Managing Groups and Teams

Assignment Overview

Group Dynamics and Teams

We will continue our experiential approach to the study of
Organizational Behavior by engaging in a personal applied case on the
topic of group dynamics and teams. As in module 1, use the following
outline to structure your 4-6 page paper. You may use the subtitles as
headings for your paper.

Introduction: Discuss the topic of the paper and how
you will approach it. It is best to write this section after you have
written the rest of the paper.

Concrete Experience: Begin with a specific
situation/event. Describe an experience with a group or team that was
meaningful to you. It may have been an extraordinarily good experience –
or it may have been an experience that did not work out very well at
all! The important point is that it should be an experience which you
would like to understand better. Be objective and focus on just the
facts: who, what, where, when, and how – as if you were composing a
newspaper article.

Reflective Observation: Reflect upon that experience
from multiple perspectives of persons involved or affected in the
experience. Step back from the situation, look at the experience from
your own viewpoint, and from the perspective
of all other parties involved or affected. You want to look at the
circumstances surrounding the experience from every relevant point of
view. Why did you behave the way that you did? Why did others behave the
way that they did? Did others have the same positive (or negative)
experience? Explain. (Note: your discussion of theories and models from
your module materials belongs in the following section.)

Abstract Conceptualization: Use critical thinking
skills in order to understand and interpret the experience at a deeper,
more generalizable level. Interpret and understand the events you have
described by drawing on the concepts, theories, and models in the
background material from this module. Explain how they apply to your
experience. For example, what behavior patterns can you identify in
yourself and others that are similar to the ones described in the
material on communication, teams, and conflict management? Does the
model of Force Field Analysis (home page) help you better understand why
people behaved the way they did? Be sure to apply at least
three concepts, theories, and/or models and cite all references to
concepts, ideas, and/or quotes that you use from any outside source.

[This Abstract Conceptualization section is the “heart” of your
paper. Using critical thinking skills, provide a clear, specific
discussion on the logic, theories, and models and how they apply to your
experience.]

Active Experimentation: Identify ways to respond to
the next occurrence of a similar experience. What have you learned about
the way groups work from this analysis? What have you learned from your
mistakes? How are you going to put what you have learned to use? What
actions will you take to build more effective work teams in your job?

Conclusion: Sum up the main points of your analysis and the key learning you are taking from it.

Reference List: List all references that you have
cited in the paper using APA formatting. References include materials
from the required background readings as well as any outside internet or
library sources you used in researching and writing your paper. If you
have APA questions, refer to the optional listings on the background
page.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:

• Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all
  aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and
  precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length
  requirements?

• Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate
  graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple
  sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated
  and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does
  the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and
  analysis?

• Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well
  organized and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
  appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are
  paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding,
  or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of
  direct quotations?

• Effective Use of Information: Does the submission
  demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the
  background materials for the module? If required, has the student
  demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of
  relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used
  provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in
  shaping the overall paper?

• Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate
  understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper
  citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate?
  Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the
  assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these
  properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the
  References page?
• Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?

An attitude is an evaluative reaction (i.e., feelings), often based on belief and demonstrated through behavior. In this discussion, we will consider intergroup attitudes by examining stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

To inform your thinking on this topic, begin by reading “Toward a Relevant Psychology of Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination: Linking Science and Practice to Develop Interventions that Work in Community Settings” (Acevedo-Polakovich, Beck, Hawks, & Ogdie, 2016), “Intergroup Contact Theory” (Pettigrew, 1998), and “Summary and Conclusions” (Sherif, Harvey, Hood, Sherif, & White, 1988).

Then, select a group. Possible dimensions from which you may select your group include, but are not limited to: race, gender, social class, nationality, sexual identity, (dis)ability, rural versus urban status, religious belief, incarceration/criminal history, occupational status, victim, military status, and so on. Provide a brief summary of the group and concrete examples to illustrate. Summarize social psychological theory and research relevant to the experiences of members of this target group (e.g., What are the origins of prejudice toward this group? What are the influences on members of this group? etc.), and explain practical, original, and specific strategies for enhancing intergroup relations.

Your initial post should be 500-1000 words in length and must contain a minimum of three scholarly, peer-reviewed references, in addition to required course resources as applicable. Additional credible references are encouraged.

First paper is at least 400 words, APA style with some references:

In this question, you will consider the main competitive moves and select the best one. Select the best one from the text (first mover, disruptive innovator, footholds, blue ocean strategy or bricolage) and describe its major components. Why do you believe this may be the most effective competitive move for firms today? Be sure to support your assertion with real world examples.

Related text:

Chapter 6:

http://jsmith.cis.byuh.edu/books/strategic-management-evaluation-and-execution/s10-supporting-the-business-level-.html

___________________________________________________________________________

Second one is at least 3 pages APA with several references:

After reading the case “Ventures in Salt: Compass Minerals International,” https://mitsloan.mit.edu/LearningEdge/CaseDocs/08-064.Compass%20Minerals.Henderson.pdf

consider strategic moves for this stand-alone firm. Analyze the market and, using specifics from the case study, develop one cooperative and one competitive move. Select the most effective choice and explain why it is the best option. Synthesize a tactic to support the move. How can the tactic be implemented within the scope of the overall strategy? (Hint: Disruptive innovation may be the best way to synthesize a tactic.)

Submit at least a 3-4-page case analysis, (independent of the title page and reference page) double-spaced in Times New Roman (or its equivalent) font which is no greater than 12 points in size. Paper and all citations should be in APA format.

Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy

Worth 150 points

Based on the same scenario as in Assignments 1, 2, and 3, you are now considering additional factors needed for your proposal based on RFP #123456789, dated 07/14/2014, where another local competitor intends to submit a proposal.

Additional factors to consider are:

• Although you have always built in a profit margin of ten percent (10%) for commercial flooring jobs, you are willing to consider a lesser profit margin in this case in order to win the contract.
• The Navy’s Contract Administration Officer is known to be a smart, tough negotiator.

Write a three (3) page paper in which you:

• Determine two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Provide a rationale for your response.
• Determine two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Provide a rationale for your response.
• Use at least four (4) quality references Note: Wikipedia and other related websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Explain the government acquisition process using sealed bidding, negotiations, and alternative contracting methods.
• Outline and explain the process for developing competitive proposals and source selection.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in federal acquisition and contract management.

• Write clearly and concisely about federal acquisition and contract management using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 150	Assignment 4: Negotiating a Contract with the Navy
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 60% F	Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Determine two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 35%	Did not submit or incompletely determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined two (2) potential profit objectives that you will consider for accepting a less than normal profit margin if you win the contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
2. Determine two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 40%	Did not submit or incompletely determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Did not provide or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Insufficiently determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.	Partially determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Partly provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly determined two to three (2-3) negotiation strategies or tactics that you feel would be effective for winning the contract. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
3. 3 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.	Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
4. Writing mechanics, grammar, and formatting Weight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
5. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
6. Information literacy / integration of sources Weight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
7. Clarity and coherence of writing Weight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Imagine you are a policymaker or city council member and are actively
involved in improving the lives of the vulnerable.  Via the first two
written assignments, you have already selected one vulnerable
population, which is in need of a new program or service within your
community. You will research and design a presentation (APA style Paper
or PowerPoint Presentation), which you will present at the next city
meeting to advocate for your special population group.
The Final Project should demonstrate an understanding of the reading
assignments, class discussions, as well as your own research and
application of new knowledge. It must contain the following elements
below and be re-written in your own words (you are welcome to refer to
your previous assignments for guidance, but do not copy and paste from
them):

1. A description of why this population group is vulnerable and in desperate need for help within your community.
2. Identification of the health service needs of this special population.
3. In order to support your claims and opinions, cite statistical
   data obtained from the county health department, state health
   department, and/or other organizations and agencies.

Design a model program or service, which is needed to improve the lives
of your chosen population within your community. Remember to design a
new program not currently existent within your community.  In your
design, include the following:

1. A description of the continuum of care level (preventive,
   treatment, or long-term care) your program or service fall into and how
   it meets the needs of your selected group.  
2. An analysis of the delivery modes of health services to be included.
3. A discussion regarding the multidisciplinary approach that is incorporated into the program.
4. An analysis of the role of legal and ethical requirements in the design of the program.
5. Identification of a minimum of two community
   agencies/organizations you would like to partner with in some way(s) in
   order to implement this program/service.  Explain why you would like to
   partner with these organizations and how can they help or benefit you
   with the implementation of your program/service.
6. Analysis of the current funding sources for provision of health
   services to this special population. Discuss the use of integrated
   funding. Based on your research, identify a minimum of two funding
   sources that may potentially provide monetary sponsorship for your
   program or service.  Explain why these entities would be likely funding
   sources.

Be detailed and convincing in describing the above elements, as you are
attempting to win as much support from the attending members as
possible.

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and
   formatted according to APA style.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6. Must use at least six scholarly sources, not including the textbook.
7. Must document all sources in APA style.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style