The document outlines an individual assignment for students to prepare a research and analysis outline in preparation for their final paper. It requires students to explore creative strategies for business growth within specific industries, utilizing decision matrices, competitor analysis, and risk evaluation in accordance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The assignment emphasizes detailed research, critical thinking, and adherence to APA formatting while encouraging the integration of personal creativity in problem-solving.

1. Individual Assignment 2: Research, Analysis & Outline for
Final Paper
CLO #3 Analyze the need for increasing creative thought in a
complex global environment including designing strategies to
increase cash, profit and growth through understanding
competitive dynamics.
CLO#5 Analyze and apply decision matrices for creative
opportunities, or to mitigate risk and/or legal considerations in
the global marketplace including compliance with Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Due:Wednesday Week 6
Value: 150
Length: 5 - 7 page informal outline.
The purpose of this assignment is for students to write an
outline that presents their research for the final paper (the
Signature Assignment) for this class. Students are not writing
the final paper (yet). For this assignment, and thus for the final
paper students are to identify a business that corresponds to the
assigned business sectors (each student is to identify a separate
business). In this outline, students will bring options and
opportunities, creative problem solving to either solve a
problem or create an opportunity. Remember we do not tell
companies what they “must or should do.” We present options
and opportunities. Students will apply creative innovative
thought to the analysis. You can use bullet points for this
outline. Students should apply any feedback received from this
assignment to the final assignment.
Some important items to note before writing Assignment 2:

2. · Please go to Week 8 and read the Handout and Rubric for
Assignment 3.
· The research is very detailed, double-spaced, Times New
Roman, APA Headings, Title Page, References and APA
citations. This is an example of an APA sample paper.
· Long quotes are not to be used in short papers of this nature;
thus, all quotes should be from seven to 12 words and of course
must use APA citations.
· The outline is to detail key points supported with
corresponding citations.
· The outline must use at least three levels of Use APA
headings. Sources (must be current - one year) other than the
textbook can include: New York Times, Wall Street Journal,
Harvard Business Review, Wired Magazine, (all can be found in
the our University Library). You can also use any government
website (usually “.gov”). You can use academic research but it
must be recent (five years or newer).
Directions
After reading assigned chapters in your textbook and other
course materials, continue your research to gain additional
knowledge on industries and business sectors. This following
link, located here, has access to a breakdown of all industries.
The links after each industry provides additional data.
For the outline, briefly describe the business that you have
chosen and the global footprint of their broader industry [e.g.
number of subsidiaries in other countries, information on profit
and growth strategies, key suppliers and customers. List three
(3) major competitors (supported by data), and explain the
percentage of the market share the business occupies].
The traditional industries include:
· Construction
· Education and Health Services
· Financial Activities
· Information

3. · Leisure and Hospitality
· Manufacturing
· Natural Resources and Mining
· Other services (except public administration)
· Professional and business services
· Trade, transportation and utilities
Note: You may not cut and paste information about the industry
from the team assignment, however this paper is specifically on
a business chosen within that industry. Each student must
choose a separate business within that industry (so check with
each member of your team to be sure that you are NOT using
the same company within the industry - this is the student's
responsibility to confirm that they are not using the same
company as any other team member). ALSO – remember that
each industry must be covered by one of the team members.
AND – you may not use your own company, since it would be
impossible to have totally objective research without some
amount of experience, emotion, and personal opinion or bias.
You may, however, use your own company as one of the three
competitors, and let the research become useful to you in
making recommendations to your own organization.
Introduction
The introduction is usually about a half of page long and
contains information that will explain the value that the
paper/analysis/research will bring. It does not contain long
quotes. It will give specifics of company, industry and details of
the value the business brings to the marketplace. The
introduction is written last (as you can’t introduce what you
have not written yet). The introduction will tie closely with the
three analysis sections below and the conclusion.
Analysis
An analysis normally has three parts (triangulation of the data).

4. Students do not need to use the exact three major headings
below, but they are recommended. Each of the three sections
below will occupy about a page to a page and a half of the
outline. Remember outlines do not have long quotations.
However each heading will normally have four to five sub
points, and sources cited using APA.
Risk
The risk that the student identifies for this paper will be clearly
explained using data analysis (not opinion). The risks will
generally include a risk that can be solved using the material
from this course (creativity, innovation collaboration between
stakeholders). So risk factors for having “old machinery” or for
something general like “bad management” would not qualify for
this paper.
Competition
Research and analyze what the competition within the same
industry is doing that may be better than the business that the
student chose. Opportunities often come from an honest analysis
of the competition. The competition chosen does not need to be
the largest competitors, but need to be a company that is
competing for roughly the same customers. Identify ways that
the competition is more collaborative, creative and or
innovative. Most students will choose three competitors to
analyze. It will be easier if students choose competitors who are
publicly held as financial information is readily available. This
portion of the assignment lends itself to a graph or chart that is
followed by analysis (the variables on the left may vary with
each business.)
Connection between Personal History of Creativity and What is
Being Learned in the Class
We are best at what we like to do. Think about your own
proclivity toward creativity and as you perform your analysis
consider incorporating your creativity strengths into your work.
Remember we are all creative as there are a variety of ways you
have learned about applying creative thought to problem

5. solving. For the final paper, you will be building an Action Plan
which will connect to your personal creativity.
History and position of the business within the industry
This section normally has three parts and each part has a short
five to seven different word quote from the text, research and
course materials. Remember outlines do not have long
quotations. You may use information and research from the
team project but additional research will need to be included
that specifically ties to the business you have chosen within that
industry.
History of innovation (successful and unsuccessful) within the
industry and the company specifically
This section should have three parts - each part should a short
five-to-seven word quote from the text or research and course
materials. Remember outlines do not have long quotations. Give
examples of innovation, understanding the milieu of the
business within the global marketplace.
Risk Analysis
Analyze the potential risks for this specific business and
opportunities for innovation. This will be based upon your
research on competitors. The risk that the student would
identify would have something to do with either creativity
and/or innovation as that is the focus of this class. These risks
can include, but are not limited to (failed innovations, a lack of
innovation compared to the business's competitors, lack of
creative problem solving or even a lack of collaboration
between stakeholders (e.g.customers, suppliers). Risk is always
based upon analysis (not opinion). Include FCPA in your
analysis. For a quick reference to FCPA read this very short
article, located here and more information on risk, located here.
Recommendations/Conclusions
This section is normally about half of a page to a full page long.
It contains at least two quotes from the text and/or other
sources. It has specific recommendations based upon research

6. (not opinion). The recommendations section ties closely with
the introduction and a recommendation and conclusion section
never brings in any new data. The recommendations need to be
clear and precise. Remember from the limited viewpoint and
research students will not be bringing the “final answer” to a
problem. The recommendations are to be written with humility
and never use “must or should.” Students are to bring options
and opportunities not edicts that companies “must” follow.
Remember, this assignment is an OUTLINE of research and
selected quotes for the final paper. The final paper will also
require additional research on Competition and Collaboration,
as well as a specific reference to and use of the S.M.A.R.T.
Goals template, Action Plan for the Company you chose, and a
visual of your Action Plan. Assignment #2 is heavily focused on
research and analysis and is full of short quotations that show a
graduate level depth of analysis and thought. Concepts are
applied from what has been learned in this class
You may use bullets or paragraphs in your Outline, whichever is
most useful to you. This is not a “rough draft” of your Signature
Assignment Paper (Assignment #3) and you may not copy and
paste paragraphs from the Outline directly into your final paper.

7. OLCU 632 Individual Assignment 2 Rubric
Exemplary
Proficient
Emerging
Needs Improvement
Criteria
5
4
3
1
0
Outline
20%
At least one page long and creatively and interestingly shows
depth of research. The outline ties directly to the Final
Assignment. All key concepts from the class readings have been
applied at the graduate level.
At least one page long and shows depth of research. The outline
ties directly to the Final Assignment. All key concepts from the
class readings have been applied at the graduate level.
One page long and shows depth of research. The outline ties
directly to the Final Assignment. Two to three of key concepts
from the class readings have been applied.
Is shorter than one page or longer than one page and the outline
is unclear as to how it connects to the Final assignment. Key

8. concepts from the class are unclear or not applied at the
graduate level.
No submission
Introduction and Thesis
10%
Engaging opening introduces the general topic and inspires
thinking about the topic. Writer explains that they will bring
options and opportunities that bring value. The Introduction is
easily identifiable, well phrased, and lets the reader know that
major supporting points; the idea offered in the thesis reflects
sound critical, analytical thinking.
Opening introduces the general topic but may not stimulate
thinking about the topic. Writer states his or her position on the
current topic in a thesis statement.
Opening is logically organized, but may lack development;
topic is clear, but needs to be developed to engage the reader.
Thesis statement lacks development.
Opening is poorly organized and/or lacks development. Thesis
statement is weak or missing.
No submission
Analysis
30%
A comprehensive analysis of research, demographic data,
competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that
the goal of analysis to bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA
is included at the graduate level.
Michael Porter’s work is creatively applied.
An analysis of research, demographic data, competitive analysis
and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that the goal of analysis to
bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA is included. Michael
Porter's work is applied.
A somewhat brief analysis of research, demographic data,
competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that
the goal of analysis to bring value. Analysis on risk and FCPA

9. and Michael Porter is somewhat applied.
A weak attempt at analysis and research, demographic data,
competitive analysis and risk are utilized. Makes it clear that
the goal of analysis to bring value. The analysis of Michael
Porter and FCPA is included but does not demonstrate graduate
level applications.
No submission
Creative and Innovative thinking
10%
Students apply their own creative and innovative deep thinking
to the outline. The textbook and course materials are applied in
an interesting and creative manner.
Students show some of their creative and innovative thinking to
the outline. Course materials are applied.
Students somewhat show creative thinking to the outline.
Course materials are somewhat applied.
Students do not demonstrate a deep understanding of their own
creative and innovative techniques or strategies that have been
learned in this class.
No submission
Business and Scholarly Sources
5%
Effectively integrates credible academic or business sources
into the outline; in-text citations are presented in accurate APA
style; paper includes APA style “References” page, listing
authoritative sources; utilizes an appropriate balance of quoted
material and the writer’s analysis; all source material is
accurately quoted, paraphrased or summarized to give authors
credit for ideas. Block and direct quotes are used sparingly and
effectively.
Generally incorporates credible academic or business sources
into the outline; most in-text source citations reflect accurate
APA style. “References” page lists authoritativ e primary and/or
secondary sources but may contain minor errors in APA style;

10. there may be a minor imbalance between quoted material and
the writer’s analysis. Block and direct quotes are generally used
sparingly and appropriately
Occasionally incorporates credible academic sources into the
outline; adherence to APA style guidelines may be inconsistent
but does not compromise the integrity of the paper;
“References” page lists several authoritative secondary sources
and generally follows APA style guidelines. Occasionally block
and direct quotes are over utilized and/or not used
appropriately.
Does not integrate credible academic sources into the outline
inconsistent adherence to APA guidelines for in-text citations,
which may compromise integrity of the paper; inaccurate or
missing “References” page. Block and direct quotes are over
utilized and/or not used appropriately.
No submission
Recommendation/
Conclusion
10%
Succinctly and clearly describes the topic and ways to bring
value, restating the major supporting points and
findings/analysis from each section of the paper, with the
purpose of supporting the thesis; states conclusion(s) based on
research; ways to take action or to be open to another way of
thinking.
Provides a clear description of topic and ways to bring value,
restating the supporting points and findings/analysis from each
section of the paper, states conclusion(s) based on the research.
Vaguely summarizes the topic and opinion or argument.
Does not summarize the topic and opinion or argument. Brings
in new data
No submission
Grammar

11. 5%
Effective syntax and grammar demonstrate a mastery of writing
conventions and serves the author’s purpose; writing is free of
misspellings and punctuation errors.
Syntax and grammar demonstrate mastery of writing
conventions but may be awkward; a few misspellings or
punctuation errors are present.
Awkward syntax and grammar may impair clarity; misspellings,
run-on sentences, sentence fragments, or other errors are
present throughout the paper.
Frequent syntax, grammar, and/or spelling errors impair clarity;
numerous run-on sentences, sentence fragments, or other errors
impair meaning throughout the paper.
No submission
Formatting
5%
Proposes a clear and creative title reflecting content of paper.
The title and other document formatting demonstrate. APA
headings are carefully adhered to.
Proposes a clear title reflecting the content of paper. The title
and other document formatting demonstrate general adherence
to APA style guidelines. APA headings are carefully adhered to.
Title of the outline vaguely reflects its content. The title and
other document formatting only occasionally demonstrate
adherence to APA style guidelines. APA headings are adhered
to.
Title of the does not reflect its content. The title and other
document formatting does not demonstrate adherence to APA
style guidelines. More than three errors in APA headings.
No submission

12. Term 5 Unit 6 Discussions
Unit 6 DB: Consideration “Fails”(LAW204 – Business Law)
There are certain promises that are not considered
consideration.
· As a business owner or stakeholder, how can you ensure that
your contracts are enforceable?
· Think back to the Lambert case that we discussed in the Unit 5
Discussion. What should Lambert have done differently?
Regardless of whether you are an attorney arguing in court or a
business stakeholder pitching to shareholders or a potential
client, adding support for your argument from appropriate
resources strengthens your content. For this discussion board,
be sure to include a citation to an appropriate source that
supports the point you are making. (HINT: Your textbook is a
great source!)
Chapter 24 Discussion (BUS2123 Principles of Accounting II)
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1. Discuss how to analyze investment centers using return on
total assets and residual income.
2. Discuss How to analyze investment centers using profit
margin and investment turnover.
3. Distinguish the difference between direct and indirect
expenses and identify bases for allocating indirect expenses to
departments.
Unit 6 Discussion: Careers in Human Services(HSV101 –
Introduction to Human Services)
Select a career in human services that interest you. Visit the
Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and
answer the following questions: 1) What are the primary tasks
associated with this career (in other words, describe the
career)? 2) What are the educational requirements, salary and
projected growth of this career? 3) What motivated you to
choose this career path? What values or characteristics would

13. be reflected in this work?
Unit 6 DB: Inventory (ACC215 Spreadsheet & General Ledger
Software)
How does inventory differ from other types of purchases and
discuss what controls pertain specifically to inventory
processes?
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