Securities and Exchange Commission

Using the corporation you chose from Assignment 1, examine the industry in which the entity operates. Use any or all of the following resources to conduct research on the company:

Company website

Public filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml)

Other miscellaneous sources. Note: the company’s annual report will often provide insights that other resources may not include.

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

Give your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Choose either a strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Justify your choices.

Determine the company’s tangible and intangible resources, core capabilities, and core competencies.

Choose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Assess how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.

Choose two (2) forces of competition that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Evaluate how well the company has addressed these) forces in the recent past, going back no further than five (5) fiscal years.

With the same two (2) forces in mind, predict what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.

Identify what you consider to be the greatest external threat to this corporation. Discuss how the corporation should address this threat. Justify your explanation.

Identify what you consider to be the greatest opportunity presented to the corporation, and discuss how the corporation should take advantage of this opportunity. Justify your explanation

Use at least three (3) quality references.

Using the corporation you chose from Assignment 1, examine the industry in which the entity operates. Use any or all of the following resources to conduct research on the company:

Company website

Public filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml)

Other miscellaneous sources. Note: the company’s annual report will often provide insights that other resources may not include.

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

Give your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Choose either a strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Justify your choices.

Determine the company’s tangible and intangible resources, core capabilities, and core competencies.

Choose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Assess how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.

Choose two (2) forces of competition that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Evaluate how well the company has addressed these) forces in the recent past, going back no further than five (5) fiscal years.

With the same two (2) forces in mind, predict what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.

Identify what you consider to be the greatest external threat to this corporation. Discuss how the corporation should address this threat. Justify your explanation.

Identify what you consider to be the greatest opportunity presented to the corporation, and discuss how the corporation should take advantage of this opportunity. Justify your explanation

Use at least three (3) quality references.

What is the difference between sex and gender

Part one: 1. What is the difference between sex and gender (you may need to google this answer). 2. What is sex discrimination and what groups are protected by it? Summarize the three suggestions of Mannix and Neale regarding managing diversity within teams. 3. How can barriers present for women such as in the military be removed to create fair workplaces and organizations? 4. What are managers to do in cases of “potential sexual harassment”? 5. What type of sexual harassment policy protects employees? Should it only protect women, why or why not? 6. Is history that we learn in PK-12 school years inclusive? Are the stereotypes of women exacerbated because women are put in a box and much of their history is not shared? (take the women’s history quiz at the bottom—submit your results). Do not look the answers up and state if you were taught about these significant women in history. Some of you will say I can not remember the same for men but this is not about remembering it is about women’s achievements being included in history classes that are not specifically “women’s history” indicating that what we don’t know sends as much a message as what we do know. If you are not taught about certain groups contributions to society, what message does this send? Part two: After reading page 178, “Seeing Discrimination” (1) Why shouldn’t organizations rely on people to come forward? (2) Why should qualifications and performance measures be scrutinized? (3) What is meant by “seeing” discrimination? Part three: After reading pages 190-191 “Policies on consensual relationships at work”, explain if you think such an agreement should be utilized in the workplace why or why not. Take the Women’s History Quiz Do not use an encyclopedia, the Internet or any other resource to determine the answers to the questions 1-14 below. The knowledge MUST come from your own mind, and if you don’t know the answer just leave the question blank. 1. First woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S.? 2. First Black woman to become a millionaire? 3. Led the first revolt in Southeast Asia against the Chinese? 4. First U.S. woman foreign correspondent? 5. First African American and first woman of a southern state to serve in congress? 6. First woman to travel in space? 7. First woman to rule as emperor in Chinese history? 8. First woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross? 9. First woman member of a U.S. Cabinet? 10. Considered the first modern novelist? 11. First published poet in American history? 12. Warrior Queen who fought against the Roman conquerors of Britain? 13. First woman and first Latino surgeon general of the United States? 14. What month is women’s history month? Please include these answers and turn in: Did you find it difficult to answer the questions above? If yes, why? If no, why? What does this say about what we learn regarding significant women in society?  Part one: 1. What is the difference between sex and gender (you may need to google this answer). 2. What is sex discrimination and what groups are protected by it? Summarize the three suggestions of Mannix and Neale regarding managing diversity within teams. 3. How can barriers present for women such as in the military be removed to create fair workplaces and organizations? 4. What are managers to do in cases of “potential sexual harassment”? 5. What type of sexual harassment policy protects employees? Should it only protect women, why or why not? 6. Is history that we learn in PK-12 school years inclusive? Are the stereotypes of women exacerbated because women are put in a box and much of their history is not shared? (take the women’s history quiz at the bottom—submit your results). Do not look the answers up and state if you were taught about these significant women in history. Some of you will say I can not remember the same for men but this is not about remembering it is about women’s achievements being included in history classes that are not specifically “women’s history” indicating that what we don’t know sends as much a message as what we do know. If you are not taught about certain groups contributions to society, what message does this send? Part two: After reading page 178, “Seeing Discrimination” (1) Why shouldn’t organizations rely on people to come forward? (2) Why should qualifications and performance measures be scrutinized? (3) What is meant by “seeing” discrimination? Part three: After reading pages 190-191 “Policies on consensual relationships at work”, explain if you think such an agreement should be utilized in the workplace why or why not. Take the Women’s History Quiz Do not use an encyclopedia, the Internet or any other resource to determine the answers to the questions 1-14 below. The knowledge MUST come from your own mind, and if you don’t know the answer just leave the question blank. 1. First woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S.? 2. First Black woman to become a millionaire? 3. Led the first revolt in Southeast Asia against the Chinese? 4. First U.S. woman foreign correspondent? 5. First African American and first woman of a southern state to serve in congress? 6. First woman to travel in space? 7. First woman to rule as emperor in Chinese history? 8. First woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross? 9. First woman member of a U.S. Cabinet? 10. Considered the first modern novelist? 11. First published poet in American history? 12. Warrior Queen who fought against the Roman conquerors of Britain? 13. First woman and first Latino surgeon general of the United States? 14. What month is women’s history month? Please include these answers and turn in: Did you find it difficult to answer the questions above? If yes, why? If no, why? What does this say about what we learn regarding significant women in society?

Discuss on Business Communication

 

Question 1

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When using standardized forms for periodic reports, a _____ document would prompt you for the variables first, merging them with the primary document later.

Select one:a. microb. template mergec. template macrod. progress reporte. problem-solving report

Question 3

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In blogs, levels of authority range from _____.

Select one:a. 100–2000b. 0–1000c. 500–2500d. 200–2200e. 1000–3000

Question 4

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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an online catalog?

Select one:a. It requires a specific keyword to list its holdings.b. It provides non-indexed content.c. It is the best source for primary research.d. It increases a blog’s rating.e. It generates only archaic information.

Question 5

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_____ is an online network of library content and services.

Select one:a. RSSb. Wikipediac. LinkedInd. WorldCate. Kartoo

Question 6

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Which of the following is true about social bookmarking websites?

Select one:a. They are primarily used for blogging.b. They allow users to develop shared vocabularies.c. They are used for primary research and not for secondary research.d. They are invariably the same as listservs.e. They increase users’ blog ratings.

Question 7

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If a user finds it difficult to think of terms to broaden his or her search, he or she must:

Select one:a. eliminate citations with a particular term.b. retrieve citations that contain only the search terms without variations.c. look at the keywords or descriptors of the items that have already been identified.d. refrain from using Boolean operators.e. use the NOT operator.

Question 8

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The difference between before–after and controlled before–after experimental design is that:

Select one:a. the controlled before–after design is meant specifically for primary research.b. the before–after design is meant specifically for primary researc. the controlled before–after design involves not one group, but two.d. the first step involved in the controlled before–after design is the selection of an experimental group.e. the before-after design measures the variables to be tested before the experiment begins. 

Question 9

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Primary research produces new information through the use of _____.

Select one:a. surveysb. periodicalsc. brochuresd. digital publicationse. websites

Question 10

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Which of the following is a source of primary research?

Select one:a. Encyclopediab. Interviewc. Almanacd. Government publicatione. Website

Question 11

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The Boolean operator AND is used to:

Select one:a. eliminate citations.b. add variations to a search.c. expand a search.d. segregate synonymous citations.e. narrow a search.

 

Question 1

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

When using standardized forms for periodic reports, a _____ document would prompt you for the variables first, merging them with the primary document later.

Select one:a. microb. template mergec. template macrod. progress reporte. problem-solving report

Question 3

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

In blogs, levels of authority range from _____.

Select one:a. 100–2000b. 0–1000c. 500–2500d. 200–2200e. 1000–3000

Question 4

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an online catalog?

Select one:a. It requires a specific keyword to list its holdings.b. It provides non-indexed content.c. It is the best source for primary research.d. It increases a blog’s rating.e. It generates only archaic information.

Question 5

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

_____ is an online network of library content and services.

Select one:a. RSSb. Wikipediac. LinkedInd. WorldCate. Kartoo

Question 6

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

Which of the following is true about social bookmarking websites?

Select one:a. They are primarily used for blogging.b. They allow users to develop shared vocabularies.c. They are used for primary research and not for secondary research.d. They are invariably the same as listservs.e. They increase users’ blog ratings.

Question 7

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

If a user finds it difficult to think of terms to broaden his or her search, he or she must:

Select one:a. eliminate citations with a particular term.b. retrieve citations that contain only the search terms without variations.c. look at the keywords or descriptors of the items that have already been identified.d. refrain from using Boolean operators.e. use the NOT operator.

Question 8

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

The difference between before–after and controlled before–after experimental design is that:

Select one:a. the controlled before–after design is meant specifically for primary research.b. the before–after design is meant specifically for primary researc. the controlled before–after design involves not one group, but two.d. the first step involved in the controlled before–after design is the selection of an experimental group.e. the before-after design measures the variables to be tested before the experiment begins. 

Question 9

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

Primary research produces new information through the use of _____.

Select one:a. surveysb. periodicalsc. brochuresd. digital publicationse. websites

Question 10

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

Which of the following is a source of primary research?

Select one:a. Encyclopediab. Interviewc. Almanacd. Government publicatione. Website

Question 11

Not yet answeredPoints out of 2.50Flag question

Question text

The Boolean operator AND is used to:

Select one:a. eliminate citations.b. add variations to a search.c. expand a search.d. segregate synonymous citations.e. narrow a search.

Discuss vagueness or unclearness in role responsibilities and functions

Workplace stress can have long-term effects. Our text identifies the following four areas which can increase this type of stress:

Role conflict: two or more incompatible demands at work or across work and non-work roles

Role ambiguity: vagueness or unclearness in role responsibilities and functions

Workload incompatibility: occurs when the amount of work to be accomplished exceeds the employee’s capabilities

Job insecurity: the feeling that the security of one’s job is unstable

In addition, happiness and positivity can lead to personal success and further indicates the following ideas to increase one’s happiness:

Setting challenging and meaningful goals

Disputing negative thinking and deliberately practicing positive self-talk

Choosing to forgive others and let go of grudges and hard feelings

Counting one’s blessings and intentionally expressing gratitude for them

Visualizing future success

Practicing healthy habits such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise

Thus, hypothetically these suggestions and ideas can be applied to each of our lives. Whether you are working and going to school, or just going to school, they are applicable since school, too, is an organization.

After reading and viewing all of the required resources this week, consider all of the factors related to a person’s health and the workplace, how can you apply the concepts to your own life right now?

Identify at least three strategies that you can implement today to increase your level of success in the situation you most identify with.

Why do you think these strategies can work for you?

What strategies could you utilize to increase someone else’s happiness level and assist them in increased success based on our content?

Overall, consider the past five weeks of content. What do you think are two of the most important factors that will be applicable to you and your current goals? What about to your future goals? Why or How?

Your journal should be a minimum of four to five double-spaced pages, adequately discuss all questions posed, and demonstrate maturating self-awareness.

This is a reflection based on all of your required resources for the week and you will not be required to use additional sources.

Use the rubric to check for thoroughness of your writing.

If using additional sources, the Ashford Library should be used as your primary resource for this journal, but other credible sources will also be accepted. Cite all information from your sources according to APA guidelines as outlined in the

In-Text Citation Helper: A Guide to Making APA In-Text Citation. Links to an external site.List each of your sources at the end of your post according to APA style as shown in the sample page for References.

Project Closure Report Template

Your project is now complete! It is now time to close the project. This is a very important step that many organizations don’t take the time to do. Closing a project involves the following 6 steps:

  1. Get client acceptance of the deliverables (this should be a formal written sign-off)
  2. Ensure that all deliverables are installed
  3. Ensure that the documentation is in place
  4. Get client sign-off on the final report
  5. Conduct the post-implementation audit
  6. Celebrate the success

For this assignment, use the Project Closure Report Template (below) to prepare a Project Closure Report for your project.

In order to prepare a complete Project Closure Report, you will need to assume that you have project stakeholders that have provided you with feedback and you need to include that feedback in your report. You could:

  • Conduct a survey of the various stakeholder groups to gather feedback. A link to a Project Closure Survey is provided below.  In some organizations, the survey might be supplemented (or replaced) with a Lessons Learned / Closure meeting
  • Think through your project and consider your own experience with projects. What is your organization’s process to ensure acceptance?
  • Use the Evaluation Questions in Chapter 13 of the Dynamic Scheduling textbook (Ambriz).

The Project Closure Report should focus on those areas of the project that may have gone well and those areas that may need improvement on future projects. All sections of the Project Closure Template may not be relevant to your particular project and, therefore, do not need to be included, however, please make certain that your report is complete. Please note that if you are already involved in project management and have a different template that you use for Project Closure Reports, you are permitted to use that format for this class, otherwise, please use the provided template.

Here are some sample documents to support the closure process

Project Closure Report Template

Assignment Rubric

Explain the relationship between national benchmarks and RMH data

Explain the relationship between national benchmarks and RMH data

Healthcare Financial Management Association. (2018). Mapkeys (Links to an external site.). [Website]

You have recently been hired as a revenue-cycle management specialist at Raywood Memorial Hospital. Your direct supervisor, the VP of Revenue-Cycle Management, has asked you to prepare a presentation for the next stakeholder meeting. Keeping in mind, the stakeholder group is composed of both financial and non-financial professionals.

  • Complete the fields in the attached table, illustrating national benchmark data, and RMH data.
    • Supply data of your choosing anywhere red text is present
  • Create a brief Powerpoint presentation for the stakeholder meeting, summarizing the data contained in the excel document.
    • In one slide, explain the RMH’s overall fiscal condition, as defined by the metrics in the excel document.
    • Highlight three metrics (one per slide)
      • Briefly explain to the stakeholders why you chose those three to focus on for the purpose of this meeting.
      • Explain the relationship between national benchmarks and RMH data; providing explanations for data that falls short of, and exceeds, the benchmark.
    • Summarize RMH’s “next steps” in a closing slide
    • Include a minimum of three references, APA style, in a final slid

Organizational Communication For Leaders

Kurt Lewin developed a three-stage model of planned change that explains how to initiate, manage, and stabilize the change process (see this week’s chapter for details). Using a previous or proposed major organizational change at your workplace as an example, take it through Lewin’s model to see if you can improve the process (if it’s a proposed change) or look back and evaluate what went well and what didn’t with a previous change.

Kurt Lewin developed a three-stage model of planned change that explains how to initiate, manage, and stabilize the change process (see this week’s chapter for details). Using a previous or proposed major organizational change at your workplace as an example, take it through Lewin’s model to see if you can improve the process (if it’s a proposed change) or look back and evaluate what went well and what didn’t with a previous change.

Discuss OSHA Recordkeeping Materials

 

The objective of this assignment is to familiarize students with the OSHA 300 log and 300A by applying existing Part 1904 Recordkeeping rules. Students will prepare the required OSHA 300 log, and 300 A summary reports for the incidents contained herein. You will have to review OSHA Part 1904 in its entirety to learn how to properly record and complete the OSHA injury records. Download a copy of the excel OSHA 300 log, 300A summary provided in the Module 3 OSHA Recordkeeping Materials folder in Moodle. Note you do not have to complete the 301 injury supplement. A listing of incident facts is provided below for your analysis in this assignment. You will need to determine if each incident meets the recordability criteria of OSHA and properly record the incident on the OSHA 300 log and complete the annual 300A summary.

ASSIGNMENT

You are working for a safety consulting firm that contracts compliance services to small businesses. Your mission is to help ABC Roofing Company comply with Part 1904 OSHA recordkeeping rules for the year ending 2018. The company office is located at 1234 Park Ave, Houma, LA 70360. There are 100 full time workers and the company has a total of 200,000 work hours logged for the calendar year ending 12/31/2018. The NAICS code for this company is 23816 Roofing Contractors. You will need this to look up the industry TRIR and DART rates. The company has provided a listing of all incidents that have occurred during 2018 but is not sure which should be recorded on the OSHA logs. All incidents occurred in OSHA jurisdiction for recordkeeping purposes. You duty is to comply with the 1904 recordkeeping rules and complete the OSHA 300 and 300A summary accurately for the client.

In addition, Mr. Tim Smith, ABC Construction Company President, has asked you to compare ABC Roofing’s OSHA incident rates to the industry average for Total Recordable Rates and Cases with days away from work, job restriction or transfer (DART Rate) using the latest available BLS data. For purposes of this assignment, use the following link to the bureau of Labor Statistics for injury and illness rates published as of 2017. https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/summ1_00.htm

Look up NAICS code in second column for roofing contractors and locate the total recordable cases column and Total column for days away from work, rob restriction or transfer.  This is what you will benchmark ABC Roofing’s experience to as described herein.

Note the incident rate represent the number of injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers and were calculated as: (N/EH) x 200,000, where
N = number of injuries and illnesses
EH = total hours worked by all employees during the calendar year
200,000 = base for 100 equivalent full-time workers (working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year)

In your memo you must specifically include a table and or chart of Total Recordable Incident Rates and Days Away Restricted and Transfer (DART) rates and compare it to benchmark information. From this you should clearly be able to conclude it the company experience is the same, better or worse than industry.  You may need to do some research to learn how to calculate incident rates. Refer to Incident Rate Calculator and Comparison Tool handout in Moodle for additional guidance.  https://safetymanagementgroup.com/resources/incident-rate-calculator/

You will ultimately produce the OSHA 300 log, 300A Summary and create a memo using MS WORD for Mr. Smith that explains OSHA record posting requirements and document retention rules for the 300 log, 300 A summary and 301 Incident report including time frame if any that you have to keep these records.

Here are the cases that occurred. You must determine if the meet the recordability requirements of Part 1904 and correctly record these on the OSHA 300 and 300A logs.  Refer to OSHA website for additional guidance and letters of interpretation to accurate determine recordability of the following 10 incidents.

 

1. 1/21/18– Tom Jones, carpenter hurt his back lifting plywood in the shop and was admitted to ER. The doctor prescribed pain killers. He could not return to work for 20 days and the doctor then placed him on restricted duty for 20 days.

 

2. 2/14/18 – James Jones, a receiving clerk was cutting plastic banding straps on a bundle of 2 by 4 with knife in shop. Mr. Jones was not wearing the proper gloves which resulted in a cut on the left top of hand. The safety coordinator treated the cut with butterfly band aid. Mr. Jones returned to normal duty without future incident.

Note: The determination of medical treatment and first aid is always difficult to determine. For this case, refer to OSHA Interpretations to verify your answer here.

3.  3/8/18 – Susie Smith, Office manager was making bank deposit in her personal vehicle for the company and was involved in car accident in route to the bank and broke her neck. She spent 14 days in the hospital and then could not return to work for another 260 days.

4. 4/20/18 –Billy Bob, construction superintend was walking down a set of stairs at the shop and slipped on the stairs and twisted his ankle. The doctor checked him out and x-rayed his ankle. He was then released to go back to work but doctor prescribed that he wear a ridged boot to support his ankle for 30 days. Billy Bob decided not to wear the boot and resumed normal duties.

Discuss Purchasing And Logistics Alignment Challenge

Discuss Purchasing And Logistics Alignment Challenge

the “Seven Actions a Supply Chain Leader Can Take Today” as outlined in Ch. 5 (page 119) to better align purchasing and logistics as a strategic advantage.

Explain each step and how they will make a difference in closing the gap between purchasing and logistics.

Champion an end-to-end and integrated supply chain organization.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST 250 WORD COUNT ON YOUR TOTAL RESPONSE ALONG WITH AT LEAST ONE CITATION (PERFERRABLY PEER REVIEW ARTICLES)

  • Apply the “Seven Actions a Supply Chain Leader Can Take Today” as outlined in Ch. 5 (page 119) to better align purchasing and logistics as a strategic advantage.

    Explain each step and how they will make a difference in closing the gap between purchasing and logistics.

    Champion an end-to-end and integrated supply chain organization.

    MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST 250 WORD COUNT ON YOUR TOTAL RESPONSE ALONG WITH AT LEAST ONE CITATION (PERFERRABLY PEER REVIEW ARTICLES)

Ethical Issue Analysis

BMGT 496 – Project 2:  Ethical Issue Analysis

Purpose:  In this project, you will assess how two start up companies have come under scrutiny for their actions in operating in today’s business environment.  How these companies are operating are pushing the limits or have exceeded the limits of what is considered ethical and legal.  In completing this project you will have the opportunity to research the two companies, identify stakeholders influenced by the organization’s decisions and develop and evaluate alternatives, recommend solutions to ensure appropriate business practices and accountability occur

Outcomes met by completing this project:

1. identify ethical issues that arise in domestic and global business environments using an understanding of ethical concepts and of legal and business principles

2. develop and evaluate alternatives to, and recommend solutions for, ethical dilemmas, taking into account ethical and legal requirements and the essential mission of the business enterprise

3. effectively communicate to internal and external business stakeholders the complexities of ethical issues, suggesting and analyzing various solutions in order to ensure appropriate business practices and accountability

Instructions

Use the following steps to complete the project.  You will demonstrate an understanding of ethical concepts and of legal business principles and are required to use the course material to support the ideas and conclusions presented.

Step 1:  Silicon Valley Startup Companies

Read the following articles about Silicon Valley startup companies (Theranos, Zenefits and Hampton Creek Foods).  Each company discussed in the articles below eventually came under scrutiny for ethical and/or legal issues.  Since embroiled in scandal, Hampton Creek Foods has been repositioned and is now known as Just, Inc.

Griffith, E. (2017, December 16).  The other tech bubble.  Wired.  Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/the-other-tech-bubble/

Griffith, E. (2017, December 28).  The ugly unethical underside of Silicon Valley.  Fortune.  Retrieved from http://fortune.com/silicon-valley-startups-fraud-venture-capital/

Hartmans, A. (2018, September 5).  The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, who started Theranos when she was 19 and became the world’s youngest female billionaire before it all came crashing down.   Business Insider  Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/theranos-founder-ceo-elizabeth-holmes-life-story-bio-2018-4

Suddath, C. and Newcomer, E. (2016, May 9).  Zenefits was the perfect startup.  Then it self-disrupted.  Bloomberg.  Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-zenefits/

Step 2: Overview of Companies

Provide a company overview for Zenefits and Theranos.  Describe the purpose(s) for the founding of the company; i.e., what problems was it formed to solve and/or opportunities it was formed to exploit, who are the founders, home country or state, management, etc.

Step 3:  Ethical or Legal Issues

You will research each company to establish the facts of each situation.  Once you have established the facts surrounding the decisions made by Theranos and Zenefits:

· Identify and discuss the ethical issues associated with each company.

· Identify and discuss the legal issues associated with each company.

Step 4:  Stakeholders

· Identify the stakeholders associated with each company and explain the impact of the company’s decisions on the specific stakeholders.

· Discuss how the stakeholders reacted to the decision(s) made by each company.

Step 5:  Generate Alternatives

From what you have read, the startup culture poses a host of temptations creating a never-ending series of ethical choices and dilemmas.  Companies are faced with the challenges of venture investors who expect hyper-growth and quick results.  For privately-held companies, self-reporting, unaudited financials is an option as is not reporting, and the media serves to promote an attractive opportunity.  Lastly, it is easy to rationalize behavior when the expectation is that entrepreneurs set the world on fire with innovative, disruptive technologies that promote overlooking rules and one’s moral compass.

Like many business people, some Silicon Valley decision makers need help in recognizing the ethical dilemmas they face when doing business and understanding the need for following rules and setting ethical standards.  You will:

· Generate and discuss at least three viable alternatives to help Silicon Valley startup companies operate and behave ethically.  In doing so, it is necessary to consider the ethical and legal requirements.

Step 6:  Evaluate Each Alternative

· Examine the benefits and drawbacks of each proposed alternative.  Provide careful consideration to the factors that influence the outcome of each alternative.

Step 7:  Recommend the Best Alternative

· Once you have evaluated each alternative, recommend the best alternative that ensure appropriate business practices and accountability.

· Explain how Silicon Valley startup companies will effectively communicate this change to internal and external business stakeholders.

Step 8:  Review the Paper

Read the paper to ensure all required elements are present.  Use the grading rubric to ensure that you gain the most points possible for this assignment.

Proofread the paper for spelling and grammatical issues, and third person writing.

· Read the paper aloud as a first measure;

· Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a second measure;

· Have someone who has excellent English skills proofread the paper;

· Consider submitting the paper to the Effective Writing Center (EWC).  The EWC will provide 4-6 areas that may need improvement.

Step 9:  Submit the paper in the Assignment Folder (The assignment submitted to the Assignment Folder will be considered the student’s final product and therefore ready for grading by the instructor.  It is incumbent upon the student to verify the assignment is the correct submission.  No exceptions will be considered by the instructor).

How to Set Up the Paper

Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document that is double-spaced, 12-point font.  The final product will be between 6-8 pages in length excluding the title page and reference page.  Write clearly and concisely.

Completing the Paper

In order to complete this project, you will want to first read the module, Learn How to Support What You Write, as this assignment requires you to use the course material and research to support what you write.  Also,

· Read and use the grading rubric while completing the exercise to ensure all requirements are met that will lead to the highest possible grade.

· Third person writing is required.  Third person means that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing).  If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link:  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.

· Contractions are not used in business writing, so do not use them.

· Paraphrase and do not use direct quotation marks.  Paraphrase means you do not use more than four consecutive words from a source document.  Instead put a passage from a source document into your own words and attribute the passage to the source document.  Not using direct quotation marks means that there should be no passages with quotation marks and instead the source material is paraphrased as stated above.  Note that a reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa.   You may not use more than four consecutive words from a source document, as doing so would require direct quotation marks.  Changing words from a passage does not exclude the passage from having quotation marks.   If more than four consecutive words are used from source documents, this material will not be included in the grade and could lead to allegations of academic dishonesty.