Day: April 24, 2018

Improvement, Responsibility and Ethics –Continuous Professional Improvement, Part II
FEAP b.5. Identify school-wide instructional goals, and relating it to the content area.

The candidate researches the school’s scores on a state standardized test, using that information on which to inform professional needs related to instructional strategies and pedagogical or content needs. At the end of this assignment, the candidate has the background information needed to create an ongoing professional development plan that is based on the school-wide agenda, student data, and self-reflective practices.

Based on participation in the School Improvement the candidate chooses one of the school-wide goals on which to focus for the professional development area.

RUBRIC

a. Designs purposeful professional goals to strengthen the effectiveness of instruction based on students’ needs.
The candidate provides evidence of the ability to design purposeful professional goals to strengthen the effectiveness of instruction based on students’ needs. Evidence of the specific goal development is provided for a course of study or other activity. Candidate measures to diagnose students’ learning needs. The candidate demonstrates how instruction is determined, based on those needs. Overall, the Candidate shows evidence of providing a course of study or other activity. The candidate demonstrates how instruction is determined, based on those needs. Overall, the candidate demonstrates how data analysis and application drives the learning process. The candidate provides a narrative and graphics that confirm that data are used routinely to drive the learning process.
b. Examines and uses data-informed research to improve instruction and student achievement
The candidate provides evidence that demonstrates the ability to conduct data-based research to improve learning and student achievement. Evidence is provided in the form of a class analysis of data and the strategies that will be used to address the related learning needs. The design and alignment are described in a narrative format and are represented with graphics.
c. Uses a variety of data, independently, and in collaboration with colleagues, to evaluate learning outcomes, adjust planning and continuously improve the effective-ness of the lessons.
The candidate provides evidence that demonstrates the ability to use more than three types of data, both independently and with colleagues, to evaluate the learning outcomes of P-12 students. Evidence is provided in the form of data summaries that were developed, both independently and with colleagues. Summaries are included that describe how data can be used better to evaluate student learning outcomes in the future.
d. Collaborates with the home, school and larger communities to foster communication and to support student learning and continuous improvement.
The candidate provides evidence of a variety of four collaborations that demonstrates an understanding of the importance of collaborating with the home or school or larger communities to encourage communication that supports student learning and continuous improvement.
e. Engages in targeted professional growth opportunities and reflective practices.
The candidate provides evidence of understanding the importance of professional development and states how it can support the development of knowledge and skills needed for the teaching and learning process as demonstrated by statements that point to the need to participate in specific professional development opportunities.
f. Implements knowledge and skills learned in professional development in the teaching and learning process.
The candidate provides five examples of evidence for implementing the knowledge and skills that have been gained through professional development that supports the teaching and learning process. This is demonstrated by specific statements that point to the success of the application of the professional development in the learning process.
g. Applies technology.
The candidate demonstrates how to apply technology to the processes of organizing assessment information and integrating assessment information in the planning process. This is described on a long-term basis (e.g., a semester or academic year period). Assignment is submitted on time.

Personal and Managerial Effectiveness (PME- LSC 5003)
TASK 1
Indicative Assessment Requirements for the Module:
The modern workplace is increasingly changing and many managers find themselves with many challenges one of which is that of managing a diverse workforce. You are required to
a) Apply Hofstede’s Framework and critically examine how national cultures impact organisational performance.
b) Select one business organisation of your choice and evaluate critically the business benefits of effective diversity management.
Include in your assignment five supported recommendations to management about how such processes could be enhanced.

Include the following sub-topics in your essay;
• A title page
• An executive summary
• An introduction
• Literature review
• Discussion and analysis
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• References
• Bibliography

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Maximum Word Limit and Assessment weighting:
• Word Limit – The total word limit is 2000 words.

• Weightage – 50% of the module

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Description of Assessment Requirements

• All assignments must be word processed – handwritten assignments will attract an automatic FAIL grade.
• The assignment should be in an essay format.
• Assignments will be graded on the basis of research done, analysis of the facts collated, stand taken and the justification of the stand.
• All research must be referenced using the Harvard Style of Referencing and a Reference and Bibliography list attached. Improper or lack of either of these constitutes plagiarism and students will be awarded a Zero.
• Students found copying from other students will also be charged with collusion and awarded a Zero.

Assessment Criteria

Introduction-coverage of background of the topic. (10 marks maximum)
? Weak coverage with little or no justification: 1-3
? Satisfactory coverage with some justification: 4-7
? Good coverage with good justification: 8-10

Review of the related literature-Collection of data from a range of sources (25 marks maximum)
? Little or no evidence of data: 1-9
? Satisfactory range of sources: 10-16
? Excellent range of sources: 17-25

Analysis and evaluation (25 marks maximum)
? Weak analysis with little or no evaluation: 1-9
? Satisfactory analysis with some evaluation: 10-16
? Good analysis with good evaluation: 17-25

Conclusions and Recommendations to management (20 marks)
? Poor recommendations with little or no justification: 1-7
? Satisfactory recommendations with some justification: 8-13
? Good recommendations with good justification: 14-20

Presentation, argument and Harvard referencing (20 marks maximum)
? Poor presentation, poorly structured argument and poor Harvard referencing: 1-7
? Satisfactory presentation, logically structured argument and satisfactory Harvard referencing: 8-13
? Good presentation, logically structured argument and satisfactory Harvard referencing: 14-20

TOTAL MARK: 100 %
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Module Learning Outcomes to be Assessed:-

• Introduce students to issues and perspectives in diversity and develop a critical understanding that diversity is not a problem to be managed away, but rather an opportunity to develop greater personal and organisational effectiveness.
• Increase self-awareness in terms of personal perspectives about diversity issues
Better understand the “business case” for managing diversity – why managers should care about and devote resources to cultivating and managing diversity in their organisations
Personal and Managerial Effectiveness (PME- LSC 5003)

Task 2

Individual Presentation Paper (PPT slides with notes) and an Academic Essay – 2,000 words

You are required to prepare your own Personal Development Plan

• Produce PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN which sets out:
1. Your career goals and objectives; identifies the obstacles that are likely to arise; and the actions you plan to take to meet these goals.
2. You need to determine your short-/medium-/long-term career goals and objectives
3. Clearly identify target dates for monitoring and review.
4. Identify ‘three personal skills’ and ‘three professional skills’ required to be successful in your chosen career, and explain their relevance to your chosen career.
5. Conduct a diversity skills audit to assess your current diversity skills-set by applying the MANAGING DIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC framework below.

Your Personal Development Plan should examine critically, the steps involved in developing a solid personal development plan and apply this to your own career planning including appropriate models suggested in the literature

Include the following sub-titles in your academic essay;
1. A title page
2. An introduction
3. Discussion and analysis
4. Conclusion
5. Recommendations
6. References
7. Bibliography
Managing Diversity Diagnostic

CAN YOU MANAGE DIVERSITY?

This diagnostic will help you to assess your diversity skills in dealing with others coming from diverse backgrounds. It offers a template of considerations that you will need to undertake to gain an appreciation of the overall success of your personal diversity management efforts, and their impact on your diversity management skills.

Personal Working Style

• Do you tend to act according to ‘gut reactions’ or instincts when dealing with colleagues or working in teams?

• Do you have a sharp sense of the right way for things to be done when working with others?

• Do you allow for the possibility of a number of valid ways to achieve the same goal? Do you convey your appreciation of this possibility to team members?

• Do you feel comfortable giving negative feedback to someone who is culturally different from you?

• Do you find yourself holding back criticisms more often when dealing with a colleague of a different ethnic background to yourself?

Valuing Diversity

• Do you seek out opportunities to gain a variety of perspectives, even in situations where you believe that you have already found the ultimate solution?

• Do you make extensive use of people you work with and feedback?

• Is your learning from such feedback ‘double-loop’? Do you try and investigate the reasons behind the problems?

• Do you acknowledge team mates’ contributions?

• Do you make good faith efforts to meet your diversity goals?

Managing Difference

• Do you have honest and equal relationships with each colleague you work with? Are you comfortable in the company of each of them? Do you know what motivates your team members, what their goals are, or how they like to be recognised and validated within their role?

• Do the cultural realities of the work environment disadvantage any groups?

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Maximum Word Limit and Assessment weighting:
• Word Limit- Individual Presentation Paper (PPT slides with notes) and an Academic Essay – 2,000 words.

• Weightage – 50% of the module.

———————————————————————————————————————–
Description of Assessment Requirements

• All assignments must be word processed – handwritten assignments will attract an automatic FAIL grade.
• The assignment should be in an essay format.
• Assignments will be graded on the basis of research done, analysis of the facts collated, stand taken and the justification of the stand.
• All research must be referenced using the Harvard Style of Referencing and a Reference and Bibliography list attached. Improper or lack of either of these constitutes plagiarism and students will be awarded a Zero.
• Students found copying from other students will also be charged with collusion and awarded a Zero.
• Prepare a 2,000-word Academic Essay.

Assessment Criteria

Introduction-coverage of background of the topic. (10 marks maximum)
? Weak coverage with little or no justification: 1-3
? Satisfactory coverage with some justification: 4-7
? Good coverage with good justification: 8-10

Review of the related literature-Collection of data from a range of sources (15 marks maximum)
? Little or no evidence of data: 1-5
? Satisfactory range of sources: 6-10
? Excellent range of sources: 11-15

Analysis and evaluation (25 marks maximum)
? Weak analysis with little or no evaluation: 1-9
? Satisfactory analysis with some evaluation: 10-16
? Good analysis with good evaluation: 17-25

Conclusions and Recommendations to management (20 marks)
? Poor recommendations with little or no justification: 1-7
? Satisfactory recommendations with some justification: 8-13
? Good recommendations with good justification: 14-20

PPT Presentation and structure (30 marks maximum)
? Poor PPT presentation, poorly structured argument: 1-10
? Satisfactory PPT presentation, logically structured argument: 11-20
? Good PPT presentation, logically structured argument: 21-30

TOTAL MARK: 100 %

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Module Learning Outcomes to be Assessed:-

• enhance skills for identifying and analysing diversity-related dilemmas in the workplace
• develop an increased sense of one’s own discretionary power as a person and as a manager to deal effectively and constructively with the opportunities and challenges of diversity to gain strategic/competitive advantage

Comparative essay
Order Description
Instructions:
In Heart of Darkness, Conrad writes that the meaning of the text sometimes lies “not inside like the kernel, but outside, enveloping the tale which brought it out only as a glow brings out a haze”. Examine the parallels in the mode of storytelling in Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now (the movie), and evaluate the importance of this storytelling mode for each text.

Hint — you should start with the article on Impressionism in writing — it was reading homework a couple of weeks ago, and is available in the Classroom stream and folder.

Impressionistic Writing and Heart of Darkness

Authors are sometimes grouped together with other artists who share a similar vision or idea concerning how to approach their craft. The impressionist writers make up one of these groups. The most famous impressionists are perhaps painters, such as van Gogh and Renoir, whose works you’ve no doubt seen on posters and even coffee cups. Painters, however, aren’t the only artists whose work is impressionistic. There are several authors who also can be placed in this “school,” including Joseph Conrad, James Joyce, and Henry James.

In literature, impressionist writers exhibit some or all of these characteristics:

• They use a narrative style that is intentionally ambiguous, placing more responsibility on the reader to form his or her own conclusions about events within the novel, rather than relying on the narrator.

• They often describe the action through the eyes of the character while the events are occurring, rather than providing details after the character has already processed the action. The result is sometimes like being in an accident – where everything appears to be moving in slow motion. All of the details seem unclear.

• They’re concerned with the “emotional landscape” of the setting. They’re interested in the ways the setting evokes certain emotional responses from both the characters and the reader.

• They employ details in such a way that it’s sometimes difficult to see a clear picture of events if you focus on the details too closely. Much like an impressionistic painting, it’s only possible to get a full picture once you stand back from the novel and view it in its entirety.

• They often avoid a chronological telling of events. Instead, they give the reader information in a way that forces them to focus on how and why things happen, rather than on the order in which they occur.
The following passage from Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness reflects the impressionist style of writing:

I saw a face amongst the leaves on the level with my own, looking at me very fierce and steady; and then suddenly, as though a veil had been removed from my eyes, I made out, deep in the tangled gloom, naked breasts, arms, legs, glaring eyes – the bush was swarming with human limbs in movement, glistening, of bronze colour. The twigs shook, swayed, and rustled, the arrows flew out of them, and then the shutter came to.(Conrad 57)

Notice how Conrad’s narrator reports things as they’re happening, before he’s had a chance to process the information. Notice also the attention to color and movement. It’s interesting to note that at this point, the speaker is actually under attack. Yet it takes him a few more lines before he realizes this, further enhancing the sense that the reader is experiencing the attack with the narrator.

Adapted from http://www.mrssuevaughn.com/page/page/3921475.htm
Where did literary impressionism come from, and what is the philosophy behind it?
Literary impressionism falls between two schools of writing – realism, and modernism. Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is described variously as modernist and impressionist. Accompanying this handout are handouts on realism and modernism, describing the trends preceding, following, and overlapping Heart of Darkness.

Some further considerations to be made when reading impressionism in literature are:
• Impressionism as a response to modernity
• The role of the visual, and the relation of Literary to pictorial Impressionism
• The relations between Impressionism, sexuality, and psychology
• Impressionism as a rejection of moralising narratives, and an expression of secularism

Organisational Behaviour (MNG82001)
Task: Undertake a Literature Review (max 1500 words) on ‘Strategies for Building Organisational Commitment’. The review is to focus solely on refereed academic publications (i.e. journal articles).
Purpose: As students of Organisational Behaviour it is important that you are able to effectively identify, collate and disseminate credible information on a range of issues that have strong theoretical and/or practical relevance to the field. Such information will often provide the basis for effective planning and decision-making.
Format: The single document submitted for this assignment is to contain the following components and formatting features:
a) Assignment ‘Coversheet’ (document is available in the Assignment file on Blackboard).
b) Assignment ‘Coverpage’ identifying the unit name & code, assignment title, student name & ID, and the report word count (note: Reference List content is not included in this count).
c) Content; i.e. your Literature Review (maximum of 1500 words).
i. Develop a unique Title; one that signals the central theme or focus of the review. Thereafter you can include any subheadings that might help to effectively structure the discussion. No Table of Contents is required.
ii. Both in-text and reference list skills must be demonstrated (use the Harvard Referencing style).
iii. The report is to include a minimum of six distinct references from academic journals. You may cite your textbook and sources identified in it but they do not contribute towards the reference count. Quoting is not permitted. Paraphrase the information you obtain from your various sources.

d) Reference List.
Adopt the following formatting features for the paper:
o Apply page numbers. Page 1 comes after your coverpage.
o Font style: Times New Roman, 12pt, justified, 1½ line spacing.
o Margins – top and bottom to be 2.54cm. Left and right to be 2.54cm. No page boarders.
o Spelling – if using a Microsoft package, specify Australian English language/grammar when running your spell-check.
o Writing and grammar must conform to the standards of a professional report.

Submitting: All assignments are to be submitted through ‘Turn-it-in,’ which can be accessed from the ‘Assignment 1’ folder on Blackboard. The link will be activated in week 4 and you can submit the assignment any time up to the due date.
The file you submit should be labelled in the following manner:
Surname, initial, student code, MNG82210, asmt 1c
For example – Gillett, P, 012345, MNG82210, asmt 1c

BUSI 2701/Assignment # 2 – Business Report – Company Analysis
You are an analyst in the Industry Department of the government of a developing nation (for this assignment, the particular country is not important). Like many developing nations, the majority of your workforce is unskilled to semi-skilled, and your country is trying to develop an industrial base which will provide jobs and help raise the standard of living of the population. However, your government is wary of letting companies set up operations in your country that might harm, or treat unfairly, the country, its people or its resources. A number of companies have recently petitioned your government for permission to set up operations in your country (see list of companies provided on cuLearn). You have been asked by the Minister of Industry to analyse your choice of any one of the companies on the list provided.
The Minister is a very busy person so it is important that the report be written in a clear and concise manner. It will be judged on the factual information it contains, the clarity of your argument and the depth of your analysis. Please note that you should not try to gather data which supports only one side or the other of whether or not to give the company permission to proceed. Rather, you should gather all the pertinent data and let your analysis guide you to the best recommendation.
The report is to be five (5) to seven (7) pages (doubled spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 2.54 cm margins) plus title page and endnotes (i.e. references collected on a separate page at the end of the document). The title page must contain your name, student number and the company you have chosen from the list provided. The first half page (maximum) of the report will be an executive summary of the report’s highlights and your recommendation. The remainder of the five to seven pages will cover the material noted in the rubric below with marks allocated as shown. You must number the pages in your report. You should use the items listed in the rubric (left-hand column) as headings in your report. Submit your report into the electronic dropbox in cuLearn as a MS Word file (i.e. .doc or .docx file) with your last name in the file name.
The report must cite at least six different sources. Information sources could include the globalEDGE Website referred to at the end of each chapter in the Hill/McKaig textbook (http://globaledge.msu.edu), Factiva (through the library), Business Source Complete (through the library), Forbes Global 2000 (http://www.forbes.com/global2000/), the company’s own websites and annual report, the list of databases uploaded on culearn, business journals, business newspapers, and business websites, etc. Be wary of relying too heavily on any one source, especially a company’s own websites as they will most certainly put a positive spin on all of the company’s activities. Do not use Wikipedia. Ensure that all data is cited. Similar to Assignment # 1, the endnotes/citations are to be in APA Style. Check the following library link for help with citations (https://library.carleton.ca/help/citing-your-sources).
In this report, there should be few if any quotes. If you do use a quote, ensure that it is in quotation marks and properly cited. If a quote is not in quotation marks and properly cited, it is plagiarism. MS Word has an endnote insertion tool which works well. You do not need to include a bibliography after the endnotes.
If the report is longer than seven pages, or the executive summary is longer than half a page, only the first seven pages, or half page respectively, will be read and graded. If you wish, you may include appendices at the end of the five to seven page report but these will not be allocated specific points.

Please note that Carleton University offers a Writing Tutorial Service through the Student Academic Success Centre which provides free face-to-face sessions to help you with your writing. This may be especially helpful for those for whom English is a second language. Information can be attained on their website (www1.carleton.ca/sasc/writing-tutorial-service/).
Assignment #2 Rubric

Items / Headings Item % of Grade Description % of Grade
Executive Summary 10 This should be a concise and very well written summation of the summary and conclusion/ recommendation. Maximum length one-half page.
Company Description 10 Should include: the industry or industries the company operates in, the size of the company in annual revenue and workforce size, where the company is headquartered, where the company has operations, the types of goods and services the company provides, how stable and successful the company seems to be, and any major news stories about the company over the last few years.
Company’s International Strategy 15 Should include: the company’s strategy (in your own words), particular regions in which it concentrates, where it does research and development activities (R&D) and why you think it chooses these regions/countries, who the company’s competitors are, what the company’s major strengths and weaknesses seen to be, and does its strategy seem to be succeeding.
Company’s Marketing Approach 15 Should include: where the company sells its products and why you think it chooses these regions/countries, product/service marketing strategies especially with respect to the level of standardization or customization of products/services for different markets, distribution channels and communications methodologies the company uses in different countries.

Company’s Logistics Approach 10 Should include: where it produces goods and services and why you think it chooses these regions/countries based on country factors, technological factors and product factors.
Company’s Human Resource Management (HRM) Approach 10 Should include: any information relative to the company’s approach to HRM in international settings and how this may affect its impact on operations in your country.
Summary 15 An analysis of the risks and benefits inherent in allowing the company to do business in your country. This section must be a logical distillation of most important facets of the previous sections.
Conclusion 5 Your recommendation regarding your country allowing the company to set up operations in your country. This section must be a logical follow-on from the summary of risks and benefits, and state the key rationale for your recommendation..
Presentation: Spelling, grammar and clarity of writing. This is in recognition of the negative credibility impact on an executive reader of a poorly written document. 5
Accurate use of Chicago style citations/endnotes and use of at least six sources. 5
Total=90 Total=10

BUSI 2701
Assignment # 2 – Company List for Winter 2016

You are to pick one of the following companies as the subject of your company analysis for Assignment # 2.

Company List:

• Walmart
• Ikea
• Tim Hortons
• Royal Canadian Mint
• Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
• Renault-Nissan

Comparison matrix paperDetails:
Before beginning the synthesis process, it is important to become acquainted with the analysis and comparison of empirical articles. In the previous assignment, you engaged with the Comparison Matrix, a tool for analysis and comparison of empirical articles. In this assignment, you will take the next step toward synthesis and write about your observations of the articles you compared using the Comparison Matrix.
General Requirements:
Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:
• Refer to the Comparison Matrix you completed in the Module 2 assignment along with the assignment feedback from your instructor.
• Review: Weidman, J. C., & Stein, E. L. (2003). Socialization of doctoral students to academic norms. Research in Higher Education, 44(6), 641-656. Available at http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=11092904&site=ehost-live&scope=site
• Review: Baker, V., &Lattuca, L. R. (2010). Developmental networks and learning: toward an interdisciplinary perspective on identity development during doctoral study. Studies in Higher Education, 35(7), 807-827. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=54329722&site=ehost-live&scope=site
• Review: Visser, L., Visser, Y. L., & Schlosser, C. (2003). Critical thinking distance education and traditional education. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 4(4), 401-407. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12620957&site=ehost-live&scope=site
• This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
• Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.
• You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
Directions:
Locate the Comparison Matrix you completed in the Module 2 assignment. Using the outline you developed, the information from the Comparison Matrix, and the feedback provided by your instructor, write a paper (750-1,000 words) that compares all three of the articles. Do that by including the following:
1. A statement of common elements and themes addressed in each of the three articles.
2. A statement of the conclusions that can be drawn when the articles are taken together as a single entity. What is the overall message of the group of articles?
Comparison Matrix Paper: Doctoral Identity
1
Unsatisfactory
0.00% 2
Less Than Satisfactory
73.00% 3
Satisfactory
82.00% 4
Good
91.00% 5
Excellent
100.00%
80.0 %Content
25.0 %Statement of Common Themes A statement of common themes is either missing or not evident to the reader. A statement of common themes is present, but inaccurate or illogical. A statement of common themes is presented, but is cursory and lacking in depth. A statement of common themes is present and thorough. A statement of common themes is thoroughly presented with rich detail.
25.0 %Statement of Conclusions A statement of the conclusions is not presented. A statement of the conclusions is presented, but inaccurate or illogical. A statement of the conclusions is presented, but is cursory and lacking in depth. A statement of the conclusions is presented and thorough. A statement of the conclusions is thoroughly presented with rich detail.
20.0 %Integration of Instructor Feedback Integration of instructor feedback is either missing or not evident to the reader. Integration of instructor feedback is vaguely attempted, but does not address the majority of instructor comments and suggestions. Integration of instructor feedback is evident though it appears as a disjointed, cursory addition. Most of the instructor comments and suggestions are addressed. Integration of instructor feedback is evident and relatively well incorporated into the natural flow of the paper. All instructor comments and suggestions are addressed. Integration of instructor feedback is evident and meaningful. It is seamlessly incorporated into the flow of the paper. All instructor comments and suggestions are addressed.
10.0 %Synthesis and Argument No synthesis of source information is evident. Statement of purpose is not followed to a justifiable conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses non-credible sources. Synthesis of source information is attempted, but is not successful. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Synthesis of source information is present, but pedantic. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Synthesis of source information is present and meaningful. Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Synthesis of source information is present and scholarly. Argument is clear and convincing presenting a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
10.0 %Organization and Effectiveness
10.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. They are descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and comprehensive; the essence of the paper is contained within the thesis.
10.0 %Format
5.0 %Mechanics of Writing Mechanical errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
5.0 %APA Format Required format is rarely followed correctly. No reference page is included. No in-text citations are used. Required format elements are missing or incorrect. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Reference page is present. However, in-text citations are inconsistently used. Required format is generally correct. However, errors are present (e.g. font, cover page, margins, and in-text citations). Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented though some errors are present. Required format is used, but minor errors are present (e.g. headings and direct quotes). Reference page is present and includes all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct. The document is correctly formatted. In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.
100 %Total Weightage

Signature Assignment: Fictitious Statistical StudyOrder Instructions:
Signature Assignment: Fictitious Statistical Study

This week you will develop a fictitious problem and data set that utilizes specific statistics to analyze the data. The goal of this project is to allow you to demonstrate your cumulative knowledge and to operationalize your learning in a scholarly manner.

Review all course readings and resources as applicable.

Activity Description

For this assignment, you will undertake an analysis based on a self-designed fictitious study that utilizes statistical methodologies. You will first develop a fictitious problem to examine – it can be anything. For example, maybe you want to look at whether scores on a standardized college placement test (like the SAT) are related to the level of income a person makes 10 years after college; Or, whether those who participate in a Leadership Training program rated as better managers compared to those who do not; Or, whether ones political affiliation is related to gender. These are just a few examples; be creative and think about what piques your interest. You might also address a problem that you may want to look at in future research for a dissertation. You will use either EXCEL or SPSS to conduct the analysis.

Your analysis report should include the following components:

Describe your research study.
State a hypothesis.
List and explain the variables you would collect in this study. There must be a minimum of three variables and two must meet the assumptions for a correlational analysis.
Create a fictitious data set that you will analyze. The data should have a minimum of 30 cases, but not more than 50 cases.
Conduct a descriptive data analysis that includes the following:
a measure of central tendency
a measure of dispersion at least one graph
Briefly interpret the descriptive data analysis.
Conduct the appropriate statistical test that will answer your hypothesis. It must be a statistical test covered in this course such as regression analysis, single t-test, independent t-test, cross-tabulations, Chi-square, or One-Way ANOVA. Explain your justification for using the test based on the type of data and the level of measurement that the data lends to for the statistical analysis.
Report and interpret your findings. Use APA style and include a statement about whether you reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis.
Copy and paste your Excel or SPSS data output and place it in an appendix.
Remember, the goal of this project is to show what you have learned in the course. Therefore, this project becomes a cumulative learning project where you can demonstrate what you have learned through all the previous assignments, readings and video presentations that you have watched.

1. Identify the original author who is being mimicked.  Then, review the Rhetoric section of that specific author (pre-reading before the piece itself).  Can you identify these rhetorical strategies in your peer’s essay?2. Which rhetorical strategies are most effectively executed?  Which need to be further explored?  Do you have specific suggestions to work on these?
3. Think about the level of imitating of overall structure.  Is the argument presented in a way that the original author presents it?  What “moves” does the author make to present the argument?
(For example, the philosophers in the textbook do not use the “five paragraph” essay structure.  While that could be a useful approach for some writing, we should not see that structure here in any of these drafts).
4. Authenticity of tone and word choice–i.e. does this sound like something the original author would write? Does the voice sound authentically like the original source?
5. What kind of evidence building through methods that the original author would use are present?  Does the original author’s philosophies come through effectively in this piece?
6. Now look at the essay as a whole: what are your thoughts about the overall execution of style, structure, tone, and rhetorical devices?
Reminder: this assignment should be well organized, relatively error-free, and in MLA format with a Works Cited page.

Discussion questionInterest rates are a fact of life that you will encounter both professionally and personally. One area of interest rates that you may be most concerned about are those applied to credit card debt. Let’s say that you had $2400 on a particular credit card that charges an annual percentage rate (APR) of 21% and requires that you pay a minimum of 2% per month. Could you determine the minimum monthly payment? The minimum monthly payment would simply be 2% times the balance as shown:
2% x $2400.00 = 0.02 x $2400.00 = $48.00
So, your monthly minimum payment would be $48.00. Do you know how much of this is being applied to the principal and how much is going to interest? To determine this, you would need to know the simple interest formula.
I = Prt
In this formula, I = interest, P = is the principal (balance), r = is the annual percentage rate, and t is the time frame. To determine the interest per month on a balance of $2400 with an APR of 21%, you would let P = $2400, r = .21, and t = 1/12 (1 month is 1/12 of a year). The interest paid each month would then be:
I = Prt = ($2400)(.21)(1/12) = $42.00
So, you are paying $42.00 per month towards interest. With a minimum payment of $48.00, that means you are paying $6.00 per month towards the balance ($48.00 – $42.00 = $6.00). No wonder it takes so long to pay off a credit card!
Research interest rates and consumer debt using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet.
Based on the articles and your independent research, respond to the following:
How is consumer debt different today than in the past?
What role do interest rates play in mounting consumer debt?
What are the typical interest rates applied to credit cards, mortgages, and other debt?
Many of today’s interest rates are variable rather than fixed. What difference does this make to pension plans, housing loans, and other personal finances?
Write your response in 1–2 paragraphs (a total of 200-300 words).
Comment on your peers’ responses, addressing the following:
Have the issue of consumer debt and the role of interest rates been explored?
Does the response clearly explain the causal relationship between fixed interest rates and pension plans, housing loans, and other personal finances?
Are statements supported by reason and research?
By Saturday, March 4, 2017, deliver your assignment to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, March 8, 2017, review and comment on your peers’ responses.

Company Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product PositioningCompany Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product Positioning
In this assignment you will describe your fictitious company and provided its background. Then, you are ready to start building the marketing plan with a focus on segmenting and positioning your product and service.

Write a five to seven (5-7) page paper in which you:

A. Write about your company.
1. Write a detailed company background. Address the following items at a minimum for full credit:
2. Create a strategic mission statement.
3. Determine and decide upon at least one (1) foreign market for the product and service. Provide your rationale for this market.

B. Write about your marketing plan.
4. Discuss the potential audiences for a marketing plan and the needs of those potential audiences.
5. Identify the marketing segment for the product and provide a rationale for this segment.
6. Discuss the target market and provide a rationale for this target market.
7. Perform a SWOT analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats) for the company.
8. Create the market position for your product and service. Explain your rationale.
9. Support your marketing plan with at least two (2) reference sources that discuss the nature of the product.

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