Transferable Skills Self Reflection: need assignment completed in next 30 min so if you cant do it dont even try to accept it, and the price will not change so don't ask!!!!

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Home >Business & Finance homework help >Management homework help >Transferable Skills Self Reflection: need assignment completed in next 30 min so if you cant do it dont even try to accept it, and the price will not change so don't ask!!!!

Running Head: BUSINESS PROBLEM

BUSINESS PROBLEM 45

Transferable Skills Exemplary and Reflection Assignment

Name:

Institution:

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 06/17/16

Business Problem

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Lecturer: Venus Fisher

Date: 04/10/16

MovieFlix Company is faced majorly with the problem of marketing and customer loyalty, specifically the challenge of marketing and locating potential customers and retaining the existing ones effectively (Sin, et al, 2005).

For any company, one thing that they must be clear about is that the customers they have are not exploitable sources of income but rather business assets that are to be nurtured overtime (Sin, et al, 2005) but as for MovieFlix it has not managed to retain the few customers it has. Without customers the business cannot run, and as for MovieFlix with the challenge it has of maintaining the customers it has and worse to it locating and identifying new ones is becoming difficult as the days go by, how then can it flourish in business? This totally is a problem that can, and in the long run will, paralyze the company to liquidation if not solved as early as possible.

Since the 1990s, customer loyalty has been a very popular marketing strategy because it has been seen as the major driver of any company’s profitability (Reichheld et al, 2000) but as for MovieFlix it is yet to adopt this strategy. Having customers who are very loyal to the company means certainty in income, and also gives a chance to the company to serve the customers well meeting their needs. Note, created customer loyalty is supposed to create profit overnight (Reinartz & Kumar, 2002).

Now, having a problem like this one for MovieFlix has got several causes and are interrelated somehow. One of the most likely cause specifically for MovieFlix is the leadership structure of the company. As seen, the structure is not that efficient to help the marketing department function efficiently (Duffy 2003). This may be due to ignorance or personal issues with the department heads, because the whole leadership should be united in helping the marketing department distribute their services efficiently and widely. It is awkward to have an efficient input yet the output is not efficient.

Another cause is the employee’s loyalty to the company. With the little help accorded to the marketing department, they are yet to explore maximum potent they have to market the company services (Heskett et al, 1992). Since I said the causes are related, this employee loyalty case for MovieFlix flows stems out from the problems in the leadership structure. It shows that the leadership of the company is yet to understand how employee loyalty is important (O’Brien & Jones, 1995) so that it moves to empower them maximize their energy whenever accorded a task. If the employees were very loyal to the company to maximize their potent then even if the leadership had issues it would not have affected the company’s profit making this much.

Also, the company lacks of a good strategy to identify and reach customer widely. If clearly seen, the competitors have advanced in how they locate their customers. One of the decision tools used by competitors to identify new market is the ESRI Business Analyst Online, which has helped those companies advance radically yet MovieFlix is yet to make such strides. This can be related to issues with the leadership of the company not even focusing on how to reach out wide.

If the problems with MovieFlix are not fixed as early as possible then some of the consequences would be losing more and more customers, leadership head will be constantly be fighting and blaming department heads meaning no progress and growth in the company. This may eventually end up in liquidation of the company. Moreover, the employees the company has will no longer have interest in the company but just to make a living. This will mean they won’t have aggressiveness in the market and hence result in more and more losses to the company.

References

Duffy (2003) ‘Internal and external factors which affect customer loyalty’, Journal of Consumer Marketing, 20 (5)

Heskett, J. & Jones, T. & Loveman, G. W. & Sasser, Jr., W. & Schlesinger, L. A. (1992) ‘Putting the Service-Profit Chain to Work’, Harvard Business Review,86 (7)

Reichheld, F.F. and Schefter, P., (2000), “E-Loyalty”, Harvard Business Review, Vol.78, No. 4,

Reinartz, W. & Kumar, V. (2002) ‘The Mismanagement of Customer Loyalty’, Harvard Business Review, 80 (7)

Sin L.Y.M., Tse A.C.B., Yim F.H.K. (2005), CRM: conceptualization and scale development. European Journal of Marketing, 39(11/12)

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

Described the business problem. (4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Discussed why it is a problem for businesses.

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Described why the problem exists or what causes it.

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Discussed some of the consequences if the problem goes unsolved.

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Writing is free from spelling and grammar errors. Included an introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Used proper writing mechanics including proper grammar, sentence structure, transitions, and punctuation

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

0-2 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Included an introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Used proper writing mechanics including proper grammar, sentence structure, transitions, and punctuation.

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

Transferable Skills

Communication:

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view. Vocabulary tied to the purpose of the research.

(3 Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Writing is inappropriate, does not use audience-specific tone and vocabulary is not tied to the purpose of the research.

(1 pts.)

Writing is somewhat exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view. Vocabulary didn’t properly represent the purpose of the research.

(2 pts.)

Writing is mostly exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view and/or vocabulary didn’t properly represent the purpose of the research.

(3 pts.)

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view. Vocabulary tied to the purpose of the research.

Information Literacy:

Used proper APA format and included in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material. Included a properly formatted APA reference page with a minimum of 4 credible sources including, 2 being academic sources. (4Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

No sources used. No elements of APA formatting used.

(1 pts.)

More than one of the required sources is missing from the research. Some elements of APA formatting used. Did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(2-3 pts.)

One of the required sources is missing from the research. Most elements of APA formatting used and/or did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(4 pts.)

Business Letter

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 04/16/16

Rodney Wheeler

Rasmussen Consulting

28 Green St. Suite 14

Upstate, NY 10947

April 14, 2016

Mr. Peter Smith

MovieFlix

48 Stanstead Road

London SE27 1HF

For the attention of the Operations Manager

Dear Mr. Smith,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the positive response you gave us concerning the distribution concerns you had raised in the earlier communiqué that we addressed. After acknowledging the distribution channel issues, a huge amount of research must go into determining the methodology of carrying out the distribution activities in a way in which your marketing goals will be accomplished. According to Lobato (2012), there are a number of steps you may need to consider before you make any marketing related decisions, how the decisions will affect your relationships with your existing business partners. There three key factors to consider when setting up the distribution structure that I would like to mention for your consideration.

Marketing Decisions

Your strategy of distribution can be affected by the decisions made other areas like the promotion. These are the activities that have to be done in order to sell the products to customers. Since different products need different activities in order to trigger a sales promotion (Lobato, 2012). Pricing also affects marketing since the price has to ensure all persons in the distribution channel are able to earn an income from the product. The targeted market will also determine the decision for marketing of the product thus it is incumbent upon the organization to make a decision that would adequately meet the customer’s needs.

Level of Coverage

This determines how the channel will be shaped and there are three aspects of coverage that are considered when setting up a channel.

Lobato (2012), states initially through the intensive coverage strategy which entails distributing a product widely in all locations that the product can be sold. This is common with low-priced products that target huge markets.

Then there is the selective coverage where the distribution is not done in every place but in few selected places where targeted marketing can be utilized and used to sell the product.

Lastly is the exclusive coverage where the one sells high-end products to a niche market this is commonly done for expensive high-end products, these products also have a high level of customization and special after sale service for the customers who purchase the products.

The importance of this is that it gives insight into how the intensity of distribution will be done.

Infrastructure

You also need to be aware of the infrastructure since it could be a complex factor that could affect how the channel is established. Lobato (2012) reveals how after planning one may have envisaged how a certain network of distribution may be done but in actual sense, the same methodology may not bring the exact results. This is especially when one needs to venture into foreign markets, thus, this issue needs to be ironed out before the distribution channel is established.

Kind Regards

Rodney Wheeler

References

Lobato, R. (2012). Shadow economies of cinema: Mapping informal film distribution. London: Palgrave Macmillan [on behalf of the] BFI.

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

Discussed the latest developments surrounding the issue. (4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

Transferable Skills

Critical Thinking:

Let MovieFlix know that they have researched the issue and what their conclusions are for their company based on their research. (4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(2-3pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(4 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Critical Thinking:

Described what the first steps will be in helping them to resolve their issue. Explained why it’s important that these be the first steps and what your role will be in helping them to implement these first steps (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Communication:

Followed proper business formatting guidelines and use “block letter formatting (4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate. Didn’t include any of the block formatting guidelines

(1 pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of block formatting and business writing guidelines. Some elements were still missing

(2-3 pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors. Small elements of block letter format and business guidelines were missing.

(4pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows a complete understanding block formatting and business writing rules and guidelines.

Communication:

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view. (3 Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Writing is inappropriate, does not use audience-specific tone and vocabulary is not tied to the purpose of the research.

(1 pts.)

Writing is somewhat exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view. Vocabulary didn’t properly represent the purpose of the research.

(2 pts.)

Writing is mostly exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view and/or vocabulary didn’t properly represent the purpose of the research.

(3 pts.)

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view. Vocabulary tied to the purpose of the research.

Communication:

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

Digital Fluency:

Submitted paper to Grammarly downloaded and attached PDF grammar report as a separate attachment. (2 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper not submitted to Grammarly. No PDF grammar report attached.

N/A

(1 pts.)

Paper submitted to Grammarly, but didn’t not properly attach PDF report as a separate attachment.

(2 pts.)

Submitted paper to Grammarly downloaded and attached PDF grammar report as a separate attachment.

The PDF attached was not appropriate report.

Business Ethics

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Instructor: Venus Fisher

Date: 04/22/16

Ethical Basis of Solving Business Problems

Every business encounters ethical challenges one in a while working in any business environment. The ethics in business can be defined as acting in a manner consistent with the moral values and principles espoused in the business environment. There are some major factors that cause unethical practices in the business environment you are operating in and this could be detrimental to the business you are currently operating in.

Trevino & Nelson (2011), state how if you lack integrity when dealing with distributors clients and suppliers it could adversely affect how you relate with the clients. Lack of integrity means doing business that is devoid of any honesty and fairness that would make the business incur heavy financial costs, incarceration and eventually loss of clients. The business should operate in an environment that should emit a sense of belief and honesty with customer dealings and decency in the way they use sensitive information about their clients.

If the organization lacks a clear framework for relationships within the organization then this could affect the relationship between the organization and its clients there should be a clear statement of the values through the mission and vision of the organization. This would stem the tendency of employees to set their own agenda above that which the organization was formed especially in their dealings with the clients. According to Trevino & Nelson (2011), it would also forestall the tendency of the employees within the organization to want to act unethically.

If in its dealings with clients there is a conflict of interest then it would set the platform for unethical practices in the business environment. This is when an employee would use a business situation to propagate their own personal advantage in a business relationship this could have adverse effects on the bottom line of the company and should at all costs be forestalled.

If the organization participates in misleading advertising the company could be involved in unethical behavior which could affect the integrity of its dealings with customers and thus could be subject to outside litigation, fines and even loss footing with the clients in business dealings. The management should try as much as possible to present an accurate picture in its advertising campaigns in the market.

Steps in Solving the Ethical Dilemmas in Business

As a consultancy we can help you be able to solve this issue without having to suffer adverse effects. Before we even try and understand what the ethical issue is we can draw up for the organization a code of ethics and conduct. Trevino & Nelson (2011) reveal the purpose of the code of ethics and conduct will be to provide to the staff within the organization, clients, suppliers and business partners proper guidelines on how to act within or without or for the organization. This will set out a good platform on how to deal with any problem that would arise from the dealings within and to some extent outside the organization.

The steps involved in dealing with the problem based on the code of ethics then would be as follows; the area of conflict or responsibility is determined and the person in breach of the code of ethics is summoned. The key area in which the breach occurs is determined and any values connected to this are evaluated for meaning within the context of the breach. The reason the person in breach is determined then the severity of action against the breach is determined. An action plan for the unethical practice is determined. A plan of mitigation of the effects of the breach are implemented, the staff in the organization could also be trained on how they can be able to make ethical decisions with the best interests of the organization at heart.

References

Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2011) Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. New York: John Wiley.

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

Transferable Skills

Ethics and Professional Responsibility:

Explained to the leadership at MovieFlix why it’s important to take an ethical approach to solving their business problem (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility:

Discussed how using good business ethics can enhance their profitability (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility:

Describe some of the consequences that they could face if they behave unethically when trying to solve the problem selected for the project.

(7 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(2-3pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(4-5pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(6-7 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Information Literacy:

(0 pts.)

No sources used. No elements of APA formatting used.

(1 pts.)

More than one of the required sources is missing from the research. Some elements of APA formatting used. Did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(2-3 pts.)

One of the required sources is missing from the research. Most elements of APA formatting used and/or did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(4 pts.)

Although you provided a well-written paper, you only provided one of four sources required.

Strategic Planning

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 04/29/16

Strategic Planning

Introduction

MovieFlix is an online site that enables individuals to search, stream and also download various genres of movies. It is one of the leading movie providers on the web and it is based on Hollywood. The company ensures that they have a very rich library of full movies and TV shows which usually more than 4000 are. It offers individuals with an opportunity to enjoy fast movie download at a subscription fee.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

1. Broad content selection

2. Great customer service

3. Great reputation

Weaknesses

1. Deals with subscription terms

2. Weak supply chain

3. Weak management

Opportunities

1. Growing online markets

2. Provision of new services

3. Better advertising

Threats

1. Great competition

2. Volatile cost

3. Presence of substitutes

The table above shows the SWOT analysis of the movie provider company. The SWOT analysis shows the Strengths, weaknesses, the opportunities as well as the threats that the company has. The first category to look at is the strengths. The first strength is the fact that the company has a very wide range of content that it offers to its consumers. As earlier mentioned, they offer a very wide variety of movies usually more than 4000 movies across all the different genres. This means that their consumers can enjoy convenience as they can locate all their favorite movies on one site. Apart from movies, they also offer their consumers with content such as interviews with celebrities as well as television shoes. The company also offers a very high level of customer service for their customers. They have a customer service line that is open pen and accessible 24 hours every day. The consumers are also treated with other packages to enhance their satisfaction such as the provision of personal movie recommendations from the site, they can be able to view movie premieres, and they are given the choice of the player that is between real player and the windows media player (https://datafox.com/movieflix). This enhances the loyalty of their consumers. Finally, the company has a very good reputation since it is known as the largest provider of movies which has helped them earn a larger market share.

The weaknesses that the company has are first the fact that people have to pay for their services which are outdated since people can be able to access those services for free. They also have a weak supply chain as well as a weak management which affects the effectiveness of the operations of the business. The company also faces opportunities such as the growing online market. As more people are joining social media site and getting to learn more about the Internet, the company can gain a larger market share. The company can also incorporate other new services to help gain a larger share of the market by targeting other different market segments. Finally, the company can engage in more advertising to help create more awareness and consequently attract more customers. Finally, this company faces threats, and the main one comes in the form of competition. The company faces competition from other sites such as uTorrent, and the competition is intensified due to the fact that most of the services offered by their competitors are free while one has to pay for their services. These competitors act as the substitutes for the services that the company offers. The competition also occurs due to the presence of so many movie stores which sell movies at a small fee and saves the customer downloading effort and time.

Problem-Solving Steps

1. Problem identification

It is important for the team to take time and figure out exactly what is going wrong. The identification of the right problem forms the basis for developing the right solutions to the situation (Aken, Berends & Bij, 2012).

2. Cause Description

After the problem has been identified, the team should try to find the reasons why the problem is occurring so as to be able to solve it right from the roots.

3. Solutions formulation

The team should come up with various alternative solutions from which the best is selected. The solutions should be developed through brainstorming so as to be more effective.

4. Implementation and monitoring of the solution

The best solution picks should be put into action and closely monitored to evaluate whether it is solving the problem as it was set out to do. If it is not then, necessary adjustments should be made.

Conclusion

When a team is set put to solve the problem in the business and in the presence of the above information about the business and the way to go about solving the problem, the team should take approximately three weeks to complete.

References

Aken, J., Berends, H. & Bij, H. (2012) Problem Solving in Organizations: a Methodological Handbook for Business and Management Students. Cambridge: CAMBRIDGE University Press.

https://datafox.com/movieflix

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

Transferable Skills

Communication:

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view. (3 Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Writing is inappropriate, does not use audience-specific tone

(1 pts.)

Writing is somewhat exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view.

(2 pts.)

Writing is mostly exhibits audience-specific tone. Did not fully speak from the correct point of view

(3 pts.)

Writing exhibits appropriate, audience-specific tone and spoke from a “consultant” point of view.

Critical Thinking:

Included a detailed a SWOT analysis with a minimum of 3 internal strengths, 3 internal weaknesses, 3 external opportunities, and 3 external threats business problem (7 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(2-3pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(4-5pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(6-7 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Critical Thinking:

Discussed why they are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Critical Thinking:

Detailed the rest of the steps that they will guide MovieFlix through to reach a positive resolution to their problem. Provided their leadership team with a timeframe for when you anticipate the project to be completed by.

(7 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(2-3pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(4-5pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(6-7 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Team Building

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 05/06/16

Problem-Solving Teams

Introduction

Strategic planning entails coming up with solutions that try to solve existing corporate problems and consequently, increase profits while maximizing the welfare of the shareholders. MovieFlix is a company with an online platform where customers are able to view, search, watch, and stream live music, videos, and movies. Since the company makes profit from traffic generated through the internet only, it becomes increasingly complicated to come up with a plan for this kind of market. However, previously, after carrying out a SWOT analysis of the company and its products as well as its internal and external environment, a problem-solving tree came up. The principal aim of this paper is to develop working teams with clearly defined job descriptions that will spearhead the implementation of the problems detected earlier.

Discussion

Implementation of the solution follows a series of steps, the first step being identification of the problem. Therefore, the first team is the Troubleshooting Team. The troubleshooting team is by far the most important team among all the other teams because it is through it that all the other teams derive their relevance. The group shall have the task of identifying where the problem in the company lies, and describing it in a detailed manner to enable the other subsequent teams to understand. Sources of the problem might be the customer base of MovieFlix, the composition of the internal management, or the external environment that the company is concerned with. Therefore, Rasmussen Consulting ought to pay keen attention when constituting this team due to its immense importance.

The second team that Rasmussen Consulting ought to put in place is the analysis team. Through this group, the consulting company shall have a perfect view of what the problem identified earlier is. The group’s task will, therefore, entail establishing the cause of the problem, the various dimensions that the problem takes, the extent to which the identified problem affects the welfare of MovieFlix, as well as simplifying the problem to enable easy solution. Similarly, as much as the analysis team is wholly dependent on the output of the Troubleshooting team, the former is also the determinant of the success of its successor. Therefore, Rasmussen Consulting should ensure that this group encompasses the best analytical brains, which have an eye for detail that it can gather.

Identifying the problem and analyzing it is not important since it does not yield solutions to the problem. Thus, Rasmussen Consulting should form the Solution Team whose job description is to come up with workable remedies to the MovieFlix problems. Criteria for the constitution of this team must be above board since the results of this team will affect MovieFlix either positively or negatively. The team shall analyze the problems from all dimensions of the customer, supplier, and the industry and recommend specific solutions for the company.

Finally, the last team shall be the evaluation team. The work of this team shall entail overseeing the full implementation of the suggested solutions. Further, the team will keep track of the implementation stages to ensure that change is adopted slowly and efficiently. The team shall also monitor the progress and report to the management at frequent intervals. Therefore, this team is important since it will link the pre and the post periods.

Conclusion

What is evident in the above analysis is that implementation of a strategic plan is teamwork affair. Through teamwork, each team focuses on a particular aspect that slowly builds up towards the attainment of a solution. Therefore, special attention should be paid to these teams, since they are all equally important in achieving the preset goals.

Reference List

Frazer, R., & Oswald, P. (2009) Teamwork! New York: Simon Spotlight.

Gawlinski, G., & Graessle, L. (2002) Planning together: The art of effective teamwork England: Planning Together Associates.

Geyer, Y. (2006). Strategic Planning Pretoria: Institute for Democracy in South Africa.

Budget

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 05/22/16

Balance Sheet

Assets	$ ‘000

Current Assets
Cash in Bank	62,000
Cash Value of Inventory	60,000
Prepaid Expenses (insurance)	16,000
Total Current Assets	138,000

Fixed Assets
Machinery & Equipment	100,000
Furniture & Fixtures	20,000
Real Estate / Buildings	145,000
Total Fixed Assets	265,000

Total Assets	402,000


Liabilities & Net Worth

Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	15,000
Taxes Payable	25,000
Notes Payable (due within 12 months)	30,000
Total Current Liabilities	70,000

Long-Term Liabilities
Bank Loans Payable (greater than 12 months)	154,000
Less: Short-Term Portion	70,500
Total Long-Term Liabilities	224,500

Total Liabilities	294,500


Owners' Equity (Net Worth)	108,500

Total Liabilities & Net Worth	403,000

The firm is faced by huge debts in terms of short and long term liabilities. At all times the liabilities should be kept within the range of the owner’s equity. Preferably the ration between the liabilities and equity should be 1:1 to ensure that the equity can be used to settle the debt. In our case, the ratio of liability to equity is 1: 2.7. That means more equity to the rate of 2.7 times needs to be invested to pay the debt in the firm. That means with its current state of affairs, the available equity can pay to the tune of a third the liabilities of the firm. Elliott (2008) says that a firm is insolvent if it cannot meet its liability obligation using the current owner’s equity.

MovieFlix has a huge debt of 294 million dollars it has to pay. Out of the amount, 70 million dollars is short term liabilities while 224.5 million dollars is long term liabilities. The firm will have to sale of some of their fixed assets to pay the debt. Fixed assets total 265 million dollars of which 145 million dollars are in real estate. According to Epstein (2010), real estate is not directly involved in the operations of the firm it can be sold off to repay the huge debt. On selling real estate, the firm will cut the level of debt to 149 million dollars. The firm can also lease the real state at a cost of 60 percent the original price. That will make the firm realize the 87 million dollars which when used in offsetting the loan it will lead to a remainder of 207 million dollars as liability. Fixed assets that are held as investment come handy in repayment of liabilities that seek to disorient the firm operations.

The firm has invested more in cash rather than stocks. That means the firm is not able to operate profitably for it has a small stock compared to cash (Elliott, 2008). The firm holds an amount of 62 million dollars in cash and a stock of 60 million dollars. At all times cash should be reinvested in more stock to ensure that the firm gets more profits as it tries to convert the stock to cash. It is during conversion that the firm is able to charge a margin which cumulative earns the firm huge profits to enable it to repay its loan and equity obligation. Interests to loans and earnings to owners are drawn from profits that the bank makes at end of operating period. By holding more cash the firm risks losing the money when the currency is undervalued against other currencies like the Euro.

Epstein (2010) says that ratio between current assets and current liabilities should be in the ratio of 2:1. That is meant to ensure that the firm can raise funds to repay short term liabilities when their date is due. By having a times two means the firm can pay comfortably the current liabilities and still operate normally. In our case current assets are 138 million dollars while current liabilities are 70 million dollars. The ratio between current assets and current liabilities is 1.97: 1. That means the firm will not operate optimally after paying its liabilities. The firm risks halting operations when it pays off the current liabilities for they do not meet the times two recommended current ratio for all firms.

The firm will be preoccupied in paying liabilities leaving out owners of the firm. That means owners can be called upon to invest more in the firm not for expansion purposes but rather to meet the firm’s financial obligation on loans. If the owners invest at equal proportions, their shareholdings in the firm will not increase. If each of the four owners invests 73,625 million dollars the overall effect on shareholding ratio will remain unchanged. According to Elliott (2008), cancelling effect in partners’ contribution comes out due to equal contributions.

The firm will not be able to pay dividends in case it makes a profit of less than 50 million dollars. The liability obligation for the year is capped at 50 million in a year. That means when a profit of 50 million dollars or less is made the firm can only pay liabilities. A firm that does not pay dividends to its owners becomes unattractive. The value of the firm may reduce due to devaluation of shares (Epstein, 2010).

References

Elliott, B., & Elliott, J. (2008) financial accounting and reporting Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall

Epstein, B. J., & Jermakowicz, E. K. (2010) Wiley IFRS 2010: Interpretation and application of international financial reporting standards. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

Prepared an essay that included a breakdown of charges and costs that MovieFlix will incur as a result of trying to solve their problem. (10 Max Point Value)

(0-3pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(4-6pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(7-8pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(9-10 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Included a balance sheet for MovieFlix so that they can see a snapshot of their current financial condition so that they will know if they have enough resources to fix their problem right now (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

The balance sheet balanced correctly (7 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(2-3pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(4-5pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(6-7 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: B280/GEB2930

Date: 05/29/16

Database for online selling of CD’s

The main aim of Management Information System is to enable an organization to manage its business operations better. For example an Inventory Management Systems helps organizations to keep track of their records. This form of system is not only used to improve the efficiency of the operations of the organization but also to help make the operations of the companies more effective. For the owners of Movieflix who want to modernize their system and solve the problem of reduced sales, I will discuss a database to sell CD’s online to see if it can solve the above problems. The discussion below will talk about how the system works its advantages and the potential costs of the system.

For the reason of modernization of their organization, the online database of selling CD’s will help a lot (McLeod, 2004). In the recent development in globalization when online market is one of the ways to attract customers, this will help enable online shoppers to access their products. This will help to increase the profits of the organization because they will increase their market. Apart from increasing the market opportunities, this database will help reduce the number of employees that the organization. This is for the reason that customers will reduce in their physical shopping thus no needs to employ many employees.

This type of system apart from the efficiency and the effectiveness that is aimed to bring it will also help the organization to increase their revenue by having a large market. The revenue will increase by the fact that they have acquired a new market place for their products which is the online platform plus the shops that they have opened which has been the original marketing

Platform. Since the world is moving toward online shopping this will help them to help then trap the generation that believe online is the new market for quality products.

The online database will help improve efficiency as congestion in their shops will reduce. One of the ways in which an organization can increase its efficiency it to work with a small group that ensures that each customer is given the time and attention that is required by the customer to help him or her is satisfied that he or she has been properly. By increasing the market, there will be increase in profit which will help solve problem of reduced sales.

However, there will be cost that will be involved in purchasing the system. Since it is a program that you buy it will averagely cost $30. This will exclude the cost of upgrade that will be required from time to time. Upgrade although will have some cost, it is not something that is done on a regular basis thus its cost cannot not be of much effect to the total revenue that will be brought in at that particular point in time. With revenue that the system has the potential of bringing I can say that the program is cheap.

In conclusion, this program will help the organization to achieve its dream of modernizing their operations and also increasing their revenue by the expanded market place in the online platform. From the above discussion which shows that the cost of purchasing the program is much cheaper that the revenue that the program will bring to the organization, I can recommend that Movieflix to purchase this program to help them achieve their mission.

REFERENCE

McLeod, R. (2004). Management Information Systems. Chicago: Science Research Associates.

Total Points Possible

Insufficient/Not Evident

Progressing

Competent

Exemplary

Earned Points

(4 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Paper is not submitted or more than 10 errors in English grammar and mechanics observed. No introduction paragraph, thesis, or conclusion paragraph included. Proper writing mechanics were not used.

(1 pts.)

6-10 errors in English grammar and mechanics. Missing 2 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics somewhat used.

(2-3 pts.)

3-5 errors in English grammar and mechanics, and/or missing 1 or more of the following: introduction paragraph with thesis, and conclusion paragraph. Proper writing mechanics mostly used.

(4 pts.)

Paper meets minimum 2-page length requirement. Provided an APA formatted title page

(3Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

Paper is not submitted.

(1 pts.)

Paper is less than 1 page in length, and/ or no APA title page provided.

(2 pts.)

Paper is between 1-2 pages in length and/or no APA title page provided.

(3 pts.)

Paper is at least 2 pages in length. APA formatted title page provided.

Transferable Skills

Digital Fluency:

Discussed a suggested technology system for the company. (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Digital Fluency:

Included why they selected that particular database or information system and how it will help improve MovieFlix’s processes. (6 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(1-2pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(3-4pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(5-6 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Critical Thinking:

Discussed the potential costs of the system to the organization and how the system will help the company to increase their revenue (7 Max Point Value)

(0pts.)

Content was not included or incomplete, and/or extremely inaccurate

(2-3pts.)

Content shows a basic understanding of key ideas, yet includes some inaccuracies.

(4-5pts.)

Content meets criteria with minimal errors, is accurate and shows a clear understanding through appropriate examples and explanations.

(6-7 pts.)

Content meets or exceeds criteria, is accurate and shows an extraordinary understanding through rich examples and explanations.

Information Literacy:

Used proper APA format and included in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material. Included a properly formatted APA reference page. Used credible sources including, academic sources. (4Max Point Value)

(0 pts.)

No sources used. No elements of APA formatting used.

(1 pts.)

More than one of the required sources is missing from the research. Some elements of APA formatting used. Did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(2-3 pts.)

One of the required sources is missing from the research. Most elements of APA formatting used and/or did not include in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material.

(4 pts.)

Used proper APA format and included in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material. Included a properly formatted APA reference page with a minimum of 2 credible sources including academic sources.