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Description discussion 1  Maricruz Alferez 3/30/24, 5:57 PM When introducing new software to an organization, choosing the right presentation software is crucial for effectively conveying information and engaging the audience. Among the overabundance of options available, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Apple Numbers and Prezi are popular program choices. Overall, all programs are great, however the one I would choose would be Microsoft PowerPoint.  For the goal of introducing new software, Microsoft PowerPoint is a strong contender due to its widespread use, familiarity, and comprehensive features. PowerPoint offers robust functionality for creating visually appealing slides, incorporating multimedia elements, and delivering clear explanations. Its compatibility with various devices and easy sharing options makes it suitable for disseminating information across the organization. To ensure the effectiveness of the presentation, focus on features like clear and concise content, engaging visuals, and interactive elements. Incorporating live demonstrations or interactive simulations can help the audience understand the new software better. Additionally, utilizing PowerPoint's animation and transition features can enhance engagement and retention of key information. Overall, leveraging PowerPoint's capabilities effectively can facilitate a successful introduction of new software to the organization. Discussions 2 Shania Hunter 3/29/24, 2:06 AM  NEW The presentation software I decided to use was Prezi. Once I got familiar with the software, I instantly went towards it anytime I could use it. Although you may have a monthly subscription, it is more than worth it. The goal that I would like to achieve with this software would be selling a specific product. The features that would make the goal effective for the audience would be how interactive it is. What is special about Prezi is that it is bright and new, and pulls you into what can come next in the presentation and that is because of how the templates are set up and how unique and rare they are compared to other presentations. Most software are "slide" shows as Prezi is animated and keeps you intrigued as you and the audience travel through the product. You can also have a template that represents the product as well. It is also easier to break down concepts and understand them. However, the biggest point to being an audience member is to feel guided and that I can interpret the message being delivered and I believe that can be achieved with Prezi with or without a presenter.

Description You can choose the company, as long as company that is having financial difficulties or is on the brink of bankruptcy.  Exam Content In Wk 2, you completed a SWOT analysis on a successful company that demonstrated a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. Now, you will shift your focus to look at a company that is failing or experiencing challenges in the area of financial performance. Select and research a company that is having financial difficulties or is on the brink of bankruptcy.  Review “Where Can I Find a Company's Annual Report and Its SEC Filings?” from Investopedia. You can also access specific information about a variety of businesses in the University Library by searching the following databases: University Library > Research Databases > B > Business Source Complete University Library > Research Databases > E > EDGAR University Library > Research Databases > P > Plunkett Research Online Conduct a strategic analysis of the company’s current financial operations. Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace and increasing financial performance. Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word analysis. When writing your analysis, complete the following: Evaluate the company’s current financial plan, including charts and/or graphs showing financial data from the struggling company, and make recommendations for improvement. Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace and increasing financial performance.

Description Scenario ORGANIZATION: FRESHLY PRODUCED Position: Chief Human Resources Officer Background: As the newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer at Freshly Produced, a rapidly growing grocery chain. Your mandate is to write an excerpt for the employee handbook that speaks to ways the organization is committed to their employee’s satisfaction, engagement, and success.  Create the handbook excerpt using Canva, Adobe, or Visme (other options possible if approved by the instructor). Specific style requirements must be met depending on the submission method (see rubric). The excerpt must include leadership expectations (style, diversity and inclusion practices or hiring initiatives, and employee commitment initiatives as detailed below. Leadership Expectations: Leadership style(s): Choose 1 leadership style you would encourage to create the desired culture/environment. Include examples of specific traits, behaviors, and characteristics of that style that are beneficial for employee engagement (citations required) Diversity and Inclusion OR Practices: What hiring and promotion policies are in place to ensure there is diversity at the executive level of the organization and throughout? What hiring practices would you incorporate to ensure that internal hiring (and succession efforts) takes precedence over all external hiring? Employee Commitment Initiatives (see potential examples below… speak to 3 minimum): Professional development opportunities Work-life balance Benefits Fair compensation Wellness programs Career advancement and progression

Description Competency DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF CREATING DATA SETS. Student Success Criteria VIEW THE GRADING RUBRIC FOR THIS DELIVERABLE BY SELECTING THE “THIS ITEM IS GRADED WITH A RUBRIC” LINK, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE DETAILS & INFORMATION PANE. Scenario The Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on communities around the world. The impact has been felt in healthcare, economic, business, government, education, and social areas. It has put people at odds over vaccines, placed local government policies against federal policies, and beliefs versus medicine. Some may say the world we are living in is full of chaos over this situation. Businesses are demanding that employees get vaccinated or face termination of employment. And this has led to a situation where the legality of getting vaccinated has reached the state courthouse in Your State, USA. The stage has been set for two opposing legal teams to argue their case before the state supreme court in Your State, USA. A very large grocery store chain, Fine Foods, has asked that their employees get vaccinated or face termination of employment. The company argues that as a supplier of goods and services to government entities, Fine Foods must follow vaccine guidelines set by Your State, USA. The Grocery Union Workers of America is arguing that their members cannot be required to get vaccinated and that this is against the law. FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT, YOU WILL CHOOSE A LEGAL TEAM, EITHER FINE FOODS OR GROCERY UNION WORKERS OF AMERICA (GUWA). YOUR ROLE IS A DATA ANALYST FOR THE RESPECTIVE LAW FIRM REPRESENTING THE SIDE YOU CHOOSE. THE LEAD ATTORNEY HAS TASKED YOU WITH EXTRACTING DATA TO SUPPORT THEIR LEGAL CASE FOR VACCINATIONS. IF YOU CHOOSE THE FINE FOODS LEGAL TEAM, YOU WILL SUPPORT ALL EMPLOYEES GETTING VACCINATED. IF YOU CHOOSE THE GROCERY UNION WORKERS OF AMERICA (GUWA) LEGAL TEAM, YOU WILL SUPPORT A PERSON’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO GET VACCINATED AND, OF COURSE, NOT LOSE THEIR JOB. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO FOCUS ON YOUR ROLE AS A DATA ANALYST AND PROVIDE DATA. YOU SHOULD NOT TRY TO PRESENT ANY ACTUAL LAWS PERTINENT TO COVID-19. Although this topic may be emotionally charged, your job is to present data-centric evidence which can be presented in court. Your data should be credible and convincing. Instructions Now that you have been selected as the data analyst to work on this case, you need to prepare for your first meeting with the attorney. You were provided with a case brief, and the lead attorney expects you to come to the meeting with your initial data sets already identified. Your task is to review the data files provided and identify the data content that will be useful. You will need to determine the key data elements that you will use from those files.  For this assignment, prepare a memo to the lead attorney. In this memo provide an overview of how you validate data sources. Discuss the first data source: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#rates-by-vaccine-status. 

Description This week's overarching topic is risk and refinement in capital budgeting. Please share your observations and takeaways of this week's learning objectives as they relate to your job/role. How does risk and refinement in capital budgeting impact you personally and/or what impact does risk and refinement in capital budgeting have on your professional role?

Description Part 1 Week 1 Discussion - Organizational Performance Prepare Watch the scenario below to prepare for this week's discussion: See the attachment Respond Introduce yourself to your peers by sharing something unique about your background. Explain how you expect this course will help you move forward in your current or future career. Based on the scenario, infer two potential needs that are present within the company, and then determine the best course of action to take to address an organization gap performance (OGP). Part 2 Respond to classmate’s post (Jeronia Pugh (Jaye)) Hi everyone. My name is Jeronia, but I prefer to be called Jaye. I reside in South Carolina with my husband, 2 daughters, and 2 dogs. We are also parents to an angel son. I am a military veteran and also an HR Specialist. I am 4 courses away from graduating in September with my Bachelors in Business Admin. I have 14+ years of HR experience. Once I obtain my degree, I plan to study and test for the SHRM certification afterwards. My goal is to land a 6 figure HR job so that I can better take care of my family while also using the skills that I have obtained over the years. Based on the scenario provided, two potential needs that are present within the company are as follows: 1) Lack of employee training and development: It appears that the employees in the company have not received adequate training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. This can result in decreased productivity, low employee morale, and limited job satisfaction. 2) Encourage continuous learning: The company should encourage employees to engage in continuous learning and development beyond the training program. This can be achieved by providing access to online learning platforms, offering professional development opportunities, and supporting employees in pursuing relevant certifications or degrees.

Description Research Project Part III Review Research Project Part III for detailed instructions. Formatting Instructions Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources. Format of the Research Project (As it is stated in the Syllabus, follow APA 7th edition, Abstract is not required).  Must have in-text citations in APA-7th edition style...... Must have reference list in APA-7th edition style. Please note that you must reference the data you are using for the project Must be prepared using word processing software (Microsoft Word preferred)  Research Project report should be about 4-5 pages or more double-spaced typewritten pages (not counting tables and graphs). The assignments for both parts should include suitable comparative, quantitative and qualitative analyses and conclude with a specific and supported recommendation and reflection. Submissions must be posted to the Assignment folder as an attachment. Attachments are limited to a maximum two files in doc, docx., xls. xlsx., or rtf. formats. OTHER FORMATS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, will not be reviewed or graded. Please note that hand-written and scanned works, pdf. files, jpg. files, NUMBERS, as well as files posted in google drive, will not be accepted or graded. All works must be Word processed. Handwritten and scanned work will not be accepted and graded. In accordance with the UMGC Academic Policy, notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, appropriately quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and papers and research projects should acknowledge these sources in the appropriate places in the text of the paper as well as in a reference list at the end of the paper, in accordance with accepted citation practices. No more than 20% of the text of the project should be made up of quotes. PRESENTATION OF PAPER AND WRITING (15%) of the project grade): Organization, Format and Presentation of Paper including the Title page, Introduction, Body, and Summary (4% of the project grade) Use of Tables, Figures and Other Graphics to Summarize and Support Analysis Presented in the Paper (3% of the project grade) Logical and Smooth Flowing Transitions and Relationships among Sections of the Written Report (3% of the project grade) Research Sources and Significance of Research Information and Data, Use of APA Citation Methodology (5% of the project grade) Essential research data, financial calculations and other documentation as necessary to support your recommendation should be referred to in summary form in your report and attached in detail as enclosures.  All major sources should be referenced.  There is no set limit to the size of the enclosures, but it is recommended that only essential enclosures be attached. You should use the reference list to identify any remaining supporting documents you wish to include.

Description Part 1 Week1 Discussion – Compensation Challenges Respond to the following: Introduce yourself to your peers by sharing something unique about your background. Explain how you expect this course will help you move forward in your current or future career. Based on what you read in chapter 1 of your textbook and your own personal experience: (See the PowerPoint attachment) What are some of the top compensation-related challenges today's companies are facing? Be sure to provide your rationale for including these challenges as opposed to others. Part 2 Respond to classmate’s post (Brittany W.) My name is Brittany Wright, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s in human resources. Something unique about my current role as an Administrative Specialist is that my role serves as the backbone that supports and coordinates various assignments to ensure smooth operations and strategic alignment. A versatile skill set that combines leadership, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work independently should be possessed. I expect this course will help me move forward in my current role by building trust. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and organizational relationships. Competitive Compensation Packages should be offered in order to attract and retain top talent. There needs to be a balance between benefits and salaries while managing costs effectively.

Description Introduction Technology has changed the way business is conducted today. Blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet of things, are all new technologies that create opportunities for established and new companies to grow. This case study will focus on the opportunity blockchain technology has provided for one start-up.  Blockchain technology is a tamper resistant system of recording financial information in a way that is distributed, impossible to change, and has no centralized authority (Yaga, Mell, Roby & Scarfone, 2019). A blockchain is essentially a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems and forms a foundation for cryptocurrency. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger. The decentralized database managed by multiple participants is known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Blockchain is a type of DLT in which transactions are recorded with an immutable cryptographic signature called a hash. Company Background ABC, Inc. is a new startup company that has utilized blockchain technology to build an automated platform that issues municipal bonds in micro-denominations on behalf of municipalities and local governments; these micro-bonds can be sold directly to the communities in which these municipalities operate. The vision of ABC, Inc. is to democratize the process in which individuals invest in bonds, so they can collectively make a large impact on their communities.  ABC, Inc. helps cities thrive by enabling passionate, connected citizens to contribute to positive change; in many cases, this includes citizens that otherwise would not be able to afford participation in the bond market. By enabling micro-denominations of bonds to be sold, these investments become more readily available to the broader population. ABC, Inc. aims to use blockchain supported micro-bond investments to fund the revitalization of infrastructure, bring people together, and foster more collaborative relationships between cities and their residents. The company believes that cities will become more resilient by providing a broader group of residents with the opportunity to participate in the public financing of local projects.   Problem Statement The city of Detroit has expressed an interest in the service platform ABC Inc offers and would like to experiment with a small pilot project as a starting point. The small project focuses on the renovation of several local bridges. The city of Detroit will utilize the ABC Inc. platform to help fund the project, selling municipal micro-bonds to the residents of Detroit. In order to succeed in funding this project, the city of Detroit will rely on ABC Inc. to promote their platform to local residents and encourage their participation in funding the city’s project. Case Activity ABC Inc. has hired your team for marketing expertise to promote their service to the citizens of Detroit. The ability to engage citizens in the process is critical to showing the city of Detroit that this platform can be leveraged in larger bond offerings. In order to demonstrate the benefit of the platform and the impact their investment can make on the community, ABC Inc. must successfully market and build trust in the community – connecting to the future opportunities this partnership could bring to the children, society, and overall city of Detroit. For this activity, prepare a recorded professional slide presentation for ABC Inc. executives that demonstrates that you and your team can meet their marketing needs and promote their services to the citizens of Detroit. Your presentation must not be shorter than 5 minutes nor longer than 10 minutes, and will include a visual tool (PowerPoint, Prezi, Canva, etc.).  Your presentation should: Present an analysis of the market and identify the Target Audience Present market research conducted to understand the characteristics and needs of the residents of Detroit.  Present a segmentation strategy to identify the most viable target audience for ABC Inc.'s micro-bond platform. Recommend a positioning strategy for the platform based on the identified target audience and their needs. Present a marketing plan Present a comprehensive marketing plan that outlines the tactics and strategies your team would use to promote ABC Inc.’s platform to the residents of Detroit. Identify the appropriate marketing channels (e.g. social media, email marketing, local events) and messages that will resonate with the target audience.  Identify additional opportunities for ABC Inc. to leverage their platform to fund other projects in Detroit and recommend strategies for expanding their reach. When presenting your slide deck, be sure to provide a professional introduction to your presentation and wrap up the presentation with a few concluding professional remarks. After you have recorded your presentation, upload the link to GAP. Presentation Upload Instructions: Record your presentation using the free version of Zoom, and upload it to a private, YouTube area, then add the link to the video at the end of your references titled “YouTube Video Link” using the following instructions: 1.         Go to YouTube account > click the “upload video” button. 2.         Click the “SELECT FILES” button and choose the video. 3.         Fill up the basic video details like title, description, and tags.  4.         Move onto the “Visibility” tab and select the “Private” option.  5.         Finally, click the Publish button – copy and paste the page URL to your reference page. Link to detailed instructions  View the Oral Presentation Grading Rubric

Description How the Pilgrims Financed the Mayflower Please note that if you edit your initial response (Original Post), you will not get  credit for the Original Post. The discussions are set up as "Must post first". You are expected to make your own contribution in a main topic as well as respond with value added comments to at least two of your classmates as well as to your instructor. Please also note that your answers should be written in your own words. Don't use quotes from the Internet, articles, or textbooks. For this week discussion you will be using the case How the Pilgrims Financed the Mayflower In your initial response you should answer all 5 questions: .... Discussion Questions: Discuss the characteristics of the Pilgrims' relationship with their investors that made it ripe for moral hazard. Which of the investors' actions could have been attempts to reduce moral hazard? Explain how the investors' choice to acquire equity rather than debt in the Pilgrims' venture might have been a solution to moral hazard. Do investors today face the possibility of moral hazard to the same degree as the Pilgrims' investors did? Why or why not? Reflection – the students also should include a paragraph in the initial response in their own words reflecting on specifically what they learned from the assignment and how they think they could apply what they learned in the workplace. You are expected to make your own contribution in a main topic as well as respond with value added comments to at least two of your classmates as well as to your instructor. IN YOUR RESPONSES TO OTHER STUDENTS, PLEASE LOOK THROUGH THE RESPONSES OF YOUR CLASSMATES AND FIND A RESPONSE WITH AN OPINION THAT IS OPPOSITE TO YOUR OPINION. RESPOND TO THAT POSTING WITH AN ADDITIONAL ARGUMENT THAT HAS SUPPORTING REASONING.