This I Believe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

This I Believe - Essay Example Truthfulness does not always come easily especially in times of trouble when an individual is placed in a difficult situation where a very important thing one holds dear is in the midst of the truth. However, like any goodness, a person can always decide to discipline himself to stick to honesty no matter what the circumstance be and can bring. A person’s integrity is affected largely by this one virtue and can make or break a person. One’s honesty is to his advantage while dishonesty destroys his future. The story of The Boy who Cried ‘Wolf!’ is one moral story which parents and teachers use to teach truthfulness to children which I believe is a great and vital step in the formation of a child’s character. It is important for honesty to be nailed to a person’s heart from childhood because when one grows old, this will somehow have a big impact in the decision making of a person. As a growing child, I cherished people who simply told the truth disregarding their pride, and I have resolved since then to follow such track. The path I have trodden though did not always make a straight line and so many times I failed myself.

Analyze companie in operation using analytical tools and strategy Assignment

Analyze companie in operation using analytical tools and strategy implementation (Apple ) - Assignment Example This is part of the risk management philosophy associated with their strategic expansion models. These licensing agreements are proactive protections that ensure no counterfeiting occurs and that the business’ software innovations are not duplicated by competition. Marketing is a major social issue for Apple as their reputation relies on positive consumer sentiment about the company and its products. The business uses marketing research to assist in identifying consumer knowledge about the firm and its products as part of proactive strategic leadership. A recent survey targeting teens in the United Kingdom identified that over 84 percent had already heard of the Apple iPhone and 25 percent would be willing to pay $500 for the device (Jones, 18). Marketing research is important when establishing strategic pricing structures for these products when considering the extent of the products’ life cycle on the consumer and business marketplaces. This is also part of management accounting systems in strategic development that â€Å"provide a monetary reflection of enterprise operations† (Clinton & Van der Merwe, 15). It helps the strategic leaders at Apple maintain control over costs and can assist in planning for new product development s based on consumer attitudes. Socially, Apple must consider the business’ reputation related to the buying behaviors and lifestyles of its target markets. Negative publicity is becoming more important and increases in frequency when trying to establish a brand presence in key markets (Dahlen & Lange, 388). This is part of the strategic governance process to ensure that proper public relations are maintained and that the products or the company image is not tarnished by its own actions or the interventions of third parties. Again, this is a risk management focus that might include hiring PR firms and developing a tracking system to

E Government Model Of Public Service Social Policy Essay

E Government Model Of Public Service Social Policy Essay E-Government model through ICT of public service delivery was started in South Africa first time, for the preferred as channel for citizen-centered service delivery. It means to provide quality services to the citizens of its country. In this paper we will study the role of E-government within developing country in the South Africa with the help of case study. First of all we will consider what is E-government? E-Government E-Government (short for electronic government, also known as digital government, online government or transformational government) is a diffused neologism used to refer to the use of information and communication technology to provide and improve government services, transactions and interactions with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. Delivery models and activities of e-Government The primary delivery models of e-Government can be divided into: Government-to-Citizen or Government-to-Customer (G2C) Government-to-Business (G2B) Government-to-Government (G2G) Government-to-Employees (G2E) Within each of these interaction domains, four kinds of activities take place: Pushing information over the Internet, e.g. regulatory services, general holidays, public hearing schedules, issue briefs, notifications, etc. Two-way communications between the agency and the citizen, a business, or another government agency. In this model, users can engage in dialogue with agencies and post problems, comments, or requests to the agency. Conducting transactions, e.g. lodging tax returns, applying for services and grants. These types of activities may be performed but not may be that all activities are performed by all the countries. Some have greater but some have less Primarily purpose of introducing this model is to direct access to the Government. So improve the efficiency of public services delivery in South Africa. This model is based on case study research, focused on one of the governments primary service delivery programmes social grants, as mentioned in case study. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was established as an extension of government delivery arm that administers the delivery of social grants to the poorest of the poor in South Africa. SASSAs Vision and mission is aligned with several Batho Pele principles. Batho Pele which literally means people first. Introduction of this Model Batho Pele Public Service Delivery in South Africa. Batho Pele is South Africas constitutionally mandated public service delivery philosophy. This model ensures that all the citizens can hold public servants accountable for the levels of service receive from government. The expected transformation in service delivery is better comprehended on the reflection that South Africa has only been a Democratic country since 1994. Here we look into background of this model. The path of service delivery transformation formally began in 1995 with the release of the White Paper on the Transformation of Public Service. The WPTPS established the institutional framework that could guide the introduction of new policies and the implementation of the new constitutional mandates. It was shortly followed in 1997 by the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery, labeled as the Batho Pele White Paper. The Batho Pele White Paper specifically aimed at promoting integrated and seamless public service delivery. This was on the basis of the Batho Pele philosophy. Batho Pele advocates nine principles to guide public Servants; Consultation with citizens Setting service standards Increasing access to information Ensuring courtesy Providing information openness and Transparency redress and value for money. On the other hand South Africa, through its Center of Public Service Innovation (CPSI), places significant Importance to initiatives to transform governments way of working through ICT a notion commonly known as E-government / e-governance. E-Government E-Governance The terms e-government and e-governance are often used to describe a governments use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to render services to its citizens. There is a debate in research community about these two terms of E-government and E-governance. E-governance can be defined as the use of emerging information and communication technologies to facilitate the processes of government and public administration E-government can be defined as the use of Information technology to support government operations, engage citizens, and provide government services. In the definition of e-governance, we see that it focuses on the use of ICT to assist the administration and management of Government. On other hand in the definition of e-government we see that it focuses on the use of ICT to provide the services in the support of government operations for the public service delivery of people of that country. The dominant models for e-government find their roots in public management models and e-business models. While researchers of e government differ on the rights, privileges and obligations of clients, customers and Citizens. They generally concur that e-government move through stages to reach maturity. Notwithstanding, the successful initiatives are hard to come by. This realization led to the very important and underlying concern: are government ICT technological innovations adhering to the principles of people first, so to say, are the government ICT technological innovations enabling the improvement of service delivery in South Africa? This case study also tells us about the understanding by focusing on the government agency responsibilities for one of the key service delivery programs the South African Social Security Agency, SASSA. A case study of a government department, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), was adopted investigate the phenomenon of e-government will be studied in the context of Batho Pele. Since the each government service is measured against the same principles that are defined in Batho Pele. Applicability of this model can be drawn to other government units. In this case study the data was collected by different ways, through structured face-to-face and telephonic interviews with people involved in delivering an ICT system to the business units of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Pros/Advantages/Merits of this Model Any thing is not perfect in this universe except God. So every model is having both characteristics of merits and demerits. Similarly here we are using the E-government model which was used in South Africa for public service delivery. We know that it is very poor country and not so developed. So many South Africans do not have direct approach to public services which are supplied by the Government as stated in the case study. Following may be the major advantages of this model. Equally distribution of services Batho Pele aims to distribute the services equally among the public. Not any differentiation on the basis of race, gender, citizen, distance etc. its mean that every one has right equally of public services . Access to information This model also explains that the citizen has easily access to the information about the Government performance and other activities so there may be accountability in such a manner. Quality services Access to information services empowers citizens and creates value for money, quality services. Reduction of Unnecessary expenditure. When there will be e-government so easily information available about every thing of government and government institution. It reduces unnecessary expenditure for the citizens. Questions that can generally be answered during the interview can revolve around what ICT initiatives are being used to increase the accessibility of the service or product and how accessible these initiatives are to communities who dont have the required ICT infrastructure. Providing information Availability of information with regards to products and services should Not only be at the service point, but should also strive to increase the availability of products and services to the public who are far away from those service points The main area of focus would be to increase the Availability of information to the public who are far away From service points. ICT is used as a business support tool, and since the business of government is to deliver a public Service, ICT supports public service. The implementers of these ICT services will thus be measured against the benchmarks of how well the public service was delivered. Thus we should have to carefully analyze the support of use of ICT within the government department or agency. This sensitivity would greatly influence the interpretation of the text collected during the interviews. Cost effective It is convenient and cost-effective for businesses, and the public benefits by getting easy access to the most current information available without having to spend time, energy and money to get it. E-government helps simplify processes and makes access to government information more easily accessible for public sector agencies and citizens. The anticipated benefits of e-government include efficiency, improved services, better accessibility of public services, and Transparency We see that due to use of this model transparency occurred. Due to the whole connected system through internet technology, every information is available for all. Accountability Study approved that due to E-government, there is greater accountability on each and every thing because all the information is available to every one. So public knows the activities of government. So there is a accountability on government by public and other institutions and citizens. Democratization Through e-government the greater citizen can participation upon political issues. They can connect themselves to politicians through internet. This model gives the more transparent government, allowing the voters to see the effect of their representatives. What they are doing and what they are not doing in right manner. Public can become more aware about the government activities and they can make best decision about their future. Speed, efficiency, and convenience E-government allows citizens to interact with computers to achieve objectives at any time and any location, and eliminates the necessity for physical travel to government agents sitting behind desks and windows. Improved accounting and record keeping can be noted through computerization, and information and forms can be easily accessed, equaling quicker processing time. Individuals with disabilities or conditions no longer have to be mobile to be active in government and can be in the comfort of their own homes. This model was accepted warmly, the young people who were not participating in political issues before but now they are too participating is national level issues due to e-government. Risks There are many considerations and potential implications of implementing and designing e-government, including disintermediation of the government and its citizens, impacts on economic, social, and political factors, vulnerability to cyber attacks, and disturbances to the status quo in these areas. Hyper-surveillance Increased contact between government and its citizens goes both ways. Once e-government begins to develop and become more sophisticated, citizens will be forced to interact electronically with the government on a larger scale. This could potentially lead to a lack of privacy for civilians as their government obtains more and more information on them. In a worse case scenario, with so much information being passed electronically between government and civilians, a totalitarian-like system could develop. When the government has easy access to countless information on its citizens, personal privacy is lost. Cost Although a prodigious amount of money has been spent on the development and implementation of e-government, some say it has yielded only a mediocre product. The outcomes and effects of trial Internet-based governments are often difficult to gauge or unsatisfactory. Lack of secrecy Although internet-based governmental programs have been criticized for lack of reliable privacy policies, studies have shown that people value prosecution of offenders over personal confidentiality. Ninety percent of United States adults approve of Internet tracking systems of criminals, and fifty-seven percent are willing to forgo some of their personal internet privacy if it leads to the prosecution of criminals or terrorists. Inaccessibility An e-government site that provides web access and support often does not offer the potential to reach many users including those who live in remote areas, are homebound, have low literacy levels, exist on poverty line incomes, suffer from chronic illness, and are single parents or older adults. False sense of transparency and accountability Opponents of e-government argue that online governmental transparency is dubious because it is maintained by the governments themselves. Information can be added or removed from the public eye (i.e. the Internet) with or without public notice. For example, after the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked on September 11, 2001, United States federal officials removed a large amount of government information from its websites in the name of national security. This act went relatively unnoticed by United States citizens. To this day, very few Conclusion In conclusion we see that this E-Government model of public service delivery is very important, adopted by government of South Africa. This model has advantages as well as disadvantages. This model has advantages of equally information provision, quality services, efficiency in public services delivery etc. but it has also some drawbacks such lack of secrecy, and so many other factors which may harmful for government through this system. The use of e-government as a service delivery enabler will definitely support governments service improvement philosophy of Batho Pele, thus putting people first. Now a days technology has become the every thing very easier, more informative, efficiency and cost effective. Through this model of ICT can put people first, but only if the use of ICT is supported by the underlying business processes. For e government to be effective, all e-government initiatives in South Africa should be integrated. E-government will only truly be effective if it is managed from a single portfolio in government, and not from silos within each government department. Many other countries have adopted this model such as United States. But level of applying this model may vary. It means some are applying higher level and some countries are applying less level of E-Government. In United States E-government model was used The United States Government under the Bush Administration has created a separate portfolio that manages the implementation of e-government. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is developing what it calls the Federal Enterprise Architecture that will manage the way in which the United States Government does business and particularly through the use of e-government (US Office of Management and Budget, 2007) slow progress in implementing a single portal for Government services. It is clear from the case study that South Africa needs a portfolio within its government that drives the implementation of e-government. This will include policy, legislation and implementation standards. This is where the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) also plays a role to smooth the progress of the use of ICT in Government. Components It consists of three components, namely: ICT Programme Management Government Chief Operations Officer and E-Government Architecture and Integration. The case study was focused on only one area of e-government within the public service of South Africa, namely the Department of Social Development and its service delivery component, the South African Social Security Agency. Similarly there is need to done this in the other departments of Government of public service delivery. Which are inefficient as compared to others? And ensure that the use of ICT is effective at all government departments. It is proposed that there is need to be studied at departments that come under the lack of service delivery similar studies should be done with Other departments to ensure that the use of ICT is effective at all government departments, such as the Department of Home Affairs (ID book and passport applications) Department of Transport (license applications and vehicle registrations) South African Revenue services (tax returns) References:- E-Government Public Service Delivery: Enabling ICT to put People First A Case Study from South Africa. By Wikus VISSER and Hossana TWINOMURINZI

The Fourth Strike :: essays research papers

The Fourth Strike In Joe Rodriguez’s article â€Å"Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix,† Rodriguez states that the new proposed legislation introduced by Senator Dede Alpert will make it â€Å"extremely difficult to close down retailers who consistently sell booze to minors.† I completely agree with Rodriguez’s point of view because it will make it easier for retailers to continue illegally selling their products to minors by allowing a â€Å"fourth strike.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In California, the law allows the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to take any retailers license after â€Å"three strikes† of selling alcohol to minors in three years. The new proposed law would allow one of the strikes to be taken away if the retailers train their employees to â€Å"check IDs and install electronic scanners† to read IDs and spot fakes. I feel that this new proposed law is too forgiving since it gives this unofficial â€Å"fourth strike† for retailers to continue selling alcohol to minors. According to testimony given to the California Council, Alpert claimed this bill was a â€Å"prevention bill, however, I feel this is not even close to a prevention bill at all, but an undermining of local prevention efforts to alcohol enforcement groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the enforcement groups that will be undermined by the new bill would be the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Prior to the proposed law, the ABC’s system consisted of under cover minors who â€Å"go into stores and try to buy booze.† Once they catch a retailer who sells them alcohol, they immediately report them to the ABC. I agree with this approach because it puts the majority of the blame on the clerks of the retailers who sell to minors. The retailers serve as the ones most responsible because they are selling to minors and in a way; they have the role of the adult to minors when it comes to selling alcohol to adolescents. During my junior year, I attended a birthday get together with a couple of my buddies. What started was a very jubilant party, then turned into a night run to the liquor store. I remember being embarrassed after my friends pulled off the alcohol run after the clerk let my friends go off with the alcohol without any hesitation. I recall thinking how irresponsible the clerk was to let a bunch of seventeen year old boys off with alcohol and the dangers that it could entail.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 2000, California legislation passed the California Alcohol Control Act.

Writing Proficiency

Abstract The present study investigated the sentence-level errors of freshmen students at three proficiency levels and the aspects of writing that raters focused on while rating the essays. It views errors as valuable information for the following: For teachers, as it clues them on students’ progress; for researchers as it gives them valuable data as to how language is acquired or learned; for learners, as it enables them to reflect on their learning.The data for the present study is based on the data collected for a previous study. One hundred fifty essays written by freshmen college students on their first week of classes in five private schools in Metro Manila (30 for each participating school) were collected, word-processed, and subjected to rating and coding or errors. Most of the findings of the present study corroborate the findings of previous studies on error analysis and essay evaluation—that sentence-level errors have a significant role in essay scores.The ra ters still have the grammar accuracy model when checking essays, although it is just considered secondary to other aspects of writing such as the ability to address the prompt and organize the ideas logically. Introduction Areas of Writing Research Writing teachers and researchers have always set their teaching and research lenses on the variables that describe successful second language writing vis-a-vis unsuccessful writing.Because of this preoccupation, a plethora of research has been undertaken as regards the role of L1 in L2 Writing (Cumming, 1990; Krapels, 1991), L2 writers’ characteristics and proficiency (Hirose & Sasaki, 1994; Victori, 1999; Deane et al, 2008), L2 writing process/strategies (Arndt, 1987; Becker, 2003), L2 writing feedback/evaluation (Ferris, 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003; Goldstein, 2001, 2005) L2 writing instruction (Zhang & Zhou, 2002; Liu, 2003; Chen, 2005; Coombe & Barlow, 2004) and L2 writer’s texts (Zhang, 1997; Hinkel, 1997; Hirose, 2003).In t he analysis of L2 writers’ texts, researchers focus on the rhetorical and linguistic features that impact essay scores in different linguistic backgrounds (Becker, 2010; Gustilo, 2011). These studies are significant in that they help us in understanding the complex factors that underlie proficient and less proficient writing. Emphasis on Essay Evaluation In assessing essays, what do raters consider as more proficient and less proficient writing? Studies have established that factors such as content, rhetorical strategy or linguistic (grammar, spelling, vocabulary) and non-linguistic features (organization, style, content, etc. can separate less proficient and more proficient writing. These factors, however, are weighed differently by raters depending on their background and experience (Kobayashi, n. d. ; Weltig, n. d. , Cumming et al. , 2002). According to Weltig, ESL (English as second language), EFL (English as foreign language), and ENL (English as native language) raters weigh the aspects of writing differently. On the one hand, the ENL raters put more thrust on the non-language aspects (grammar and mechanics) and consider language-related issues as secondary in judging essays.On the other, ESL and EFL raters focus more on language erro Error Analysis As a corollary to this emphasis on essay evaluation, there is no wonder why almost inextricable in the analysis of L2 texts is the focus on errors that learners make in relation to their writing performance (Sarfraz, 2011; Sattayatham & Honsa, 2007; Kitao & Kitao, 2000). Previous studies have indicated that errors do significantly affect raters’ evaluation of the overall quality of essays. For instance, Sweedler-Brown (1993) attributed the low scores of L2 essays for the original than for the corrected essays to sentence-level errors.Kobayashi and Rinnert (1993) found that the same essays gained higher overall holistic scores when the errors were corrected. Kobayashi (n. d. ) also found that lan guage use errors and coherence breaks influenced the English teachers’ (both native speaker and Japanese teachers) judgment in terms of content and clarity but not the Japanese university students’ judgments. The error-free essays were praised as very good, but the error-laden essays were penalized with low scores. Terms and Definitions of Errors Making errors is one of the most unavoidable things in the orld. In language acquisition, learning, and teaching, error has been referred to and has been defined in many ways. Catalan (n. d. ) reviewed the terms and definitions of error in Error Studies and consolidated these definitions using the communicative event framework (addresser; addressee; code, norm, and message; and setting). From the perspective of norm or well-formedness of a sentence, error is regarded as â€Å"an infringement or deviation of the code of the formal system of communication through which the message is conveyed† (Catalan, n. . p. 66). Dulay , Burt, and Krashen (1982 p. 139 as cited in Catalan ) corroborates this definition by saying that error is the â€Å"flawed side of learner speech or writing that deviates from selected norm of mature language performance† (p. 7). Errors are alterations of the rules of the accepted norm and are termed as surface errors which may be further classified as omission errors, addition errors, misformation errors, wrong order, spelling error, systems error, and the like.Also the terms overt and covert errors (Corder, 1973, Faerch, 1984, & Medges, 1989 as cited in Catalan, n. d. ) may be added in the list. The former refers to errors that are not observable within the surface but implied in the message, and the latter refers to those that are clearly identifiable in the surface (Catalan n. d. , p. 8). Benefits of Error Analysis Error Analysis (EA) is concerned with the analyses of the errors made by L2 learners by comparing the learners’ acquired norms with the target languag e norms and explaining the identified errors ( James, 1998).Stephen Pit Corder’s (1967) seminal work â€Å"The Significance of Learner’s Errors† has given EA a significant turn in that it views errors as valuable information for three beneficiaries: for teachers, it clues them on the progress of the students; for researchers, it provides evidence as to how language is acquired or learned; for learners themselves, it gives them resources in order to learn (Corder, 1967 as cited in Maicusi, Maicusi, & Lopez, 2000, p. 170).With this approach errors are regarded as resources for learning and teaching rather than as â€Å"flaws† which connote failure in the acquisition process and ,therefore, needs to be eradicated. Despite the criticisms against EA such as complete reliance on errors per se and not seeing the whole picture of the learners’ linguistic behaviour by looking also at the nonerrors (Gass & Selinker, 1994; Maicusi, Maicusi, & Lopez, 2000), EA has contributed comprehensively to Second Language Acquisition Theory and second language writing instruction. Aim of the Study The present study aims at investigating the sentence-level rrors of freshmen students at three proficiency levels and the aspects of writing that raters focus on while rating the essays. Specifically, the present study aims at providing answers to the following research questions: 1. Do writers with higher levels of writing proficiency commit the same errors that low proficiency writers do? 2. Are there significant differences in the frequency of errors committed by low, mid, and high proficient writers? 3. Which of these errors significantly decrease essay scores? 4. What aspects of writing that affect essay scores did the raters focus on while rating the essays?Method The Essays The data for the present study is based on the data collected for a previous study. One hundred fifty essays written by freshmen college students on their first week of classes i n five private schools in Metro Manila (30 for each participating school) were collected, wordprocessed, and subjected to rating and coding or errors. Rating Three independent raters who are trained ESL teachers rated the essays using a holistic scale patterned after the TOEFL writing section and SAT scoring guides (Gustilo, 2011). Kendall’s Tau coefficient of concordance (. 71, p

Eco 365 week syllabus Essay

Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Differentiate between macroeconomics and microeconomics. 1.2 Analyze the effect of changes in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity. 1.3 Determine how elasticities affect pricing and purchasing decisions. Reading Read Ch. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 of Economics. Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 13 2 Nongraded Activities and Preparation Article Analysis Research the University Library and Internet, and select a recent news article concerning trends in consumption patterns of a specific product, such as gasoline, oil, grain, or coffee. The following article which is located in the Electronic Reserve Readings on the student website is an example of trends in consumption patterns: Note. Do not use this article for your assignment. Hauser, C. (2011, August 24). Sales of new homes fell again in July. The New York Times. p. 6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Write a 700 – 1,050-word paper in which you do the following: Analyze the basis for the trends in consumption patterns, as discussed in the article you selected. Consider the utility derived from a product or service mentioned in the article. Describe what has occurred to change the demand for the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that supply remains the same. Describe what has occurred to change the supply of the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that demand remains the same. In your opinion, is demand for this product or service price elastic or inelastic? What does this imply about how consumers respond to changes in the price of this product or service? Support your determination of the price elasticity of demand with a reference. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. This is not mandatory and is not turned in or graded. Week Two: Production and Cost Analysis Details Due Points Objectives 1 2 2.1 Describe the relationship between the number of inputs and the law of diminishing marginal productivity. 2.2 Analyze the relationship between productivity and the cost of production. 2.3 Analyze the effect of changes in the supply of and demand for factors of production on the price of inputs. 2.4 Analyze the effect of changes in marginal revenues and costs on a firm’s profit-making potential. Reading Read Ch. 12, 13, 19, 19w and 20 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 20 2 Individual Supply and Demand Simulation Complete the Supply and Demand Simulation located on the student website. Write 750 – 1,050-word paper of no more than summarizing the content. Address the following: Identify two microeconomics and two macroeconomics principles or concepts from the simulation. Explain why you have categorized these principles or concepts as macroeconomic or microeconomic. Identify at least one shift of the supply curve and one shift of the demand curve in the simulation. What causes the shifts? For each shift, analyze how it would affect the equilibrium price, quantity, and decision making. How may you apply what you learned about supply and demand from the simulation to your workplace or your understanding of a real-world product with which you are familiar? How do the concepts of microeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? How do the concepts of macroeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? Relating to the simulation, explain how the price elasticity of demand affects a consumer’s purchasing and the firm’s pricing strategy. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 23 15 Learning Team Reflection Production and Cost Analysis Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 23 2 Week Three: Market Structure Details Due Points Objectives 2 3 3 3.1 Compare various market structures and their characteristics. 3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of competitive strategies within market structures. 3.3 Determine profit-maximizing strategies based on market structure analysis. Reading Read Ch. 3, 14, 15 and 16 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 27 2 Learning Team Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Imagine you are part of a strategic planning group at a large corporation that is considering developing a new proposed product. The marketing director has asked your team to do a competitive market analysis to determine the product’s potential success. The analysis will focus on your primary competitor in the product’s market. Select a potential competitive organization and a product in that organization. Write a 1,400 – 1,750-word paper of no more than analyzing the current market conditions. Address the following topics: A short history of the organization and a description of their product Factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market in which the competitor organization operates: Define the market for your chosen product, including an analysis of its competitors, potential customers, or potential buyers. Any issues or opportunities your organization or industry faces that affect its competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to your product: This may include, but is not limited, to the following elements. Price elasticity of demand Technological innovation The relationship between the amount of labor & capital employed and the law of diminishing marginal productivity Cost structure Factors affecting variable costs, including productivity and others that change the supply of and demand for labor Factors affecting fixed costs Make recommendations on how your organization can maximize their profit-making potential, and successfully compete in the new market. Consider the effect your recommendations may have on marginal revenues and costs. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 30 12 Learning Team Reflection Market Structure Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 30 2 Week Four: Public Policy in Economics Details Due Points Objectives 4 4 4.1 Analyze the effect of externalities on market outcomes. 4.2 Differentiate among horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate mergers. 4.3 Analyze the effect of government interventions, taxation, and regulations on economic behavior. Reading Read Ch. 8, 18, 21 and 21w of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday October 4 2 Individual Differentiating Between Market Structures For this assignment, you will choose from the following options: Differentiating Between Market Structures in an Organization of Your Choice Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Differentiating Between Market Structures located on the student website. You also need to complete the Market structures table for each of the different markets. Monday October 7 15 Learning Team Reflection Public Policy in Economics Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday October 7 2 Week Five: Global Competition Details Due Points Objectives 5 5 5.1 Determine the effect of global competition on an organization’s strategies for maximizing profits. 5.2 Analyze the effect of global competition on the relationship between management and labor. Reading Read Ch. 2 of Economics. Reading Read Ch. 9, 17, 22 and 23 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. Individual Final Examination Resource: Economics Click the link to the Final Examination on the student website available from the end of Week Four through the end of Week Five. Complete the Final Examination. You have one attempt to complete the exam, which is timed and must be completed in 3 hours. Results are auto-graded and sent to your instructor. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Competitive Strategies and Government Policies Management has recognized the effect of changes in the real-world competitive environment and government policies on other industries and anticipates similar events occurring in their industry, so they ask you for a report considering the following points. Write 1,400 – 1,750-word paper in which you describe how each of the following are or potentially will affect your industry or one with which you are familiar: New companies entering the market, mergers, and globalization, on pricing and the sustainability of profits: Identify the type of merger activity in your industry or one with which you are familiar–horizontal, vertical, or conglomerate–and explain why you made that choice. Current and expected government policies and regulations, including taxes and regulations in place to address issues related to externalities Global competition on the decisions made by management with regards to change in labor demand, supply, relations, unions, and rules and regulations in your chosen industry Recommend how the industry you chose may respond to each of the previous points. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Reflection Global Competition Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Oct 14 2 Copyright University of Phoenix ® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. 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