***Reserved for Ultimate_Writer**

Throughout the course, you have learned a wide array of business concepts and theories.  This assignment is designed to have you demonstrate knowledge of the material learned in the course applying concepts and theories to a case scenario.

Outcomes Met With This Assignment:

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• identify the critical business functions and how they interact in order to position the organization to be effective in the current business environment
• explain the importance of the integration of individuals and systems to organizational effectiveness
• describe the ethical and social responsibilities that confront a business

Assignment Instructions:

This assignment is the second of two assignments.  In this paper, you will analyze and discuss small business growth in terms of growth strategy, business forms, short and medium term goals, financing assistance, organizational structure and staffing needs, customers and promotion, and ethics and social responsibility. You will apply business and management concepts learned throughout the course to the case scenario provided.

Step 1:  Preparation for Writing the Assignment

Before you begin writing the paper, you will read the following requirements that will help you meet the writing and APA requirements.  Not reading this information will lead to a lower grade:

Review “How to Analyze a Case Study” under Week 4 Content.  You will use the facts from the case scenario focusing on using this information to determine opportunities and solve problems.

Read the grading rubric for the assignment.  Use the grading rubric while writing the paper to ensure all requirements are met that will lead to the highest possible grade.

In writing this assignment, you will read and following these tasks:

Task 1:  Third person writing is required.  Third person means that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing).  If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link:  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.

Task 2:  Contractions are not used in business writing, so DO NOT use contractions in writing this assignment. 

Task 3:  You are expected to paraphrase and are NOT to use direct quotes.  You are expected to paraphrase, which can be learned by reviewing this link:   https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase2.html.

Task 4:  You are responsible for APA only for in-text citations and a reference list.

Task 5:  You are expected to use the facts from the case scenario paired with the weekly courses readings to develop the analysis and support the reasoning.  No more than two (2) external resources can be used in completing the assignment.  The expectation is that you provide a robust use of the course readings.  If any material is used from a source document, it must be cited and referenced.  A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa.   View the sample APA paper and the How to Cite and Reference file located under Week 7 content.

Please see Week 1 Content area – “How to Cite the Saylor eBook” to learn how to cite and reference the course eBook.

Note:  Whenever material is used from any source document, it must be cited and referenced.

Step 2:  How to Set Up the Paper

Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document that is double-spaced, 12-point font.  The final product will be between 7-8 pages in length excluding the title page and reference page.  You may not exceed eight (8) pages so it is important to write clearly and concisely.

Follow this format.  Consider making an outline to ensure the correct headings are in place and to keep you organize the paper.

• Title page with the title, your name, course number and name; date, and the instructor’s name;
• Introduction
• Body, in paragraph form. Use the following section headings:

•            Growth Strategy (Note:  a growth strategy is not a marketing strategy)
•            Business Form
•            Financing Assistance
•            Organizational Structure and Staffing Needs
•            Customers and Promotion
•            Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility

• Summary paragraph

Step 3:  Read the Case Scenario provided under Week 7

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Create the introductory paragraph.  The introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of the paper and tells a reader the main points covered in the paper.  To help you know how to write an introduction, view this website to learn how to write an introductory paragraph:  http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/intro.html

Step 5: Growth Strategy

Phoebe has to have a plan to grow her business.  Read the course readings on Entrepreneurship as well as other chapters in the eBook. Then:

• Discuss the steps Phoebe should take to organize and prioritize her business growth strategy.   NOTE:a growth strategy is different than a marketing strategy so do not go to the Internet and pull up articles that discuss market expansion, market penetration, product expansion and diversification as this information is not what Step 5 is referencing.

Step 6: Business Form

Phoebe currently operates using a sole proprietorship business form.  Phoebe enjoys all facets of owning a business.  Now expanding by owning a restaurant, Phoebe will reconsider the current business form and determine the best business form for expanding the business. 

All business forms have advantages and disadvantages so create a table with three columns.  Label the first column, "Business Form." Label the second column, “Advantages” and the third column, “Disadvantages.” Review the material on business forms and complete the table making sure to cover all business forms and capturing the advantages and disadvantages of each business form.

• Once you have identified several advantages and disadvantages, then you are to discuss the advantages and disadvantages and identify the business form that best fits Phoebe’s expansion plan. Explain why the business form selected best fits Phoebe’s expansion plan. 

Step 7: Financing Assistance

Phoebe has to ensure she has the resources to handle the expected growth. 

For Phoebe to have the resources needed to manage the expected growth, she must have financing in place.

• Discuss what kind of financing assistance might be available to Phoebe.  
• Select the best financing option for Phoebe's business and explain why the financing assistance was chosen.

Step 8: Staffing Needs/Organizational Structure

Phoebe knows that the expansion will require changes to the staffing.  Think about the business and what Phoebe needs in terms of human capital and how she can best organize the business so that she organize every employee and create a chain of command. 

• How might Phoebe’s staffing needs change?
• Discuss the best way for Phoebe to organize, orient, and train her restaurant staff. 
• What organizational structure would work best for Phoebe’s expanded business?  [e.g., vertical hierarchy, functional, teams, flat (horizontal), matrix] to meet the needs of her new business;

Step 9: Customers/Promoting the Business

Two of Phoebe’s main concerns have to do with her current customers, and how she can promote the business with limited funds.  Make sure to read the chapters in the eBook and explain:

• How should Phoebe  deal with her current customers about the change?
• What kind of promotion should she consider in attracting customers to her new location? Be thorough with the responses.

Step 10: Ethics and Social Responsibility

With having only a few employees, Phoebe has never put a lot of thought about how she can ensure her business is run ethically.  At the same time, Phoebe has not put much thought into being socially responsible although she believes strongly in supporting the community and does so by purchasing products locally.

• What are the ethical issues and potential social responsibilities highlighted by this change in business? (Consider customers, employees, the current and new communities, and other stakeholders.)
• How might these issues be dealt with most appropriately?

Step 11:  Write the summary paragraph

Write the summary paragraph. A summary paragraph restates the main topics of the paper.  Make sure to leave a reader with a sense that the paper is complete.  The summary paragraph is the last paragraph of a paper and does not need a heading.

Step 12:  Review the Paper

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

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

• Read the paper aloud as a first measure;
• Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a second measure;
• Have someone who has excellent English skills to proof the paper;
• Consider submitting the paper to the Effective Writing Center (EWC).  The EWC will provide 4-6 areas that may need improvement.

Step 13:  Submit the paper in the Assignment Folder.

Due Date Feb 26, 2017 11:59 PM

Hide Rubrics

Rubric Name: Assignment #2 - 25%

       Criteria 1Outstanding0.625 pointsSuperior0.53125 pointsGood0.46875 pointsSubstandard0.40625 pointsFailure0 pointsIntroduction

Explicitly explained the thesis, established the significance of the thesis, and provided insight on how the thesis would be demonstrated concisely and comprehensively.

(0.5625 - 0.625)

Explained the thesis, established the significance of the thesis, and provided insight on how the thesis would be demonstrated but could be more concise or comprehensive.

(0.5 - 0.5624)

Attempted to explain the thesis, established the significance of the thesis, and provided insight on how the thesis would be demonstrated but lacked detail.

(0.4375 - 0.49)

Failed to explain the thesis, established the significance of the thesis, and provided insight on how the thesis would be demonstrated.

(0.375 - 0.4374)

No attempt at presenting an introduction

(0 - 0.374)

Criteria 2Outstanding1.25 pointsSuperior1.0625 pointsFair0.9375 pointsSubstandard0.8125 pointsFailure0 pointsContent: Business Growth Strategy

 Well defined steps are presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear steps are presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Steps are presented with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - .99)

Steps are not clear.  There does not seem to be an understanding of some of the issues or some of the business concepts are not well  used.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.  Key points missing.

(0.75 - 0.874)

Business growth strategy not covered or does not demonstrate an understanding of how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Content: Business Form

Well defined argument for a business form is presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear argument for a business form is presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Argument is presented for a business form with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply are discussed but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - 0.99)

Not clear what business form was selected.  Does not seem to understand some of the issues or does not use some of the business concepts very well.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.   Key points missing.

(0.75 - 0.874)

Business form not covered or does not demonstrate an understanding of business forms or how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Content: Financing Assistance

Well defined argument for financing assistance and recommendation is presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear argument for financing assistance and recommendation is presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Argument is presented for financing assistance and recommendation with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply are discussed but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - 0.99)

Not clear exactly of the financing assistance and recommendation selected.  May be missing one or the other.  Does not seem to understand some of the issues or does not use some of the business concepts very well.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.   Key points missing.

(0.75 - 0.874)

Financing assistance and recommendation not covered or does not demonstrate an understanding of how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Content: Staffing Changes/Organizational Structure

Staffing changes and organizational structure presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear arguments for staffing changes and organizational structure are presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Argument is presented for staffing changes and organizational structure with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply are discussed but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - 0.99)

Not clear exactly of the staffing changes or organizational structure discussed.  May be missing one or the other.  Does not seem to understand some of the issues or does not use some of the business concepts very well.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.   Key points missing.

(0.75 - 0.874)

Staffing changes and organizational structure not covered.  Does not demonstrate an understanding of how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Content: Customer and Promotion

Well defined argument for change with customer/promotion is presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear argument for change with customer/promotion is presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Argument is presented for change with customer/promotion with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply are discussed but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - 0.99)

Not clear exactly of the change with customers/promotion selected.  May be missing one or the other.  Does not seem to understand some of the issues or does not use some of the business concepts very well.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.   Key points missing.

(0.75 - 0.874)

Change with customers/promotion not covered or does not demonstrate an understanding of how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Content: Ethics/Social Responsibility

Ethical issues/social responsibility is presented with good argument/logic of why.  Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of how business concepts apply.  Thorough attention in addressing issues/no irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Clear arguments for ethical issues/social responsibility are presented with some good reasoning/logic of why.  Demonstrates a fairly good understanding of how business concepts apply.  Good coverage of most key issues/ occasional irrelevant issues/material brought into work.

(1 - 1.124)

Argument is presented for ethical issues/social responsibility with some reasoning/logic of why.  Occasionally demonstrates an understanding of how business concepts apply are discussed but needs more clarification on several aspects. 

(0.875 - 0.99)

Not clear exactly of the ethical issues/social responsibility discussed.  May be missing one or the other.  Does not seem to understand some of the issues or does not use some of the business concepts very well.  Inconsistencies evident.  May get off track or use irrelevant material in a substantial part of the work.  Key points missing. 

(0.75 - 0.874)

Ethical issues/social responsibility not covered.  Does not demonstrate an understanding of how business concepts apply.

(0 - 0.74)

Criteria 3Outstanding0.625 pointsSuperior0.53125 pointsGood0.46875 pointsSubstandard0.40625 pointsFailure0 pointsSummary

The concluding paragraph summarizes the paper and refers back to the thesis statement.  No new information is presented and masterfully concludes with a statement bringing the paper full circle.

(0.5625 - 0.625)

The concluding paragraph summarizes the paper and refers back to the thesis statement but there is no single clear statement.  No new information is presented.  Attempts to bring the paper full circle. 

(0.5 - 0.5624)

The concluding paragraph somewhat summarizes the paper.  There is an attempt to bring the paper full circle but there are inconsistencies. New information is introduced that is not in the body of the paper.

(0.4375 - 0.49)

Summary paragraph exists but failed to tie to the thesis or bring the paper full circle or is a restatement of introduction. New information may be introduced. 

(0.375 - 0.4375)

No attempt to provide a summary paragraph.

(0 - 0.374)

Criteria 4Outstanding5 pointsSuperior4.25 pointsGood3.75 pointsSubstandard3.25 pointsFailure0 pointsCritical Thinking/Reasoning

Comments reflect a highly accomplished level of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reasoning of the case material and case study facts resulting in accurate, thorough, and soundly reasoned conclusions.

(4.5 - 5)

Comments reflect an excellent level of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reasoning of the case material and case study facts resulting in accurately reasoned conclusions.

(4 - 4.49)

Comments reflect a satisfactory level of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reasoning of the case material and case study facts resulting in partially correct conclusions that lack development or detail that demonstrates insight into reasoning.

(3.5 - 3.99)

Comments reflect an unsatisfactory level of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reasoning of the case material and case study facts, resulting in conclusions that are underdeveloped or lack soundly reasoned conclusions.

(3 - 3.49)

Comments reflect an unsatisfactory level of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reasoning of the case material and case study facts, resulting in failure to draw little to no conclusions.

(0 - 2.99)

Application of Resources

Presents exceptionally well-supported arguments or positions with evidence from the readings/experience; ideas go beyond the course material and recognize implications and extensions of the material and concepts.

(4.5 - 5)

Presents excellent arguments or positions that are mostly supported by evidence from the readings and course content; ideas presented demonstrate understanding of the material and concepts.

(4 - 4.49)

Satisfactory arguments or positions are presented but there is a mix of opinion or unclear view with supported arguments using course readings.  Case study facts are occasionally used but arguments would be much stronger with use of facts.

(3.5 - 3.99)

Arguments are frequently illogical and unsubstantiated; Limited use of facts in case study and essential information presented in course readings.

(3 - 3.49)

Arguments lack meaningful explanation or support of ideas.  Does not provide facts presented in case study.

(0 - 2.99)

Criteria 5Outstanding2.5 pointsSuperior2.125 pointsGood1.875 pointsSubstandard1.625 pointsFailure0 pointsAttention to Instructions

Demonstrates exceptional understanding of requirements responding completely to each aspect of assignment including minor aspects of the assignment such as using third person writing, required use of course readings, and assignment format.

(2.25 - 2.5)

Demonstrates excellent understanding of requirements; missed one minor aspect of assignment.

(2 - 2.249)

Demonstrates satisfactory understanding of requirements; missed a key element or two minor aspects of assignment.

(1.75 - 1.99)

Fails to show a firm understanding of requirements; missed two key elements or several minor aspects of assignment.

(1.5 - 1.74)

Fails to demonstrate understanding of assignment requirements.

(0 - 1.49)

Criteria 6Outstanding2.5 pointsSuperior2.125 pointsGood1.875 pointsSubstandard1.625 pointsFailure0 pointsWriting Mechanics

Strictly adheres to standard usage rules of written English using paragraphs and sentence rather than bullets, including but not limited to capitalization, punctuation, run-on sentences, missing or extra words, stylistic errors, spelling and grammatical errors. No errors found. No contractions or jargon used.

(2.25 - 2.5)

Excellently adheres to standard usage of mechanics: conventions of written English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. One to three errors found.

(2 - 2.249)

Satisfactorily adheres to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Four to 10 errors found.

(1.75 - 1.99)

Minimally adheres to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of written English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. More than 10 errors found.

(0 - 1.74)

Does not adhere to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of written English largely incomprehensible; or errors are too plentiful to count.

(0 - 1.49)

Criteria 7Outstanding1.25 pointsSuperior1.0625 pointsGood0.9375 pointsSubstandard0.81125 pointsFailure0 pointsAPA Style (6th ed.)

No APA style or usage errors; Proper citation of source material is used throughout paper; Reference titles follow APA with only the first word, the first word after a colon and proper nouns capitalized.

(1.125 - 1.25)

Attempts in-text citations and reference list but one or two APA style errors noted or fails to use APA citations when appropriate 1-2 times.

(1 - 1.124)

Attempts in-text citations and reference lists; APA style errors are noted throughout document; Fails to use APA citations when appropriate 3 times in document.

(0.875 - 0.99)

Attempts in-text citations and reference lists; Fails to use APA citation when appropriate 4-5 times; or presents only 1-2 in-text citations and reference list in a paper that requires APA citations throughout the document.

(0.75 - 0.874)

No attempt at APA style; or attempts either in-text citations or reference list but omits the other.

(0 - 0.749)

Overall ScoreOutstanding22.5 or moreSuperior20 or moreGood17.5 or moreSubstandard15 or moreFailure0 or more