http://www.capstonex.com/writing-resources.html MT490 Unit 1 Assignment Examples These examples are intended to help you “see” the way you need to complete the Assignment yourself, using your own words and ideas. Copying any portion of the examples is considered plagiarism, so it is important not to copy the words and ideas in the examples, but rather use them as a guide to support your understanding of the components, the structure, and the underlying principles that support writing these types of essays. Introduction: The process of experiential learning requires an intern/extern to put the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors learned in a formal educational setting, into practice. This is called putting "Theory to Practice." In the courses you completed throughout your degree plan, you learned many theories and concepts and attained knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors at various levels of rigor. Now, it is time for you to put what you know and can do into action for your intern/externship employer. Upon application of the theoretical and conceptual knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors, you will return to the academic setting to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, ideas, observations, emotions, etc. by putting "Practice to Theory". Your ability to put "Theory to Practice" and "Practice to Theory" is the essence of your experiential learning journey here at Kaplan University. The two-steps in the process of experiential learning are described as follows: 1. Theory to Practice: This is the process of practically applying learned knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors in a real world setting. As stated by Dunmade (2013), theories are verified empirical truths that may be used in application, by practitioners, as a point of reference when making decisions and thinking critically about a topic. Throughout your experiential learning journey, you will put theory to practice while working for your intern/externship employer. However, as part of the learning process, it is also important to reflect on your experiences in applying theory to practice. This learning process is called going from "practice to theory." 2. Practice to Theory: This is the process of academically reflecting on experiences related to the application of knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors in connection with research. From an academic standpoint, the process of applying knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors in a real world setting is not complete without the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of your experiences in connection with viable research sources. In this reflective exercise, interns/externs are expected to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate practical experiences with research sources found within the Kaplan University library, textbooks, or other sources deemed acceptable. A best practice would be to connect your experiences with research in consideration of the topics.

1. http://www.capstonex.com/writing-resources.html
MT490 Unit 1 Assignment Examples
These examples are intended to help you “see” the way you
need to complete the
Assignment yourself, using your own words and ideas. Copying
any portion of
the examples is considered plagiarism, so it is important not to
copy the words
and ideas in the examples, but rather use them as a guide to
support your
understanding of the components, the structure, and the
underlying principles
that support writing these types of essays.
Introduction:
The process of experiential learning requires an intern/extern to
put the knowledge,
skills, abilities, and behaviors learned in a formal educational
setting, into practice. This
is called putting "Theory to Practice." In the courses you
completed throughout your
degree plan, you learned many theories and concepts and
attained knowledge, skills,

2. abilities, and behaviors at various levels of rigor. Now, it is
time for you to put what you
know and can do into action for your intern/externship
employer. Upon application of the
theoretical and conceptual knowledge, skills, abilities, and
behaviors, you will return to
the academic setting to reflect on your experiences, thoughts,
ideas, observations,
emotions, etc. by putting "Practice to Theory". Your ability to
put "Theory to Practice"
and "Practice to Theory" is the essence of your experiential
learning journey here at
Kaplan University. The two-steps in the process of experiential
learning are described
as follows:
1. Theory to Practice: This is the process of practically applying
learned knowledge,
skills, abilities, and behaviors in a real world setting. As stated
by Dunmade (2013),
theories are verified empirical truths that may be used in
application, by practitioners, as
a point of reference when making decisions and thinking
critically about a topic.
Throughout your experiential learning journey, you will put
theory to practice while
working for your intern/externship employer. However, as part
of the learning process, it
is also important to reflect on your experiences in applying
theory to practice. This
learning process is called going from "practice to theory."
2. Practice to Theory: This is the process of academically
reflecting on experiences
related to the application of knowledge, skills, abilities, and
behaviors in connection with

3. research. From an academic standpoint, the process of applying
knowledge, skills,
abilities, and behaviors in a real world setting is not complete
without
the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of your experiences in
connection with viable
research sources. In this reflective exercise, interns/externs are
expected to
analyze, synthesize, and evaluate practical experiences with
research sources found
within the Kaplan University library, textbooks, or other
sources deemed acceptable. A
best practice would be to connect your experiences with
research in consideration of
the topics contained within the Course Outcomes and
Professional Competencies.
Below, please find several examples of putting "Theory to
Practice" and "Practice to
Theory" to help you understand how it is accomplished in
written communication.
References:
Dunmade, I. (2013). Effectiveness of Term Projects in Helping
Students to Connect
Theory with Practice: an Evaluation of Students’ Perspectives.
Retrieved from:
http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.edu.20
130201.11.pdf
Example of Theory to Practice:

4. 1. This is an example of how to address stress management from
a "Theory to Practice"
perspective in your written communications:
Early in my course work here at Kaplan University, I
learned about the
Transactional Stress Theory. The transactional stress theory
suggests that individuals
may react differently to stressful situations because of the
different ways information is
processed. This is particularly the case when considering
differences in how individuals
perceive, experience, and manage feelings under stressful
conditions and deadlines
(Yuntao, 2014). This theory is relevant to my professional
development process in this
course. My experiences in week 5 of the course triggered my
interest in this topic. Due
to the high stress environment at my place of employment, I
find it essential to assess
the way I react under stress situations, especially when
receiving spontaneous
demands from my managers. Over the next 10 hours of work
next week, I will monitor
and take notes of my reactions to stress and deadlines to
identify how I may improve
my behaviors (such as my temper), body language, and verbal
responsiveness. This
will surely be a valuable learning experience.
References:
Yuntao, D., Myeong-GU, S., & Bartol, K. M. (2014). No Pain,
No Gain: An Affect-based
Model of Developmental Job Experience and the Buffering

5. Effects of Emotional
Intelligence. Academy Of Management Journal, 57(4), 1056.
doi:10.5465/amj.2011.0687
2. This example addresses Time Management, using a concept
from a textbook used in
a Kaplan university course.
Over the past three weeks, I was assigned to shadow three
different supervisors
that oversee production in the manufacturing plant. I observed
that all three supervisors
hold hour-long meetings with their direct reports on a weekly
basis. In all three
meetings, each supervisor covered the same exact safety
protocol as a mandatory
training exercise. After each meeting, I discussed the purpose of
such training with each
supervisor. Each complained that they were unable to cover
important issues and topics
because of the required training. I observed several other
instances where efforts are
being duplicated in the manufacturing plant. Such duplication of
efforts can negatively
http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.edu.20
130201.11.pdf
impact efficiency and productiveness in any business, which is
the reason for planning
and organizing labor and resources as precisely as possible. As
indicated by Bateman
and Snell (2009), “Within an organization’s structure,

6. differentiation is created through
division of labor and job specialization” (pg. 128). In the
coming week of work with my
externship employer, I plan to discuss with leadership, several
observations where
duplication of efforts may be negatively affecting efficiency
and productiveness in the
business.
References:
Bateman, T.S. & Snell, S.A. (2009). Management. New York,
NY. McGraw Hill Irwin
Example of Practice to Theory:
1. This is an example of how to reflect on ethical practices in
your intern/externship
place of employment in connection with research.
The culture of KapConsulting is influenced by the
application of the consequential
ethical theory by intern leadership. According to Holsinger
(2013), “A consequential
theory judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on
the consequences that
action has” (p. 1). For example, KapConsulting leadership has
gone through great
measures in making all interns aware of the consequences of
committing plagiarism by
providing information relating to what it is and why it’s
important not to do it, in the
Employee Handbook. They know the importance of doing
what’s right from an
ethical standpoint, so this is why they continue to encourage us
to give credit to the
author that deserves it, to ensure no one has to directly or

7. indirectly suffer the
consequences of poor choices or actions.
Holsinger, K. (2013). Consequentialist vs. non-consequentialist
theories of ethics.
Retrieved from: http://darwin.eeb.uconn.edu/eeb310/lecture-
notes/value-
ethics/node3.html
2. This is an example of how to reflect on the organizational
planning efforts of the
business in connection with research.
Planning provides direction and strengthens confidence
in understanding where
the organization is heading and provides opportunities along the
way to analyze
alternative courses of actions if needed. By planning, an
organization reduces
uncertainties, minimizes impulsive decision making and brings
about effective
integration of the decisions and activities of the managers.
Business planning is much
more than just forecasting future events and activities. It is a
formal, intellectual and
standardized process through which management conceives of
and prepares for the
business’s future (Steiner, 1997).
As information regarding KapConsulting and what projects and
activities are in the
pipeline have not been discussed with my department I am not
sure what the plan is
now regarding getting more clients, assisting existing clients
with their needs, etc. If this

8. http://darwin.eeb.uconn.edu/eeb310/lecture-notes/value-
ethics/node3.html
http://darwin.eeb.uconn.edu/eeb310/lecture-notes/value-
ethics/node3.html
information has been shared with others in management, it has
not been shared with
the IT team members during our team meetings. These are
things that need to be
discussed so that new interns coming into the organization can
have a sense of
direction, which will strengthen their understanding of what
KapConsulting is and what
they do.
When developing and using planning and control within an
organization, management
must be vigilant and consistent in reviewing the plans since
they are made in the
present about things that will happen in the future (Porter,
1980). KapConsulting
management needs to remember that the environment is
constantly changing and they
need to seek improvement with each new class of interns and
educate the entire
organization so that everyone is confident in where the
organization is heading. By
educating the new interns on what is going on within the
organization and what the
plans for KapConsulting are for the future, everyone will strive
to improve the process
and help make KapConsulting a successful, profitable
organization that provides a
service to the community and to future students of Kaplan
University.

9. References:
Porter, Michael E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for
Analyzing Industries
and Competitors. New York: Free Press.
Steiner, George A. (1997). Strategic Planning: What Every
Manager Must Know. New
York: Free Press.
Unit 1 [MT490 Career Engagement]
Page 1 of 4
Assignment Details and Rubric
Reflective Essay
The purpose of this Assignment is to connect theory to practice.
You will connect what you did this
past week with the course outcomes and professional
competencies listed in the Unit 1 Assignment
Rubric.
In your reflective essay, report on your experiences and
observations, both positive and negative,
connecting practice to the theory of the specific course
outcomes and specific professional

10. competencies you practiced in week one. Elaborate on how and
why you feel you practiced the
course outcomes and professional competencies in conjunction
with theories and concepts from your
research. Evaluate the business processes you were involved in
this week and offer
recommendations for possible improvement. Support your essay
with at least 3 credible references.
View examples of connecting theory to practice.
Requirements:
1. Based on your internship/externship experiences in Week 1,
report on your experiences and
observations connecting practice to the theory of specific course
outcomes (see MT490-1 to
MT490-6) and specific professional competencies (see PC 1.1 to
PC 6.3) in a reflective essay.
2. Evaluate the business process and professional competencies
practiced and offer
recommendations for possible improvement.
3. Use the Kaplan Library to research credible resources to
support your essay and list at least 3
references.
4. Your reflective essay should be 2-3 pages in length, 12 pt.
Times Roman type, double spaced,
APA formatting and citation style.
5. Provide a minimum of 3 references to support your essay.
6. Submit to the Unit 1: Assignment Dropbox.

11. 7. Visit the Kaplan Writing Center for assistance on reflective
essay writing.
If you find yourself working with confidential matters, you
should not mention the real names of the
parties. You should omit or fabricate names as needed.
Course Outcomes
MT490-1: Evaluate information management, planning, and
control in business environments.
MT490-2: Analyze organizational processes and procedures in a
variety of business settings.
MT490-3: Synthesize appropriate principles, concepts, and
frameworks for making ethical decisions.
MT490-4: Assess the roles that structure, management, and
leadership play in organizational
performance.
MT490-5: Evaluate how economics, government, and law affect
value creation in the global context
MT490-6: Evaluate career skills in the field of business and
management
http://extmedia.kaplan.edu/business/MT490/MT490_1405B/Assi
gnment_Rubric/MT490_Unit__Assignment_connecting_Theory_
to_Practice.pdf
https://kucampus.kaplan.edu/DocumentStore/Docs11/pdf/WC/Re
flective_Writing_DM.pdf
Unit 1 [MT490 Career Engagement]

12. Page 2 of 4
Professional Competencies
PC -1: Teamwork: Work in teams to achieve collective goals.
PC 1.1: Engage in a team setting with professional integrity and
respect.
PC 1.2: Contribute to team goals and objectives through active
participation and
collaboration.
PC 1.3: Apply conflict management skills to resolve issues
and/or build team alliances.
PC-2: Leadership: Demonstrate leadership knowledge, skills,
and abilities to successfully lead
teams within one's profession.
PC 2.1: Achieve goals through planning and prioritization.
PC 2.2: Formulate innovative solutions for identified initiatives.
PC 2.3: Demonstrate integrity through the application of
relevant codes of conduct and social
responsibility within one's profession.
PC 2.4: Develop an inspirational vision or mission.
PC 2.5: Model leadership skills by developing trusting
relationships, respect, conflict resolution
skills, and civic-mindedness.

13. PC-3: Personal Presentation: Demonstrate professionalism in a
variety of situations.
PC 3.1: Conduct oneself to reflect the professional
characteristics and culture of a given work
setting.
PC 3.2: Interact with others in a professional manner using
appropriate communication and
presentation skills.
PC 3.3: Convey competence through demonstrating
characteristics such as reliability,
accountability, and timeliness.
PC 3.4: Project a professional image, such as appearance,
confidence, and attitude, for a
given work environment.
PC 3.5: Engage in career development and advancement
strategies, including effective
networking, mentoring, and creating a personal brand.
PC 4: Multiculturalism and Diversity: Leverage the strengths of
multiculturalism and diversity
for the benefit of the organization and community.
PC 4.1: Assess the value of multiculturalism and diversity in a
global environment.
PC 4.2: Demonstrate an understanding of how one’s perspective
toward multiculturalism and
diversity impacts an organization.
PC 4.3: Apply concepts of multiculturalism and diversity to

14. become an agent of
change.
PC-5: Communications: Demonstrate professional written and
verbal communication to
achieve positive results.
PC 5.1: Use language that is clear, concise, and organized.
PC 5.2: Use appropriate communication for a particular
audience.
Unit 1 [MT490 Career Engagement]
Page 3 of 4
PC- 6 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Apply critical
thinking and problem solving
behaviors.
PC 6.1: Incorporate data, inferences, and reasoning to solve
problems.
PC 6.2: Communicate the critical thinking process by which one
arrives at a conclusion.
PC 6.3: Integrate standards of the field and ethical principles
into the problem solving process.
Requirements:
1. Based on your internship/externship experiences in week one,

15. report on your experiences and
observations connecting practice to the theory of specific course
outcomes (see MT490-1 to
MT490-6) and specific professional competencies (see PC 1.1 to
PC 6.3) in a reflective essay.
2. Evaluate the business process and professional competencies
practiced and offer
recommendations for possible improvement.
3. Use the Kaplan Library to research credible resources to
support your essay and list at least 3
references.
4. Your reflective essay should be 2-3 pages in length, 12 pt
Times Roman type, double spaced,
APA formatting and citation style.
5. Provide a minimum of 3 references to support your essay.
6. Submit to the Unit 1: Assignment Dropbox.
7. Visit the Kaplan Writing Center for assistance on reflective
essay writing.
If you find yourself working with confidential matters, you
should not mention the real names of the
parties. You should omit or fabricate names as needed.
Essay Grading Rubric
https://kucampus.kaplan.edu/DocumentStore/Docs11/pdf/WC/Re
flective_Writing_DM.pdf

16. Unit 1 [MT490 Career Engagement]
Page 4 of 4