establish businesses, corporations continue to send work offshore to reduce costs, and third world countries continue to emerge. There are opportunities and challenges of globalization – now, economies all over the world depend upon and interconnect with capitalism. Emerging countries such as India and China have the fastest growing middle class in the world, and account for two-fifths of the world’s population.
To succeed in the twenty-first century, leaders and managers must educate themselves, learn to think critically and holistically, and embrace the impending changes through a well-thought-out, detailed strategic plan. Innovative thinkers and doers will survive; those who keep the status quo and keep doing the same will not. We have entered into a brand new world: the twenty-first century of globalization. In order to survive and thrive, we must embrace constant and rapid change.
The twenty-first century workplace is filled with diverse people, and so is this MBA program. We acknowledge and respect the diversity of our students, some of whom are active duty military. Many are preparing for their second career into the civilian world. Others are attending because they are working toward that next promotion. Some are between jobs, and others are attending solely because they are life-long learners and they love to learn! In this course, you will apply much of what you learn through assignments designed to focus on the real world of business. In some assignments, you will be asked to apply the learning by using specific events, challenges, and opportunities in your real world of work. If your circumstance warrants it, you may use a pseudo company; for instance, if you are between jobs, you may use a past employer or fabricate one. The bottom line is we want you to learn and apply the concepts and most of all, enjoy the journey!
Required Readings
Refer to the Books and Resources section of each week’s introduction for the required readings.
INTRODUCTION
The Global Business Environment
The globe is shrinking, causing businesses throughout all of the world’s regions to expand and become more inter-connected. With this expansion come challenges and opportunities, a perfect storm for change. In Week 1, you will identify global market leaders and characteristics that they possess. The concept of chaos will also be examined.
Review the resources listed in the Books and Resources area below to prepare for this week’s assignment(s).
Complete the following Spotlight on Skills if you need assistance with the tools used to complete your assignments.
Spotlight on Skills: APA Form and Style
Throughout this course and others here at Northcentral University, you are required to follow APA form and style when preparing assignments. If you are unfamiliar with APA form and style, take this tutorial: The Basics of APA Style. Are you already familiar with APA form and style? Keep up with the 2010 changes by taking this tutorial: What's New in the Sixth Edition. Check out this blog for deeper discussions and examples: APA Style Blog. You can also visit: Frequently Asked Questions about APA Style.
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Books |
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Reference |
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American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). |
Recommended Resource |
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Articles |
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Reference |
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Tetenbaum, T., & Laurence, H. (2011). Leading in the chaos of the 21st century. |
Read Article |
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Websites |
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Reference |
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Bloomberg Industry Market Leaders |
Review Website |
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Dontigney, E. (2014). Global industry definition. http://www.ehow.com/facts_6864353_global-industry-definition.html |
Review Website |
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Learn the Library |
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Library FAQs |
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Library Workshops |
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Northcentral Academic Integrity Policy. Northcentral University. |
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Northcentral Academic Integrity Questionnaire. Northcentral University. |
Recommended Resource |
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Northcentral Academic Integrity Tutorial. Northcentral University. http://learners.ncu.edu/public_images/learner_portal/AI_Tutorial/Academic_Integrity_Tutorial.htm |
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Successful vs. unsuccessful paraphrases |
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Document/Other |
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Reference |
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Gallagher, J. and Krueger, P. (2013). The global market - Academic video online [Video File]. http://search.alexanderstreet.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/business-economics/view/work/2093800 |
View Video |
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MBA5102-8 Assignment 1 Template MBA5102-8_Assignment_1_Template.docx |
Download Template for assistance with assignment completion |
Activity Description
In this week’s Books and Resources, the Bloomberg’s Industry Market Leaders website lists 49 industries along with a presentation of the leading firms in those industries. In this first assignment, you are tasked to write a paper about one of those industries that you believe to be one of the most global in nature. Base your paper on the information in the required resources and at least two additional resources of your choice (do not use Wikipedia because it is not considered a scholarly website). In your report, be sure to include the following:
· Select an industry from Bloomberg’s Industry Market Leaders that you believe to be one of the most global in nature.
· Provide a brief description of the industry (beyond the one presented in the Bloomberg source), along with a brief discussion about the competitive environment among the top two to three market leaders in that industry.
· Compose a list of characteristics that makes the industry one of the most global in nature as compared to others on the list.
· Based on Tetenbaum and Laurence’s (2011) description and discussion of chaos, would you describe the environment of your industry pick as chaotic? Why or why not?
Length: 2-3 pages not including assignment cover sheet, title page, and references page. Begin your assignment with the NCU cover sheet, followed by a title page, and then an introduction, where you will state the purpose of the paper. Use topic section headings for each of the bullets (centered and bolded). Remember to cite your sources within the text of your document. End with a concluding paragraph, followed by the references page. If you have in-text citations, they must appear on the references page.
Your response should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect professional business writing and current APA standards.
Upload your assignment using the Upload Assignment button below.
Learning Outcomes
1.0 Evaluate current and future global trends and the business challenges that ensue.
