Question
Research 2 –Scenario Assignment (20%)
Check the course calendar for due dates
This is a group assignment.There are two parts to this assignment: 1) a Paper (10%)
and2) a PowerPoint Presentation (10%)both will be on a case study that groups sign-up for.
Purpose of Assignment
This assignment gives students the opportunity to synthesize and apply the concepts learned in this and previous coursework to analyze a real-world scenario. The analytical case studies will improve students’ understanding and ability to think critically, and increase their problem-solving skills. As a result of this assignment, students will be better able to understand, analyze and diagnose problems and strategies related to the workplace.
PART 1: THE PAPER (10%)
Requirements
- Each group is required to select a chapter with a case study from the following textbook:
- Dodd, C.H. (2012). Business and Professional Communication. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. From the course COMM 2312 Professional Technical Communication:
- Students will be either provided with pdf files in Blackboard for the selected chapters and case studies or a copy of the book will be left in the copy center so that students can make copies.
- View the sign-up sheet for this assignment in Blackboard
- Each group member must first read the chapter and the case study. You need to understand the theories from the chapter and apply them in your analysis of the case study. You must discuss the most important elements, issues and/or concepts presented in the chapter and the case study using your own words. Do not just copy down information from the text book, or case.
- The paper must be at least4 pages in length, using double –spaceand eitherTimes New Roman or Arial font, size 12.
- The paper must have a title pagewith the following information :
- Research 2- Scenario Assignment (Paper 10%)
- Learning Outcome Assessment IIASSE 3211- section number
- Name (s) and ID number(s)
- Chapter number, Case number and name of the case study
- You must include the case study that your group selected just as it appears in the chapter at the beginning of the paper.You mayeither scan the case studyand paste it in your paper or you may type it up by hand.
- There are five steps you must use to analyze your case study.Your paper must include the steps listed below in bold as headings in the body of paper. Each section or heading in the paper must be more than 2 long paragraphs.The five steps/headings are:
- Description
Describe (identify) and restate the problem(s) in the case study in your
own words.
- Analysis
Analyze the problem(s) illustrated in the case study. Discuss problems or keys issuesto be solved. Link them to the concepts or theories presented in the chapter you selected.
- Suggestions
Suggest three possible solutions to resolve the problem(s).
- Evaluation
Evaluate each possible solution; discuss them one by one and give reasons
why they will or will not work in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.
- Recommendation and Plan of Action
Recommend a solution and a plan of action that you think will work;
a win/win situation for all.Note your recommendation may include more than one solution.
- Each group should use the discussion forum in Blackboard to discuss their case study, submit their drafts, and submit their final paper so that all group members have access to it.
- In order to receive a grade for the paper. Each group member should then download the final paper from the discussion board and submit it under the menu item “Submit Assigns Here”.
PART 2: THE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (10%)
Requirements
You must prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation on the same case study that you wrote your paper on.
- You will work in the same group
- You group will have 15 minutes for your presentation
- Prepare attractive slides that add to your presentation. Use may use
a picture, table, or graph on some of the slides.
- Explain each key point on each of your slides
- Include the following slides in your presentation:
Slide 1: Title Slide – Research 2- Scenario PowerPoint–course name, student’s names, and ID numbers, chapter number, case number and name of case study
Slide 2: Case Study
The actual case study that your group selected
Slide 3: Description
Describe (identify) and restate the problem(s) in the case study in your own words.
Slide 4: Analysis
Analyze the problem(s) illustrated in the case study. Discuss problems or keys issues to be solved. Link them to the concepts or theories presented in the chapter you selected.
Slide 5: Suggestion One
Suggest one possible solution to resolve the problem(s).
Slide 6: Suggestion Two
Suggest a secondpossible solution to resolve the problem(s).
Slide 7: Suggestion Three
Suggest a third possible solution to resolve the problem(s).
Slide 8: Evaluation of solution one
Evaluatethe first possible solution; discuss it and give reasons why it will or will not work in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.
Slide 9: Evaluation of solution two
Evaluatethe second possible solution; discuss it and give reasons why it will or will not work in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.
Slide 10: Evaluation of solution three
Evaluatethe third possible solution; discuss it and give reasons why it will or will not work in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.
Slide 11: Recommendation and Plan of Action
Recommend a solution and a plan of action that you think will work; a win/win
situation for all. Note your recommendation may include more than one solution.
When you complete your PowerPoint Presentation youmust submit it in Blackboard under the menu item “Submit Assgns Here” and present it as a group in class.
Answer
Suggestions and Evaluation of Solutions to the Case Study Issue
Contents
Introduction
Conflict within organizations is common whether it is for profit or not. Just like Tricia talked ill of Jeff, so may others about their colleagues. The CEO of the organization created a climate of openness to help solve the problem (Dodd, 2012). However, not all conflicts that may arise later will be solved using the same strategy. Additionally, there are various sources and enhancers of conflict, some of which are due to organizational inadequacies. Therefore, it is necessary for the leader to think of other means of dealing with the issue. Three proposed solutions are as follows.
Suggestions
Development of an effective communication strategy concerning underperformance matters
Implement conflict resolution strategies
Implement an ethical code of conduct
Evaluation
Tricia talking about Jeff to his subordinates is an illustration of an ineffective communication and information management. The CEO should therefore assess the current communication strategy and include appropriate ways of handling issues of suspected underperformance. Employees will have an outlined procedure guiding their behavior on such matters. The advantage of this solution is that it will prevent similar cases and reduce conflicts in the organization.
A second solution is to manage the problem and implement conflict resolution strategies. As noted earlier, more conflicts may arise, and listening will not be an appropriate strategy for all. There are other means such as the use of negotiations, compromising, and accommodation, among many more. Additionally, the CEO should implement a conflict prevention culture based on organizational practices and management style. Such a culture will prevent the escalation of conflicts to other employees as it happened in Tricia and Jeff’s case. Employees will know how to respond to looming conflicts.
Lastly, Tricia’s actions were unprincipled. Charles should implement an ethical code of conduct policy that will guide employees’ behaviors on various matters, and not only those associated with conflicts. An organization with employees cultured to behave ethically bring in more advantages than preventing conflict, for example, they improve the organization’s reputation, and build customer trust.
All the solutions presented are associated with the role of organizational culture and leadership in ensuring effective management. Culture instills specific type of behavior that is defined by the instigator to achieve desired goals. Leadership styles also matter when it comes to effective management.
Reference
Dodd, C.H. (2012). Business and professional communication. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.